Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is located on the south coast of the country on the Caribbean Sea. With a population of more than 2.5 million inhabitants it is a vibrant and lively metropolis with many things to be seen and discovered.
You will be exposed to the historical face of the city in its colonial district, the Zona Colonial, which has been carefully restored to retain its original charm. In 1990, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Many early 16th-century buildings bear witness that Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the New World, where the European settlement of the Americas began. In recent years, many young gallery owners, fashion designers, restaurants, and clubs have discovered the Zona Colonial and set up business there.
Santo Domingo is also a modern, driven city. Colorful, lively markets invite you to discover the treasures of the country: hand-wrapped cigars, jewelry made out of Larimar or Amber and other local handcrafts on sale virtually everywhere. Or you could shop in the cool elegance of a modern shopping center.
At night, the city trembles to the rhythm of Merengue and Bachata, the musical soul of the Dominicans, sounding out of numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants. Here, in the multicultural mix of Spanish-American, African, and European influences, the modern and the historical Santo Domingo unite again.
Little city tour
Start your discovery tour around Santo Domingo in the Zona Colonial, strolling along the first street of America, the Calle de Las Damas, and visiting the Ozama Fortress, the oldest fortress in the Americas.
Watch the changing of the guards at the Panteon Nacional and follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus whose family resided in Alcazar de Colon.
The Museo del Hombre Dominicano enables a fascinating look into the moving history of the Dominican people, from the Taino Indians, the original inhabitants, to the Spanish conquerors and the African slaves, concluding with a look at Dominican man of today.
Visit Faro a Colon on the other side of the Ozama River, where it believed that Christopher Columbus’s casket is located. The enormous lighthouse was constructed in 1992 to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas.
When visiting the Faro de Colon, also make a stop at Los Tres Ojos, an impressive 50-feet deep cave with three lagoons surrounded by stalagmites and lush vegetation. One of the lagoons can only be reached after a short raft trip over a subterranean sea.
Airport: For studying at IIC Santo Domingo you should fly into International Airport Las Americas Santo Domingo (SDQ). We are glad to arrange your airport pick-up; for rates please see our price list.
