Dominican Republic

You should not visit the Dominican Republic without stoping at its magical, historical and romantic capital: Santo Domingo.

This was the first city in America, and it registered many of the novelties of the New World.

Here, you can see the first Cathedral –only 100 meters from our hotel-, it’s where the first archbishopric was established, where the first fortress was built –250 meters from our hotel-, where the first hospital is, and many other “firsts”.

Museums and galeries

Alcázar de Colón (Columbus’ house)

This antique palace was once the home of Don Diego Colón and his wife. Here you can still see many artifacts original to that time, which transport you to their way of life back then. It is located on Plaza España, just 250 meters from our hotel.

Museo de las Casas Reales (Museum of the Real Houses)

Its construction dates back to the XVI century. Built by order of the Spanish Crown, to house its main official institutions in America. It nowadays houses elements and documents representing the activities of those institutions. Located on Calle Las Damas.

Museo Instituto Duartiano (Duartian Museum Institute)

Originally the home of the father of our nation: Juan Pablo Duarte, today it is a museum where details of the life of this national hero are showcased.

Museo del Hombre Dominicano (Museum of the Dominican Man)

This is a museum rich in pre-hispanic elements. Its exhibits present pieces that conform the history of the Dominican man from its beginnings, while at the same time tell about their customs and way of life in the island during the pre-Columbus, Columbus and colonial times. Located on Plaza de la Cultura.

Museo Nacional de Historia Natural (Natural History National Museum)

The elements of this museum showcase the characteristics of the Dominican nature, from fauna to flora, minerals, and diverse native elements. Located on Plaza de la Cultura.

Museo Mundo del Ámbar (Amber’s World Museum)

This museum enhibots one of the largest amber collections in the region.

Galería de Arte Moderno (Modern Art Gallery)

Opened in 1976, it is located on Plaza de la Cultura. Showcases the work of the most prominent Dominican artists, dating fom the National Independence in 1844 through the present work of contemporary artists. It holds the most important art collection in the country.

Museo Nacional de Historia y Geografía (National Museum of History and Geography)

Located on Plaza de la Cultura. Showcases elements relevant to the history of the nation from its beginning to the present, as well as details about the geographical situation of the island.

Museo Trampolín (Trampolin Museum)

Children’s museum located on Calle Las Damas.

Sites to see

El Faro a Colón (Columbus lighthouse)

The history of this lighthouse is the idea of a long tradition. For its design, 455 participants from 48 different countries submited their plans in a contest. The winner was architect J. L. Gleave. The construction was supervised by Dominican architect Teófilo Carbonelí. This monument, unique in its kind, has 251 lanterns which adorn the night sky with a light that circles the world. It is located on the Oriental side of the city, on the other bank of the Ozama River.

El Acuario (Aquarium)

The excellent location of this acuarium allows it to showcase more than 250 marine species without the need to artificially control the atmosphere. It has 90 tanks and 7 ponds.

It is located on Avenue de España and is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 5.30 pm.

Los Tres Ojos (Three Eyes)

This is an interesting park with underground caves. The name Three Eyes comes from its main three underground lakes. It is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is located on the eastern side of Santo Domingo, just as you exit the city.

Calle El Conde (Street El Conde)

This pedestrian street dates back to the first third of the XVI century. It houses a wide variety of shops.

Colonial area (cultural heritage of the world)

Along the Ozama River there’s an impressive collection of buildings from the XVI century, crossed by cobblestone little streets. The colonial zone aalows us to walk through 500 years of history. Many of its buildings nowadays house picturesque bars, cafés, small hotels and restaurants.

Mercado Modelo (Model Market)

Here you will find the greatest collection of Dominican arts and crafts. It is located close to Parque Independencia and Calle El Conde, on Avenue Mella 505, between Calle Altagracia and Calle Tomás de la Concha.

El Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden)

This institution has a scientific, educational and recreational character. It is a protected area, destined to the study of nature, just as to its enjoyment. Located on the Altos Gala sector, it is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

El Parque Nacional Submarino La Caleta (National Submarine Park La Caleta)

Located 22 Km. East of Santo Domingo, this location is considered one of the best points in the Caribbean for scuba diving. It has an extension of over 129 sqare feet and a depth of 180 m eters.