As the site of the first university, cathedral, castle, monastery and fortress in the New World, Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic has been a center of culture, history and activity for centuries. The capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic draws visitors year-round. Its harbor welcomes ships throughout the year, and with high temperatures and cool breezes, this city proves a haven for travelers.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Visitors can arrive via Las Américas International Airport, home to airlines such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines and Avianca. The airport sits less than an hour from city center and can be reached by taxi or car rental. SICHALA provides direct taxi service for passengers to and from the airport. Once in Santo Domingo, visitors can opt to venture throughout the city via its underground and elevated rapid transit metro system, the most extensive of its kind in the Caribbean and Central America. Rental cars are another popular mode of getting around the city, as Santo Domingo boasts several large avenues and expressways.
LODGING
At this Spanish Colonial-style property, choose from luxury rooms and, for larger groups, houses, some of which date back to the 16th century. An on-site restaurant, pool and outdoor lounge area encourage guests to relax and enjoy the island’s beauty.
Calle Padre Billini No. 252, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, tel 809 688 4061 casadelxvi.net
El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Business and leisure travelers will enjoy modern rooms with balconies, as well as a wine bar, piano bar and upscale Spanish Colonial restaurant. Its proximity to a main metro station and landmarks makes it an ideal stay.
Av. Sarasota 65, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, tel 809 221 2131 barcelo.com
JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo
Situated above Blue Mall shopping center, this luxury property spoils guests with stylish rooms; a rooftop bar, lounge and restaurant; outdoor infinity pool; and more.
Winston Churchill Av. No. 93, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, tel 809 807 1717 marriott.com
DINING
The city offers no shortage of fine-dining Italian restaurants, with this upscale institution serving crudo plates, handmade pasta dishes and pizza. Handcrafted cocktails are also available.
Calle Pablo Casals, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, tel 809 562 6060 bottegafratellird.com
La Cassina
Classic, upscale Italian dishes and fresh seafood plates await guests at this popular eatery. Fresh pasta and sharing platters see this restaurant fill up each evening.
Av. Roberto Pastoriza 504, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, tel 809 363 4444
SBG Sophia’s Bar & Grill
Indulge in some of the island’s best steaks cooked on a charcoal grill. A grand interior with warm lighting rounds out this fine-dining experience.
Calle Paseo de los Locutores 9, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, tel 809 620 1001
ATTRACTIONS
Ciudad Colonial
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ciudad Colonial is the historic central neighborhood of the city and the oldest continuously inhabited, European-established settlement in the Americas. Today it features restored buildings, Museum of the Royal Houses, pedestrian-friendly streets, a park and plaza.
Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Fortaleza Ozama
This fortress is one of the surviving sections of the Walls of Santo Domingo, recognized by UNESCO as the oldest military construction of European origin in the Americas. The site is where Christopher Columbus was imprisoned. The fort is open daily and charges a small entrance fee.
Calle de las Damas 1, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, tel 809 688 1553
Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
Built in the early 16th century, this cathedral is the first and oldest cathedral in the Americas, holding the remains of four presidents of the Dominican Republic.
F4F8+696, Callejón de los Curas, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, tel 809 682 3848
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSeptember 2026
Sep 17, 2026High-Spirited Hong Kong: The Dynamic Hub Embraces Its Maritime History and Culture
It was known as the “Kai Tak heart attack” — the thrilling, terrifying final approach into Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport. Airliners were required to bank sharply at the last moment, dodging hills and apartment blocks to line up with a runway jutting out into Kowloon Bay. The airport is long gone, but international visitors are arriving at Kai Tak again, albeit more sedately. Their cruise ships dock smoothly at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a modern gateway designed by Sir Norman Foster.
Sponsored Content
The Art of Balance in Seoul: Beyond the Boardroom
The value of a destination is no longer defined solely by infrastructure, efficiency or scale. Increasingly, it is measured by a city’s ability to balance productivity with well-being — creating opportunities for focus, restoration and more meaningful connections.
Daily
Sep 17, 2026This Downtown St. Louis Hotel Recently Reopened Its Doors
Back and better than ever, Le Méridien St. Louis Downtown officially reopened its doors earlier this month following a temporary closure in January 2024 due to water damage from a burst sprinkler pipe.
Daily
Sep 17, 2026METT Hotels to Debut in Albania
Sunset Hospitality Group, one of the fastest-growing lifestyle hotel brands in the world, will expand to Albania with the debut of METT Ksamil in 2029. The 201-key property will sit on the Albanian Riviera (often called the Maldives of the Mediterranean for its white-sand beaches and clear waters), and serve as a year-round hub for wellness, leisure and social travelers.
Sponsored Content
IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
Review: InterContinental Barcelona
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 17, 2026Conrad Washington D.C. Introduces 1/3/5 Experiences
Daily
Sep 17, 2026eFlyer Deals
Sep 16, 2026Radisson Blu Aruba Reveals New Promotion in Time for Autumn
Extend your summer with a fall escape to Radisson Blu Aruba. The all-suite resort recently launched its Stay Longer. Enjoy More promotion.
Sponsored Content
Get to Know TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal's program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business. TAP FORBIZ offers solutions suited to each business: travel cost reduction, more flexibility, more benefits and more value. With TAP FORBIZ, businesses can centralize purchases, control the company budget and ensure greater cost predictability with exclusive discounts and benefits tailored to each company's profile. Each trip becomes a strategic decision to travel more and spend less.
eFlyer Deals
Sep 16, 2026New Capital One Venture Card Offer
This month, Capital One introduces a new and limited-time welcome offer for new Venture cardholders. Eligible cardholders receive a one-time $300 Capital One Travel Stays Credit that can be applied toward eligible hotel and vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel.
ShareThis