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Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican Republic
Flag of Dominican Republic Capital of Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, officially known as Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic. As the largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean by population, it serves as the cultural and economic heart of the nation.

Photo: Jose Juan C (Public domain)

Quick facts

Population
1,029,110 (city, 2022)
Currency
Dominican peso (DOP)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
AST (UTC-4)
Local time now
16:59:40

Hotels in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a range of hotel options for visitors to the Dominican Republic's capital city. From establishments like Hotel Discovery and Hotel Navarro to colonial-style accommodations such as Class Colonial, there are choices available for different travel preferences. See all hotels →

Independencia
86 m from centre
Hotel Discovery
92 m from centre
Hotel Navarro
128 m from centre

Airports in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is served by several airports including Aeropuerto Internacional Las Américas, Aeropuerto Internacional Presidente Doctor Joaquín Balaguer, Base Aérea de San Isidro, and Aeródromo de Los Montones. These facilities provide connections for both domestic and international travel to and from the Dominican Republic's capital city. See all airports →

Base Aérea de San Isidro
14.3 km from centre
Aeropuerto Internacional Presidente Doctor Joaquín Balaguer
14.7 km from centre
Aeródromo de Los Montones
22.6 km from centre

Car Hire in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers several car rental options to help you explore the Dominican Republic at your own pace. Major providers including Thrifty, Budget, Ada Car Rental, and Meta Rent-a-Car operate in the city, alongside local services like tours rent car. See all car hire →

tours rent car
349 m from centre
Thrifty
652 m from centre
Ada Car Rental
928 m from centre
Budget
1.6 km from centre

Things to Do in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers visitors a rich array of attractions spanning history, culture, and architecture. From iconic landmarks like the Puerta del Conde and Altar de la Patria to charming neighborhoods such as Pina, there are numerous places to explore throughout the capital. See all things to do →

Doña Manuela Diez de Duarte
29 m from centre
Pina
35 m from centre
Puerta del Conde
41 m from centre
Francisco del Rosario Sánchez
47 m from centre
Altar de la Patria
61 m from centre
Fuerte de la Concepción
114 m from centre

Restaurants in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from traditional Caribbean fare to international cuisine. Whether you're looking for local flavors at establishments like Restaurante Caribeño and Lechonera Mota, or familiar options at chains like Pizza Hut, the city's food scene caters to varied tastes and preferences. See all restaurants →

La Bodeguita
regional · 85 m from centre
Expreso Lucky
106 m from centre
Restaurante Caribeño
140 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers several swimming pool facilities for both competitive and recreational use. Notable pools in the city include Piscina de Clavados, Piscina de Competición, Piscina de Calentamiento, Piscina de Enseñanza, and Piscina Club Arroyo Hondo. See all swimming pools →

Piscina de Clavados
2.7 km from centre
Piscina de Competición
2.7 km from centre
Piscina de Calentamiento
2.8 km from centre

Spas in Santo Domingo

We're still gathering spas listings for Santo Domingo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo's nightlife offers a dynamic mix of venues catering to every taste. From dance clubs like Merengue Night Club and Eclipse to gaming at Casino Napolitano, the city comes alive after dark with entertainment options including Yovanny Club and the v drink. See all nightlife →

Casino Napolitano
549 m from centre
Merengue Night Club
730 m from centre
the v drink
1.9 km from centre

Bars in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a variety of bars and nightlife venues for visitors and locals alike. From established spots like Navarro and Escedeku Bar to contemporary venues such as Kapricho and le studio, there are options throughout the city to enjoy drinks and entertainment. See all bars →

Navarro
92 m from centre
Altagracia Delivery
211 m from centre
Escedeku Bar
304 m from centre

Cafes in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a vibrant café culture where you can enjoy local coffee and refreshments. Whether you're seeking a casual spot like Dumbo Café or a more colonial atmosphere at Cris Colonial, the city's cafes reflect its blend of modern and historic character. See all cafes →

Dumbo Café
72 m from centre
Cubaníssimo
90 m from centre
La Tacita
96 m from centre

Shopping in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers a variety of shopping destinations for visitors and residents alike. From Centro Mella to Casa Alaxander and well-known retailers like Payless, the city provides diverse retail options to explore. See all shopping →

Tienda de Liquidacion
219 m from centre
Tienda Miguelito
299 m from centre
Centro Mella
326 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo offers several green spaces for nature lovers to explore. Visit Parque Independencia, Parque Carlos Gardel, and Parque Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra to experience outdoor areas in the city. See all nature & wildlife →

Parque Independencia
23 m from centre
Courtyard en frente de la Iglesia Las Mercedes
411 m from centre
Plaza Rubén Darío
459 m from centre
Parque Carlos Gardel
461 m from centre
Parque Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra
473 m from centre
Parque Eduardo Abreu
529 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Santo Domingo enjoys a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The city experiences a rainy season and a drier season, with trade winds providing relief from the heat throughout much of the year.

Interesting Facts About Santo Domingo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Santo Domingo is the largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean by population.
  • The city center has a population of 1,029,110 as of 2022.
  • Greater Santo Domingo's metropolitan area had a population of 4,274,651 in 2022, making it significantly larger than the city center.
  • The city is coterminous with the boundaries of the Distrito Nacional, bordered on three sides by Santo Domingo Province.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santo Domingo

What is the population of Santo Domingo?

As of 2022, the city center had a population of 1,029,110, while its metropolitan area, Greater Santo Domingo, had a population of 4,274,651.

Is Santo Domingo the largest city in the Caribbean?

Yes, Santo Domingo is the largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean by population.

What currency is used in Santo Domingo?

The currency used in Santo Domingo is the Dominican Peso.

What language is spoken in Santo Domingo?

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Santo Domingo.

What region of the Americas is Santo Domingo in?

Santo Domingo is located in the Caribbean region of the Americas, serving as the capital of the Dominican Republic.

Map of Santo Domingo

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