The oldest city in the New World, Santo Domingo is both an exotic tourist destination and an important business and finance center. The city is a unique blend of the historic and the contemporary. The Santo Domingo Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by newer neighborhoods that feature cultural centers, business districts and glitzy upscale shopping malls.
Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic. The metropolitan population was estimated at about 3.7 million in 2010. The beautiful setting along the Caribbean Sea and exceptional weather make the city and its nearby beaches a prime tourist destination and a popular choice for business conferences.
Santo Domingo has numerous places of interest to visitors. Many of these are located in the Santo Domingo Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. The Colonial Zone is the oldest European settlement in the New World. The area features a wealth of 16th century Spanish Colonial buildings, streets and squares. Highlights include stunning residences like the Alcázar de Colón and majestic churches like the Catedral Primada de América.
In addition to the wonderful attractions in the Colonial Zone, visitors should also take advantage of the museums and cultural centers in Plaza de la Cultura. One of the top attractions is the Museum of the Dominican Man, with a fascinating collection of pre-Columbian Taino artifacts. Other places of interest in Plaza de la Cultura include the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Natural History and the National Theater.
Another interesting attraction is the Santo Domingo Malecón, the promenade that runs along the Caribbean. This area features many hotels and restaurants, and is the setting for important events like Carnival.
In addition to interesting sights, Santo Domingo offers a variety of restaurants that serve local and international cuisine. The city also has seemingly limitless options for nightlife, live music and events.
A visit to Santo Domingo is a unique opportunity to see the oldest city in the New World while also experiencing a dynamic Caribbean cultural and business center.
Check out Santo Domingo’s official website for more information.
Santo Domingo Tourism
