How safe is Santo Domingo?

[Kent]

I?ve been to D.R twice this far - but just in Cabarete, Puerto Plata, Sosua, Santiago and Rio San Juan. In december I might return for 1-2 weeks vacation. I?ve been thinking of to go to Santo Domingo this time but I?ve heard that the city ain?t safe. Well, I did not have any problems with the other towns. I could take a safe walk through them all daily and mainly whole nightly as well - event if I stayed away from some "dangerous" streets without street-lights.
I like to walk much daily, see some museums, visits restaurants, go to the beach etc. and at the night walk between the bars, nightclubs etc., but is Santo Domingo safe enough to do that? Must I take a taxi between all places? I heard S.D have lots of big youth gangs walking on the streets at night and people waiting outside the hotels to rob tourists. I hope these things are just myths.

 

[Eddy]

I travel to Santo Domingo regularily and have never had any problems. Of course there are some barrios where I would not set foot but overall I think it is as safe as any other place in the DR. As for young groups waiting for tourists outside of hotels, I've never seen any, at least on the malecon (Jaragua etc.) area. You can walk down the Conde at any time, we walked at around 10:00 PM and were the only "non dominicans" in site, never were hassled. We even thought at one time that we were invisible. We walked from the Jaragua to Plaza Espagne which is a long way and through some small streets and the only time people addressed us was to say "Buenas Noche". BTW try the ham plate at the Museo del Jamon in the plaza.

 

[ECH, M.D.]

I have lived ten years in Santo Domingo. It is probably safer than most cities of comparable size. There are areas that it is not advisable to go, even during the day time! Use the same precautions you would use any where. Avoid dark, lonely areas and streets. Always be aware of your surroundings. Santo Domingo can be a great place....after all, it is the capital city!

 

[rubio]

i live in new york and without doubt i am safer in santo domingo than new york

 

[RayJ]

When I was there in Oct. of 2000, I would walk from the Hotel Napolitano on the Malecon to the El Conde, a distance of maybe 10 blocks. The streets are not brightly lit but I did not feel threatend at all. The local people spill out into the street. To me it was a special experience. It is what I will remember most fondly of my first trip to the DR.

Ray

 

[ChicacagoChris]

I agree with ECH, MD. I even look over my shoulder in my home town here in the states. As per Eddy, he's bigger than the rest of us. Will be in SDQ in about a week and a half. Anybody want to get together?