Start your weekend in Santo Domingo with a visit to the heart of the city - the Zona Colonial. This district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true gem of the Caribbean. Walking through the cobblestone streets, surrounded by colorful colonial houses, you'll feel like you're in a time machine. Zona Colonial is not only beautiful architecture, but above all a vibrant place where at every turn you can meet street artists, cafes and restaurants serving local delicacies.

One of the highlights of the Zona Colonial is the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor. This majestic building, completed in 1540, is the oldest cathedral in the Americas. Its façade combines Gothic and Baroque elements, while the interior impresses with a wealth of ornamentation and historical artifacts. Of note are the main altar and side chapels, which hide real treasures of sacred art.

Near the cathedral is Fortaleza Ozama - the oldest military fortress in the New World. Located on the banks of the Ozama River, this 16th-century structure offers not only a history lesson, but also beautiful views of the city and harbor. As you tour the fortress, you can see the original defensive walls, the Torre del Homenaje watchtower and underground dungeons. This site perfectly illustrates Santo Domingo's military past and its strategic importance in colonial times.

When comparing the two sites, it's worth noting that while the cathedral offers a more spiritual and artistic experience, Fortaleza Ozama allows you to immerse yourself in the city's military history. However, both sites are perfectly preserved and are key points on the Santo Domingo tourist map. The cathedral is open to the public daily, while the fortress has more limited opening hours, something to consider when planning your visit.

The next stop on your weekend adventure in Santo Domingo should be Parque Colón, also known as Columbus Park. This central square of the Zona Colonial is the heart of the neighborhood's social and cultural life. Surrounded by colonial buildings, with an impressive statue of Christopher Columbus in the middle, it is the perfect place to relax and observe the daily life of residents. Street artists, musicians and souvenir vendors can often be found in the square, adding to the unique and lively character of the place.

Parque Colón is not only a tourist attraction, but also a landmark for locals and tourists. From here, it is easy to reach other important sights such as the Cathedral and the Alcázar de Colón. There are many cafes and restaurants around the plaza, where you can enjoy local specialties such as mofongo or sancocho while sipping on a refreshing rum cocktail.

Nearby Parque Colón is another charming spot - Plaza de la Hispanidad, also known as Plaza de España. This spacious plaza, located on the banks of the Ozama River, offers a slightly quieter atmosphere than the busy Parque Colón. It's the perfect place for an evening stroll, when you can admire the beautifully lit colonial buildings and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.

Plaza de la Hispanidad is surrounded by important monuments such as the Alcázar de Colón, the former residence of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus. The plaza often hosts cultural events, concerts and festivals, making it a lively place, especially on weekends.

Comparing the two plazas, one can see that Parque Colón offers a more intense experience of urban life, with more attractions and tourist traffic. Plaza de la Hispanidad, on the other hand, is a more spacious and quiet place, ideal for a relaxing stroll and admiring the architecture. Both plazas, however, are crucial to understanding the character of Santo Domingo and are worth visiting at different times of the day to fully experience their atmosphere.

It is worth noting that both plazas are open to the public all day and night, with no time restrictions. However, it is best to visit them in the early morning, when you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere, or in the evening, when they come alive with local events and lighting. Security at these places is of a good standard, especially during the daytime and early evening hours, making them ideal for both families with children and couples looking for a romantic setting.

Although Santo Domingo's main attractions are concentrated in the Zona Colonial, it is also worth discovering lesser-known but equally fascinating sites. One such spot is the Museo del Larimar, a unique museum dedicated to an unusual gemstone, the larimar, found only in the Dominican Republic. This small but extremely interesting museum allows you to learn about the history and process of creating jewelry from this blue stone. A visit to the museum is not only a lesson in geology, but also an opportunity to purchase original souvenirs.

For nature lovers, a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city is the Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanical Garden. Located a bit off the main tourist routes, this sprawling botanical garden offers tranquility and contact with lush tropical vegetation. Strolling through the alleys of the garden, you can admire a variety of palm trees, orchids and other exotic plants. It's the perfect place for a picnic or a relaxing stroll, especially during the hot midday hours.

If you want to learn more about Dominican history, the Memorial Museum of Dominican Resistance is worth a visit. This relatively new museum tells the story of the difficult times of the Trujillo dictatorship and the struggle for democracy. The exhibits are very well done and offer insights into the country's more recent history, giving you a better understanding of the modern Dominican Republic.

Comparing the three sites, each offers a very different experience. The Museo del Larimar is a compact but informative exhibit, ideal for a short but intense visit. The National Botanical Garden is a sprawling area where you can spend several hours relaxing among nature. The Memorial Museum of Dominican Resistance, on the other hand, offers a deeper, more reflective experience, focusing on the country's difficult history.

In terms of accessibility, the Museo del Larimar is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a small entrance fee (about 100 Dominican pesos). The National Botanical Garden is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a slightly higher admission fee (about 200 pesos), but offers much longer tour times. The Memorial Museum of Dominican Resistance has more limited opening hours, usually Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a similar fee as the Botanical Garden.

All in all, these lesser-known Santo Domingo attractions offer an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Dominican culture, history and nature. They are an excellent complement to a visit to the more popular Zona Colonial sites and allow you to see different facets of this fascinating city. Whether you are interested in geology, history or nature, Santo Domingo has something to offer that will make your weekend in the Dominican capital an unforgettable experience.