The Colonial City of Santo Domingo

Published: July 12, 2019

The Colonial City — known locally as the Zona Colonial or simply “La Zona” — is where Santo Domingo began, and with it the European presence in the Americas. Its compact grid of streets on the west bank of the Ozama River was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, and today it is the most rewarding place in the city to spend a day on foot.

What to see

Start at Parque Colón, the main square, framed by the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the first cathedral built in the Americas. Walk down Calle Las Damas, considered the first paved street of the New World, to the Fortaleza Ozama, a sixteenth-century fortress overlooking the river. At the end of the street, Plaza de España opens onto the Alcázar de Colón and the Museo de las Casas Reales.

Calle El Conde, the pedestrian spine of the district, links Parque Colón with Parque Independencia and is lined with shops, cafés and street life. The ruins of the Monasterio de San Francisco and the Panteón de la Patria are also worth the detour.

Tips for your visit

Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat, wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones, and stay for dinner: the Zona Colonial has some of the most atmospheric restaurants and rooftop bars in the city. Our concierge team can arrange a taxi or a private driver from both towers.