"City of Happy People" Top 5 Page for this destination Santo Domingo by el_ruso

Santo Domingo Travel Guide: 427 reviews and 944 photos

rooftops of old city - Santo Domingo
rooftops of old city

The city is chaotic, with some areas nice and ritzy, and others desperately poor. But what strikes the most is the friendliness and openness of its people, and their desire to live and enjoy life. Despite the difficulties they face, these people refuse to be anything less than happy!

The Western barrios, notably Gazcue, is the 'rich' area where upper class condo towers, homes and malls are located. Also the government, embassies and museums are there. The center is full of historical colonial sites, and the East across the river is the poorest part of the city. Most sites of interest are located in the 'Zona Colonial', the old town center.

The country obviously is not wealthy, and the effort of its government to maintain its history, to build museums and parks is worthy of admiration. When I was there, lots of students were attending classes in those places, and it is evident that the state puts its limited resources in education.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:friendly people, beautiful ladies, lots of history
  • Cons:chaos in the streets
  • In a nutshell:a great place to visit
  • Last visit to Santo Domingo: Jan 2005
  • Intro Updated Jan 29, 2006
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Reviews (32)

Panteon Nacional - Santo Domingo Panteon Nacional Things to Do (21)

This building, located on the Calle de las Damas, is the mausoleum of the outstanding Dominicans. Note that the three... more travel advice

Presidential Palace - Santo Domingo Presidential Palace Things to Do (21)

This elegant building, located West of the center in the government/ embassy district of Gazcue, is the home of the... more travel advice

Colonial Architecture: 2 of 2 - Santo Domingo Colonial Architecture: 2 of 2 Things to Do (21)

The center of the city has retained many beautiful buildings inherited from the colonial times. Walking along these... more travel advice

Colonial Architecture: 1 of 2 - Santo Domingo Colonial Architecture: 1 of 2 Things to Do (21)

The center of the city has retained many beautiful buildings inherited from the colonial times. Walking along these... more travel advice

Comments (4)

  • Reply
    ValbyDK's Profile Photo
    Sep 8, 2007 at 1:38 AM

    Hi Anthony. Really great Santo Domingo page. Lots of info. Greetings from Denmark.

  • Reply
    Aug 13, 2007 at 2:35 PM

    uhhh

  • Reply
    Arial_27's Profile Photo
    Apr 20, 2006 at 9:00 AM

    Hey Anthony, great page! I'm going to the Dominican in about 10 days, I can't wait! Thanks for all the helpful info here.

  • Reply
    Aurorae's Profile Photo
    Jun 7, 2005 at 11:02 AM

    Great & helpful page and fantastic photos! Republica Dominicana is definitely on my list, let's hope it'll come true soon... Hey, is it possible that I'm the first to see this page?!?!

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