The Colonial Zone - More than Just a Tourist Trap?

The Colonial Zone, (Zona Colonial in Spanish), is a well known hot spot in Santo Domingo. Every tourist in Santo Domingo goes there. The cruise ships unload, literally boats full of people, and tour groups are a common sight. Does this mean that the Colonial City is nothing more than a tourist trap designed to take your money and give you little real cultural experience? Far from it!

If you’re planning an adventure to the Deep South, you most likely will pass through Santo Domingo. The Colonial City is full of history, culture, food, art and incredible architecture - enough to make even the most city-averse people swoon. The area is famously known for its Calle El Conde, a pedestrian only street that is full of gift shops, quick restaurants and some pretty photo opportunities. While this street is worth a brief pass through due to its fame and character, we feel that the best of the area is in the surrounding streets.

Here are our tips and recommendations for how to experience the best of the Colonial City:

5 Tips for Your Trip to Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone

#1 START YOUR DAY EARLY

Lunch time until mid-afternoon gets hot here! Aim to be indoors or somewhere with good shade and a breeze at this time.

In the morning you can enjoy cooler weather and see the scenery change as the early sun bounces off the historic buildings. You will get to enjoy the streets while they are quieter and less crowded. If you’re really a morning person, the sunrise here is magical. If morning isn’t your thing, that’s ok. Just wait to head out until after the sun has settled a little behind the buildings so you will have some shade to walk in.

When you’re ready for coffee, head to Casa Barista. To the coffee aficionados, this place is for you. This is a real farm-to-mug experience. Casa Barista sources their beans here in the Dominican Republic and is involved through the prepping, roasting and tasting process. In the shop, you can choose from a variety of brew methods, all of which are fantastic!

As if this weren’t enough, the shop’s interior combines a modern industrial aesthetic perfectly with the historic charm that has been preserved in the building. Copper tables and exposed pipes perfectly complement the colonial era stone and archways.

Casa Barista is not just for breakfast, it's open all day and has a 100% gluten-free menu!

#2 STAY AT A HOTEL OR AIRBNB IN THE AREA

This is a great area to walk. Everything is accessible and close. There is also a good amount of security presence that helps with the safety concerns of being in a big city. Staying in the Colonial City is a particularly great option if you don’t have your own transportation. You’ll be able to walk to the bank, supermarket, and pharmacy if you need to. If you’re planning on continuing your journey to the South, you will be able to stock up on any last minute items you may need.Mosquito Boutique Hotel is one of many options of places to stay in the area. They currently have 13 guest rooms all built around a charming courtyard full of greenery. Even if you don’t stay here, we recommend passing by to grab a bite to eat or a drink! The food is divine! We recommend the empanadas de lomo saltado and pretty much any drink on the menu.

#3 IF YOU GET TIRED OF WALKING, RENT A BIKE

Biking is a great way to see more of the Colonial City if your time is limited. You can cruise around a little quicker than walking and you’ll have a little basket to carry your belongings. “Bicis,” as they call them here, are available for rent at a variety of locations. Personally, we love Zona Bici. In addition to bikes, they have Dominican made coffee and beer available. Not a bad way to start a ride or cool off after…or both!

#4 EXPERIENCE LOCAL FLAVORS

You will not have trouble finding a place to eat, as there are tons of options. However, many of these places have the advantage of a prime location which gives them the ability to charge more for food that is just alright. Of course, not every restaurant is like this, but it’s good to be aware of this when you’re picking a lunch spot. If it seems a little too convenient or prices a little too high, chances are there is something better coming up. It’s worth walking an extra block or two to get the good stuff!

Since we are talking about experiencing Dominican culture today, I will recommend a place that we recently found, Tornasol Restaurante. This is a very traditional Dominican eatery with some delicious food. It doesn’t hurt to add that it’s very budget friendly, with plates ranging around 3-7 USD! It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from the main hub of the Colonial City. The area is fairly safe, but around lunch time, many people are indoors due to the heat. Walking with a group is a good idea. Taking Uber would also be a cheap, easy, and much cooler way of getting there if you aren’t up for the walk.

If you are looking for a more upscale Dominican dining experience, we recommend Jalao, Buche Perico and El Buho Eatery. Jalao has live music from Wednesday-Saturday night starting around 9pm. There is a small cover fee if you arrive after 7pm, but it is worth it!

Photo credit: Instagram @jalao.rd

#5 DO YOUR RESEARCH

The Colonial City is filled with museums, some big and obvious, others tucked away, hardly noticeable. If you have an interest, do some research before your trip and see which ones speak to you. Admission rates vary but are generally very cheap. From historic museums, to chocolate museums, to children’s science museums, there really is something for everyone.

Find out ahead of time if there are any special events going on.

grupo bonye in Santo Domingo — Photo credit: Instagram @bonyerd

There is a cultural experience that happens every Sunday night that you do not want to miss. The band, Grupo Bonyé, has been performing live music weekly in the Ruins of San Francisco in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo for years. Update: Due to restoration of this area, they have moved their weekly show to the other side of the ruins. Click here to see the map. This legendary group embodies all things Caribbean, performing a variety of salsa, merengue, and other Latin American styles of music. You may not set out with the plan to dance, but this lively group will have you up on your feet in no time. Dominican’s love affair with music and rhythm is evident in every person there! This free, outdoor show starts at 6 pm every Sunday.

So, Is Zona Colonial a Tourist Trap?

It’s true, there are some very touristy things about the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, like the abundance of gift shops and street performers, but it is also a special place to experience fun and colorful Dominican culture in a unique way. The juxtaposition of Dominican history and the creativity of a young generation make this a place you don’t want to miss.

Ready to plan your trip to the heart of the Dominican Republic? We can craft a trip for you that combines spending time in a colonial property in the city followed by a tropical beach destination. Click here to fill out our free vacation survey to let us know what you are looking for in a cutom vacation.