Walking Colonial Zone
Group walking tour: Cathedral plus the Colonial Zone main plazas.
From $29
See walking tours
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 8,000+ travelers
Cathedral of Santo Domingo: the Catedral Primada de America
Tickets and tours for the oldest cathedral in the Americas, plus the Colonial Zone walking experience. From $29. Free cancellation.
4.8 rating, 1,500+ reviews
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Three popular ways to visit the Cathedral and Colonial Zone.
Cathedral + Alcazar de Colon
Catedral Primada plus the Alcazar de Colon and Plaza Espana.
From $59
Book this tourPrivate Cathedral Tour
Private guide, custom pace, Cathedral plus Colonial Zone highlights.
From $89
See private toursVisit the oldest cathedral in the Americas
The Cathedral of Santo Domingo (Catedral Primada de America) was consecrated in 1541 and is the first cathedral built in the New World. It sits in the heart of the UNESCO Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, a 5 minute walk from the Alcazar de Colon and Plaza Espana. Most visitors combine a Cathedral ticket with a guided Colonial Zone walking tour.
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Pick the experience that fits your trip.
Cathedral Tours
Guided tours of the Catedral Primada de America with audio or English speaking guide.
→Colonial Zone Walking Tours
Walking tours of the UNESCO Colonial Zone covering the Cathedral, Plaza Espana and Calle El Conde.
→From Punta Cana
Full day trips to the Catedral Primada and Santo Domingo with transport from Punta Cana hotels.
→Cruise Shore Excursions
Half day Cathedral and Colonial Zone tours for cruise passengers at the Santo Domingo cruise port.
→Private Tours
Private guide and transport. Custom pace, best for families and small groups.
→Cathedral + Alcazar de Colon
Combined tickets and tours: Catedral Primada plus the Alcazar de Colon palace.
→Top tours to the Cathedral of Santo Domingo
Sorted by traveler reviews. Free cancellation on every booking.
Santo Domingo Small Group Walking Tour: Beer and Specialty Coffee
From $69 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
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Santo Domingo: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
From $45 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
2 Hour Bike Rental Colonial Zone / Santo Domingo
From $14 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana
From $119 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
All-Inclusive Santo Domingo Day Trip from Punta Cana
From $82 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
Half Day Excursion Colonial Zone Lighthouse to Colón and Tres Ojos from Santo Domingo
From $90 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
Romana: Cave of wonders and Chavón from Santo Domingo.
From $175 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
- ⚡ Instant confirmation
Saona Island, memorable all-inclusive experience, from Santo Domingo.
From $130 per person
- ✓ Free cancellation
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About the Catedral Primada de America
Construction of the Cathedral started in 1512 and was finished in 1541 under Spanish colonial rule. Pope Paul III declared it the first cathedral of the Americas. Inside you can see Gothic and Renaissance details, the silver altar, the Capilla de los Bastidas and the Bishop tombs. The Cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Colonial Zone, together with the Alcazar de Colon, the Fortaleza Ozama and the Plaza Espana.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo?
Entry tickets start around $2 USD at the door. Guided Colonial Zone walking tours that include the Cathedral start from $29 USD. Combined tickets with the Alcazar de Colon are around $59 USD. From Punta Cana, a full day trip costs from $119 USD with transport included.
What are the Cathedral opening hours?
The Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 12 pm. Mass times vary. Tourist visits are paused during mass. Check the current schedule before your visit.
Can I visit the Cathedral from Punta Cana in one day?
Yes. Full day trips from Punta Cana run 11 to 12 hours total. Pickup is around 6:30 am, you reach Santo Domingo by 10 am, visit the Cathedral and Colonial Zone with a guide, and return to Punta Cana by 7 pm. Transport and lunch included.
Do I need to dress in a special way for the Cathedral?
Yes. As an active Catholic cathedral, dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid beachwear, swimsuits and visible flip flops. A light cover up is enough on hot days.
Is the Cathedral worth visiting as a cruise port shore excursion?
Yes. From the cruise port it is a 10 minute drive to the Colonial Zone. Most cruise excursions visit the Cathedral, the Alcazar de Colon and Calle El Conde in 3 to 4 hours and return to the ship on time.
More Dominican Republic tours
Looking for more Dominican Republic experiences? Visit the colonial fortress of Puerto Plata, or explore other Caribbean attractions in the network.
Visit Fortaleza San Felipe