Columbus Park (Parque Colon)

Surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and cafés, with a large statue of Christopher Columbus in the center, the paved open square of Columbus Park is a popular gathering spot for locals and buskers alike. Large shady trees with benches underneath offer a place to sit, relax, and people-watch. Visit the park as part of a sightseeing tour of Colonial Zone highlights, which include the ruins of the 16th-century Alcázar de Colón and the Columbus Lighthouse, home to the explorer’s alleged remains.

• The park is a must-see in the Colonial Zone.

• It’s free to access the park.

• The park is wheelchair-accessible and suitable for strollers too.

Columbus Park is located on the west side of Rio Ozama in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, between Calle Isabel La Catolica and Calle Arzobispo Merino. It’s across the street from Catedral Primada de America, and within easy walking distance of many other attractions in the historic neighborhood.

The park is open around the clock and you can visit it at any time. It’s frequently bustling with activity and people. Time your visit during business hours to also visit nearby attractions in the Colonial Zone. Many sightseeing tours also include a stop at the park.

The park is named after the statue of Christopher Columbus at its center. It was sculpted in France by French artist Ernest Gilbert and shipped to the Dominican Republic in 1887. Featuring Christopher Columbus standing on a pedestal, it also shows Taino Queen Anacaona writing his name on the pedestal.