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  • Aerial view of the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic, showing historic buildings, plazas, and the waterfront
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Colonial Zone Santo Domingo

The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, known in Spanish as Zona Colonial, is the oldest European settlement in the Americas and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1498, it is the historic heart of the Dominican Republic and a living museum of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant local culture.

Visitors to the Colonial Zone can explore landmarks such as the Catedral Primada de América, the first cathedral in the New World; Parque Colón, the bustling main square; and Calle Las Damas, the oldest paved street in the Americas. The district is also home to centuries-old forts, monasteries, and palaces that reveal the story of Spanish colonization and Dominican heritage.

Beyond history, the Colonial Zone is a lively neighborhood with cafés, art galleries, boutique hotels, and restaurants serving authentic Dominican cuisine. It is both a cultural treasure and a dynamic hub where the past and present meet.

Easily accessible from the Port of Santo Domingo, the Colonial Zone is a must-visit destination for cruise passengers, history lovers, and travelers seeking authentic experiences. Whether by day or night, its colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere make it one of the most photogenic and iconic spots in the Caribbean.

 Distance

  • From Santo Domingo Airport → ~30 minutes.

  • From Port of Santo Domingo (Don Diego Terminal) → walking distance.

Tuk-Tuk parked in front of Atarazanas Reales in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone at sunset

45-Minute TukTuk Tour of Santo Domingo Colonial Zone

Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $

Explore Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone on a 45-minute Tuk Tuk tour. See historic plazas, cathedrals, and cobblestone streets in comfort and style.

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Family with children making chocolate at KahKow Experience in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

Colonial Zone & Chocolate Tour Santo Domingo – KahKow Experience

Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
From $

Explore Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone and enjoy the interactive KahKow Chocolate Experience with tastings & workshop. Perfect shore excursion.

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Chu Chu Colonial Train passing by a historic church in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone.

Colonial Zone Train: 45 Minutes of History & Culture

Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $

Discover Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone aboard the Chu Chu train: a 45-minute, family-friendly ride through UNESCO landmarks with multilingual commentary.

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Exterior view of the First Cathedral of the Americas in Santo Domingo, Colonial Zone, at sunset.

Santo Domingo City Tour – Full-Day from Puerto Plata

Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $

Full-day trip from Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo. Visit Los Tres Ojos, Columbus Lighthouse, and the Colonial Zone with museums, history, and lunch included.

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Most Popular
Aerial view of the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo with the Cathedral and surrounding historic buildings.

Santo Domingo Half-Day City Tour – Colonial Zone, Los Tres Ojos & Columbus Lighthouse

Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $

Half-day Santo Domingo City Tour: Los Tres Ojos, Colonial Zone walking tour, Cathedral, Taíno Center, and Columbus Lighthouse (exterior photo stop).

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