Hotels in Dominican Republic
What to see by foot: Dominican Republic
 
The capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, is one of the most
beautiful colonial cities of the New World, and certainly the oldest. A walking
tour of the sector reveals fortresses, colonial palaces and chapels, all dating
back to the early 16th century. In those days, Santo Domingo was a place of
intense political intrigue and romance.
A walk along Las Damas Street recalls a world populated by court ladies and
soldiers, monks and noblemen, pirates and slaves. Here you can discover the
first cathedral of America; the Columbus Alcazar, where his son Diego ruled
as Viceroy; and the first court of law. Here, men like Hernán Cortes,
Ponce de Leon and Rodrigo de Bastidas lived, loved and plotted conquests.
Museums, restaurants, bars and galleries inhabit the old city today but there
are still magic moments to be captured in many a secluded romantic courtyard.
The modern city provides excellent shopping, cosmopolitan restaurants and a
superb nightlife with all the rhythm of the Caribbean. The port area surrounding
the cruise ship terminal on la Avenida Del Puerto greets an endless flow of
traffic. Discos, clubs and casinos light up Santo Domingo nights.
Bartholomew Columbus founded the settlement of the Dominican's second city,
Santiago, in 1495. The city is located in the north, on the banks of the Yaque
River, and is known for some of the finest tobacco in the world. Santiago's
new cultural centre rivals that of the capital, while its Universidad Catolica
Madre y Maestra is one of the country's finest universities.
Nearby, the Monument of the Heroes of the Restoration is a proud landmark,
visible throughout the city. At a height of 67 metres, it contains murals by
the Spanish artist Vela Zanetti. Another highlight is the Tomas Morel Museum
of Folkloric Art with its colourful collection of carnival masks.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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