last edited Feb 13, 2020
What to See in Santo Domingo
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Location Map of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo
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Overview
UNESCO World Heritage
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
This is the historic district of Santo Domingo. Its Spanish colonial buildings, the oldest in the Americas, are remarkably well preserved.
This is the historic district of Santo Domingo. Its Spanish colonial buildings, the oldest in the Americas, are remarkably well preserved.
Sites, Monuments, and Architectural Ensembles
Alcázar de Colón
Built by the Spanish upon their arrival, this palace served as the seat of the Viceroys of Hispaniola. It is located in the UNESCO-listed section of the capital.
Built by the Spanish upon their arrival, this palace served as the seat of the Viceroys of Hispaniola. It is located in the UNESCO-listed section of the capital.
Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral
At the heart of the old city, the cathedral built in 1514 is the oldest in the Americas. It is primarily Gothic in style and houses in its crypt the tombs of several figures from the colonial era.
At the heart of the old city, the cathedral built in 1514 is the oldest in the Americas. It is primarily Gothic in style and houses in its crypt the tombs of several figures from the colonial era.
Ozama Fortress
This is the first fortress built in the Americas (1502). Located in the colonial zone along the Ozama River, it features medieval architectural elements.
This is the first fortress built in the Americas (1502). Located in the colonial zone along the Ozama River, it features medieval architectural elements.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
This is the historic district of Santo Domingo. Its Spanish colonial buildings, the oldest in the Americas, are remarkably well preserved.
This is the historic district of Santo Domingo. Its Spanish colonial buildings, the oldest in the Americas, are remarkably well preserved.
Museums
Casa de Tostado
A beautiful aristocratic residence and its gardens, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of local notables in the 19th century.
A beautiful aristocratic residence and its gardens, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of local notables in the 19th century.
Amber Museum
This stone, which is very prevalent on the island, has its own dedicated museum (workshop-shop). In the same vein, there is also a Larimar Museum, another stone found near Barahona.
This stone, which is very prevalent on the island, has its own dedicated museum (workshop-shop). In the same vein, there is also a Larimar Museum, another stone found near Barahona.
Bellapart Museum
It houses paintings and sculptures by Dominican and European artists who lived in the country from the mid-19th century to the 1960s.
It houses paintings and sculptures by Dominican and European artists who lived in the country from the mid-19th century to the 1960s.
Dominican Man Museum
Dedicated to the culture, traditions, and history of the civilizations that shaped the nation, from its earliest inhabitants (notably the Taínos) to the present day. Very interesting for understanding the country.
Dedicated to the culture, traditions, and history of the civilizations that shaped the nation, from its earliest inhabitants (notably the Taínos) to the present day. Very interesting for understanding the country.
Royal Houses Museum
Or rather the Museo de las Casas Reales. Very comprehensive with its exhibits and reconstructions, it covers the island's history from Columbus's arrival (1492) to its independence (1821).
Or rather the Museo de las Casas Reales. Very comprehensive with its exhibits and reconstructions, it covers the island's history from Columbus's arrival (1492) to its independence (1821).
Atarazana Naval Museum
Housed in a former arsenal, it features many artifacts related to Spanish ships that wrecked in the area during the colonial era.
Housed in a former arsenal, it features many artifacts related to Spanish ships that wrecked in the area during the colonial era.
Parks, Gardens, and Natural Spaces
National Aquarium
In its garden facing the sea, the place is primarily dedicated to tropical fish and the island's waterways.
In its garden facing the sea, the place is primarily dedicated to tropical fish and the island's waterways.
National Botanical Garden
A beautifully landscaped natural space that showcases much of the island's flora. You can explore it by mini-train.
A beautifully landscaped natural space that showcases much of the island's flora. You can explore it by mini-train.
Los Tres Ojos
A set of four small caves with their own lake. The site is located in Mirador del Este Park on the outskirts of the capital.
A set of four small caves with their own lake. The site is located in Mirador del Este Park on the outskirts of the capital.
In the Surrounding Area
Boca Chica
Thanks to its proximity to the capital, Boca Chica is a popular beach resort. It is known for its beaches, diving, and especially its nightlife.
Thanks to its proximity to the capital, Boca Chica is a popular beach resort. It is known for its beaches, diving, and especially its nightlife.
Additional Information
Must-see & highly recommended
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
★★★★ This is the historic district of Santo Domingo. Its Spanish colonial buildings, the oldest in the Americas, are remarkably well preserved.
Recommended
Dominican Man Museum
★★★ Dedicated to the culture, traditions, and history of the civilizations that shaped the nation, from its earliest inhabitants (notably the…
Worth a look / Other
Alcázar de Colón
★★ Built by the Spanish upon their arrival, this palace served as the seat of the Viceroys of Hispaniola. It is located in the UNESCO-listed…
Boca Chica
★★ Thanks to its proximity to the capital, Boca Chica is a popular beach resort. It is known for its beaches, diving, and especially its…
Casa de Tostado
★★ A beautiful aristocratic residence and its gardens, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of local notables in the 19th century.
Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral
★★ At the heart of the old city, the cathedral built in 1514 is the oldest in the Americas. It is primarily Gothic in style and houses in its…
Ozama Fortress
★★ This is the first fortress built in the Americas (1502). Located in the colonial zone along the Ozama River, it features medieval…
National Botanical Garden (Santo Domingo)
★★ A beautifully landscaped natural space that showcases much of the island's flora. You can explore it by mini-train.
Los Tres Ojos
★★ A set of four small caves with their own lake. The site is located in Mirador del Este Park on the outskirts of the capital.
Royal Houses Museum
★★ Or rather the Museo de las Casas Reales. Very comprehensive with its exhibits and reconstructions, it covers the island's history from…
National Aquarium (Santo Domingo)
★ In its garden facing the sea, the place is primarily dedicated to tropical fish and the island's waterways.
Bellapart Museum
★ It houses paintings and sculptures by Dominican and European artists who lived in the country from the mid-19th century to the 1960s.
Amber Museum
★ This stone, which is very prevalent on the island, has its own dedicated museum (workshop-shop). In the same vein, there is also a Larimar…
Atarazana Naval Museum
★ Housed in a former arsenal, it features many artifacts related to Spanish ships that wrecked in the area during the colonial era.