Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, bills itself as the oldest European city in the New World. What’s more, the city is also known for it racy nightlife, great array of restaurants and lots of shopping possibilities. The Colonial City features Independence Park and the Ozama River scenery. The New World’s oldest church, the Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Menor is within the walled city. The Plaza of Culture is home to a few museums tracing the city’s history. The Santo Domingo Botanical Gardens is the largest collection of plant life in the Caribbean.