Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
Type
Tours
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2.5-3.5 hours
Price
$25-60 USD
Min Age
5+
Group Size
6-15
Best Season
Year-round (mornings best to avoid heat)
Fitness
Low
Rating
4.7/5
Physical Req.
Easy to moderate. The tour covers approximately 2-3 kilometers over 2-3 hours on mostly flat terrain. Streets are cobblestone and can be uneven. There are occasional steps at historical buildings. The pace is leisurely with frequent stops at landmarks.
The Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone) of Santo Domingo is the oldest permanent European settlement in the Americas, founded by Bartholomew Columbus in 1498. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, this 12-block historic district contains an extraordinary concentration of 16th-century architecture, including the first cathedral, first monastery, first hospital, and first university established in the New World.
A walking tour through the Colonial Zone is a journey through 500+ years of history, from the Spanish conquest and colonial rule through the Haitian occupation, the Trujillo dictatorship, and the vibrant Dominican culture of today. The cobblestone streets are lined with beautifully restored buildings, shaded plazas, artisan shops, and some of Santo Domingo's best restaurants and bars.
Walking tours typically last 2-3 hours and cover the major historic landmarks:
Many guided tours also weave in lesser-known gems — hidden courtyards, street art alleys, and local shops where artisans make larimar jewelry and hand-rolled cigars.
Get the most out of your Colonial Zone visit with these suggestions:
The Colonial Zone is located on the western bank of the Ozama River in central Santo Domingo:
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2.5-3.5 hours
Price
$25-60 USD
Best Season
Year-round (mornings best to avoid heat)
Meeting Point
Parque Colón (Columbus Park)
This activity is in
Santo Domingo →