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- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Dominican Republic
- Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo
If any city in the world could be declared the perfect holiday
destination, then Santo Domingo would probably be a prime
candidate, with its modern sophistication, old world charm and
Latin charisma, not to mention its position on the tropical
southern Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic. The only blight
on the landscape is the crime rate: robbery, muggings and petty
theft are common, so guard your belongings with care.
Santo Domingo is used to being first: it was the first European
settlement in the New World; it boasts the western hemisphere's
first cathedral, first monastery, first hospital, first university
and first law court. This rich colonial heritage, sparked off in
the 15th Century by legendary Spanish explorer Christopher
Columbus, has been turned into a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the
heart of the city. Known as the 'Colonial City' it is now a
delightful area of cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings,
interspersed with cafes, bars, small hotels and restaurants.
Visitors don't need to stray from the Colonial City to enjoy a
great time in the city, but it is advisable not to ignore the
modern part of Santo Domingo. The superb shopping, delicious
dining, dazzling casinos, seductive parks and vibrant nightlife all
beckon enticingly, from the monumental Columbus Lighthouse right
down to the depths of the Guácara Taina nightclub, with its
multi-level dance floors housed inside a real cave. And an
opportunity to visit to the Estadio Quisqueya, to watch a game of
the Dominican Republic's adored national sport, baseball, shouldn't
be passed up on by any visitor to the city between the months of
October and February.
Information & Facts
Climate
Santo Domingo enjoys a typically tropical climate, the heat
tempered somewhat by sea breezes. The average annual temperature is
77°F (25°C). The rainy season is between May and November, but
consists of heavy showers of short duration after which the sun
shines brightly once again.
Getting Around
There are several ways to get around in Santo Domingo. The city
is serviced by large buses, as well as minibuses, which are cheaper
than taxis but can be very crowded. Taxis are plentiful and
radio-taxis usually respond quickly, with helpful and accommodating
drivers who are used to dealing with tourists. Fares must be
negotiated before leaving. Another option is a
publico, or multi-passenger taxi; fares depend on length of
trip. Santo Domingo is relatively easy to negotiate, though roads
can be in poor condition, and car rental agencies are available.
These usually require a valid drivers licence and credit card, with
a minimum age of 21.
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken
in the main tourist centres.
Money
The currency is the Dominican Republic Peso (DOP), divided into
100 centavos. Many of the hotels and restaurants in the main
tourist destinations display their prices in US dollars as well as
in Dominican Pesos, as US dollars are widely accepted and some
places will also accept Euros. The peso cannot be exchanged outside
of the Dominican Republic. Major currencies can be converted into
pesos at Central Bank approved bureaux; only 30% of the pesos
bought can be re-converted and this only if the original receipts
are produced, so it is best not to buy more pesos than you are
likely to need. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a
commission is usually charged and it is recommended that you only
use your credit card at your hotel as fraud incidents have been
reported. The best exchange rates are paid on US travellers cheques
and secondly on US dollars cash and are best exchanged at exchange
bureaux (
casas de cambio). Banking hours are Monday to Friday from
8.30am to 4.30pm; some banks also open on Saturday. ATMs are
widespread.