Zona Colonial
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo: Hours, Address, Zona Colonial Reviews: 4.5/5
Zona Colonial
Zona Colonial
4.5
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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Top ways to experience Zona Colonial
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
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
Contribute
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Como llegar a la zona colonial tomando transporte público
Firulais
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic263 contributions
Si es desde el aeropuerto de las Américas, no hay transporte público y los taxis son caros. Le aconsejo utilice Uber, es seguro y económico
Que es más segura la zona colonial o el centro de Santo Domingo
Jeffrey Matos
Dominican Republic273 contributions
Debido a que la zona colonial es un area turistica se puede decir que es segura, de hecho cuenta con un cuerpo de policias dedicado a la zona. La zona centrica de santo domingo donde se encuentran los hoteles de ciudad de cadenas conocidas tambien es seguro, los delincuentes no andan haciendo cosas de manera abierta, sin embargo toca usar el sentido comun y aplicar normas de seguridad basicas. No andar descuidado, mostrando prendas y articulos de valor. Pidan recomendaciones en los hoteles donde se hospedan, documentese antes de salir respecto a los lugares a visitar y sus zonas aledañas, no ande por zonas que no conoce y de las cuales no tiene informacion.
Nico B
Alessandria, Italy
É sicura come zona...cioè di sera si può girare?
MaxPower
Naples, Italy1,715 contributions
La zona coloniale è molto affascinante e ricca di monumenti di interesse storico, ma la notte tra locali notturni e domanicane dedite alla prostituzione si trasforma e diventa una zona al quanto pericolosa
barbara
Santiago de la Ribera, Spain321 contributions
Es recomendable recorrer la zona colonial por cuenta propia?
Puede aparcarse cerca de la ciudad colonial ?
Estamos pensando alquilar un coche en nuestro hotel en La Romana y hacer una excursión por nuestra cuenta al centro y al parque de los 3 ojos.
lima_sr
Lima, Peru827 contributions
Si puedes recorrer la zona colonial por tu cuenta, yo lo hice hace un par de dias. Tanto de dia como de noche, realmente no hay muchos lugares para estacionar, en lo que camine solo vi algunas zonas destinadas a los taxistas o calle un poco alejadas. Podrias tomar un taxi en promedio cuestan como 300 pesos dominicanos que son como 6 dolares maso menos. Depende del tipo de cambio del dia. El parque de los tres ojos lo puedes hacer tomando un taxi y contratando el servicio de guia. En la zona colonial hay casetas de servicio al turista, a mi me ayudaron mucho porque te recomiendan los mejores lugares y te dan un mapa de toda la zona colonial. Que te diviertas!
T O
Minneaopolis, MN64 contributions
Do u know what time the live music starts at Las Ruinas on Sundays? And/or Plz Espana? thx!
Ivan García
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic24 contributions
From 4:00pm 9:30pm at Ruinas de San Francisco. Bonye group
catDstan
Boston, MA
Are credit cards an acceptable form of payment? Which ones, if so.
Cristina G
St. Catharines, Canada102 contributions
yes, almost everywhere
Christel Z
1 contribution
Sind 4 unternehmungslustige Senioren und haben leider nur 1 1/2 Tage Zeit in S.D. Gibt es evtl. einen deutschsprachigen Guide, der uns 4 ein bisschen herumführt, herumfährt etc.?
Oder was sollten wir in der kurzen Zeit alles sehen?
Wäre toll, wenn sich Jemend auf unsere Frage meldet. Sind vom 22.-23.03.17 in S.D. Danke, Mammachef
Dominique Detain
L'Hay-les-Roses, France951 contributions
Please ask your question in english or french.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zona Colonial
- Zona Colonial is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- 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
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Zona Colonial:
- Santo Domingo Sights & Bites walking tour (From $60.00)
- Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana (From $95.00)
- Santo Domingo Best Kept Secrets (From $31.03)
- Platinum Private Santo Domingo City Tour. (From $150,000.00)
- Colonial Santo Domingo and hidden natural beauties City Tour (From $159.99)
- Hotels near Zona Colonial:
- (0.01 mi) Hotel Conde de Penalba
- (0.13 mi) Hotel Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando
- (0.08 mi) Novus Plaza Hodelpa
- (0.08 mi) Hodelpa Caribe Colonial
- (0.04 mi) Casa del Sol
- Restaurants near Zona Colonial:
- (0.01 mi) Cafeteria Restaurant El Conde
- (0.02 mi) Jalao
- (0.03 mi) Green Bar Lunch
- (0.03 mi) Ki Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) Tribu Restaurante
- Attractions near Zona Colonial:
- (0.01 mi) Amber Museum
- (0.01 mi) Parque Colón
- (0.04 mi) Colonial Tour and Travel
- (0.06 mi) Zona Bici
- (0.10 mi) El Sendero del Cacao