Few people realise that the Dominican Republic was home to the first black people in the Americas. So why has Europe’s oldest permanent settlement turned its back on its African past?
Dazzling scenery, fascinating history, buzzing nightlife, adventure and even tranquillity… the Caribbean has it all.
Source: Discover magical neighbourhoods within each of the Caribbean nations
Discover the best things to see and do in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic with Telegraph’s expert cruise port guide, including the best places to visit and where to eat and drink.
Source: The Caribbean’s bold and sultry largest city – an expert guide to Santo Domingo
If you want to escape winter for warmer climes and experience something far more interesting than a resort stay, the Colonial Zone is a great choice…
Source: Go beyond the beach in the Dominican Republic with a visit to historic Santo Domingo
The capital of the Dominican Republic is a strong contender for the most cosmopolitan metropolis in the Caribbean.
Source: Sponsored: 10 things to do in beautiful, historic Santo Domingo
As Dominican Republic prepares to celebrate the 175th anniversary of its independence on February 27, the time to explore this Caribbean oasis is now! From hiking trails to undiscovered beaches and…
Source: A guide to creating your Dominican Republic bucket list
Wishing for a perfect Caribbean Vacation? Here are the best things to do in the Dominican Republic for a memorable vacation by the coastline.
WILLEMSTAD – It is now a fact. The Haitian airline Sunrise Airways has started its flights between Curaçao and the Dominican Republic. The airline now connects the two nations with two weekly flights, on Mondays and Thursdays. This is perfect for those who just need a weekend getaway or maybe a few days in the […]
Source: Enjoy Santo Domingo’s colonial zone with Sunrise Airways
Dominican Republic – Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Tourism industry experts at this year’s Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) conference announced several developments for the future of its capital city, most notably in Colonial City, the country’s only current UNESCO World Heritage Site. The announcements include museums, hotel properties, activities and more, and the country expressed great enthusiasm for the projects to come.
The first discovered city of the New World has experienced booming growth in recent years and is on track to exceed those metrics. The Santo Domingo Meeting, Incentives Convention and Events (SDQ MICE) of the Hotel Association from Santo Domingo announced updates and additions to further position the capital city as the premier destination for meetings. The group opened with a new promotional video of Santo Domingo presenting the capital city’s offerings of 4,000 rooms and 1,500 conference rooms.
To help further accommodate this growth, several major hotels in Santo Domingo will be updated in the coming year.
Read more from source: Dominican Republic Tourism Officials Unveil Santo Domingo Updates and Developments
Dominican Republic – Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Things to do in Santo Domingo abound, including UNESCO-listed sites, underwater caves, and a great nightlife. Don’t miss this hip culturally immersive city!
“Welcome to the City of Firsts!” says Carlos, my tour guide for my week traveling the Dominican Republic.
We’re currently wandering Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital. Hispaniola
— the island on which the Dominican Republic (DR) resides — is one of very few in the Caribbean that is split between two countries, the DR and Haiti. Interestingly, the Dominican Republic was once ruled by Haiti, a complicated history (that also involves a complicated present) that can be explored in Santo Domingo.
Stay: Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando
This property mixes budget and luxury in Santo Domingo’s UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, said to be “the oldest permanent European settlement of the New World.”
Dominican Republic – Colonial City of Santo Domingo
The Dominican Republic is renowned as an affordable beach destination brimming with package tourists and enticing all-inclusive resorts. But the country is also a captivating blend of culture, history, and stunning natural beauty. The main tourist magnets are the areas around Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, La Romana, and Samaná. However, the country’s cultural jewel is the capital, Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to well-developed beach resorts and world-class golf courses, the Dominican Republic is home to vast coral reefs, waterfalls, jungles, secluded islands, pine forests, and the highest peaks in the Caribbean. Thanks to these diverse ecosystems, recreational opportunities abound. Adventure seekers head to the mountains to raft the white waters of the Río Yaque del Norte. The rugged alpine terrain also lures hikers and bikers with its many mountain trails.
Dominican Republic – Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Artisan crafts, high fashion and world-class performing and visual arts draw travelers from across the globe.
From locally handmade artisan crafts to couture clothing designed by some of the most renowned names in international fashion, Dominican Republic is a mecca for one-of-a-kind shopping experiences that appeal to art aficionados and fashionistas alike.
Dominican art has a long history dating back to the Taíno Indians who first inhabited the island. Today some of the world’s most revered artists and fashion designers hail from Dominican Republic, including the late fashion designer Oscar de la Renta and modern fashion icons Jenny Polanco and Jacqueline Then.
“Dominican Republic has a rich tradition in the arts and fashion industries,” said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.
Dominican Republic – Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the largest city in the Dominican Republic both in size and population. It is also the biggest metropolitan city in the Caribbean. The city is old and shares a long history with a colonial past. Founded in 1496 the city is the oldest continuously populated European settlement in the Americas. Since the city is so old it shares many “firsts” of the new world such as the first university, cathedral, castle and monastery, among some others. With all this history packed into the city, it’s no wonder why the city’s Colonial Zone has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santo Domingo is a bustling metropolis with tons of culture and history, so if you’re in town don’t miss out on some great tours to really see the sights.
1. Santo Domingo 3 Eyes Park and Columbus Lighthouse Tour (from 70 USD)
Dominican Republic – Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Promising gorgeous stretches of white sand, sunny and warm weather throughout the year, and reasonable rates, the Dominican Republic is a popular beach getaway for travelers from several countries — the most common being the U.S., Canada, and Germany. Flights are convenient (just over two hours from Miami), and locals are generally warm and friendly to tourists, although petty theft is common. There’s a lot to love about this Caribbean destination, from the widespread merengue and bachata music playing in clubs, to the colonial history and architecture that dominate its capital. In order to help you experience the country for yourself, we’ve rounded up the top destinations within the D.R., and picked a place to stay for every budget — whether you want a cheap but charming boutique or full-on luxury resort.
Dominican Republic – Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is a rising star for Dominican Republic tourism, especially in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector, according to updates shared by officials at the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE).
The capital city has experienced explosive growth in recent years and is now home to 27 first-class hotels, with five new hotels expected in the next two years, according to the Santo Domingo Hotel Association. The MICE sector has provided a significant boost to growth and hotel occupancy rates in Santo Domingo. The recent opening of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Convention Center has helped attract MICE travelers to the city, as well with the Santo Domingo’s diverse offerings in gastronomy, culture, history, sports, shopping and entertainment.
The city continues to invest in the restoration of its Colonial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dominican Republic – Colonial City of Santo Domingo
The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) this week approved a $90 million loan to finance continued renovation of historic, public and tourist infrastructure in the Zona Colonial district in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital.
The new funding will “help recover public spaces and historical monuments, improve living conditions for residents, develop [the] local economy and strengthen historical area management,” according to an IADB statement. The financing supplements Dominican Republic government initiatives launched this decade to restore streets, buildings and public streetscapes across the historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The project will also provide assistance to residents of the district by assisting 200 low-income households with “gentrification dynamics,” said officials. Other plan aims include the restoration of historic facades, traditional squares, the historic city wall and adjacent public spaces.
