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Why?  Thousands are drawn to the beautiful Dominican Republic for its miles of pearly white sand beaches, the plethora of activities, and its luxury resorts and happening night-life, but no-one who visits should fail to travel to Santo Domingo, the capital, to complete their holiday experience. A holiday in Santo Domingo is vibrant and exciting with plenty to see and do, including the spot where Christopher Columbus founded the first settlement in the Americas.

When?  It is possible to enjoy a Santo Domingo holiday any time of year because the city, like the rest of the Dominican Republic, enjoys a hot, sunny, tropical climate, somewhat tempered by sea breezes. The rainy season is between May and November, but showers are short and sharp and should not interfere with holiday fun.

Who for?  Party people who enjoy a wild night out and days relaxing on the palm-fringed Malecon (promenade) will relish a holiday in Santo Domingo, as well as those interested in the history of Columbus and the conquistadors.

More Info:  For all the information you need to plan and enjoy a Santo Domingo holiday make use of our comprehensive Santo Domingo travel guide which contains details of the city's major attractions and excursions, as well as a section of basic information about the Dominican Republic.

Overview

If any city in the world could be declared the perfect holiday destination, then Santo Domingo would probably be a prime candidate, with its modern sophistication, old world charm and Latin charisma, not to mention its position on the tropical southern Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic. The only blight on the landscape is the crime rate: robbery, muggings and petty theft are common so guard your belongings with care.

Santo Domingo is used to being first: it was the first European settlement in the New World; it boasts the western hemisphere's first cathedral, first monastery, first hospital, first university and first law court. This rich colonial heritage, sparked off in the 15th century by legendary Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus, has been turned into a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the city. Known as the 'Colonial City' it is now a delightful area of cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings interspersed with cafes, bars, small hotels and restaurants.

Visitors don't need to stray from the Colonial City to enjoy a great time in the city, but it is advisable not to ignore the modern part of Santo Domingo. The superb shopping, delicious dining, dazzling casinos, seductive parks and vibrant nightlife all beckon enticingly, from the monumental Columbus Lighthouse right down to the depths of the Guácara Taina nightclub with its multi-level dance floors inside a real cave. And an opportunity to visit to the Estadio Quisqueya to watch a game of the Dominican Republic's adored national sport, baseball, shouldn't be passed up on by any visitor to the city between the months of October and February.