Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican Republic, is a historic city with captivating cultural and historical structures that provide a remarkable contrast to the Caribbean beaches. Visitors make a run for the Zona Colonial which is the city's colonial district. It boasts dozens of beautiful old buildings and an impressive setting right on the Rio Ozama. Even though this region is loved by most visitors, few people venture beyond it.
There are many other things to do and see. The capital has some of the best restaurants in the country and is also home to the Museo del Hombre Dominicano, which preserves artifacts from the Taino civilization that thrived before Columbus; the Museo Prehispanico which displays contemporary Dominican visual arts; and a vibrant music scene that emphasizes the down-and-dirty merengue and bachata that were played in the clubs.