Making the most of Santo Domingo
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships dock either at Don Diego quay, just south of the Colonial Zone, or in the Sans Souci Zone.
From Don Diego, cross the highway and go up the steps into Santo Domingo’s historic heart. From Sans Souci, reaching the Colonial Zone requires a taxi or other transportation, as it is almost an hour's walk.
Bring a printable map with you.
Santo Domingo’s diversity is among its most exciting offerings: here, you can have it all. The Zona Colonial is where past and present blend perfectly. As the capital’s most historic place, it has brilliantly preserved architecture from the 16th and even the 15th centuries. It also contains the many "firsts" of the New World: see how the very first hospital was organized and run; study at the first university, monastery and nunnery; and worship in the oldest cathedral.
Sights include the main seaside boulevard, The Malecon; the Cathedral of Santa Maria of the Incarnation, the New World’s oldest church; Botanical Gardens; and Columbus Lighthouse.
Museums include Plaza de la Cultura, incorporating the Museum of Modern Art and Museum of Dominican Man, plus the World Museum of Amber.
Getting around
The capital-based Caribe Tours is the largest bus company, covering most regions that other 'official' bus companies do not serve well. Government subsidies make fixed Caribe Tour destination rates extremely reasonable. Its buses generally operate 7am to 4pm, leaving approximately every two hours and serving most major cities. Longer journeys include a short 10 minute stop for coffee and lunch. The buses are fairly luxurious, with films throughout the trip and air conditioning that can be extremely cold, so bring a sweater.
Taxi services are available, but unlicensed drivers can be potentially dangerous. In every case, use a licensed driver and agree the destination price before leaving. Good drivers are often recognisable by their neck-worn licenses, uniforms and clean air conditioned vehicles. A taxi company will give you a number to verify your driver; on pickup, make sure the driver provides the correct number, as 'false pickups' often precede robbery.
Food and shopping
Duty-free stores are available at both terminals.
In the Zona Colonial, El Mercado Modelo is a covered market beside Calle Mella. Its indoor labyrinth of shops can overwhelm a new tourist, but it is safe; you will need a cab to reach it.
Money
The conversion is 1 Dominican peso = 0.029499 U.S. Dollars.
ATM machines are available around the country and at some resorts, but mainly in cities and towns rather than resort areas, so they should not be your only cash source.
Staying connected
Do not expect to get around without being able to understand and speak some Spanish.
Customers at most major hotels can use their computers to check and send e-mail in cafes offering free WiFi. Many city and town cafes also provide customers with free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
Monday to Saturday: 0800-1200 and 1430-1830.