Colonial Zones

If you want to get a feel for Santo Domingo’s past then stay in the oldest part, the Colonial Zone or Zona Colonial, which is full of the city’s best museums and most historic buildings. This area is where the city was founded, and is by far the most historically interesting area, but it's not a preserved museum piece. This is still the bustling heart of Santo Domingo, as evidenced by its many cafés, bars, and businesses. Stay here to soak up the atmosphere and visit the Alcázar de Colón, dating back to the 1500s, and other sights including the Museo de las Casas Reales and Panteón Nacional. The adjoining, more residential district of Gascue to the east also has great accommodations, including plenty of independently run small hotels and guesthouses that offer excellent value.

Malecon

The popular thoroughfare of Malecon is home to high-end hotels and casinos as well as historic monuments and statues. This area embraces Santo Domingo’s contemporary culture. The city’s seafront boulevard, officially called George Washington Boulevard, is the place for an evening bike ride, low-key dinner, or late night at the casino. Malecon is lined with the Caribbean Sea on one end, and rows of brand hotels, restaurants, and nightlife on the other. The area comes alive in the afternoon at sunset, and continues into the night. Stroll the historic obelisk-shaped monuments, for an evening breeze or enjoy the seafront recreational park such as Plaza Juan Baron and Buibia. Renovated in 2017, the Maleon is livelier than ever, with marked biking and rollerblade lanes, as well as more esplanades and relaxation seating along the sea.

Downtown

The downtown area of Santo Domingo is just minutes from the Acropolis Center, Centro Olimpioco, the National Museum and Colon Lighthouse. Some of the area’s notable landmarks include National Palace and Alcazar de Colon. The downtown area also offers some excellent dining and entertainment. The nightlife scene is top notch, where you will want to dress up and sip on cocktails at the most modern lounges and dance clubs.