Hostels in SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Santo Domingo – The Oldest European City in the Americas

Santo Domingo is the capital city of Dominican Republic and also the largest city of the country. Located at the mouth of River Ozama and on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, the city is worth visiting to witness the huge wealth of cultural and architectural designs.

History:
Bartholomew Columbus is credited with the foundation of the settlement, named La Isabela by him, and Renamed as Santo Domingo after the Saint Dominic. The Spanish settlement officially settled here on August 5, 1498, making the city the oldest among the European cities in Americas. The city became the platform for the colonial powers to explore the New World. From the last part of the 16th century to the beginning of the 19th century, the city was captured by various powers, including Francis Drake, France, Haitian Slaves, Spain and Haiti. It was in the year 1844 that the city gained independence form the Haitian rule. However, the city witnessed a series of battles in the mid of the 19th century and in 1861, the Spanish once again captured the city.

The city was freed from the Spanish rule soon in 1865. After a number of changes in the rulers, the city was captured by USA from 1916-1924. Again in 1965, Dominican Republic, including Santo Domingo was recaptured by the United States, only to be freed after many years.  

Popular Places:
Santo Domingo finds place in the World Heritage List for offering a number of historical sites, admired for their architectural splendour. The colonial buildings like Catedral Santa María La Menor, Alcázar de Colón, Monasterio de San Francisco, Museo de las Casas Reales and Palace of Royal Audiences are among the sites worth visiting. Parque Mirador Sur Park and Jardin Botanico Park are among other popular tourist sites.

Tres Ojos can be visited to see the underground lakes and Santo Domingo Aquarium to watch the local aquatic life. Faro a Colon is the famous lighthouse and monument popular among tourists. Museum of the Casas Reales, World of Ambar Museum, Museum of Natural History and National Museum of History and Geography are among the many museums locate din different city parts.

Getting Around:
Taxis can be hired from the airport as well as other parts of the city to get around its various parts. However, walking with a guide can help you have a better look at the architectural glory offered by the city. Collective taxis, buses and car rentals are also there, but you need to consider the safety factors before hiring one of them.

Places of Entertainment:
National Theatre and five museums are located at the Plaza de la Cultura, making it a wonderful entertainment site to visit. Shopping plazas, cafes and restaurants are available in plenty. Scuba diving and other water based sports can be enjoyed at one of the spots at the beaches.

Accommodation Options and Languages Spoken:
While budget hotels are mostly preferred by the tourists, one can also consider staying at a youth hostels, bed & breakfast, Guesthouse or in one of the apartments in the city. Spanish is the official language of the city.

Currency:
The official currency of Santo Domingo is Dominican peso (DOP). News about the currency can be learnt from the online websites.

Group accommodation in Santo Domingo | Cheap hostels & budget hotels