Founded in 1504 as a mining town and demolished by an earthquake in 1562, SANTIAGO has been associated with tobacco since it was introduced for export to the French in 1697, and is also the home of merengue périco ripao - the classic Dominican music using accordion, tambora and güira.

Today, there's a good club scene based mostly around this indigenous music, so you won't lack for fun at nights. During the day, downtown Santiago supplies enough diversions to merit a full day or two of ambling about.