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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Zona Colonial
hotelsUNESCO World Heritage - oldest European city in Americas! 1492 Columbus buildings. First cathedral, first hospital, first university. Cobblestone streets, plazas, museums. Where New World began. Must-see.
Piantini
hotelsModern upscale district - best restaurants, shopping, nightlife. Blue Mall, Agora Mall. Where wealthy Dominicans live and play. Safe, modern, could be Miami. Best dining scene.
Malecón
hotelsCaribbean seawall - 8km waterfront promenade. Where locals jog, gather, celebrate. Casinos, hotels, nightclubs. George Washington Avenue. Sunset walks, ocean views. Dominican life on display.
faq.title
faq.subtitle Santo Domingo
Many countries visa-free for 30 days - US, EU, UK, Canada. Tourist card $10 usually included in ticket. Easy entry. Extension possible. One of easiest Caribbean entries. Very welcoming to tourists.
Real Dominican culture! History (oldest Americas city), music (merengue, bachata), food, nightlife. Punta Cana is all-inclusive bubble. Santo Domingo is authentic Caribbean. Most tourists miss the capital - their loss.
Colonial Zone tourist-patrolled and safe. Use Uber. Avoid outer barrios at night. Keep phone hidden on streets. Most crime opportunistic. Safer than reputation but street smarts needed. Day exploration fine everywhere.
Merengue and bachata born here! Live music everywhere, especially weekends. Zona Colonial bars have bands. Dancing culture - locals will teach you. Bachata now UNESCO heritage. Music is Dominican identity.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Santo Domingo
Explore Zona Colonial - oldest European city in Americas! First cathedral, Columbus Palace, first streets of New World. UNESCO World Heritage. Walking tours excellent. Half-day minimum. Where 1492 history lives.
Experience live merengue/bachata - Dominican soul! Zona Colonial bars nightly. Locals will dance with you. Bachata lessons available. Music born here, UNESCO heritage now. Don't be shy - Dominicans love sharing their culture.
Walk the Malecón at sunset - 8km Caribbean seawall. Locals gather, music plays. Free Dominican experience. Continue to Zona Colonial for dinner. Best Sunday afternoons when families out.
Try la bandera (flag - rice, beans, meat), mofongo, tostones, sancocho (stew), Presidente beer, mamajuana (rum drink). Dominican food hearty. Fresh fruit amazing. Very affordable eating. Colmados (corner stores) for cheap bites.
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
23°
23°86%8 м/с
Today29°21°
29°21°Tomorrow28°22°
28°22°Wed28°18°
28°18°Thu29°20°
29°20°Fri
28°21°
28°21°Sat30°21°
30°21°Sun29°21°
29°21°30°
20°Jan
30°
20°Feb
31°
21°Mar
31°
22°Apr
31°
23°May
32°
24°Jun
33°
24°Jul
33°
24°Aug
32°
24°Sep
32°
23°Oct
31°
22°Nov
30°
21°Dec
Water temperature
26°
26°
26°
27°
28°
28°
28°
29°
29°
28°
27°
27°
location.transport.title
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location.transport.metro
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Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Budget meal
200 - 500 DOP
~350 $
Mid-range
800 - 2,000 DOP
~1,400 $
Fine dining
3,000 - 8,000 DOP
~5,500 $
Street Food
Local dish
100 - 300 DOP
~200 $
Drinks
Coffee
80 - 200 DOP
~140 $
Local beer
100 - 250 DOP
~175 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
30 - 60 DOP
~45.0 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
600 - 1,200 DOP / night
~900 $
Guesthouse
2,000 - 4,000 DOP / night
~3,000 $
Hotel 3★
5,000 - 12,000 DOP / night
~8,500 $
Hotel 5★
15,000 - 40,000 DOP / night
~27,500 $
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercardAmerican Express
location.payment.contactless_available
location.payment.atms
widespread
location.payment.mobile_payments
Apple PayGoogle Pay
location.payment.cash
Cards increasingly accepted. NEW June 2025: Immigration services NO CASH - cards only! Many businesses going cashless. Cash for colmados, street vendors, guaguas. Modern payment infrastructure expanding.
location.payment.currency_exchange
Banco Popular, BanReservas, Banco BHD Leon ATMs widespread. NEW June 2025: Immigration services cashless - cards/deposits/online only! AVOID: Airport exchange poor rates. Colonial Zone many ATMs. Malecon area card-friendly. Caribbean capital going modern.
location.payment.tipping
10%
10% expected in restaurants. Often included in bill - check first. Hotel staff $1-2 per service. Taxi drivers round up.
Safety
Medium safety level
Follow standard precautions
Santo Domingo mixed safety. Colonial Zone touristy and patrolled. Avoid outer barrios at night. Petty theft exists - watch belongings. Use Uber. Most tourists go to beach resorts instead. City exploration requires street smarts.