Dominican Republic

Cost of living

What a month costs

Cheap street food, but imported goods and good schools push family budgets up.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Santo Domingo

1. Zona ColonialThe walled colonial old town, a UNESCO site and the heart of the city.
2. Catedral Primada de AmericaThe first cathedral built in the Americas, finished in 1540.
3. Alcazar de ColonDiego Columbus's Renaissance palace, now a museum on Plaza Espana.
4. Calle Las DamasThe oldest paved street in the New World, lined with colonial mansions.
5. Fortaleza OzamaThe oldest colonial military fortress in the Americas, guarding the river mouth.
6. Los Tres OjosLimestone caves with crystal-clear underground lagoons in the east of town.
7. Faro a ColonThe huge cross-shaped Columbus Lighthouse monument and mausoleum.
8. MaleconThe seaside boulevard along the Caribbean, best at sunset.
9. Jardin Botanico NacionalVast national botanical garden, a green escape in the north of the city.
10. Mercado ModeloSprawling covered market for amber, larimar, cigars and crafts.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Punta CanaThree hours east for all-inclusive resorts and postcard beaches.
2. Bavaro and BayahibeCalm turquoise water and boat trips out to Isla Saona.
3. JarabacoaCool mountain town with rivers, waterfalls and rafting a couple of hours north.
4. Bani and Las SalinasSand dunes, salt flats and quiet beaches within easy driving distance west.
5. SantiagoThe DR's second city, gateway to the Cibao valley and cigar country.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe Santo DomingoLongtime local roaster serving Dominican beans near the old town.
2. BibliocafeCozy book-lined coffee spot tucked into the Zona Colonial.
3. Buche PericoBright, casual cafe popular for coffee and quick bites in the colonial quarter.
4. CafetoEasygoing corner cafe in the Zona Colonial with good espresso and pastries.
5. Segafredo ZanettiReliable sidewalk cafe on Calle El Conde for coffee and people-watching.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Adrian TropicalBeloved Malecon institution for mofongo and Dominican classics with a sea view.
2. Mesón de BariAtmospheric Zona Colonial house serving traditional Dominican home cooking.
3. Pat'e PaloHistoric European brasserie on Plaza Espana, one of the city's oldest tavern sites.
4. La Casona DoradaElegant long-running restaurant known for seafood and a grand setting.
5. TravesiasPopular spot for fresh Caribbean seafood and paella.
6. El ConucoRustic buffet-style restaurant famous for hearty Dominican fare and folk dancing.
7. JalaoLively Zona Colonial venue pairing Dominican dishes with live merengue and bachata.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. MananitasClassic Dominican breakfast of mangu with the three hits, eggs and salami.
2. Buche PericoColonial-quarter favorite for a relaxed morning coffee and eggs.
3. CafetoZona Colonial cafe with good early coffee and light breakfast plates.
4. Panaderia Reposteria AlofokeNeighborhood bakery for fresh bread, pastries and morning coffee.
5. Segafredo ZanettiEl Conde sidewalk cafe for an easy espresso-and-pastry start.
6. BibliocafeQuiet book-cafe corner for a slow morning brew.
7. La Cafetera ColonialOld-school lunch counter on El Conde, a city breakfast fixture for decades.
8. El Conde RestaurantLongstanding pedestrian-street spot for coffee and a full morning plate.
9. Cafe Santo DomingoHomegrown coffee brand and cafe for a strong local start to the day.