Santo Domingo accommodation from AU$122

Things to Do in Santo Domingo

One of the first things you should do as a guest in the Dominican Republic’s capital city is visit the Alcazar de Colon (Columbus Alcazar). It’s the oldest viceroy residence in America (a viceroy was a regal official who ran a country, colony or city) and was built by Diego Colón, the son of Christopher Columbus. You know who he is, right? Good. Many of Spain’s famous expeditions of exploration and conquest were planned here. Unfortunately, Sir Francis Drake and his boys attacked and sacked the house because of some long-standing grudge, but don’t worry, it has been fully restored. Today, you can walk around the grounds and check out the Museo Alcázar de Diego Colón.

The second thing you should do on Santo Domingo holidays is to head over to Los Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes) and go spelunking in the limestone cave. It’s named “The Three Eyes” because of the three lakes that inhabit the cave system. They’re open from 9 am to 5 pm and are beautifully illuminated by coloured lights. It’s like walking through an underground kaleidoscope!

Getting to & Around Santo Domingo

Your getaway to the Caribbean will begin when your flight lands at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ), a few kilometres from downtown. You can book a ride from the airport in advance by using Dominican Airport Transfers and get to your Santo Domingo hotel in no time. Taxis in the city are few and far between, so your best bet for getting around is with a set of wheels from Wotif’s Santo Domingo car hire options. Snag a map of the city while you’re at it—many of the streets lack signs, making it a bit of a challenge to get around.

Make like Christopher Columbus and set sail for this beautiful Caribbean nation. Well, not sail, but you know what we mean. Check out our splendid offers on Santo Domingo hotels and bundle one with a flight for huge savings.