# COLONIAL CITY 7 
The Colonial City of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the historic heart of the Dominican Republic, renowned for its cobblestone streets, 16th-century architecture, and vibrant cultural landmarks.
Its layout, designed by Christopher Columbus’s brother, Bartolomé, reflects the first European settlement in the Americas, housing iconic monuments and museums.
City District 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1990
by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 4.0
# CATEDRAL SANTA MARĂŤA LA MENOR 6 
Catedral Santa MarĂa la Menor, the oldest cathedral in the Americas, boasts a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles and serves as a spiritual cornerstone of Santo Domingo since its completion in 1540.
This majestic structure, constructed of coral limestone, features intricate altars, historic artifacts, and a connection to Christopher Columbus’s voyages.
Cathedral 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1984
by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Calle Las Damas 6
Calle Las Damas, the first paved street in the Americas, is lined with elegant colonial buildings, including the Casa de Bastidas and the PanteĂłn Nacional, offering a picturesque journey into the history of Santo Domingo.
Named after the ladies of the Spanish court who strolled here, the street is a blend of historical intrigue and architectural beauty.
by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Plaza de España 5 
Plaza de España, a sprawling square overlooking the Ozama River, serves as a central hub for cultural events and gatherings, flanked by the Alcázar de Colón and numerous restaurants.
This historic plaza, illuminated by evening lights, invites visitors to relive Santo Domingo's colonial splendor.
by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Alcázar de Colón 5
The Alcázar de Colón, a 16th-century palace built for Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, features striking Gothic-Mudéjar architecture and houses a museum displaying period furnishings and artifacts.
This emblematic structure is a testament to the opulent lifestyle of the early Spanish settlers in the Americas.
by ItDozent / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Calle el Conde 5
Calle El Conde is Santo Domingo’s oldest pedestrian street, lined with colonial-era architecture, shops, restaurants, and street vendors, creating a dynamic mix of history and modern commerce.
by Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 4.0
# JardĂn Botánico Nacional 5
Spanning 400 acres, the JardĂn Botánico Nacional is a verdant oasis showcasing diverse ecosystems, including a Japanese garden and an extensive palm collection, making it one of the largest botanical gardens in the Caribbean.
It offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and a learning space for biodiversity conservation.
by AFI / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Museo de Las Casas Reales 5
Housed in a grand 16th-century colonial building, the Museo de Las Casas Reales chronicles the history of the Spanish colony in the Americas, featuring artifacts, maps, and weaponry that highlight the region's cultural and political evolution.
Its architecture alone is a testament to the grandeur of Santo Domingo's colonial past.
by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 4.0
# National Palace 5
An emblem of Dominican governance, the National Palace is a neoclassical architectural masterpiece that serves as the office of the President and Vice President, symbolizing the nation’s modern political identity.
Its ornate design and lush surroundings make it a standout feature of Santo Domingo’s cityscape.
by K-Bien / CC BY-SA 3.0
#10 | Ozama Fortress 5
As the oldest standing military structure in the Americas, the Ozama Fortress, built in 1502, reflects the strategic importance of Santo Domingo in the Spanish conquest, offering panoramic views of the Ozama River and the Colonial Zone.
Its preserved towers and walls are a window into early colonial defense systems.
by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 4.0
#11 | Parque ColĂłn 4 
Located in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, Parque Colón is a lively square anchored by a statue of Christopher Columbus, surrounded by historical landmarks such as the stunning Catedral Primada de América and bustling with local vendors, musicians, and artists.
The park serves as a vibrant gathering spot where history blends with everyday Dominican life.
by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 4.0
Three Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos) 6
Three Eyes National Park features a series of stunning underground lagoons surrounded by lush vegetation and limestone caves, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s geological wonders and indigenous history.
The park’s ethereal beauty and accessibility make it a must-visit natural landmark.
National Park Distance from Santo Domingo: 13 km
by Swatigsood / CC BY-SA 2.0
Saona Island 5
Saona Island, a protected national park within the Cotubanamá reserve, boasts pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, drawing thousands of visitors as a quintessential Caribbean paradise.
Its unspoiled nature and charm serve as a symbol of the Dominican Republic’s ecological treasures.
Island Distance from Santo Domingo: around 3h by bus and boat
by Danu Widjajanto / CC BY-SA 4.0