Santo Domingo

Take a private jet charter to Santo Domingo de Guzman, and relax Caribbean-style. Santo Domingo de Guzman, more commonly referred to as Santo Domingo, is the largest city and capital of the Dominican Republic. It is also the oldest inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Santo Domingo has grown to become the most populous city in the Caribbean and one of the region's major attractions.

Must See: As an animated waterfront boulevard, El Malecon (also known as George Washington Avenue) offers visitors a packed series of casinos, small restaurants and upscale boutiques. Many travelers by jet charter to Santo Domingo go here for shopping, romantic sunset carriage rides, or hopping between several large hotel/casino complexes. If you're searching for a traditional Dominican dining experience, visit Adrian Tropical, which was built right on the water. As you near the end of the city, you'll find the Malecon Center, a still largely undiscovered gem, which offers high-end shopping and displays the famous Botero Sculpture.

If your fancy is reveling in Santo Domingo's deep history, don't miss the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, Alcazar de Colon, and Ozama Fort. Built in Columbus' lifetime, these structures reside in the colonial zone and serve as beautiful examples of 15^th and 16^th-century architecture. You can also visit the Panteon Nacional, located on the New Worlds first European street. It is the burial spot for the Dominican Republic's national heroes.

Lodging: For an authentic Santo Domingo experience, stay at the Hostal Nicolas de Ovando Santo Domingo. This luxury hotel displays 16^th-century Spanish architecture, offers river views, and conveniently sits in the heart of the city. For more modern lodging and a family-friendly environment, stay at The Holiday Inn Santo Domingo, a high-rise hotel that features a gym, a rooftop bar and modernized rooms.

Ground Transportation: Because driving can be challenging in the congested and occasionally disorganized city, a simple and effective mode of transportation in Santo Domingo is the bus system. Even more prominent however are publicos. Similar to taxis, these are private cars that can be flagged down, but typically follow the same routes as buses. There are no meters in these vehicles as fares are paid upon entry.

Packing Tips: Pack for summer weather no matter what time of year you plan your jet charter to Santo Domingo. Bathing suits, sunglasses, sandals, and shorts will help you enjoy the climate. If you're traveling during winter months, a light long-sleeved shirt may come in handy. If you're planning to experience the city by foot, also consider taking comfortable walking shoes.

Recommended Books: Santo Domingo: Discovering the Colonial Zone and Beyond, Mazel Pernell (2012) - A detailed guide to the city of firsts, this guidebook allows you to gain historical perspective on Santo Domingo as you visit the city's first roads, cathedrals, and other "New World" sites.

Currency: The Dominican peso is the local currency.

Calling Code Dominican Republic: 809

Best Travel Dates: With year-round summer weather, Santo Domingo is pleasant anytime. Tourists tend to migrate here en masse during the summer (May through September), so you may want to keep this in mind when planning your jet charter to Santo Domingo. December is tourism's off-season when temperatures cool down slightly.

Airports in Santo Domingo