Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

• Santo Domingo is the Dominican Republic's capital and the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. The Colonial Zone has cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings, right next to modern malls and high-rises - the contrast is jarring.
• Crime is a real issue here, especially pickpocketing and bag snatching. The catcalling is extreme and constant - men will comment on women walking alone all day long. Tourist Police patrol the main tourist areas and some speak English, but they don't intervene in harassment unless it escalates.
• The metro system is surprisingly good - clean, safe, air-conditioned, and cheap at about $0.50 per ride. Uber works well and is much safer than street taxis. The Colonial Zone is walkable during the day but empties out around 6pm and you shouldn't walk around there at night.
• Eating alone draws attention in local neighborhoods but is fine in upscale areas like Piantini. The heat and humidity are intense year-round. Dominicans dress conservatively despite the weather, so shorts and tank tops will get you stared at.

Spanish is the primary language. You'll find English speakers at Tourist Police (809-200-3500), major hotels, and upscale restaurants in Piantini and the Colonial Zone. The emergency line (911) has some English-speaking operators. Outside tourist areas, almost no one speaks English - download Google Translate before you arrive.

• Dress conservatively despite the heat. Dominicans judge appearance heavily and see proper dress as showing self-respect. Women wear bright, well-fitted clothing with modest necklines and longer hemlines. Shorts and tank tops mark you as a tourist and get you stared at. Even in 85°F heat, locals often wear long pants.
• The street harassment is extreme and culturally normalized. Men will whistle, comment, and call out constantly. Ignore it completely and keep walking - responding at all, even negatively, makes it worse. Sunglasses and headphones help create a barrier.
• Almost no one speaks English outside tourist areas and upscale hotels. Learn basic phrases: 'no gracias,' 'déjame en paz' (leave me alone), and 'ayuda' (help). Download Google Translate before you arrive. The emergency line (911) has some English-speaking operators.
• Personal space is much smaller than in North America or Europe. People stand very close during conversations and physical contact is normal. This isn't meant to be aggressive, but combined with the machismo culture it can feel uncomfortable.

• The metro is your best option - it's modern, clean, safe, and air-conditioned with two lines covering major areas. Costs about 40 pesos ($0.65) per ride. Stations are well-lit with security guards.
• Uber and Cabify work throughout the city and are much safer than street taxis, especially at night. Fares are reasonable and you can track your driver. Regular taxis cost up to 2.5 times more than Uber. If you need a regular taxi, call Apolo Taxi or Aero Taxi - don't flag one down on the street.
• Skip the public buses (guaguas) - they're extremely crowded and pickpockets target them. They're also hot and uncomfortable. You can walk in safe neighborhoods during the day, but the Colonial Zone empties out around 6pm so take Uber for dinner.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Santo Domingo with local guides and curated experiences.