This 500-Year-Old Neighborhood in the Dominican Republic Has Boutique Hotels, Rooftop Bars, and Cobblestone Streets

Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone isn’t just the oldest neighborhood in the Americas — it’s one of the most vibrant urban districts in the Caribbean today. Set on the Dominican Republic’s southern coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site blends centuries-old architecture with a lively street culture, world-class dining, and boutique hotels tucked inside restored colonial buildings. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or as part of a longer Dominican adventure, the Colonial Zone offers a walkable, story-filled escape that feels like stepping into another era — without leaving modern comforts be