What to see and do in Santo Domingo

What to visit in Santo Domingo · Colonial City

• Colonial City · streets and squares
• Primate Cathedral of America
• Ozama Fortress

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Santo Domingo · Colonial City

heritage

Colonial City · streets and squares

The historic center of Santo Domingo preserves streets, squares and buildings from the first centuries of Spanish colonization. The complex is registered in the World Heritage and can be discovered by visiting its public spaces.

Activities for your visit

• Stroll along Calle Las Damas and the squares of the historic center.
• See historic buildings from the outside, including the Alcázar de Colón.

Tips for this place

• Organize tickets to museums and monuments separately.
• The photo shows the exterior of the Alcázar; It does not imply that its interior is open.

Check access ↗

Free walk through streets and public squares. Museums, churches and interiors have their own admissions and conditions.

Reference sources and location

• UNESCO · Colonial City of Santo Domingo

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, boat launch, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 18.472394, -69.885841.

UNESCO · Colonial City of Santo Domingo

heritage

Primate Cathedral of America

The cathedral of Santa María la Menor is one of the great monuments of the Colonial City. Its 16th century architecture brings together Gothic and Renaissance elements within a temple that maintains its religious function.

Activities for your visit

• Get to know the architecture and the spaces enabled for visitors.
• Combine the visit with the surroundings of Parque Colón.

Tips for this place

• Respect the temple celebrations and dress code.
• Distinguish the tourist visit from access to worship and the neighboring museum.

Check access ↗

Check the tourist admission and open spaces on the premises. Religious celebrations and the museum have their own conditions.

Reference sources and location

• Ministry of Tourism · Primate Cathedral of America

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, boat launch, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 18.47303, -69.88394.

Wikidata · Primate Cathedral of America

history

Ozama Fortress

The coral stone walls and the Torre del Homenaje guard the old river access to Santo Domingo. The fortress allows you to learn about the defensive history of the city next to the Ozama River.

Activities for your visit

• Observe the Torre del Homenaje and the walls.
• Know the historical areas that the site keeps open.

Tips for this place

• Check which spaces and viewpoints your date's ticket allows.
• The steps and slopes require planning the route.

Check access ↗

Check admission and visitable spaces at the box office. Access to the tower, tunnels and rooms depends on the opening of the premises.

Reference sources and location

• Ministry of Tourism · Ozama Fortress

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, boat launch, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 18.4732, -69.88171.

Wikidata · Ozama Fortress

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Santo Domingo · Colonial City

1. Day 1

   Streets and cathedral

   Get to know the surroundings of Parque Colón and the cathedral, according to their tourist visit conditions.

2. Day 2

   History by the river

   Walk through Calle Las Damas and visit the authorized areas of the Ozama Fortress; continues through the public squares.

Tips for visiting Santo Domingo · Colonial City

• You can walk through the public space without hiring a tour.
• Check entrances and open areas of each monument before visiting it.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Santo Domingo · Colonial City

Mangú, la bandera dominicana and a Holy Week dessert: six flavors that introduce Dominican cuisine. The photos show actual dishes for reference; every home and restaurant has its own variations.

Dominican Republic · Creole breakfast

Mangú con los tres golpes

Boiled, mashed green plantains served with salami, fried cheese and eggs. This breakfast combination is known as los tres golpes; the photo also includes onion and avocado.

Reference: Dominican Embassy · Gastronomy

Dominican Republic Lunch every day

La bandera dominicana

White rice, beans and meat make up this Creole combination. It is prepared with chicken, beef or pork and can be served with different accompaniments; The beans can be served in a separate container.

Reference: Ministry of Tourism · Dominican dishes

Dominican Republic · Broth to share

Dominican sancocho

Meat stew with groceries and vegetables, linked to meetings and special occasions. There are different recipes, including the seven meat version; The photo shows a Dominican preparation with rice on the side.

Reference: Ministry of Tourism · Sancocho

Dominican coasts · Taste of the beach

Fried fish

Seasoned and fried fish, a classic from the Dominican coast. It can be accompanied with tostones and other fried plantains; The fish and garnish change depending on the preparation.

Reference: Ministry of Tourism · Fried fish

Dominican Republic Crispy fried food

Pica pollo

Pieces of chicken coated and fried until golden brown. Tostones are a common accompaniment; The photograph shows the chicken freshly fried, before the garnishes are served.

Reference: Dominican Embassy · Pica pollo

Dominican Republic Holy Week Tradition

Habichuelas con dulce

Dessert of beans with milk, sugar and spices, closely associated with Holy Week. Its common ingredients include coconut milk, cinnamon and raisins; It is usually served with small milk cookies.

Reference: INESPRE · Tradition of beans with sweet