Escape to Santo Domingo

Just two hours from Las Terrenas, enjoy an unforgettable escape in the capital of the New World, which gathers the treasures of colonial times and a variety of novel places to be discovered.

"Ciudad Colonial" shows proudly its treasures of first capital of the New World classified as a World heritage by UNESCO. Furthermore, everything or almost everything here, was the first one of America: the first cathedral Santa Maria la Menor built in 1540, the first hospital, the first university Saint Thomas Aquinas built in the Dominicans' first convent and even the first customs, without forgetting the sublime house of the son of Christopher Columbus, Diego 1st, Viceroy of the Americas and governor of Nueva Hispaniola who seats over the Ozama River.

The inevitable of the colonial history:

The Cathedral Santa Maria la Menor on the Plaza Parque Colon (9 am / 4pm)

El Museo de las Casas Reales las Damas streets, to understand the epic of the discovery of the New World (9 am / 5 pm) 

El Museo de las Armas, the fortress that commanded the entrance of the Ozama river (9 am / 5 pm)

El Convento de los Dominicos, Hostos street Parque Duarte, nicknamed “La casa de los apostoles”, this convent was the seat of the big pacificator monks of former Hispaniola, first university and even later first secular school of the quite young Dominican Republic (from 8 am to 1 pm, 3 pm to 6 pm) 

Alcázar de Colon, Plaza de España, built for Diego Colon, it shelters a remarkable period furniture which allows to imagine life in the XVIth century (9 am/5 pm)

French Embassy, Las Damas street, the house of the famous conquistador Hernan Cortes.

La casa de Ovando, built for the 1st governor of the Hispaniola island converted in a luxurious hotel.

Galeria Mamey

A broad and innovative colonial space owned by the young philosopher Alejandro Ruiz, who in honor of his grandfather, the renowned Dominican historian Don Emilio Rodríguez Demorizi, has breathed new life into this beautiful architectural space through culture.

 The beautiful colonial patio houses the modern and elegant Mamey, an avant-garde project that takes its roots from the past. The boutique-bookstore surprises with its selection of beautiful volumes with the best of literature, philosophy and contemporary Caribbean and international poetry. The gallery exhibits works by young Dominican artists. In the courtyard, visitors can sit down to chat or read by taking one of the selection of coffees in the style they prefer (espresso, cappuccino, filtered or French press) or house juices. At night the public can meet writers and artists, attend talks, conferences or music that brighten the colonial night, all while having a drink. 

The concept store Diseño Local, brings together a space full of decorative objects, dresses of creators, photo books and a thousand original things as well as a sushi bar in the open courtyard from 1 pm to 1 am. (@disenolocalstore)

The Alpargatería de Ricardo, on Calle Salome Ureña, brings together in one place, its handmade espadrilles shop, the manufacturing workshop and an exhibition gallery for young Dominican artists. The bar and its patio are open day and night for a drink or a snack. Just recently they opened a new shop on calle Mercedes store. (www.laalpargateria.com.do)

Casa de Teatro is also a must visit. They invite you to visit the Art Gallery that features the works of the best artists of the season and attend a humorous or avant-garde theater performance with the possibility of having a drink in front of the stage. (www.casadeteatro.org)

 In The Micro Theater, it is a unique experience in the Colonial City. This theater has 5 micro-rooms for 15 spectators in which five different 15-minute shows dedicated to the same theme, such as "El Futuro", are produced each night. Between shows, you can have a drink the bar that also serves tapas. (@microteatrosd)

COLONIAL GATE 4 D CINEMA

A unique and unforgettable trip

In a 15-minute film you can embark on the history of Santo Domingo as if you were an actor in the film. A fun time for children and adults alike. An adventure with unforgettable special effects.

Travel back to 1586, when the terrible corsair Sir Francis Drake invaded the walled city of Santo Domingo, you will be part of the battle, dodging the balls shot at you through the cannons, avoiding being stabbed by the sharp swords of the pirates, you will fly over the walled city like a bird and you will see it burn in flames feeling the heat on your face ... you will be part of the story.

This animated film won some awards such as Thegoldenstadtor - Berlin

Art & Tur - Portugal and the Prize for Tourism Excellence 2017- Madrid

Where to eat:

If you wish to know more about the gastronomic traditions and Dominican culture it is essential to visit JALAO located in the heart of the colonial zone in front of Parque Colon.

Jalao brings together, in an impressive space, all the cultural elements of Dominican life introducing you to the food, the native music, the artists and the cultural expressions of the country.

At Jalao you can enjoy Creole cuisine and Dominican drinks with a gourmet touch that gives it that exquisiteness typical of haute cuisine. In addition to its typical gastronomic offer, Jalao is emerging as a concert hall for some of the best musical shows, comedy, dance and theatrical expressions. Jalao promises you a unique experience.

Comedor Mimosa, one of the typical style eateries of the colonial city, is a famous dining room where you can try authentic Dominican food and spend time with the inhabitants of the colonial zone.

At the corner of El Conde and Parque Colon, El Conde, is the oldest "brasserie" in the colonial zone. Open all day, we love its wide shaded terrace to have breakfast, a drink or a meal, watching, for hours, pedestrians who pass by without stopping. Here the show is on the street. (www.condepenalba.com)

SegaZona, next to the School of Fine Arts, is naturally the meeting place for Dominican and international artists and youth. Its pleasant terrace also attracts tourists in an atmosphere both chic and casual. (@segazona)

Pat'e Palo, across from the Alcázar, Plaza España, is the most upscale experience of the colonial city. On its terrace or indoors, a visit to this elegant restaurant is essential if you want to know the "jet-set" capital. The menu, the service, the atmosphere and the prices are up to the expectations. (www.patepalo.com)

30 years ago the owners of La Briciola began offering a menu of Italian cuisine prepared according to traditional rules. It is very elegant space, with dining rooms surrounding the central courtyard, and has an impressive list of personalities who have the habit of dining here. La Briciola also has a location in Milano. (santodomingo.labriciola.com)

Lulu Tasting Bar combines in one place a magnificent bar in which many musical events are organized, a comfortable terrace for dinner or a drink, a new Indonesian restaurant, and a wine bar for the aficionados. So many reasons to come to Lulu often. (www.lulu.do)

Falafel, an original and unique place in the Colonial City to savor Lebanese cuisine and its mezze real in their patio. (@falafelzonacolonial)

 And for last call:

Proud Mary Art Bar, a legendary and timeless spot, with Blues, Jazz, Rock and Pop of yesterday and today, as well as its painting expositions. The type of bar where we like to party until dawn. FB Proud Mary Art Bar

Sartén, is one of the oldest dance halls in the Colonial City. For years, the local 'capitaleños' have come here to dance bachata, merengue and salsa. A good place to check out an unforgettable dance show. (@elsartenoficial)

Onno's Bar, with its giant bar, its music on top and its outdoor patio, is one of the most festive bars in the colonial zone. It also organizes events and private parties. (www.onnosbar.com)

Where to sleep:

Almost all hotels in the colonial city have a particular charm. Often located in old houses, each breathe the history of the sixteenth century.

Villa Colonial, this colonial house renovated with an art-deco style is an enchantment of tranquility and good taste. At the same time simple and comfortable, with a pool and a garden walkway, a terrace for breakfast, this place is ideal for a good rest. (www.villacolonial.net)

LUCA Life Tasting Hotel, located in a house dating back to 1680, is a recent hotel that blends old world architecture with high-level contemporary designs. (www.lucahotel.do)

Novus Plaza Hodelpa, previously known as Hotel Mercure, has been completely renovated and is ideally located on the only pedestrian street in the Colonial City. Novus Plaza with its 94 rooms is one of the most practical hotels in the colonial area. (www.hodelpa.com)

Nicolás de Ovando overlooks the Rio Ozama and is located across from the French Embassy. With its elegant modern or colonial suites, its immense colonial patio and its swimming pool, Nicolas de Ovando is the emblematic luxury hotel of the colonial zone. It is housed in the historic home of the first governor of the island and has been declared a World Heritage Site. (www.hodelpanicolasdeovando.com)