Santo Domingo Small Group Walking Tour: Beer and Specialty Coffee
Small group walk. The route lists Parque Colon, the Cathedral and Calle Las Damas, with beer and specialty coffee.
2 hours
From $59
Book this tour
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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. Free cancellation.
4.7 average over 5,600+ reviews of the tours that visit the Cathedral
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Pick your experience
Three tours from this catalog, each with its duration and price.
Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana
Departure from Punta Cana for a guided visit to Santo Domingo. Check the pickup point and included stops before booking.
10 to 12 hours
From $95
Book this tourSanto Domingo Unfiltered : Gualey//Colonial Area (PRIVATE TOUR)
Private guide through the Gualey neighborhood and the Colonial Zone.
6 to 8 hours
From $120
Book this tourVisit 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.
The Cathedral of Santo Domingo in numbers
Key Facts
Known as Santa Maria la Menor, it is the first cathedral built on the American continent, raised in the 16th century.
Source: Go Dominican Republic, official tourism board (godominicanrepublic.com)
It was built between 1510 and 1540 in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.
Source: Go Dominican Republic, official tourism board (godominicanrepublic.com)
The Colonial City of Santo Domingo was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990.
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre (whc.unesco.org)
Founded in 1498, Santo Domingo held the first cathedral, hospital, customs house and university of the Americas, and its grid plan became the model for the New World.
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre (whc.unesco.org)
Browse by tour type
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.
→Plan Your Visit
Practical guides for getting there, hours, dress code and the best time to go.
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 $59 per person
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
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 $95 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
- Instant confirmation
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?
Guided Colonial Zone walking tours that list the Cathedral on their route start from $59 USD. From Punta Cana, the Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour costs from $95 USD with hotel pickup 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.
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