The capital of the Dominican Republic is full of fascinating sights waiting to be explored. Knowing what to see in Santo Domingo will help you plan your trip and make sure you don’t miss any of its Caribbean treasures. It’s time to discover the must-see attractions in the city founded in 1498 by Bartolomé Colón, brother of Christopher Columbus.
Malecón Avenue
Who doesn’t love a stroll by the sea? A visit to the Malecón should be one of the first things you do when you arrive — and even better at sunset. Stretching for 14 kilometres along the coast, it’s the perfect place to breathe in the Caribbean air. By night, it transforms into one of the city’s liveliest areas, with bars, restaurants and live music that capture the vibrant spirit of Santo Domingo.
Los Tres Ojos National Park
A must-see during your visit to the island, this natural park is home to three cenotes and an open-air lake known as Los Zaramagullones. You’ll walk through the caves once considered sacred by the island’s original inhabitants before reaching the lake, where you can enjoy a short boat ride. Entry costs around €2.
Puerta del Conde
The main gate to the old fortified city, built in colonial style, is the perfect starting point to explore the historic quarter. It’s also the heart of three key landmarks:
- Independence Park, where independence was declared in 1844.
- Altar de la Patria, the mausoleum housing the remains of the founding fathers.
- Calle del Conde, the oldest European-built street in the Americas, filled with shops and restaurants.
Together, these form part of the Baluarte del Conde, a historic complex that also includes the Puerta de la Misericordia and the Fuerte de la Concepción — all powerful symbols of national identity and defence.
Columbus Lighthouse
Built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas, this cross-shaped monument houses a museum dedicated to the indigenous peoples of Latin America. On special occasions, its beam of light — visible up to 60 kilometres away — illuminates the night sky. It’s said that Christopher Columbus’s remains once rested here, although later studies suggest they were moved to Seville. Either way, its symbolic and architectural importance makes it one of Santo Domingo’s essential landmarks.
Columbus Park
Once the city’s main square, this green space in the Colonial Zone is now one of the most popular meeting points, especially in the late afternoon. In the centre stands a statue of Christopher Columbus, a reminder of the city’s deep historical roots.
Cathedral of Santa María la Menor
The first cathedral ever built in the Americas, construction began in 1504 and lasted 42 years. Entry is free, and visitors can admire its altarpieces and the painting of the Virgin of Altagracia. Inside, there’s also a marble monument that once held the remains of Columbus before their transfer to Seville in 1795.
Ozama Fortress
Named after its location at the mouth of the Ozama River, this fortress is the oldest European-built stronghold in the Americas. Step inside to see the dungeons and climb up to the terrace for spectacular views of the river and the city.
Calle Las Damas
The oldest paved street in the Americas is lined with some of Santo Domingo’s most impressive colonial buildings, including the Museum of the Royal Houses, the House of Hernán Cortés and the Ozama Fortress. It also features one of the city’s main religious landmarks, the Church of the Jesuits.
Museum of the Royal Houses
Built in 1511 during the reign of Ferdinand II of Aragon, this former government building housed the first court of the New World. Inside, visitors can explore Columbus’s maritime charts, colonial treasures and period furniture — a journey back to the age of discovery.
Plaza de España and Alcázar de Colón
Also known as Plaza de la Hispanidad, this square once connected the port with the city, as seen in its historic warehouses. It’s home to the Alcázar de Colón, the first fortified palace in the Americas, built in 1514. The structure blends Gothic and Mudéjar styles and was constructed with coral stone. Today, it houses a museum that offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Columbus family, who lived here for three generations.
National Pantheon
One of the last buildings constructed under Spanish rule (1755), it was originally a Jesuit church before being repurposed several times — as a warehouse, theatre, office and finally, a national mausoleum. Today, it’s the resting place of some of the country’s most notable historical figures. An eternal flame burns 24 hours a day in honour of the unknown soldier.
Casa de Tostado
A stroll along Padre Billini Street leads you to Casa de Tostado, one of Santo Domingo’s most beautiful colonial homes. Inside, it houses a museum dedicated to Dominican family life and culture.
Ruins of the Monastery of San Francisco
These ruins are all that remain of the first monastery built in the New World. Constructed in 1508, it suffered repeated damage from invasions and natural disasters until the San Zenón hurricane left it in ruins in 1930. Today, it stands as an evocative reminder of the city’s colonial past.
National Palace
Home to the country’s executive branch of government, this grand building was designed in 1939 and inaugurated in 1944 to mark the 100th anniversary of Dominican independence. The south façade is the most impressive, offering a magnificent view of the central dome.
National Botanical Garden
Covering two million square metres, this vast natural sanctuary features eight ecosystems and more than 65,000 plant species — a true haven for nature lovers. The Japanese Garden is among its highlights, and visitors can comfortably explore the grounds on the park’s internal train.
Mercado Modelo
Immerse yourself in Dominican culture at the Mercado Modelo, a vibrant market full of local crafts, souvenirs and traditional products such as mamajuana and tobacco. Don’t forget to practise your haggling skills — it’s part of the fun.
Pomier Caves
Just 45 minutes from Santo Domingo, the Pomier Caves form the largest cave system in the Caribbean. Once a refuge for the island’s indigenous peoples, today they can be visited to admire their ancient rock art and striking geological formations.
Now that you know what to see in Santo Domingo, it’s time to think about where to stay. Discover our Lopesan hotel in Punta Cana and enjoy a dream holiday exploring historic landmarks while soaking up the essence of the Caribbean.
