Santo Domingo

Things to see – Alternative Diversions

Carnival

Carnival is celebrated in the Dominican Republic during the entire month of February, with the culmination of activities taking place on February 27, Dominican Independence Day. Carnival is distinguished by colorful costumes symbolizing many religious and traditional characters such as Calife, Guloya, and the famous Diablo Cojuelo.

Dominican Republic cuisine

La Bandera

Dominican Republic cuisine is a combination of Spanish, indigenous Taíno, and African influences. As in Spain, the largest and most important meal of the day is lunch. The most typical dish, La Bandera ("The Flag"), consists of rice, red beans, meat (beef, chicken, pork, or fish), and salad.

Alternative Diversions - Music

Merengue

The music and dance of Merengue, originated in the Dominican Republic and has become one of the most popular genres throughout Latin America. The etymology of its name is much disputed. Some say it is derived from the French dessert, meringue, and others that it comes from West African words relating to dance and music. Merengue was first cited in the mid-1800s and was later promoted by Rafael Trujillo, dictator from 1930 to 1961.

Good sunrise or sunset walk

Malecón

The Malecón is a main avenue that runs for 15 kilometers with a stunning view of the Caribbean and beautiful palm trees that line the route. In this area there are also many tourist attractions, and major 5-star hotels.

Things to see – Historical sites

Ciudad Colonial

Ciudad Colonial (Spanish for "Colonial City") is Santo Domingo’s central historic neighborhood, and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is colloquially known as "Zona Colonial" (Colonial Zone). Covering fewer than 5 square kilometers, Ciudad Colonial is located on the west bank of the Ozama River, which bisects the city.

Beaches

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is part of the Punta Cana-Bávaro-Veron-Macao municipal district in La Altagracia, the easternmost province of the country. This area is best known for its beaches and balnearios, which face both the Caribbean and the Atlantic. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1970s. The name Punta Cana refers to the cane palms in the region, and literally means "Tip of the White Cane Palms”.

Dominican Republic cuisine

Sancocho

Sancocho is a very hearty stew with a mixture of meats, tubers and vegetables that include cassava, corn, potatoes, yautía, and yams. The sancocho de siete carnes (seven-meat sancocho) and sancocho de habichuelas (bean sancocho) are unique to the Dominican Republic.

Things to see – Historical sites

Altos de Chavón Amphitheater

The biggest attraction in La Romana, Dominican Republic, is Altos de Chavón, a re-creation of a medieval European village conceived from the imagination of Roberto Copa, a former Paramount Pictures set designer, and Charles Bluhdorn. Its construction began in 1976 and includes this Roman-styled 5,000-seat amphitheater which has hosted many 20th century musical acts.