Caribbean
Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo Province
Santo Domingo
Things to Do in Santo Domingo
Zona Colonial

Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo: Hours, Address, Zona Colonial Reviews: 4.5/5

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Zona Colonial

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See all things to do
Zona Colonial
4.5
3,128
#3 of 200 things to do in Santo Domingo
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
315 within 3 miles
Nacan Restaurant
396
0.1 mi$$$$ • Steakhouse • International • Contemporary
Pat'e Palo European Brasserie
2,287
0.2 mi$$$$ • Italian • Caribbean • Latin
Morrofino
567
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Caribbean • Latin
Buche Perico
561
420 ft$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Latin • Contemporary
El Buho Café
70
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Cafe • Pub
Mesón de Bari
502
455 ft$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
Jalao
675
125 ft$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Latin • Bar
La Briciola di Santo Domingo
249
0.1 mi$$$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
TIME Vegetarian Kitchen
110
396 ft$$ - $$$ • Contemporary • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
Paletas Bajo Cero
68
510 ft$ • Dessert • American • Latin
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Attractions
149 within 6 miles
Amber Museum
9
29 ftArt Galleries • Art Museums
Parque Colón
931
79 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
El Sendero del Cacao
182
0.1 miFarms
Kahkow Experience
339
521 ftFarms
Calle Las Damas
1,107
0.1 miHistoric Walking Areas
Panteon Nacional
702
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Cemeteries
ChocoMuseo Santo Domingo
296
229 ftSpeciality Museums
Chu Chu Colonial
487
233 ftNeighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Amber World Museum
166
406 ftSpeciality Museums
Convento de los Dominicos
83
488 ftHistoric Sites
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,128 reviews
Excellent
1,751
Very good
1,027
Average
284
Poor
48
Terrible
18
Jenny H
12 contributions
Santo Domingo City Walking with Ramon the Guide
Dec 2021
We tripped across our guide Ramon by chance as we were parking our car downtown. We had planned a self-guided wander of the old city but instead Ramon recommended a guided 2-3 hour walking tour. He has been guiding for 30+ years and it was obvious he knew most people around town and was able to talk his way into areas that were off limits (like the embassy) or sights that had already closed for the day,. We really felt like we got the inside scoop on the city. Ramon gave us the facts on every sight fast and furious. However, we did manage to cram in all the major tourist sights, marvelled at the amazing architecture and even salsa'ed at an impromptu stop at the Merengue Club. This was not your usual tour. Ramon was entertaining, a skilled tour guide and in our opinion as much a hidden gem as the city itself. If you happen to find yourself in Santo Domingo with a few hours to spare be sure to look Ramon up. You won't regret it.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Oliver Bothfeld
35 contributions
Good and exciting location
Apr 2021 • Family
Had a blast walking around the old buildings and the museum that tells you all about Colon. Grounds and street are clean and feels safe to be. Restaurants are very good and we had lunch at Nadan where all type of food is served.

Recommend renting a bike for an hour and cycle around freely; it only costs around RD$ 300 per hour per bike.
Written April 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Janet M
Panama Province, Panama16 contributions
Much to see and do.
Sep 2021
Many places to see, foods to try, just people watching. Do not miss the Rum Museum and meet its owner and chemist, Altagracia Carrasco. The building, on Calle Isabel La Catolica, is interesting on it s own. Watch cigar rolling at La Layenda del Cigarro on El Conde.
On Sundays the central square, across the street from the Chu Chu, is a happening place. There were free music lessons or you could try out different instruments. Buy some corn to feed the pigeons.
Each restaurant has its specialty. I liked the Dominican breakfast and ate at many different restaurants. Try some of the French pastries at the Cafe de France.
Of course there are the well advertised museums like the Alcazar and the Museo De Las Casas Reales, each well worth a visit. A ride on the Chu Chu is a good way to get an overview of the area.
If you take the time to read the plaques, you can discover lesser known bits of history. One example is the Maria De Toledo Square. She fought against mistreatment of the Taino natives.
El Conde street, its restaurants and stores, is handicap accessible but not all the older attractions. Most have steps and staircases.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RCDS_Family
South Frontenac, Canada389 contributions
Lots to See
Nov 2021
We had a walking tour of the Zona Colonial.

There was a lot to see.

The architecture was amazing. There were a lot of picture opportunities.
Keep an eye out for the little details. They are everywhere.

Often, there was shade on one side of the street.

There are a lot of street vendors walking around with Larimar, paintings, or other tourist souvenirs.
Written November 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ck_Nest
Kennesaw, GA194 contributions
Great Family Stroll
Apr 2021 • Family
This was one of the nicest places to visit for a relaxing time with the family. Everyone had a little bit of something. There was some historical sites, parks, and restaurants. The people were nice and helpful throughout the zone. I’d recommend keeping some cash available in small denominations for smaller purchases.
Written April 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JanisN123
Crown Point, IN611 contributions
Favorite Part of our visit
Jun 2021
Walking around Zona Colonial was the highlight of the trip for me. My husband has family in DR so they took us around to the various sights, but I did find a map of the area if you want to do it on your own. I loved the old city stops. In the square by the statue of Christopher Columbus there was an excellent band/orchestra set up playing music. Everyone was gathered and singing along, it was amazing.

We saw so many historical places and learned a ton. We also got to see where my FIL grew up and met a lot of family on this trip. It was wonderful.
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Blackgurl lost
8 contributions
Perfect stroll during the day or at night
Jan 2020
I love Zona! There are lost of restaurants and bars hidden within ancient buildings with lovey seating areas & courtyards. At night you get the real feel of the people and their culture. I enjoined seeing how they make use of all the outdoor parks. In the late evening people bring out their bottles of wine/beer, chairs and dominos\chest games to enjoy with friends and family. The park is filled with lost of laughter and people just sitting around having a good time while their children run around playing. Zona is a perfect tourist destination.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jbushman2017
Nipomo, CA440 contributions
Worthy of its UNESCO Designation
Jun 2021 • Couples
One of the best, if not the best colonial zone you will find in Latin America. I have traveled a lot and was surprised and impressed by the colonial zone here in Santo Domingo. Yes it boosts the older cathedral, university, and fort in Latin America but more importantly you have a large colonial zone with many, many old structures that make the area very attractive to walk around. There are guides around all the important monuments waiting and willing to tell you about the sights or give you an hour long walking tour. Plaza Colon and Plaza Espana on the Sunday we were there were all bustling with locals so the authenticity and vibrancy of this zone was intoxicating. We spent one day just looking and walking and another day actually visiting the museums. One forgets that 100 years BEFORE then United States had its first colony, Santo Domingo was the commercially successful nexus of the new world. Oh and where else can you see where Columbus landed and the house his son built and lived in.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
paola b
18 contributions
Charming
Mar 2019 • Friends
I love cuidad colonial. This town has so much history, it’s know as the city of “the first” because this is where Christopher Columbus came to when he discovered hispañola island. So the first university, hospital, church ect of the America’s is located here. Besides the history , there are many great restaurants and shops. Very artsy town , lots going on all the time. Love casa de teatro and the many galleries in the town. I highly recommend this area.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
gabgab13
Colorado195 contributions
Soo much history
Jan 2020 • Friends
We got a private tour through Ken, love him our guides nick name was mr professor, he was amazing. This area is amazing with history around every corner. These are the oldest colonial buildings in the western hemisphere. Everything here are first. I would recommended getting a private or small group, the big tour groups going through here looked horrible bored and crowded.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Zona Colonial
Zona Colonial is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Zona Colonial tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 40 Zona Colonial tours on Tripadvisor