Santo Domingo, once known as Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic and the largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean by population. As of 2022, the city and immediate surrounding area (the Distrito Nacional) had a population of 1,029,110 while the total population is 3,798,699 when including Greater Santo Domingo (the “metropolitan area”).
Founded by the Spanish in 1496, on the east bank of the Ozama River and then moved by Nicolás de Ovando in 1502 to the west bank of the river, the city is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, and was the first seat of the Spanish colonial rule in the New World. It is the site of the first university, cathedral, castle, monastery, and fortress in the New World.
Santo Domingo was called Ciudad Trujillo, from 1936 to 1961, after the Dominican Republic’s dictator, Rafael Trujillo, named the capital after himself. Following his assassination, the city resumed its original designation.
For history lovers, the city of Santo Domingo offers a wide variety of places and monuments to visit and acquire knowledge about Dominican history. Many of Santo Domingo’s most notable landmarks are located within the Zona Colonial district of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.
The Colonial City (also called Colonial Zone) is the oldest urban center of Santo Domingo. Its narrow and old-world cobblestone streets, historic monuments, and growing outdoor restaurant culture (reminiscent of European cafes), offer cozy retreats from the heat of the day, where you can sit and watch life go by. Parque Colón and Plaza España are two of the main meeting places for tourists and good places to start your tour. You will find numerous restaurants in these areas, as well as official tour guides who will show you around and provide you with information about attractions and things to do in Santo Domingo.
Unmissable places to visit while in Santo Domingo
Columbus Alcazar
Since its construction in the 16th century, the Alcázar has been the home of many rulers and members of the Spanish royal family. The Viceregal Palace of Colón in its museum offers you the opportunity to delve into the colonial history of the time in one of its 22 rooms that make up the first level, full of typical utensils of the time. On the second level you will find a reception room, a small chapel and the double room or bedroom of Doña María de Toledo.
Cathedral of Santa Maria La Menor
It is the first and oldest cathedral in the Americas, begun in 1504 and was completed in 1550. It is the main monument of the Dominican capital, and is located in Parque Colón, in front of the Monument to Christopher Columbus. The Cathedral has a facade of coral limestone dyed gold. The building is mainly Gothic, a notable example of real Gothic architecture outside of Europe. There is also a treasury that has an excellent art collection of ancient wood carvings, furniture, funerary monuments, silver and jewelry.
Columbus Lighthouse
It is considered unique in its kind and consists of 251 lanterns, with a height of 104 meters and seven levels. The Columbus Lighthouse is considered the largest monument of light in the world, due to its projection of light in the shape of a cross in the sky, an honor to Christopher Columbus.
Built in the shape of a cross, the Columbus Lighthouse rises above the eastern end of Santo Domingo. The remains of Christopher Columbus are found at this site, which also serves as a mausoleum and museum. The lighthouse was designed by Scottish architect Joseph Gleave and built during the government of President Joaquín Balaguer to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival on the island. Several rooms display indigenous artifacts from all over America.
The “Three Eyes” cenote
The Three Eyes National Park is a cave that has a freshwater lake, naturally divided into three lakes that can only be seen from inside and a single lake that can be seen without having to be inside. Surrounded by flora and fauna, lie three connected underground caves that were once used as a refuge or ritual place by the Tainos. To get to them it is necessary to descend a staircase and cross undulating paths and towards the bodies of water known as “eyes”.
How to get to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana
Please note that Punta Cana is not close to the capital. The drive to Santo Domingo is about 2.5-3 hours each way along the Coral Highway and the Eastern Highway, so you’ll spend a good part of the day on your vehicle. If you feel comfortable driving on your own, you can rent a car and explore the city as you prefer. Remember to bring cash to pay the different tolls along the way (3 tolls on the way to the capital and 4 tolls returning to Punta Cana).
In case you wanna join a guided tour, bear in mind Santo Domingo is one of the longest day trips from Punta Cana and involves an early pick up in the morning while you’ll be back at your hotel not before 6 pm.
Our opinion: Education, no Vacation
This is a good tour for travelers who want to experience a bit of the history and highlights of Santo Domingo all in a single day. We recommend this excursion if you’re interested in learning about DR and the history of the Americas. It’s a cultural tour so if you are interested in history and colonial architecture, this is a must see. The city is packed with old buildings, churches,museums, forts and convents.
Get prepared / Things to know
Fore more details about itinerary and inclusions please check our Santo Domingo City Tour. We also offer private or customized tours to enjoy the city as you prefer. For groups of 6+ adults we can arrange a private tour for the same price.
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