Activities

Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic and the largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean by population. It serves as the cultural, financial, political, commercial and industrial center of the Dominican Republic, with the vast majority of the country's most important industries being located within the city. Santo Domingo also serves as the chief seaport of the country. The city's harbor at the mouth of the Ozama River accommodates the largest vessels, and the port handles both heavy passenger and freight traffic.

Proclaimed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Ciudad Colonial in Santo Domingo was the first European colony in the Western Hemisphere making it one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. Founded by the Spanish in 1496, on the east bank of the Ozama River and then moved by Nicolás de Ovando in1502 to the west bank of the river, the walled cobblestoned historic core has buildings that date back to the 1500’s.

Kindly consider that you are visitors in a city that many call home – and like many other countries, poverty exists! You can expect that people will try to sell you things on the streets, or that you’ll encounter beggars, most are harmless and you can buy or donate at your own discretion. The city is incredibly walkable so we don’t recommend renting a car unless you plan on driving to the beaches. Consider that traffic varies throughout the day and parking in the actual Colonial Zone is very limited unless you utilize a garage.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite things to do in la Ciudad Colonial and beyond to enjoy before and even after our wedding celebrations. If you have any additional questions on what to do, please reach out to us!

  • Catedral Primada de las Américas

    The first stone of Catedral Primada de las Americas, the oldest standing church in the Western hemisphere, was set in 1514 by Diego Columbus, son of the great explorer. The cathedral’s more impressive features include its awesome vaulted ceiling and its 14 interior chapels.Fun fact: the ashes of Diego and Christopher Columbus are said to have once resided in the chapel’s crypt. Even if you’re not Catholic or religious at all, it is still so incredibly beautiful to see and experience in person!

    Altar de la Patria

    The Altar of the Homeland, is a white marble mausoleum that houses the remains of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic: Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, and Ramón Matías Mella, collectively known as Los Trinitarios. Within the mausoleum there are statues of the founding fathers, carved by Italian sculptor Nicholas Arrighini and there is an "eternal flame" that is kept lit in memory of the patriots.

    Panteón de la Patria

    The National Pantheon was built from 1714 to 1746 by the Spaniard Geronimo Quezada y Garçon and was originally a Jesuit church. The structure was constructed in the neoclassical-renaissance style and now stands as a national symbol of the Dominican Republic. From politicians, poets, freedom fighters, and explorers, the space serves as the final resting place of the Republic's most honored citizens. Fun fact: many people resting there have street names in La Ciudad Colonial that honor them.

    Alcázar de Colón *closed Mondays

    The Columbus Alcazar is the first fortified European palace built in the Americas and home of Diego Columbus.

    Fortaleza Ozama *closed Mondays

    Fortaleza Ozama is the oldest military construction of European origin in the Americas, it was built between 1502-1508 by the Spanish at the entrance to Ciudad Colonial, and overlooking the Ozama River. The construction of this fortress is designed in the form of a stone castle and still preserves its original architecture. Inside the fortress there are tunnels and dungeons where the prisoners were locked up. Christopher Columbus himself was imprisoned in the Ozama fortress.

    Monasterio de San Francisco

    One of the most important ruins of the city, Monasterio de San Francisco is a monastery that was built between 1508–1560, with the arrival of the Franciscan fathers.

  • EXPERIENCES

    Kahkow Experience (Chocolate Factory + Shop)

    Museo del Ron Dominicano (Rum Museum + Bar)

    La Leyenda Del Cigarro (Cigar Shop + Factory)

    BEACHES

    Boca Chica Beach (25 minutes)

    Juan Dolio Beach (45 minutes)

  • BREAKFAST

    Casa Barista & Co.

    Moka.House

    Affogato Cafe

    LUNCH

    Antojao’

    Jalao

    Pat'e Palo

    Mesón de Bari

    La Bendita

    DINNER

    Maraca

    Buche Pericho

    Nacan

    El Buho Eatery

    DESSERT

    Paletas Bajo Cero

    Zona Creps

  • Microteatro Santo Domingo

    Republica Brewing Draft Room

    Merengue Club

    Veo Veo

    La Puerta Rosa

    El Mosquito Hotel (Bar + Restaurant)

    SugarCane, La Casa Del Ron (Rooftop)