Malecon

This picturesque part of Santo Domingo is where the new overshadows the old: Nowhere in sight is the crumbling cobblestone of the Zona Colonial; in its place are shiny waterfront casinos and hotels that sidle a handful of cafés and nightclubs. Even if your hotel isn't located in this part of town (on George Washington Avenue, southwest of the Zona and parallel to the Avenida Independencia), you should still come down at least once for some sightseeing and gambling, a delicious meal or a little nighttime merengue and bachata dancing. Just keep in mind: Though it's by the water, Santo Domingo's Malecón has more of a look-but-don't-touch type of beach. As one Yahoo! Travel writes, "It saddens me that the coastline is not kept a little cleaner." You should also keep your wits about you moving around at night; this area has sometimes been prone to pickpockets.