SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Santo Domingo, the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic, is a treasure trove of history and culture. As the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, the city offers a fascinating blend of colonial charm and modern vibrancy.
KEY INFO
Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)
Population: 1.1 million (10.8 million DR)
Emergency #: 911
Drinking Water: Bottled water recommended
Time Zone: GMT-4 (Atlantic Standard Time)
ID Requirements: Government-issued photo ID
PORT LOCATION AND FACILITIES
Ships dock at Don Diego Quay or Sans Souci Zone, located approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from the city centre (5-10 min drive).
Facilities: Don Diego Terminal: restrooms, duty-free shops, taxis, excursions
Sans Souci Terminal: duty-free stores, restrooms, taxis, excursions
Port Address: Don Diego Quay, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Map | Port Site
Sans Souci Terminal, Av. Espana, Santo Domingo Este 11603. Map | Port Site
Getting Around: Santo Domingo is walkable, particularly within the Colonial Zone, where most attractions are. For longer distances, taxis and Uber are convenient options. Public transport is available.
Taxis: Taxis typically cost $5-10 USD to the city centre. Uber is also available.
Public Transport: Includes buses and the metro. Single metro tickets cost 20 DOP ($0.35 USD) and can be purchased at metro stations (cash only). Visit https://metro.gob.do/ for maps and schedules.
Tourist Bus: There is no Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus. Private tours can be booked at the port or online.
Tourist Map: A free downloadable tourist map is available: www.santodomingotourism.com/maps
This website also has a really interesting interactive map, with lots of information: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a7ad6d8cfbea4463b8aad41af1ba1b33
SANTO DOMINGO HIGHLIGHTS
Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial): A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to landmarks like Alcázar de Colón and the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor.
9a-5p | Free (museum: $3-5 USD) | 2 km from port (5-10 min drive) | www.godominicanrepublic.com | Map
Fortaleza Ozama: A 16th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. 9a-5p | $2 USD | 1.5 km from port (5-10 min walk) | www.parquesnacionales.com.do | Map
National Palace: The official residence of the Dominican Republic’s President, featuring stunning neoclassical architecture.
9a-5p (Mon-Fri) | Free | 3 km from port (10-15 min drive) | www.palaciodelgobierno.gob.do | Map
Kahkow Chocolate Lab: Discover the chocolate-making process with tastings of locally produced chocolate. 9a-6p | $10 USD | 2.5 km from port (10 min drive) | kahkow.com | Map
Calle de las Damas: The first paved street in the New World, lined with colonial-era buildings and landmarks like Palacio de los Consulados.
24 hours | Free | 2 km from port (5-10 min taxi) | www.santodomingotourism.com | Map
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Los Tres Ojos: A natural limestone cave with three crystal-clear lagoons. Perfect for nature lovers. 9a-5p | $2 USD | 8 km (15 min taxi) | www.godominicanrepublic.com | Map
San Cristóbal Caves: A network of canves with ancient petroglyphs, offering insight into the region’s pre-Columbian history. Guided tours are available. 9a-5p | $5 USD | 40 km (45 min drive) | Map
Altos de Chavón: A replica of a Mediterranean-style village, offering galleries, shops, and breathtaking views of the surrounding area. 9a-6p | $25 USD | 70 km (1 hr drive) | www.altosdechavon.com | Map
Jarabacoa: Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Jarabacoa is a lush mountain town offering outdoor adventures such as rafting, hiking, and exploring beautiful waterfalls like Salto de Jimenoa.
9a – 5p | Free | 120 km (2 hr drive)
BEACHES NEAR SANTO DOMINGO
The closest beach to the port is Playa Montesinos, located approximately 1.5 km (5-minute drive) from Don Diego Quay. It is a small urban beach near the Colonial Zone, ideal for a quick visit.
Boca Chica Beach: A popular beach with clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing. 24 hours | Free | 30 km (30-40 min taxi) | Map
Juan Dolio Beach: A quieter, less crowded beach with white sand and clear waters. 24 hours | Free | 50 km (1 hr taxi) | Map
Buy
Daniel Edward
a coffee
TIPPING CUSTOMS
Optional. Leave 10% in restaurants for good service; 10% or rounding up for guides and drivers is common.
FOOD & DRINK
Mangú: Mashed plantains, a staple of Dominican breakfasts.
Sancocho: A hearty meat and vegetable stew, often considered the national dish.
Rum: Sample some of the finest Dominican rum at local distilleries or bars.
Morir Soñando: A refreshing drink made from orange juice, milk, and sugar.
SOUVENIR TOP TIPS
Take home local Dominican coffee, handmade larimar jewellery (a gemstone unique to the island), or a bottle of aged Dominican rum. Also keep an eye out for traditional wooden carvings and handcrafted pottery that reflects the island’s cultural heritage.
LOCAL LINGO
Hello: Hola
Goodbye: Adiós
Please: Por favor
Thank you: Gracias
Toilet: Baño
Cruise Ship Port: Puerto de Cruceros