declared the perfect holiday destination, then Santo Domingo would probably be a prime candidate, with its modern sophistication, old world charm and Latin charisma, not to mention its position on the tropical southern Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic. The only blight on the landscape is the crime rate: robbery, muggings and petty theft are common so guard your belongings with care. Santo Domingo is used to being first: it was the first European settlement in the 'New World'; it boasts the western hemisphere’s first cathedral, first monastery, first hospital, first university and first law court. Known as the 'Colonial City' it is now a delightful area of cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings interspersed with cafes, bars, small hotels and restaurants. Visitors don’t need to stray from the Colonial City to enjoy a great time in the city, but it is advisable not to ignore the modern part of Santo Domingo.