Why This Dominican Republic Destination Is Quickly Becoming A Tourist Hotspot

Last Updated 3 months ago

The Dominican Republic is home to a handful of captivating resort destinations beyond the towering mega-properties of Punta Cana.

Santo Domingo, the country’s capital and largest city, is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing hotspots for travelers.

Aerial view of santo domingo's blue waters

Officially the oldest city in the Americas, the metropolis of some 3.5 million people is seeing a resort construction boom as more and more travelers flock to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture and lively coastal destinations.

As travelers increasingly seek new destinations outside of Punta Cana, here’s why Santo Domingo is worth visiting on your next Dominican Republic getaway.

Travelers Can Find Nearly 9000 Rooms In This Growing Hotspot

Situated along the stunning southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo enjoys a privileged location close to several popular destinations.

A mere 157 kilometers southwest of Punta Cana, Santo Domingo is just a short bus ride away from the country’s most popular resort destination, making this a quick getaway for history and culture lovers.

With more visitors planning trips to the tropical metropolis, officials are rushing to meet demand by constructing more hotels and resorts. According to the latest estimates published by the country’s tourism ministry, the greater Santo Domingo area will soon be home to over 9000 hotel rooms.

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That number firmly places the country’s bustling capital among one of the most significant accommodation hubs in the entire country in regard to the sheer variety and versatility of its hotels and resorts.

Affordable Beachside Accommodations

Although travelers won’t find luxurious all-inclusives in and around Santo Domingo’s historical quarters, they don’t have to venture far from the city center to find some amazing properties that rival those of other resort hotspots.

@ysamoran Looking for a peaceful quiet getaway to the Dominican Republic? Playa Juan Dolio is a beach about 25 minutes away from the Santo Domingo airport. Our airbnb is right on the beach and there is barely anyone here! #travel #traveltiktok #dominicanrepublic #juandolio #juandoliobeach #travellife #beach #beachvibes #beachlife #beachbody #dominicana #dominicana🇩🇴 #dominican #dominicantiktok #dominicanas #backpacking #beachgirl #travelbucketlist #travelmemories ♬ Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album] – Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice & Aqua

Juan Dolio is just one of several popular towns just outside of Santo Domingo that boast beautiful tropical landscapes that the Dominican Republic is widely associated with. White-sand beaches, palm trees, and an endless variety of turquoise pools are just some of the captivating features tourists will find here.

Resorts in the Santo Domingo area are reasonably priced, with nightly fares ranging from $180 to $250 per person as of this article’s publishing date. Emotions by Hodelpa Juan Dolio and Coral Costa Caribe are excellent choices for travelers seeking great deals on all-inclusives outside of Punta Cana’s packed beaches.

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More Than Sun And Beach

But Santo Domingo offers much more than tropical heat and top-rated all-inclusives. One of the primary reasons travelers are flocking to Santo Domingo in ever-growing numbers is its spectacular history. Dating back to the late 15th century, the historical capital is truly a sight to behold.

From massive cathedrals to Santo Domingo’s Ciudad Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travelers can immerse themselves in a city steeped in history and culture.

@madelim777 Strolling at the Old Town in Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. 🇩🇴#santodomingo #dominicanrepublic ♬ original sound – Madelim Gonzalez Lama

Travelers in Punta Cana can book convenient day trips to Santo Domingo. Lasting around 10 hours, this top-rated excursion to the capital’s charming old town costs just $95 per person and includes plenty of amenities to ensure a hassle-free experience.

Where History Meets Modernity

Although it may seem contradictory, Santo Domingo’s old town is one of the most tech-friendly areas for travelers in the Dominican Republic. Officials have just wrapped up a massive investment spree to make the historical attraction more walkable and visitor-friendly.

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Commonly touted as the first ‘intelligent destination’ on the sun-soaked island, travelers can find a plethora of self-guided walking tour routes, as well as a series of QR codes installed on monuments and old buildings.