Santo Domingo – it’s the oldest European city in the Americas and has the history to match.
Whilst most visitors traveling to the Dominican Republic head to the pristine beaches of Punta Cana or Puerto Plata, the cultural city of Santa Domingo isn’t one to miss from the itinerary.
The Dominican Republic capital is brimming with history, having been ambushed by pirates, swamped by slaves, re-titled by a tyrant – and that’s not even half of it. Their troubled past pushes Dominicans to be stronger and as a country, they are justly proud of their history and status today.
Keen to learn about Santo Domingo’s enriching history and culture? Read on and we’ll spill all – including the best-kept secrets on the top spots to visit in this captivating city.
Santo Domingo Facts
- Santo Domingo was first founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, brother of Christopher Columbus, as la nueva isabela, and the city underwent a major urban planning transformation in 1502.
- Santo Domingo is the first capital city of North and South America, and the city received recognition under the spanish crown as the first European city in the New World in 1507; it is also home to the first cathedral, the first university, and the first hospital.
- In 1586, difficult times arrived when Sir Francis Drake captured the city with fewer than 700 men, and everything and anything was stolen, including church bells. Before that, Santo Domingo had served as a launching pad for Spanish expeditions in the New World.
- Hispaniola is the caribbean island that Santo Domingo sits on, shared with Haiti, and the city lies on the southern coast beside the caribbean sea.
- However, this hasn’t always been the case. In the mid-1600s, France attacked and captured the western half of the island. This half was renamed Haiti and thousands of African slaves were brought in; powerless to stop them, the Spanish retreated to the eastern side of the island.
- In 1795, by the Treaty of Basel, Spain ceded Santo Domingo to France, and Santo Domingo was ruled by the French from 1795 to 1809.
- The entire island later came under Haitian control from 1822 to 1844.
- The Dominican Republic was established in 1844 after a revolution.
- Santo Domingo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
- In 1936, Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo renamed Santo Domingo after himself to ‘Ciudad Trujillo’. After his assassination in 1961, the city was renamed back to Santo Domingo.
- Santo Domingo is the largest urban part of the Caribbean by population.
Despite a difficult past, today Santo Domingo is thriving. Many colonial-era buildings have recently been renovated and as a result, now is the ideal time to visit.
Want to learn more? Discover Santo Domingo’s complicated past in depth here.
Things to Do in Santo Domingo
1. Explore the Old Colonial Zone (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
In Santo Domingo’s old colonial zone, history comes to life in the Zona Colonial, also known as Ciudad Colonial, the historic colonial zone within the city of Santo Domingo.
You’ll stumble across stunning Renaissance and Gothic Colonial architecture in this colonial city, along with old, fragile structures worn down over time, all reflecting a blend of Indigenous, African, Spanish, and Haitian influences.
Keep an eye out not just for the historic buildings, but for the bright splashes of color that garnish the area. You’ll find they contrast beautifully with the neutral colors of the architecture.
Marvel at the crumbling ruins of the Hospital of St. Nicholas of Bari – in Santo Domingo, the first city to establish a hospital in the Americas.
Crafted between 1503 – 1508, the hospital was in operation for 350 years. In this time, it’s been stricken by pirates, stood as a military hospital and remained during the revolution. But in the end earthquake damage has led it to its state today – a stunning structure of ruins.
The Cathedral of santa maría la menor – Catedral Primada de América – was constructed from limestone between 1514 and 1540, and it is the oldest cathedral in the Americas.
The handsome building was designed with an interesting mix of Roman, Renaissance and Gothic architecture. And unlike the first hospital, it’s pretty much intact.
Las Damas Street is the first street in the Americas.
A popular visit for tourists, the site of Alcázar de Colón, located within Plaza De Espana was completed in 1517 for Diego Columbus.
It was designed as a fortress for him and his wife and today, it stands proudly as a World Heritage Site. Take a meander and discover verdant gardens, charming Spanish courtyards, historic medieval and Renaissance artworks, plus more.
Also in this district, the University of Santo Tomás de Aquino was the first university in the Americas.
2. Sample the World’s Best Cigars and Learn About Christopher Columbus
Tobacco is one of the main exports of the Dominican Republic – in fact, over half of the cigars sold across the USA are sourced from the country. The result is some of the best cigars across the globe!
Yaque Valley is the Dominican Republic’s famous tobacco region, but there are plenty of spots in Santo Domingo to watch them being hand-rolled.
We suggest a gander to La Leyenda del Cigarro where all kinds of cigars sell to suit your tastes. Try mild, strong, or flavors such as chocolate or vanilla!
3. Discover the Los Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes) National Park
A 15-minute drive away from the center of the city are the sparkling lagoons, giant rock formations and lush vegetation of the famous Los Tres Ojos – also known as The Three Eyes – National Park.
Amble through the magnificent limestone caves via winding staircases, gaze at the breathtakingly-blue La Nevera lake and peek through verdant fanned ferns.
You’ll be stunned to realize you’re still in a city!
Visiting Santo Domingo
1. Getting Around
Santo Domingo is a walkable city, particularly in the bustling colonial zone where you’ll spend much time; this historic core sits in the Distrito Nacional, also called the national district, the capital region, and the Ozama river is a useful landmark for getting your bearings. To get to places outside of the center, such as Los Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes) National Park, it’s recommended to take a taxi or Uber.
Exploring more of the Dominican Republic? The public buses are very affordable and will take you to cities across the island, connecting Santo Domingo with other parts of Hispaniola, including the northern coast as well as the south.
2. Staying Safe
Keep in mind that Santo Domingo is a capital city so whilst you shouldn’t be afraid to explore, keep your wits about you, as pick-pocketing is prevalent. Parts of the city’s modern story were also shaped by political unrest and periods of civil war.
As you can’t drink the tap water, make sure to buy bottled water or use a water purifier to treat the water yourself. During hurricane season, locals still remember hurricane san zenón as a historic example of severe storm damage.
Plan Your Trip to Santo Domingo
With so much to do and so much history to see, you can see that the city’s highly worth visiting as a destination on its own or as part of a wider tour of the República Dominicana, where it remains the capital city and the country’s main cultural and economic center, so you can mix up city sightseeing with indulgent beach days.
Pair historic sightseeing in the Zona Colonial with modern cultural stops such as plaza de la cultura and the national theatre.
Beyond the old center, landmarks like the Columbus lighthouse and the national zoo add even more to your visit.
Ready to start planning your trip? Our city tour is a great way to discover Santo Domingo and all it’s historic, hidden and hip spots – check it out here