Your romantic weekend in Santo Domingo should begin with a visit to the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO-listed neighborhood that will take you back in time to the era of explorers and conquistadors. This part of the city, founded in 1498, is the oldest permanent European settlement in the Americas and is the historical heart of Santo Domingo.

We begin with a walk along Calle Las Damas, the oldest cobblestone street in the New World. As you hold hands, you can admire the colonial architecture and imagine what life was like at the time of Christopher Columbus. Stop for a moment at Parque Colón, the district's central plaza, where there is a statue of the famous explorer. This is the perfect place to take a souvenir photo and feel the atmosphere of the place.

Don't miss a visit to the Primada de America Cathedral, the first cathedral built in America. Its majestic facade and richly decorated interior provide the perfect backdrop for romantic moments. Remember to respect the sacred nature of the place.

After visiting the main attractions, get lost in the maze of narrow streets of the Zona Colonial. It is here that you will discover charming cafes, colorful house facades and hidden courtyards that give the place its unique character. In the evening, the district comes alive with music and dancing - don't hesitate to join in a spontaneous merengue in one of the squares!

Zona Colonial also offers a number of boutique hotels that will fit perfectly into the romantic nature of your stay. One of them is the BILLINI HOTEL HISTORIC LUXURY, located in the heart of the district. Housed in a restored 16th-century building, this luxury hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities. Guests praise the spacious and elegantly decorated rooms, as well as the rooftop pool offering spectacular views of the colonial part of the city. It's an ideal base for sightseeing and a romantic retreat after an eventful day.

Remember that the Zona Colonial is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon, when the heat is less annoying. Always carry water and comfortable shoes - the cobblestone streets, while charming, can be demanding on the feet!

Enjoying local flavors together is an integral part of a romantic weekend. Santo Domingo offers a number of exceptional restaurants that will not only satisfy your palate, but also provide an unforgettable experience.

Let's start with El Mesón de la Cava, a restaurant that is a tourist attraction in its own right. Located in a natural cave, it offers a unique and romantic setting for your dinner. The menu combines traditional Dominican flavors with international influences. Guests especially recommend the grilled salmon with mustard-clone sauce and steaks. The cavernous atmosphere is conducive to intimate conversations, and lively music further enhances the evening. Remember, however, that due to the popularity of the place, it is advisable to book a table in advance.

For those who prefer a more contemporary setting, an excellent choice would be Pat'e Palo European Brasserie. Located on Plaza España in the Zona Colonial, this restaurant offers beautiful views of the Ozama River. A menu inspired by European cuisine with a Caribbean twist will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Guests especially praise the seafood and wine selection. The romantic atmosphere, professional service and the option of a candlelit dinner on the terrace make Pat'e Palo the perfect place for a romantic dinner.

If you're looking for something more local and authentic, consider a visit to one of the restaurants serving traditional Dominican dishes. Try 'La Bandera,' the national dish consisting of rice, beans, meat and fried plantain bananas. This is a great opportunity to discover the flavors of the Dominican Republic together.

Remember that Dominican cuisine is famous for its use of fresh seafood, exotic fruits and aromatic spices. Don't hesitate to experiment and try new flavors - shared culinary discoveries can be a great topic of conversation and a source of memories.

Local drinks are also worth mentioning. Dominican rum is known worldwide for its quality. Try Mamajuana - a traditional drink based on rum, red wine and honey, with the addition of herbs and spices. It is considered an aphrodisiac, which is perfect for the romance of your weekend.

During your culinary journey in Santo Domingo, look out for fresh fruits available at local markets and restaurants. Enjoying a juicy mango, papaya or passion fruit together can be just as romantic as a sumptuous dinner.

Remember that many restaurants in Santo Domingo have a dress code, especially in the evening. It's a good idea to pack some elegant attire in your suitcase so you can enjoy dinner in the city's most exclusive establishments.

Santo Domingo offers many romantic attractions outside the historic center and restaurants. One such place is The Three Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos), located in the heart of the city. This unique park offers a unique experience - the opportunity to explore three underground lakes in karst caves. Walking down the stone steps, admiring the crystal clear water and lush vegetation creates a magical atmosphere. A particularly romantic feature is a raft ride on the fourth, open-air lake. This is the perfect place for an intimate stroll and moments of respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

For couples looking for an active vacation, Santo Domingo offers several beautiful beaches in the area. Although the capital itself isn't famous for its beaches, it's worth taking a short trip to nearby Boca Chica or Juan Dolio. There you can enjoy the Caribbean sun, crystal clear waters and romantic walks along the shore.

Don't forget one of the most romantic moments of the day - sunset. Santo Domingo offers several unique places where you can enjoy this spectacular phenomenon. One of them is the Malecón, a seaside promenade that stretches along the city's coastline. This is the perfect place for an evening stroll, during which you can watch the sun dip into the waters of the Caribbean Sea, painting the sky in shades of gold and purple.

If you prefer a more upscale experience, many hotels in Santo Domingo offer rooftop bars overlooking the sea. BILLINI HOTEL HISTORIC LUXURY, which we mentioned earlier, has such a bar, where you can enjoy cocktails while taking in the city skyline and sunset.

For couples looking for entertainment in the evening, Santo Domingo offers many options. You can go to a live music concert at one of the clubs in the Zona Colonial or learn the basics of merengue, a traditional Dominican dance. Learning to dance together is not only great fun, but also a way to bond.

If your romantic weekend falls during Carnival (February-March), be sure to attend the colorful parades and festivals. This is a unique opportunity to experience Dominican culture at its most vibrant.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the possibility of organizing a private sunset cruise. Many companies offer such services, where you can enjoy champagne and hors d'oeuvres on board the yacht, watching the sun hide behind the horizon.

Remember, a romantic weekend in Santo Domingo is not just about sightseeing and attractions, but more importantly about time spent together. Whether you choose active sightseeing, lazy afternoons on the beach or evening dancing, the most important thing is that you enjoy each other's company and create memories that will stay with you long after you return home.