Santo Domingo Travel Forum

I am planning a trip to Santo Domingo. I have never been and I plan to go alone. Is that a good idea or not? What can I expect. I heard it is a great party city. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Do I need to get a guide? I do not speak much spanish.

Dont expect many people speaking English outside resorts/touristy spots. I had a great time in SD last summer, but Spanish is my mother tongue. I's a big city and it's not so easy to move around. I'm not sure what do you mean as "party city"... of course Dominicans know how to have fun, but if your main interest is partiying I would head to the baech resorts.

SD is not a big party place unless you're local, if you look for wild partying, you should head to a resort and particularly check that point before arrival as some are specialized in senior citizends and you wouldn't have too much fun as expected.

The place is not that beautiful unless you stay within the hotel area, downtown may be dangerous if not with a guide, colonial zone is amazing and interesting but quite small, don't get outside it, do not go alone to the central market, it is quite depressing and dangerous.

Enjoy.

Is it better to stay at an all inclusive in Santo Domingo or would I be better off on my own. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

What are your interests, what are you willing to do??

If you want a beach & sun & fun holiday, better go to an AI resort, they will provide all your needs.

I do personally HATE all inclusive. Only been once to an AI and , I felt somewhat "prisoner"... it's just not my cup of tea, I like other kind of vacations, I like to explore, discover new places to eat or just stroll around... But I do have friends that love these places and they don't think on travelling in any other way. It's up to you...

Hovewer, as said before, of you don't speak much Spanish it will be quite difficult to travel indepently around RD. You may have a look at my pages and other's VT members to get an idea about what to expect.

OK I agree I would feel like a prisoner in an AI. I would like to go sightseeing during the day and would like to hang out at night going to dinner and probably going dancing. Would like to meet and see locals. What could you recommend for a first timer that is nice and they speak some English to help point me in the right direction. I will be alone but I am very adventurous and should be able to speak a little Spanish.

To party I'd go to either Cabarete or Terrenas.