Extends through two-thirds of the island of the Spanish, is the Dominican Republic. The other third of the island is taken by the country of Haiti. With the Caribbean Sea to the south and the North Atlantic to the north, the Dominican Republic is conveniently located for travelers from North America. Many arrive on the cruise ships, but a lot of others fly and arrive at the Punta Cana International Airport. The capital, Santo Domingo, offers a wide range of attractions and things to do. The Dominican peso is the official currency, but the US currency is widely accepted. Spanish is the official language, but many residents speak English fluently, as well.
The land of the Dominican Republic is incredibly diverse, with arid deserts, rainforests, mangroves, and alpine ranges. The beaches abound too much, and most of the best luxury resorts are located on the north and east coasts. Depending on where you go, you'll find colonial architecture, sugar plantations, picturesque villages, mountain retreats and much more. Due to the frequency of storms and hurricanes from June to October, it is generally best to visit the Dominican Republic between November and May. Most people stay in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana or Higuey. The cuisine is dominated by standard Caribbean fares like beans, rice, seafood, and tropical fruits, so you can be sure to eat like a king while you're here.
Spanish Language
Santo Domingo beats with Latin rhythms. The soundtrack of the city is made with bachata music from corner shops, the sound of domino pieces slapped on the tables and a vibrant heart fuels the collage of neighborhoods and cultures. The intensely urban city is home to many original introductions of the new world, the relics of the colonial era and the best cultural institutions of the Dominican Republic. A living museum, the capital is a part of the city, part metropolis and part of the political center, with a relaxed spirit that quickly makes you feel at home.
The Colonial Zone is the heart of Santo Domingo, and the narrow streets that make up its arteries are full of some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the country. Examples of architecture 15 and the sixteenth century abound, and knowing that Christopher Columbus walked the streets lends the entire district a magical atmosphere.
The Ozama fortress was built in his life, which is the first military building of the new world. Located at the meeting of the Caribbean and the Ozama River, the fortress defended the city against pirate attacks and today takes visitors back in time with its impressive canyons, castle-like design, and towering towers.
Son of Christopher Columbus, Diego, and his family lived in the building that is now the Alcázar de Colón Museum. Today the Gothic-Mudéjar style building contains the Caribbean's most important collection of Renaissance and late medieval art, but even more interesting is the history of the building. Many expeditions of exploration and conquest were planned there during the early Spanish colonial period, Sir Francis Drake, looted in 1586, and later served as a warehouse and a prison.
The first stone of the Primate Cathedral of America was placed by Diego Columbus in 1514, but the church was not completed until 1540. Numerous architects marked the church, which is why the ornamentation is Baroque style, the chapel is Gothic and a Romanesque style is visible in the arches. This combination of styles makes the building magnificent inside and out. Calm, beautiful and stimulating, one can almost feel the presence of God in the remarkable reference point.
The Colonial zone is full of other treasures to explore, including the Ruinas de San Francisco, where live bands play salsa, merengue, and bachata on weekends, the Puerta de la Independencia, the National Pantheon, and Calle Las Damas, the oldest street in the new world.
There is a wide variety to explore outside the Colonial Zone. To experience the most modern side of Santo Domingo, stroll along the Malecón, a boulevard facing the sea with restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, and casinos. Ride in a romantic carriage, a glass of beer Presidente and take the opportunity to better observe the people in the city while enjoying the refreshing Caribbean breeze.
Few capitals combine urban life with natural beauty, as does Santo Domingo. The capital is dotted with lush green spaces with exotic flora. Covering a huge limestone crest is the Mirador Del Sur Park, a tree-lined corridor riddled with caves, one of which has been transformed into a restaurant. At the National Botanical Garden, orchids, ferns, bromeliads, palm trees and more grow along well-tended gardens. As you breathe in the fragrant air and delight your eyes with the bold colored flowers, you will quickly forget that you are in a city of 2 million people. The whole space feels like paradise, giving you one more reason to fall in love with Santo Domingo.
LOCATION OF SANTO DOMINGO
Santo Domingo is located on the south coast of the Dominican Republic facing the Caribbean Sea. Santo Domingo is the largest city in the country with a population of approximately 3,720,000 in the entire metropolitan area.
SANTO DOMINGO LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic and is the predominant language throughout the country. English is taught as a second language by private schools in the majority.
PREDOMINANT RELIGION OF SANTO DOMINGO
- 95% Catholics
- 5% others
- The Dominican Republic provides even protected religious freedom to Jews who escaped from Nazi Germany and founded the city of Sosúa.
SANTO DOMINGO CURRENCY
The Dominican Peso is the official currency.
CLIMATE OF SANTO DOMINGO
Santo Domingo experiences its rainy season from May to October although smaller amounts of rain can be expected throughout the year. It is generally hot throughout the year with July and August, being the hottest months.
SANTO DOMINGO ATTRACTIONS
- Colonial Zone
- The Path of Cocoa
- Juan Dolio Guayacanes
- National Pantheon
- Memorial House of Diego Colón
- Model Market
- Santo Domingo City Tour
