Destination attractions things to do in santo domingo

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

The first European settlement in the Americas, Santo Domingo continues to be one of the most fascinating destinations for those who travel the Caribbean. Both the old colonial section and the modern city that has blossomed around it offer an abundance of experiences and plenty to do, attracting travelers from all over the world. In this city, there is truly something for everyone.

Santo Domingo is a vibrant and ever evolving city. In the colonial section, which is approximately one square mile, the earliest structures of what was once the urban center of Spains New World still remain, welcoming the travelers and explorers of today.

Among these early structures is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, built during the first half of the 1500s. An elegant blend of primarily Gothic and Baroque styles, with traces of other architectural influences, it was the first cathedral to be built in this part of the world. Located on the Calle Arzobispo Meri?o, which is on the southern side of Columbus Square, the cathedral is still in use today, for both sightseeing and religious services.

In this part of Santo Domingo, called the Colonial City or the Zona Colonial, there are numerous historical sites to be seen, including the House of Cord and the Alcazar palace, which is now a museum. Throughout this area there are a variety of sidewalk cafes and other establishments dedicated to refreshment and comfort, making walking tours an ideal way to experience the almost infinite charms of this square mile.

In addition to history, art and culture are an integral part of the Santo Domingo experience. The Plaza De La Cultura is home to four separate museums. Presenting an anthropological history of the Dominican peoples from the pre-Columbian Tainos through to the present, the Museum of the Dominican Man, located on the Avenida Maximo Gomez of the Plaza, is not to be missed. Also on the Plaza are the Museum of Modern Art, founded in 1976, The Museum of Natural History and the Museum of History and Geography. Furthermore, there are a great number of smaller museums and art galleries to be found throughout the Zona Colonia and greater Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo, however, is so much more than a celebration of past struggles and triumphs. Upon its artistic and cultural foundations is built a modern city that positively throbs with energy and excitement. With a population of more than 3 million people, covering more than 250 square kilometers, this city has an active and diverse night life and entertainment scene like no other in the Caribbean.

Aside from the luxurious casinos, there are countless nightclubs, discos and the like, with all sorts of local and international music. Some are small and cozy neighborhood spots and others are upscale and trendy. Some are earthy and exotic and others are simply one of a kind. The Guacara Taina, on Avenida Mirador Sur, falls into the one of the kind category. This dance club is known far beyond the Caribbean for its multilevel, underground cave setting and attracts an always interesting international crowd.

Dining in Santo Domingo is a joy. The cuisines of every part of the world can be found within this city. For those interested in traditional Dominican fare, El Chef, located on the Calle Gustavo Mejia Ricart, serves traditional and local cuisines seven days a week in a casual setting. This award-winning restaurant is a favorite among residents and tourists alike. El Meson De La Cava, open for lunch and dinner daily, serves Caribbean and international foods in a fascinating atmosphere. This restaurant is built into a natural cave decorated with etchings and carvings created by the native peoples who inhabited the island centuries ago. Found on Avenida Mirador Sur, it has been a one of a kind dining experience since 1967.

Planning a trip to Santo Domingo by the calendar can place a traveler in the midst of one of the cities numerous festivals and fairs. In addition to traditional carnival season, Santo Domingo celebrates Restoration Day in August, hosts wonderful street parties for the New Year, and is the site of many musical festivals, literary festivals and food fairs.

Travelers throughout the world find themselves returning again and again to this international city. There is simply so much to do C to see, to taste, to experience C that one journey is never enough. Resting firmly upon a foundation of history and tradition as it continues its unique cultural evolution, Santo Domingo is truly a first class city and a prime travel destination.