Parque Colón was laid out in 1506 as the city's Plaza Mayor and has stayed the Zona Colonial's civic heart ever since, renamed in 1887 for the statue of Christopher Columbus at its centre. The Catedral Primada, the old Palacio Consistorial and Palacio Borgella all face directly onto it, making it the natural starting point for exploring on foot.
Café terraces line the square, so it doubles as a good spot to sit and get your bearings before heading further into the old city.
Local tip: Come in the early morning or after sunset – midday sun and the crowds it draws are less forgiving.
Good to know
- Where: C. Isabel La Católica, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic
- City: Santo Domingo
Plan your visit to Santo Domingo