Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Santo Domingo
POP 2 MILLION
Why Go?
Santo Domingo, or 'La Capital' as it's typically called, is a collage of cultures and neigh-
borhoods. It's where the sounds of life - domino pieces slapped on tables, backfiring
mufflers and horns from chaotic traffic, merengue and
bachata
(Dominican music) blasting
from corner stores - are most intense. At the heart of the city is the Zona Colonial, where
you'll find one of the oldest churches and the oldest surviving European fortress among
other New World firsts. Amid the cobblestone streets, it would be easy to forget Santo
Domingo is in the Caribbean. But this is an intensely urban city, home not only to colonial-
era architecture, but also to hot clubs, vibrant cultural institutions and elegant restaurants.
Santo Domingo somehow manages to embody the contradictions central to the Dominican
experience: a living museum, a metropolis crossed with a seaside resort, and a business,
political and media center with a laid-back, casual spirit.
When to Go
»
The city hosts a blowout merengue festival in July and a three-day Latin music event in
October. Baseball is played almost five nights a week at Estadio Quisqueya, from the end
of October to the end of January. Carnaval, at the end of February and beginning of March,
is a big deal in the capital.
»
Hurricane season, from August through December, means strong rains and developing
storms can be a threat, though sunshine usually prevails. On average September sees the
most precipitation and February the least.
Best Places to Eat
»
Pat'e Palo (
Click here
)
»
Il Cappucino (
Click here
)
»
Antica Pizzeria (
Click here
)
»
Adrian Tropical (
Click here
)
