Discover the Best of Santo Domingo
Summary: Living it Up in Santo Domingo: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.
Welcome to Santo Domingo! If you're planning to move to Santo Domingo, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Santo Domingo has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Santo Domingo.
Santo Domingo is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and entertainment. Tourists and locals alike can find plenty of sites of interest to explore. The Colonial Zone is a must-see for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife. The Alcazar de Colon is a beautiful palace built in the 16th century, and the Catedral Primada de America is the oldest cathedral in the Americas. The Malecon is a popular boardwalk along the Caribbean Sea, and the Parque Colon is a great place to relax and take in the city’s sights. The Museum of Modern Art is a great place to explore the city’s art and culture, and the National Aquarium is a great place to learn about the local marine life.
Santo Domingo is also known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Some of the most popular restaurants include La Casa de la Cerveza, a brewery and restaurant serving up delicious craft beer and traditional Dominican dishes. La Briciola is a popular Italian restaurant, and La Guarida is a great spot for seafood. For a more upscale experience, try La Terraza, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. For nightlife, locals and tourists alike flock to the Colonial Zone for its lively bars and clubs. La Bodeguita del Medio is a popular Cuban-style bar, and La Fabrica is a great spot for live music. La Terraza is a great spot for drinks and dancing, and La Casa de la Cerveza is a great place to grab a beer and watch a game.
Santo Domingo also offers plenty of recreational activities for tourists and locals alike. The city is home to several golf courses, including the Teeth of the Dog course at Casa de Campo, one of the best courses in the Caribbean. The city also has several beaches, including Boca Chica and Juan Dolio, both of which are popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. For a more active experience, visitors can explore the city’s many parks and trails, or take a boat tour of the city’s coastline. The city also has several museums and galleries, as well as a vibrant theater and music scene.
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Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Santo Domingo: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"Sign up for a course in speaking Spanish at the Dominican Americano School, located on Antonio de la Maza in the block below Ave Abraham Lincoln. There you will meet Dominicans who are enrolled to learn English, giving you both something in common. Many who are there are willing to tell you about their culture and give you the do's and don'ts as to how best to avoid trouble and where to go socially. Other places are the bigger Malls and supermarkets and the Metro which is the new subway line," said one expat living in Santo Domingo.
"Any expat groups, spanish lessons at a qualified school. Join a dance group, a walking group and kind of group that gets you out meeting others," wrote a member in Santo Domingo.
"Expats in Santo Domingo can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports clubs, language clubs, and cultural clubs. Expats can also join local meetup groups, which are a great way to meet people with similar interests. Additionally, expats can attend local events such as concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending local bars, restaurants, and cafes," commented one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.
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Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
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"I found that in the city, most people are just trying to make a living. Family is also very important. The weekends are meant for socializing," commented an expat living in Santo Domingo.
"Yes! Just like most major cities. People are up early going to work or school. The proiorities in Santo Domingo are ME FIRST!! People here have total disregard for traffic laws and signals. If you are being helped by a customer service person at a bank or store, people will interupt and start talking to the service person as if you are not even there. If you are waiting in line, people will walk right up next to you and jump the line, thinking nothing is wrong with this," said an expat in Santo Domingo.
"The culture revolves around home and community, it is one of the things I love about this country. It can make living here and getting things done a challenge. Embrace it as much as you can and learn to go with the flow when needed, and learn when to put your foot down!!," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.
"Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a vibrant and exciting city for expats and digital nomads. With its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, it is an ideal destination for those looking to experience a new culture and lifestyle. Expats and digital nomads in Santo Domingo can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring the city's colonial architecture to sampling the local cuisine. The city is also home to a thriving nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. The cost of living in Santo Domingo is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live and work abroad. With its friendly locals, vibrant culture, and low cost of living, Santo Domingo is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo.
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Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
Get Quote
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Retire in Santo Domingo Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Santo Domingo
- Pros & Cons of Living in Santo Domingo
- Driving in Santo Domingo
- Cost of Living in Santo Domingo
- Health Care in Santo Domingo
- Discover the Best of Santo Domingo
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Dominican Rep
- Best Places to Live in Dominican Rep
- Real Estate in Dominican Rep
- Pros & Cons of Living in Dominican Rep
- Educational System in the Dominican Republic
- Pros and Cons of Living in Dominican Rep 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Dominican Rep