Discover centuries of history, culture and art in Santiago de los Caballeros. The city was founded in 1495 and enjoys a scenic setting on the Yaque del Norte River. You’ll notice the unique blend of Caribbean and Spanish influences in everything from the architecture to the food.
Things to do in Santiago de los Caballeros
Learn about local traditions and belief systems at the Centro Leon Museum and Cultural Centre. The displays on the indigenous Taino people are fantastic. You’ll see historic exhibits on the slave trade and Spanish colonisation. In addition to history, the museum also modern artists and designers like Dominican-born Oscar de la Renta.
Visit Fortaleza San Luis to learn about the city’s military heritage and get up close to enormous tanks and cannons. Fronted by palm trees, the 17th-century is reimagined as a history museum. As well as military exhibits, you’ll also see traditional Taino sculptures, weapons and paintings.
Slow down the pace in Park Duarte. Paths wind through this spacious public park and take you past lush tropical trees and flowers. On weekends, you can enjoy live music at the bandstand and fill up on street food. Try local specialties like “la bandera” plates piled with rice, beans and corn. The plantations surrounding Santiago de los Caballeros produce mountains of coffee, cocoa and rum. You can try both at cafes and bars across the city.
Cheer on the Águilas Caribeñas at Cibao Stadium, one of the largest baseball stadiums in the Dominican Republic. The city is passionate about baseball and loves the local team. Don’t forget to wear black and yellow, the official colours of Águilas Caribeñas.
Getting around Santiago de los Caballeros
Parts of Santiago de los Caballeros are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Taxis are a fast and affordable way to get around. “Publico” shared taxis and “guagua” public buses are another option.