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Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, officially known as Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic. Home to over 1 million residents in the city center, it anchors the largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean by population.

Quick facts

Population
1,029,110 (city, 2022)
Currency
Dominican peso (DOP)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
AST (UTC-4)
Local time now
11:49:07

Hotels in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to the Dominican capital. From the historic charm of Class Colonial to modern hotels like Hotel Discovery and Hotel Navarro, there are choices to suit different budgets and preferences. See all hotels →

Independencia
86 m from centre
Hotel Discovery
91 m from centre
Hotel Navarro
128 m from centre

Airports in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is served by several airports offering both international and domestic flights. Major facilities include Aeropuerto Internacional Presidente Doctor Joaquín Balaguer and Aeropuerto Internacional Las Américas, alongside Base Aérea de San Isidro and Aeródromo de Los Montones. See all airports →

Base Aérea de San Isidro
14.3 km from centre
Aeropuerto Internacional Presidente Doctor Joaquín Balaguer
14.7 km from centre
Aeródromo de Los Montones
22.6 km from centre

Car Hire in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers several car rental options for visitors looking to explore the Dominican Republic independently. Major providers including Thrifty, Budget, Ada Car Rental, Meta Rent-a-Car, and tours rent car operate in the city, making it easy to arrange vehicle hire for your stay. See all car hire →

tours rent car
349 m from centre
Thrifty
652 m from centre
Ada Car Rental
928 m from centre
Budget
1.6 km from centre

Things to Do in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers visitors a rich array of historical and cultural attractions to explore. From iconic landmarks like Puerta del Conde and Altar de la Patria to notable sites such as Francisco del Rosario Sánchez and Doña Manuela Diez de Duarte, the capital city showcases its colonial heritage and vibrant culture. See all things to do →

Doña Manuela Díez de Duarte
29 m from centre
Pina
35 m from centre
Puerta del Conde
39 m from centre
Puerta del Conde
41 m from centre
Francisco del Rosario Sánchez
47 m from centre
Altar de la Patria
61 m from centre

Restaurants in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a diverse dining scene with establishments like La Bodeguita, Expreso Lucky, Restaurante Caribeño, Lechonera Mota, and Pizza Hut. Whether you're seeking traditional Caribbean flavors or international cuisine, the city's restaurants provide a range of culinary experiences for visitors and locals alike. See all restaurants →

La Bodeguita
regional · 85 m from centre
Expreso Lucky
106 m from centre
Restaurante Caribeño
140 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a variety of swimming pools for recreation and sport, including specialized facilities like Piscina de Clavados, Piscina de Competición, Piscina de Calentamiento, and Piscina de Enseñanza. Whether you're looking for competitive swimming venues or casual swimming spots, Club Arroyo Hondo and other local pools provide options for residents and visitors. See all swimming pools →

Piscina de Clavados
2.7 km from centre
Piscina de Competición
2.7 km from centre
Piscina de Calentamiento
2.8 km from centre

Spas in Santo Domingo

We're still gathering spas listings for Santo Domingo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a lively nightlife scene with venues ranging from dance clubs to casinos. Experience the city's energy at spots like Merengue Night Club, Casino Napolitano, Eclipse, the v drink, and Yovanny Club, where you can enjoy entertainment late into the night. See all nightlife →

Casino Napolitano
549 m from centre
Merengue Night Club
726 m from centre
the v drink
1.9 km from centre

Bars in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a vibrant bar scene with venues ranging from casual spots to more upscale establishments. Whether you're looking for a night out at Navarro, Escedeku Bar, Kapricho, le studio, or other local bars, the capital has plenty of options to enjoy drinks and entertainment. See all bars →

Navarro
92 m from centre
Altagracia Delivery
211 m from centre
Escedeku Bar
304 m from centre

Cafes in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy coffee and refreshments. Popular options include Dumbo Café, Cubaníssimo, La Tacita, Cris Colonial, and Affogato Café, each providing their own unique atmosphere for dining and socializing. See all cafes →

Dumbo Café
72 m from centre
Cubaníssimo
90 m from centre
La Tacita
96 m from centre

Shopping in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a variety of shopping options for visitors and residents alike. From local retailers like Tienda Miguelito and Casa Alaxander to established shoe stores such as Payless and Shoe Source, the city provides diverse shopping experiences throughout its neighborhoods. See all shopping →

Tienda de Liquidacion
219 m from centre
Tienda Miguelito
299 m from centre
Centro Mella
326 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers several parks and green spaces where visitors can experience nature within the city. From Parque Independencia to Parque Carlos Gardel and Parque Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra, these public areas provide opportunities to enjoy outdoor settings and local landscapes. See all nature & wildlife →

Parque Independencia
23 m from centre
Courtyard en frente de la Iglesia Las Mercedes
411 m from centre
Plaza Rubén Darío
459 m from centre
Parque Carlos Gardel
461 m from centre
Parque Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra
473 m from centre
Parque Eduardo Abreu
529 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Santo Domingo enjoys a tropical climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The city experiences a rainy season and drier periods, with trade winds providing relief from the heat throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Santo Domingo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Santo Domingo is the largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean by population, with Greater Santo Domingo home to over 4.2 million people.
  • The city is coterminous with the Distrito Nacional (D.N.), bordered on three sides by Santo Domingo Province.
  • As of 2022, the city center alone had a population of 1,029,110, making it the Dominican Republic's most populous urban center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santo Domingo

What currency is used in Santo Domingo?

The currency used in Santo Domingo is the Dominican peso. Most major establishments accept both cash and card payments.

What language is spoken in Santo Domingo?

Spanish is the official language spoken in Santo Domingo. English is increasingly understood in tourist areas and hotels.

How large is Santo Domingo's population?

The city center had a population of 1,029,110 as of 2022, while the Greater Santo Domingo metropolitan area had 4,274,651 residents.

Is Santo Domingo the largest city in the Caribbean?

Santo Domingo's metropolitan area is the largest in the Caribbean by population, making it a major regional hub.

What is Santo Domingo's official name?

The city's official name is Santo Domingo de Guzmán, and it serves as the capital of the Dominican Republic.

Map of Santo Domingo

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