Dominican Convents
With a striking coral and white stone baroque façade—with ceramic designs—the Convent of the Dominican Order stands tall on Calle Padre Billini. Built in the 16th century around the same time as the city’s first cathedral, it was home to 15 friars sent here from Spain, who eventually established the adjacent first university in the […]
Colonial City nightlife
At night, the Colonial City comes alive with its solid concentration of casual bars along its multiple narrow, romantic streets, as well as dance spots. Along the length of Calle Hostos and Calle Isabela La Católica are a string of popular watering holes, offering happy hours as well as live music and dancing. Lounges and […]
Colonial Zone Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo’s most historic neighborhood is also its most romantic, lively, and cultural. Once the home of Spanish colonialists, who built the walled city as a model for the rest of the Americas, it’s an area brimming with museums, churches, shopping, theater, restaurants, and parks. Stay in a former colonial home turned boutique hotel, stroll […]
Telecommunications Cultural Center
The city’s youngest museum, inaugurated in 2011, the Telecommunications Cultural Center is also one of the most interesting, showcasing the history and evolution of media in the Dominican Republic, from television to radio, and the internet up to the 20th century and beyond. The three-story building has a modern façade that stands out from surrounding […]
Chinatown
One of only two Chinatowns in the Caribbean, completed in 2008, Santo Domingo’s Barrio Chino is located directly north of the Colonial City. Signature Chinese gates mark the start and end of the neighborhood, running principally along Avenida Duarte, and stretching across Mexico, Mella, and Benito González avenues. Sculptures of key Chinese figures dot the […]
Club Golf Cayacoa
Built in 1989 and designed by Jack Corrie, Cayacoa Golf Club is located just 25 minutes northwest of Santo Domingo, yet remains a well-kept golfers’ secret. The 18-hole, par 72 course stretches over a hilly terrain punctuated with small lakes and a handful of terrific par 3s. The course’s higher elevations boast a stunning backdrop […]
PRIMATE CATHEDRAL OF AMERICA
Built between 1510 and 1540, the first cathedral of the Americas—known as Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Encarcación o Anunciación, Primada de América—continues to stand tall in all of its glory over the heart of the Colonial City. The 500-year-old Gothic-style building continues to serve as the most important site for official ceremonies, […]
Tostado House
Occupying the former 16th century home of Spaniard Francisco Tostado, this striking colonial building restored into a museum—also known as Museo de la Familia Dominicana del Siglo XIX—showcases the lifestyle of 19th century middle class Dominican families with model displays of bedroom and library furniture to a charcoal oven kitchen, sewing room, and tea lounge. Items […]
Theater House
Founded in 1974, Casa de Teatro is one of Santo Domingo’s and the DR’s most respected cultural centers. This historic location hosts regular art and photo exhibits in its entrance lobby, as well as movies and live music evenings at its on-site café bar. Theater plays and formal concerts are hosted in the amphitheater. It’s […]
Our Lady of Remedies Chapel
Lucked at the corner end of Calle Las Damas, just before the Plaza de España esplanade—look for the double bell tower design—the Gothic style “Chapel of Our Lady of Remedies” opens its doors for occasional art and classical music events, and group tours. Originally built in the 16th century by the Dávila family, the 500-year […]