While the Dominican Republic's coasts provide relaxation at every turn, Santo Domingo and the South Central Region are all hustle and bustle. With just over three million people, Santo Domingo serves as the Caribbean's most diverse destination and, arguably, the most vibrant. The city itself displays contrasts at every turn. Contemporary hotels sit on ancient cobblestone streets, luxury cars park beside well-worn scooters, and eclectic cuisine at hip restaurants is served next to street vendors serving traditional Dominican fare.

As the oldest city in the New World, Santo Domingo features the first cathedral, first university and first hospital of the Americas. In fact, visitors often note that the well-preserved Zona Colonial makes them feel as though they've been transported in time.

Despite all this history, Santo Domingo is quite modern and very continental. The city's restaurants offer just about any cuisine in the world, boutiques and major chain retailers from the U.S. and Europe have set-up shops, and a wealth of museums, galleries and theaters ensure countless cultural events.