Where to Stay in Santo Domingo (Best Places & Areas)

6 Best Areas to Stay in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic. This compact city is located along the central southeast coastline. Santo Domingo is vibrant and walkable. It’s also the largest city in the country!

La Zona Colonial

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors and History | ✨ Best Zona Colonial Hotels: Billini Hotel Historic Luxury • Mosquito Boutique Hotel Zona Colonial • Casas del XVI

La Zona Colonial is the historic center of Santo Domingo, and by far my favorite area of the capital. Walking down cobblestone streets, surrounded by centuries-old buildings, will transport you back to the 1500s.

This historic zone is a high-traffic tourist area in Santo Domingo. However, locals also indulge in its colonial atmosphere and enjoy the change of pace from the rest of the busy city. 

Everything is within walking distance, such as cafes, bars, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. As for attractions, Plaza España is lively and surrounded by colonial buildings like Alcazar Colon, the first castle residence of the Americas. 

The Billini Hotel offers its guests historic luxury. It is centrally located and beautifully maintained. The hotel has a rooftop pool and bar that make for a sweet escape.

Pros of Staying in Zona Colonial:

• Safe area
• Walkable zone
• Nightlife
• Rich in history

Cons of Staying in Zona Colonial:

• Tourist heavy
• Can get crowded

Bella Vista

👉 Best Area For Families and Nature | ✨ Best Bella Vista Hotels: El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel • W&P Santo Domingo 

Bella Vista is a secluded area and a luxury neighborhood in Santo Domingo. It is one of the most desired neighborhoods, offering pleasant outdoor spaces. It’s favorable for families, professionals, and expats. 

Bella Vista has residential appeal with lots of lush green spaces and parks. Visitors can enjoy views of Santo Domingo from this calm neighborhood.

Parque Mirador Sur was my favorite park to visit with my daughter. It is popular among locals for walking, cycling, and outdoor activities such as Zumba classes. 

Bella Vista is covered in upscale apartments, condos, and houses, plus high-quality accommodations. It is well-established, less congested, quiet, walkable, and relatively safe. 

Book a stay at El Embajador Hotel for some international charm in this beautifully situated upscale neighborhood. 

Pros of Staying in Bella Vista:

• Lots of green spaces
• Great dining scene
• Residential
• Quiet

Cons of Staying in Bella Vista:

• Can be difficult to get in and out of

Piantini

👉 Best Area For Central Location and High-End Shopping | ✨ Best Piantini Hotels: InterContinental Real Santo Domingo • Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo Piantini • JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo

Piantini is known for its high-end shopping experiences and posh amenities. It is a bustling neighborhood that’s conveniently located and well-connected to other parts of Santo Domingo.

This commercial hub is safe and quite popular among expats, professionals, and affluent locals. Many head to Piantini for its chic boutiques and fine dining. I especially enjoyed the BlueMall Santo Domingo. This shopping mall is a beautiful mix of luxury stores and cafes for whatever your taste may be. 

You can’t go wrong with staying at the InterContinental Real Santo Domingo. It is my top overall hotel recommendation in Santo Domingo. It’s located in the financial district and is close to many of the city’s attractions. Plus, it’s highly rated and offers great amenities like a rooftop pool, on-site restaurants, and more. 

Pros of Staying in Piantini:

• Great for shopping
• Fine dining
• Safe area
• High-quality services

Cons of Staying in Piantini:

• Very busy
• Lots of traffic

Ensanche Naco

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best Ensanche Naco Hotels: Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo • Radisson Hotel Santo Domingo

Ensanche Naco is a dynamic and affluent area for business travelers. This bustling commercial hub is easily accessible and well-connected to the rest of the capital.

I loved living in this prominent neighborhood because it offered a cosmopolitan vibe with its mix of residential, commercial, and lifestyle amenities. You can expect upscale apartment buildings, shopping malls, shops, restaurants, bars, and office buildings. Ensanche Naco is especially popular with professionals, expats, and families. 

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo is ideally located in the heart of it all. The hotel is within walking distance of Estadio Olímpico Felix Sanchez. This open-air multi-purpose stadium is the largest in all of the Dominican Republic. It hosts sports games and musical concerts.

Pros of Staying in Ensanche Naco:

• Great for business activities
• Easily accessible
• Safe for walking 
• Great dining options

Cons of Staying in Ensanche Naco:

• Lots of traffic
• Can get congested

Zona Universitaria

👉 Best Area For Culture | ✨ Best Zona Universitaria Hotels: Catalonia Santo Domingo Hotel • City Caribbean Hotel Boutique 

La Zona Universitaria is adjacent to the Malecón and is the educational hub of Santo Domingo. It is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a vibrant cultural atmosphere. 

It is home to la Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (the oldest university in the Americas) along with other educational institutes. This neighborhood has a focus on academics. There are always events going on such as lectures, exhibits, and school activities. 

Unsurprisingly, La Zona Universitaria caters to a younger crowd. This lively area offers a dynamic cultural scene and plenty of student-oriented options. These include accessible public transport, affordable accommodations, dining, bookstores, cafes, and more.

Catalonia Santo Domingo Hotel is perfectly located on the Malecón and faces the ocean. This hotel is known for its views, whether of the sea, the outdoor swimming pool, or the city.

Pros of Staying in la Zona Universitaria:

• Rich in culture and history
• Plenty of events
• Lively nightlife
• Accessible public transportation
• Walkable area

Cons of Staying in la Zona Universitaria:

• Avoid walking alone at night

Boca Chica

👉 Best Area For Beaches and Nightlife | ✨ Best Boca Chica Hotels: Batey Hotel Boutique • Hampton by Hilton Santo Domingo

Boca Chica isn’t necessarily a part of Santo Domingo; it is an extension of it. This convenient escape makes for an excellent day trip or weekend getaway about 30 minutes east of the capital. 

Boca Chica is a popular coastal town with a lively atmosphere. Its stunning beach and long stretch of white sand are lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Locals and tourists enjoy casual eateries, fine dining, music, and dancing on the beach.

Boca Marina Restaurant and Lounge is a gem. It offers fresh food, great service, and an incredible atmosphere with seating over the water. My favorite part is the set of stairs that provides ocean access for a swim before or after your meal.

Batey Hotel Boutique offers comfortable overnight accommodations. Boca Chica Beach is only steps away from the hotel. However, guests can enjoy a casual dip in the jacuzzi and pool on the property.

Pros of Staying in Boca Chica:

• Close proximity to Santo Domingo
• Beautiful beaches
• Warm shallow waters
• Easily accessible
• Vibrant nightlife

Cons of Staying in Boca Chica:

• Can get noisy and crowded
• Safety can be a concern at night time

Tips for Staying in Santo Domingo

Practice Some Spanish

Spanish is the Dominican Republic’s national language. There are many expats living in Santo Domingo and you may run into many locals who speak English. However, you should not assume everyone speaks English. A basic “Hola” and “Gracias” can go a long way.

Plus, knowing a little Spanish can help you better enjoy all of Santo Domingo’s attractions and activities.

Drink Plenty of Water

Santo Domingo experiences hot and humid weather all year. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day. 

Take note that tap water is not safe to drink in the Dominican Republic. Consume and purchase bottled water instead. Most hotels usually provide a couple of bottles of water in your room per day. Supermarkets and colmados (little corner stores) also sell a variety of bottled water. 

You can add a special filtering water bottle to your packing list for the DR if you want to be more sustainable.

Local Currency

The national currency used in Santo Domingo is the Dominican peso. You can exchange money at your hotel or airport. Keep in mind that daily rates fluctuate depending on the day and the location of the exchange. 

I suggest you carry pesos in cash in small portions. Take only what you need for the day. However, many businesses accept US Dollars. 

Transportation in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is easy to get around. There are many options for transportation. The city offers public transportation including the metro, buses, guaguas, and carro público. My favorite way to navigate through the city was via Uber. Taxis can be arranged from your Hotel for airport pick-up/drop-off.

Rent a Car

Renting a car is a great way to see more Dominican Republic destinations outside of Santo Domingo. Rental companies are located in the international airport and in the city. 

Practice defensive driving in the capital, though. Do not leave your valuables in the car in clear sight. Plan your road trips during the daytime and avoid driving at night.

Stay Safe

Some neighborhoods in Santo Domingo have a high crime rate. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when you are walking. Avoid walking alone, use your smartphone discreetly, and do not wear expensive jewelry. 

👉Traveling to Punta Cana? Read my guide to where to stay in Punta Cana

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Santo Domingo for first-timers?

Zona Colonial is the best area to stay in Santo Domingo for first-time visitors. Explore historic sites and indulge in the Dominican culture for a memorable trip.

What are safe areas to stay in Santo Domingo?

Bella Vista is one of the safest areas to stay in Santo Domingo. It is one of the most desired neighborhoods in the capital and popular with families, offering pleasant outdoor spaces favorable for walking.  

Is Santo Domingo worth visiting?

Santo Domingo is worth visiting if it is your first time in the Dominican Republic. It offers a vibrant blend of culture, history, and plenty of natural beauty. 

What are the areas to avoid in Santo Domingo?

Some parts of Ensanche Naco require more safety precautions than others. I suggest you avoid walking by yourself late at night on the streets. 

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Santo Domingo offers so much to experience in the Dominican Republic. No matter which neighborhood you hang out in, you are sure to get a taste of its history, culture, and natural beauty. Want more ideas? See my travel guide on all the best places to stay in the Dominican Republic.