Dominican Republic, being strategically located in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, is very famous for its stunning beaches and rich culture. Santiago, the second largest city of the Dominican Republic offer both, makes it one of the top tourist destinations in the area.

When to Go

The best months to visit and travel around Santiago Dominican Republic are from the months of December to February, from July to August, and the week before Easter. These are the months best to scourge the beaches. The tropical humidity increases the temperature but, being situated at the Caribbean, the soft sea breeze help tone down the heat. Aside from the beaches, other attractions to watch out for these months, especially on February, are the carnivals and whales.

Where to Go

Aside from being a beach haven, Santiago is also a major commercial center and cultural hub making it “The Heart City” of the Dominican Republic. Some of the must-sees in the city are the Restoration’s Heroes’ Monument, Cibao Grand Theatre, Saint James’ Cathedral, The Tobacco Museum, Tomas Morel’s Folklore Museum, and the Old Santiago Ruins.

Restoration’s Heroes’ Monument is one of the identifying symbols of Santiago, Dominican Republic. The monument has small museums and murals inside and is tall enough, 67 meters, to see the whole city. Across the monument is the Cibao Grand Theatre. The theatre is composed of two halls, La Restauracion and the Julio Alberto Hernandez hall, which showcases both local and international concerts and performances.

On the other hand, the structure of the Saint James Cathedral exemplifies the mixture of Gothic and Neoclassical styles. Aside from the exceptional structure, another remarkable feature that the Cathedral has is its beautifully hand-carved mahogany altar. In line with this, The Tobacco Museum also features the manually-processed tobacco which is one of Santiago city’s main products for export.

Another museum a tourist one should not forget to visit is the Tomas Morel’s Folklore Museum. The Museum exhibits historic collection from the colonial era and even as early as the early inhabitants from the area. One’s travel experience in Santiago, Dominican Republic wouldn’t be complete if one hasn’t gone to the Old Santiago Ruins. The Old Santiago Ruins were preserved to commemorate the first European settlements which were destroyed by numerous earthquakes in the 1500’s.

Aside from these historic and celebrated cultural structures, another attraction that tourists specifically visit in Santiago, Dominican Republic is its lively and colorful nightlife, restaurants, movie theatres, internet cafes, and other forms of entertainment.

How to Go

Like any other tourist, one should have a valid passport before planning a trip to Santiago Dominican Republic. Another important thing to remember is to purchase a tourist card upon arrival in Santiago city. The tourist card serves as one’s permit to stay and roam around the country within 60 days.

Santiago, Dominican Republic, being a major commercial complex, already has its own airport, Cibao International. Not only that the airport is in Santiago city but it is also accessible and one of the starting routes to the North Coast and Samana Peninsula. Aside from the airport, there are also nearby hotels and inns that one can settle in while touring the city.

Since Santiago is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic, it may be difficult to roam around by foot. Some of the recommended means of transportation around the area are by car, motorcycle, and buses. Car rental is one of the options a tourist can travel Santiago city at one’s own pace. Car rental prices in Santiago, Dominican Republic range from US$40 to US$100 per day. However, car rental companies have several conditions before release such as having a valid driver’s license, major credit card, passport, and the tourist card and must be at least 25 years of age.

Buses are a staple means of transportation anywhere. Buses in Santiago are designed for one’s comfort at a relatively cheaper price, from US$1 to US$10. Santiago, Dominican Republic also has a unique means of transportation, similar to a bus, the gua-gua. The gua-gua’s size ranges from a minivan to a mini-bus enough for 30 passengers that stops at all routes which makes it one of the popular tourist transportations.