Santo Domingo Small Group Walking Tour: Beer and Specialty Coffee

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Zona Colonial

   Explore Santo Domingo's charming historic neighborhood, full of cultural attractions, restaurants, and parks. Stroll along Calle El Conde, a pedestrian street lined with shops, art, and cafes. Discover the oldest sites in the Americas, including the first cathedral, paved street, monastery, hospital, university, and military fortress.

   Pass by without stopping

2. Parque Colon

   Columbus Park is the central square of Santo Domingo's historic district. Here, you can find the statue of Christopher Columbus, in whose honor the square was renamed in 1887.

   5 minutes here

3. This cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary of the Incarnation, is the first and oldest in the Americas. Construction began in 1504 and took 46 years.

   20 minutes here · Admission included

4. Calle Las Damas

   This is the “street of the ladies,” the first paved road in the Americas. The architecture dates back to the 16th century and the narrow road contains colonial buildings now serving as museums, embassies, and upscale hotels.

   15 minutes here

5. Fortaleza Ozama

   The Ozama Fortress, built by the Spanish in the early 16th century, is the first permanent military structure in the Americas, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization. The fortress resembles a medieval castle and features a 69-feet tall central tower.

   Pass by without stopping

6. Guarded by a presidential honor guard, this 18th-century Jesuit church is the national mausoleum of the Dominican Republic, housing the remains of heroes such as Gregorio Luperon, Salome Urena, Jose Nunez de Caceres, and others since 1956.

   10 minutes here

7. Reloj de Sol

   This stone clock, standing 12 feet tall, has been located in front of the Royal Houses Museum since 1753 in the colonial city. It was used by government officials to keep track of time.

   5 minutes here

8. The Museo Taíno Casa del Cordón, located in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, is a cultural museum housed in one of the oldest European stone buildings in the Americas (built around 1503), where visitors can explore the history and heritage of the Taíno people—the island’s first inhabitants—through hundreds of artifacts and interactive exhibits, while also experiencing the blend of indigenous culture and early Spanish colonial architecture that helped shape Dominican identity.

   30 minutes here · Admission included

9. Located at the end of Calle Las Damas, the Plaza de España is a charming and romantic esplanade in the heart of the Colonial City. On one side of the plaza stands the impressive Alcazar de Colon palace, while on the other side, a series of outdoor bistro terraces offer diners a stunning view of the ancient city. It's definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the area.

   5 minutes here

10. The San Francisco Monastery is a set of rustic walled ruins in the Colonial City. It was the first-ever Franciscan monastery in the New World and has a tumultuous history. They were damaged by a fire caused by Sir Francis Drake and a couple of earthquakes. It was later used as a mental asylum until the middle of the 20th century.

    10 minutes here

11. San Nicolas de Bari Hospital, built between 1503 and 1508 under Governor Nicolas de Ovando, is the oldest hospital in the Americas and served as a model for others. Today, it lies in ruins on the north side of Hostos street, popular for its photogenic scenery and home to pigeons.

    5 minutes here

12. Alcazar de Colon

    This is the first European palace fortified in the Americas. It was constructed between 1510 and 1514, predominantly in a Gothic and Renaissance style. It is recognized as the only known residence of a member of Christopher Columbus' family in the New World; specifically, his first-born son Diego Columbus.

    5 minutes here · Admission not included

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Private Walking Tour Upgrade

  Private Walking Tour : Select this option to go with just your group. You need to make your way to a meeting point in Santo Domingo Colonial Zone. Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Small Group Tour Option

  Small Group: Select this option for our small group tour capped at 10 participants. You need to go to a meeting point in Santo Domingo. Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Xcape Tours

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The Royal Houses museum is under maintenance please know you may see work being done
• The Alcazar Colon and the Pantheon are currently closed for renovations, you will see them from the outside
• Museums are closed on Mondays, so we won’t be able to visit. However, we’ll still share all the relevant information with you.
• We offer free admission to one museum and the cathedral. Access depends on the museums' schedules and may be affected by unexpected closures that are out of our control.
• You will get a chance to try local beverages like mama juana and purchase souvenirs.
• The guide may rearrange the itinerary sequence for a better experience
• Visitors to the cathedral (closed on Sundays must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
• This is a bilingual tour, please be mindful that we'll share information in English and Spanish

Photos