Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is a big, energetic city with a vibrant urban culture. At its heart is the walled Zona Colonial, a compact district of cobblestone streets and graceful plazas lined with incredible heritage architecture, some dating to the early 1500s. Sights include the Catedral Primada de América, the ruins of the San Francisco monastery, and the original Spanish-built fortifications, as well as museums, shops and eateries. Galleries, designer boutiques, cool cafés and hot restaurants for modern Dominican cuisine have injected energy and new life into the increasingly revitalized historic district. Outside the Zona Colonial, the Plaza de la Cultura is home to the Museo de Arte Moderno and other major institutions. The National Botanical Garden and the caverned lagoons of Los Tres Ojos are natural retreats within the city. Dancers will love Santo Domingo’s legendary nightlife, which moves to the rhythms of merengue, son and bachata.