Plaza de la Cultura

Santo Domingo


This large, centrally located park, mostly a sun-baked, fairly unkempt plaza, has three museums (two of which are worth visiting), the national theater and the national library. The land was once owned by the dictator Trujillo, and was ‘donated’ to the public after his assassination in 1961.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santo Domingo attractions

1. Museo de Arte Moderno

0.03 MILES

The museum’s permanent collection includes paintings and a few sculptures by the DR’s best-known modern artists, including Luís Desangles, Adriana Billini…

2. Museo Nacional de Historia Natural

0.13 MILES

This museum explores the natural environs of the Dominican Republic, with the massive jaw of a sperm whale welcoming visitors at the door. Old-fashioned…

3. Museo del Hombre Dominicano

0.16 MILES

Highlights here include an impressive collection of Taíno artifacts, including stone axes and intriguing urns and carvings and an interesting section on…

4. Palacio de Bellas Artes

0.68 MILES

This huge neoclassical building houses several national performing arts schools and is sometimes the sight for exhibitions and performances. Check the…

5. Palacio Nacional

0.84 MILES

The Dominican seat of government, which occupies most of a city block, was designed by Italian architect Guido D’Alessandro and inaugurated in 1947. Built…

6. Playa Guibia

0.9 MILES

A beach area on the Malecón popular with families on weekends, featuring a sandy volleyball court, a kids' playground, gym equipment and free wi-fi access.

7. Altar de la Patria

1.17 MILES

The main attraction of Parque Independencia, this marble mausoleum holds the remains of three national heroes: Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario…

8. Museo Bellapart

1.23 MILES

Incongruously located on the 5th floor of a large Honda dealership, which looks like a parking garage, is this significant private collection of Dominican…

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