Santo Domingo

Introduction

Santa Domingo

© All Rights Reserved shinenyc

Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic. It has a total population of roughly 2.3 million inhabitants in the total metropolitan area and is one of the biggest cities in the Caribbean as well. It is located in the southern part of the country, along the coast of the Caribbean Sea at the mouth of the Ozama river. It is in fact the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the New World, from the end of the 15th century onwards. It is the economic, cultural and political heart of the country and has some fine colonial architecture, museums, cathedrals and other landmarks which deserve a few days' visit.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

• The colonial district of Santo Domingo - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Presidential Palace
• Teatro Nacional
• Museo de Arto Moderno (Museum of Modern Art)
• Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts)
• Catedral Santa María La Menor - the first Catholic cathedral in the Americas.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Santo Domingo enjoys a tropical climate, with the usual hot and humid weather year round. Daytime temperatures average 29 °C while nights rarely drop below 21 °C. May to October is just slightly warmer than the November to April period, the latter also being the dry season, making this time the best for a visit. From May onwards rains intensify and hurricanes are possible from August onwards. That said, anytime of year there are some refreshing rain showers possible.

Getting There

By Plane

Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) near Santo Domingo receives a number of international flights to most neighbouring countries and islands, South America, Central America, North America and several direct flights from Europe as well. Destinations include Frankfurt, Toronto, New York, Madrid and Paris.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Ferries del Caribe offers three weekly ferries between Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and Mayagüez in Puerto Rico. From Santo Domingo they leave on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00pm arriving in Mayagüez at 8:00am the following morning. From Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, they leave on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:00pm, and arrive in Santo Domingo at 8:00am the next morning. The journey takes about 12 hours in both directions.

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

The Dominican Republic is definately a place where you can eat well. If you are in the capital Santo Domingo, do not miss the opportunity for eating affordable "gourmet" and delicious italian food, go to: "Positano"Ristorante. Ave.
Roberto Pastoriza Esquina Manuel de Jesus Troncoso, Plaza Dorada. Local 9-A. Santo Domingo. This is a culinary experience, Highly recommended!! Best choice!

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

INPOSDOM is the national postal service of the Dominican Republic and unfortunately, although things are getting better, is not known for its fast and efficient services. It takes at least a few weeks for your letter or postcard to arrive in the USA and even longer for Europe or other continents. It costs from RD$3 to North America and from RD$4 elsewhere for standard letters and postcards. Post offices generally are open from around 8:00am to 3:00pm, though in big cities and tourist resort areas there are sometimes longer hours and you can usually give your postcards are major hotels and resorts as well at all times. Stamps are available at post offices, but at many shops and kiosks and some hotels as well. Sending packages is not recommended through the official postal service, and it's much better to use good international courier companies like UPS, TNT or DHL.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website