Santo Domingo is a vibrant place in the Dominican Republic that is rich with history and culture.
There are more historical sites to see in this area than in Punta Cana or other places that are more known for their beaches.
Your wedding guests will love all of the attractions that there are!
Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic and is also the oldest city in the New World. Although there aren’t any beaches in the city for sunbathing, there are beaches nearby. Not all destination weddings have to be on a beach to be beautiful! Santo Domingo provides a unique, elegant and romantic setting.
Since wedding guests will most likely turn your wedding trip into a vacation for themselves as well, it’s nice to provide them with a list of the best things to do in Santo Domingo. There are so many options that narrowing the top ones down for them will be very helpful and appreciated! Your guests will then be able to get the most out of their time there.
Historical Sites
Santo Domingo wedding guests can’t leave without some sightseeing! There are so many things to see and it’s best to get a tour guide so you know what you’re actually looking at. They will be able to give you all the facts and information and enhance your experience!
One of the most popular sights to see is Catedral Primada de America. It’s the oldest cathedral in the New World and where the remains of Christopher Columbus used to be. It’s gorgeous inside and said to be a must see!
A few more popular historical site in Santo Domingo are Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Alcazar de Colon, Calle de Las Damas and Parque Colon. The Cathedral of Santo Domingo is known for its impressive architecture. After seeing the church you can spend some time in the plaza and shop around!
Alcazar de Colon is a great walking tour for Santo Domingo wedding groups. It was built around 1510 under Diego Colon, the son of Christopher Columbus, as a family residence. It’s the oldest Viceregal residence in the New World!
Calle de Las Damas is the first cobblestone street built in the New World. It’s a nice place for a walk! As you can see, Santo Domingo is the place for a lot of “firsts” which is what makes it so special! If you and your fiance appreciate history then this is definitely the place for your destination wedding.
Parque Colon is another landmark and a popular gathering place. The plaza has a statue of Christopher Columbus in the center. It’s a nice place to relax after a long day of walking. You will feel fully immersed in the Dominican Republic culture while in this plaza! Bring your camera to remember all of the places you visited.
Parks
For those that like to walk around and enjoy nature instead of the busy city, taking a stroll in one of Santo Domingo’s parks is a nice afternoon activity. There are multiple parks nearby that are popuar!
The Park of Three Eyes of Water is a group of caves that are fun for Santo Domingo wedding groups to check out. It’s a nice hike to the bottom where you will find water. You can take a boat ride to the other side of the cave as well. The scenery is beautiful and it’s considered a “hidden gem”!
Jardin Botanico Nacional is a national park that offers a guided train ride through it. Or you can see it on your own! They have picnic areas so you can bring lunch, relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The gardens are beautiful and there is also a museum guests can visit. It’s a nice escape from the loud city!
Aquarium
For wedding guests that enjoy marine life, they may want to make a pit stop at the National Aquarium! There are tons of fish and the entrance fee is pretty cheap, making it an affordable activity. If there are any children attending the wedding then this would be a perfect option for them!
Nearby Beaches
For Santo Domingo wedding groups that are missing the beaches and ocean, the closest one to the city is Juan Dolio Guayacanes. There are restaurants that will serve you food and drinks right to your beach chair! It’s a great place to relax and is a nice options for those that aren’t into the historical attractions.
Many couples choose to have their wedding in Santo Domingo because they love all of the culture and history the city has to offer. It’s truly unlike anywhere else in the world and it feels like you have stepped back in time when you arrive!
A destination wedding doesn’t always mean having a ceremony on the beach right by the ocean. Santo Domingo is a more elegant and sophisticated option than places like Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. It shows a different side of the Dominican Republic. Your wedding guests will have an enjoyable and memorable time!