🇩🇴 Santo Domingo Weekend Guide

The Caribbean—a sparkling stretch of ocean between the Americas, where postcard-perfect beaches, swaying palms, and pirate legends come to life. 🌊☀️ Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, holds a special title: the first European settlement in the New World. As a self-proclaimed "ocean-city addict", this historic gem ranks high on my favorites list! Here’s how to make the most of a weekend trip (whether for work or play): 🏨 Stay Here: Catalonia Santo Domingo $130-$140/night (sea-view rooms!) Prime location at Malecon Center Stunning oceanfront dining 🌊 📅 Day 1: History + Ocean Breezes 🌅 Morning: Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colón) A massive cross-shaped monument/museum honoring Christopher Columbus. At night, it projects a giant cross-shaped light beam! ✝️ 🍽️ Lunch: Jalao (local client-approved for authentic Dominican flavors!) 🏛️ Afternoon: Colonial Zone Walking Tour Must-sees: ✔ Primate Cathedral of America (oldest in the Americas!) ✔ Ozama Fortress (500-year-old stone walls) ✔ The National Pantheon (hauntingly beautiful) 🌇 Sunset: Stroll the Malecon boardwalk—golden hour magic! 🍜 Dinner Options: Cosmos Restaurante (Chinese… but proceed with caution—their beef gave me *2 days of regret 😅) Chingu Kitchen (Korean—decent but skip if you crave banchan!) 📅 Day 2: Beach Escape! Choose your adventure: 1️⃣ Punta Cana Day Trip All-inclusive resorts = endless food/drinks + entertainment 🍹 (Warning: Summer = seaweed season!) 2️⃣ Isla Saona Excursion Powdery sands + turquoise waters = Instagram heaven! 📸 🚗 Pro Tip: Rent a car to explore freely (or book a guided tour). #SantoDomingo #DominicanRepublic #CaribbeanWeekend #TravelLikeALocal #HistoryMeetsBeach #WorkationGoals