City Sites and Bites

Be amazed by the beauty of this city as you soak up its rich colonial history, visit local markets, snack on some of Santo Domingo's must-try treats and end the day with an ice-cold Dominican beer.

Don't sit at the pool today, leave your lounger behind and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, history, and flavors of Santo Domingo, the largest city in the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic's captivating capital.

Your day will begin in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone, the oldest European settlement in the New World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Make sure to have your camera ready - there's history everywhere as well as architecture that will leave you speechless.

As you walk with your local, knowledgeable tour guide, you will learn about the rich history of Santo Domingo, such as how Spanish and Arab immigrants brought their influence to the island, and how a rich commercial exchange has been established between the Dominican Republic and neighboring Haiti.

Along the way you will have the chance to explore local markets. Get ready for sensory overload, the local markets are filled with fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices and will guarantee an explosion of flavors and scents.

Make your way over to the famous Mercado Modelo, the city's largest market. Here you can browse paintings containing colorful Caribbean motifs, as well as leatherwork, jewelry made from local stones, traditional music instruments, and many other locally made handicrafts. If you are hungry, your guide will take you to traditional local coffee shops and bakery in the city, where you can try delicious traditional Dominican sweets.

In Chinatown, the most colorful and dynamic area of the city, discover this community is made up of the children and grandchildren of Chinese citizens who came to the Dominican Republic during the 19th and 20th centuries.

To end this comprehensive and culturally diverse day, walk to the Calle El Conde, a bustling pedestrian-only street filled with colorful storefronts and small restaurants where you will stop for one final break and enjoy a cold Dominican Beer. After enjoying your beer, you will head over to Columbus Park, where you can feel free to explore the area further before being taken back to the port area and your ship.

Your introduction to Santo Domingo and the Dominican Republic will be thoroughly comprehensive and one that will make memories you will share for years to come and bring a smile to your face every time you reminisce.