The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is a place full of history and charm that transports visitors through time. With its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, it is a must-see tourist destination in the Dominican Republic.
In this blog post, we will explore the highlights of the Colonial Zone and discover five activities you can do during your visit to this beautiful city.
Visit the historical monuments If you are passionate about history and want to learn more about the culture of Santo Domingo, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the historical monuments. From antique fortresses to majestic cathedrals, each of these sites has a unique history that will transport you back in time and allow you to discover the rich heritage of our past.
Museum of the Royal Houses Located in the historic center of the colonial city, it was created by King Fernando II, to serve as the seat of the Royal Audience in the New World. This museum had a second palace called Capitanía General, place where the outstanding personalities of the history lived among them Bartolomé Colón. Among its rooms were lived important events of history that are worth knowing.
Alcazar of Columbus Vice-regal Palace The Alcazar of Columbus built in the mid-sixteenth century to house the royal families, is now one of the most emblematic museums of Dominican history, and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Naval Museum of the Royal Shipyards (MAR) It is installed in a building of the old royal shipyard that served as a place of construction and repair of ships. Inside it has an impressive collection of naval and maritime objects and artifacts. In addition to an interesting exhibition on the history of the Dominican Navy.
The First Cathedral of America If you like cathedrals, I invite you to visit the first cathedral of the New World founded in 1546 by the Pope Paul III at the request of the Emperor Charles V, its style is Gothic and Renaissance, the main facade has three doors with access to the Columbus Park.
Explore the Colonial Zone by bicycle If you like to take care of the environment, we invite you to explore Calle El Conde, Las Mercedes, and Las Damas by bicycle, a respectful and ecological means of transportation that will allow you to enjoy a pleasant ride through the colonial city. In the area you will find several companies that are dedicated to offer the rental service for an affordable price.
Have fun on a tour on the Chu Chu Train It is a 45-minute train ride where participants can enjoy a journey of knowledge that encompasses 500 years of history of the Colonial City.
Enjoy the local gastronomy In the Colonial City you can enjoy the local gastronomy, there you will find a diversity of restaurants that offer typical Dominican food, tropical fruit cocktails and a series of dishes that represent Latin American countries. There are informal restaurants such as fast food to à la carte restaurants with the best atmosphere and some with live music for the night.
Explore El Conde Street and its commercial varieties. In every trip we always have to take souvenirs to our friends and family, in the peatonal street El Conde, you can enjoy a walking tour through its cobblestone street of one kilometer long, and know each of the commercial establishments, where you will find handmade artisan products, paintings, street food, street vendors and all kinds of souvenirs to take away.
Get to know the parks and gardens of the Colonial Zone
The ruins of the San Francisco Monastery If you are one of those who enjoy the outdoors, this tour is for you. The ruins of the San Francisco Monastery consist of a church, a convent and a cemetery and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990 and two years later it was declared a national park.
The Plaza Parque Columbus This open-air park is part of the patrimony of humanity. During the colonial era it was surrounded by imposing buildings such as the cathedral and the city hall, among other respectable constructions, and was the site of celebrations and events of the society of the time.
A single visit to the Colonial City of Santo Domingo can offer a wide variety of unique and unforgettable experiences. From discovering the city’s rich history to sampling the delicious local cuisine and exploring its colorful markets, there is something for everyone. In addition, you can’t miss the architectural beauty of the colonial buildings and the vibrant nightlife the city has to offer. A visit to the Colonial City is definitely an experience not to be missed.
