In short
Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is the first permanent European settlement in the New World, founded in 1498, and the Caribbean's first World Heritage site. First cathedral, first university, first paved street on the continent.
It is a capital of three million people living off its own economy, not off tourism. The beaches are elsewhere, to the east or the north.
What it really costs
Living costs are markedly lower than in Punta Cana, where prices follow the all-inclusive model. Housing in the Zona Colonial or Gazcue stays affordable.
The Dominican peso floats: paying in pesos rather than dollars is always better value, including where both are accepted.
What nobody tells you
Power cuts are frequent outside the central districts. Accommodation with an inverter or a generator is not a luxury on a long stay.
Traffic is heavy and motoconchos — motorbike taxis — are the fastest way around but offer no safety guarantee at all. Ride-hailing apps exist and are cheap.
Hurricane season runs from June to November. The island is large and the south is less exposed than the north coast.