Don't be most tourists.
For many tourists, the Dominican Republic is nothing more than a beach-centric getaway. To change this, Santo Domingo has invested upwards of $120 million in a massive restoration project in hopes of pulling tourism dollars from the country’s beaches and into the capital. The project focuses on restoring colonial-era homes, installing streetlamps, removing the tangle of electrical wires that hover over streets, and cleaning up trash.
To visit the capital city today is to witness a place in transition. As you walk through the Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone), you’ll find cobblestone avenues with colorful facades reminiscent of, say, Cartagena, Colombia, but, just as quickly, you’ll turn and find a run-down looking boulevard waiting for its turn at a makeover.
Before you head to beachside destinations like Samaná to bask in natural attractions like El Limón Waterfall, take a few days to explore the capital city. From its impressive history and architectural charm to its artisan boutiques and gorgeous hotels—here’s why you should spend a few days in Santo Domingo before heading to the beach.