On my way back from the Dominican Republic’s northern coast to Punta Cana, I stopped by Santo Domingo to see what the nation’s capital had to offer.
The main attraction of Santo Domingo is the Zona Colonial – the old Spanish quarter, which allows a multitude of possibilities simply to wander and immerse oneself in Latin America’s rich colonial history.
I started my walk at the Catedral Primada de América. Dating from the 16th Century, this is the oldest cathedral in the Americas.
I continued to the Parque Colón, followed by a slow meander along the Calle las Damas towards to Fortaleza Ozama, finishing with a coffee at the Plaza España.
From there, there was time to appreciate the Parque Independencia, commemorating the independence of the Dominican Republic in 1856 following a 12 year war.
It is important to remember that while Santo Domingo is a coastal city, it is not a beach destination.
Although there are beaches along the Malecon seaside walk, they are in a pretty sad state and unsuitable for use.
If you are looking for pleasant beaches, you need to travel at least an hour west of the city.
Santo Domingo’s charm lies not in its beach life, but in the depth of colonial heritage to be found in the historical quarter.
If you have the chance to spend some time in Santo Domingo, I definitely recommend taking a day to explore the Zona Colonial.
