Christopher Columbus attempted to settle in the “New World” several times before succeeding. The first and second attempts, La Navidad (in Haiti) and La Isabela (near Puerto Plata), were plagued by fire and disease, respectively. He and his men didn’t perfect the recipe until the third time, on the opposite coast of Hispaniola. Santo Domingo is still a vibrant, thriving metropolis that serves as both the Dominican Republic’s capital and the Caribbean’s largest city by population.
But it’s also much more: the sounds of merengue, bachata, and salsa wafting from a Malecón nightclub, or the aromas of conch gratinée wafting from a romantic café in Zona Colonial. Because of its history, it is also a city of superlatives: it is home to the first church in America (Catedral Primada de América), the first stronghold (Fortaleza Ozama), and the oldest street in the Americas (Calle Las Damas). This is the authentic Santo Domingo.
A cheap flight to Santo Domingo
Sample Travel Date for plane ticket:
Please note that while this fare is valid at time of posting.
Best time to visit Dominican Republic
The best time to visit Santo Domingo is between November and March. That’s when this city experiences its best beach weather, even if there aren’t many great beaches to enjoy it on. April to July is also a pleasant time to visit, but you should avoid this area at all costs during the hurricane season, which runs from August to October. Whenever you visit, you’ll find the hotel rates are agreeable.