Santo Domingo: The Heartbeat of the Caribbean

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [eh-stoy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [eh-stoy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh eh-stoy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kweh-stah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh es deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Santo Domingo was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of Christopher Columbus. It is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and served as the capital of the Spanish colonial empire in the New World.

The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the first cathedral, hospital, customs house, and university in the Americas. This area, also known as 'Ciudad Colonial,' is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, including the Catedral Primada de América and Alcázar de Colón.

In 1586, the city was attacked by English privateer Sir Francis Drake, who captured and held the city for ransom. This event, known as the Battle of Santo Domingo, marked a significant moment in the city's colonial history and showcased the strategic importance of Santo Domingo.

In the mid-17th century, Santo Domingo underwent significant reconstruction. The city's fortifications were strengthened to protect against future attacks, and new buildings were constructed, reflecting the Baroque architectural style that was popular in Europe at the time.

The Dominican Republic gained independence from Haiti in 1844, and Santo Domingo became the capital of the newly independent nation. The city experienced significant changes during the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961), who renamed the city Ciudad Trujillo and initiated numerous infrastructure projects.

Today, Santo Domingo is a bustling metropolis that blends historical charm with modern amenities. The city is an economic and cultural hub, featuring diverse neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural scene that reflects its storied past and dynamic present.

Santo Domingo is accessible via Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), located approximately 30 minutes from the city center. Numerous airlines offer direct and connecting flights from major cities around the world. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or rent a car to get to your accommodation in Santo Domingo.

In Santo Domingo, transportation options include taxis, public buses (guaguas), and the Metro. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps like Uber. Public buses are an affordable way to get around, though they can be crowded and less reliable. The Santo Domingo Metro is a convenient and modern option for traveling within the city. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to drive.

The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and many offer the option to withdraw cash in pesos or US dollars. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in various locations around Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less crowded areas. Be cautious in neighborhoods like Cristo Rey and Capotillo, which have higher crime rates. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places. Stick to well-lit and populated areas to minimize risks.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Santo Domingo has several hospitals and clinics, including the Centro Médico Dominicano and Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud, which offer emergency services. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Dress appropriately when visiting churches and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses or the Metro. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. A kiss on the cheek is common among close acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Santo Domingo like a local, visit the Mercado Modelo for local crafts and produce. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Malecón, a waterfront promenade offering beautiful views and local eateries. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss exploring the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic buildings, museums, and vibrant street life. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Teleférico, a cable car offering panoramic views of the city.