Senior travel: Santo Domingo
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 39 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Palacio NacionalStep-free: yes · about 20 minThe pavement outside is flat; interior access is unknown.
- Malecón (Avenida George Washington)Step-free: yes · about 45 minA flat promenade, with kerbs at crossings; the best wheelchair stretch in the city.
- Panteón NacionalStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 25 minSteps at the entrance; the nave is flat stone.
- Parque Independencia and the Altar de la PatriaStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 30 minThe park is flat with ramps at some entrances; the mausoleum has steps.
- Catedral Primada de AméricaStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 35 minA step at the entrance and uneven stone floors; the square outside is cobbled.
- Alcázar de ColónStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minStairs between floors; the ground floor and courtyard are easier.
- Fortaleza OzamaStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 55 minUneven stone, steps to the tower and no ramp on the wall.
Getting around in Santo Domingo
Hard on wheels. Cobbles, high kerbs and parked cars block the Zona Colonial; the Malecón and the courtyards of the main museums are flatter.
- Pavements:
- Narrow, often blocked by cars; you walk in the street.
- Transport:
- App cars fit a folded chair; the metro has lifts at some stations (check).
- Toilets:
- Accessible ones are rare outside malls and larger hotels.
- Hotels:
- Pick one with a lift and a ground-floor room; many old houses have steps.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Dominican Republic guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Mosquitoes:
- Dengue, chikungunya and Zika are present; use repellent in the evening and sleep in an AC room or under a net.
- Water and food:
- Drink bottled or filtered water; eat food that is hot and freshly cooked.
- Sun:
- High UV; use SPF 30+ and a hat, and rest at midday.
- Vaccines:
- Ask a travel clinic about routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid before you fly (check current advice).
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.