With its colorful streets and world-class cuisine, Oaxaca is a magical city that enchants even the most seasoned travelers. Oaxaca City fills you with extraordinary sights, smells, and tastes. Ones that perpetually live in your mind, bringing you back to this magical place.
The city of Oaxaca, Mexico, is known for its thriving indigenous culture, traditional pre-Hispanic cuisine, and authentic artisan handicrafts. It’s one of the best places to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
Officially named Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca City is located in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico.
Oaxaca is one of our favorite cities to visit, and we’ve lived in Oaxaca for years as digital nomads. So if you’re searching for insider tips, you’re in the right spot! You’re about to get all the best local recommendations and insider tips for what to do in Oaxaca.
This list of the 35 best things to do in Oaxaca City includes everything from the city’s top attractions to the most popular Oaxaca day trips.
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Top 5 Oaxaca Tours
Searching for the best Oaxaca tours? Check out our top picks:
- 🌳 Best Sightseeing Tour: Hierve el Agua, Teotitlan Village, and Tule Tree with Mezcal Tasting
- 🧑🍳 Best Cooking Class: Authentic Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit
- 🌮 Best Street Food Tour: Oaxaca Street Food and Market Tour with a Local
- 🥃 Best Mezcal Tour: A Day in the Life of a Traditional Mezcal Palenque
- 🥾 Best Hiking Tour: Guided Hike Through the Sierra Norte Forest
Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City, Mexico, is a large, lively city with an incredible amount of things to do. It’s a foodie haven, a history buff’s dream, and a shopper’s paradise!
This list of the best places to see and the top attractions in Oaxaca starts with the best things to do in Oaxaca City and ends with the best Oaxaca day trips.
1. People Watch at El Zocalo
El Zócalo is Oaxaca’s main square and the heart of the city. There is always something going on in this plaza: marimba concerts, food carts, shoe shiners, street performers, and vendors selling everything from bookmarks to puppets.
With plenty of benches shaded by huge trees and restaurants surrounding the main square, the zocalo is the best place in the city to sit down and take it all in.
Plaza Alameda is an adjacent square that’s home to the impressive Oaxaca Cathedral. The green, Cantera-stone Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dates back to the 1500s.
2. Stroll Down the Andador Alcala
The Andador Macedonio Alcalá is a pedestrian-only street that runs from the Zocalo to the Santo Domingo church.
The andador is lined with colorful buildings, museums, art galleries, bookstores, bars, restaurants, and shops.
It’s part of Oaxaca’s historical city center, the Centro Histórico, which is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. See the Templo de Santo Domingo
The Santo Domingo Temple, or Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is Oaxaca’s most famous church. Its green-stone exterior and gold-leaf interior are quite impressive.
This former convent complex is home to the iconic Santo Domingo church, the Oaxaca Cultural Museum, and the city’s botanical gardens.
4. Visit the Oaxaca Cultural Museum
If you only visit one museum, make it the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, or Oaxaca Cultural Museum.
It’s housed in an ex-convent with views of the botanical gardens and mountains beyond.
The museum gives a very thorough explanation of the history and cultures of the area, with exhibits on Oaxaca’s Spanish and indigenous cultures. Don’t miss the exhibit with the artifacts found in tomb 7 at the Monte Albán archeological site, including a jade-encrusted skull and intricate gold jewelry.
5. Tour the Botanical Gardens
The Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca, or Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden, is much more than just your typical botanical garden.
The ethnobotanical garden is dedicated to preserving Oaxaca’s native flora, including the plants used since pre-Hispanic times by indigenous groups for medicine, food, dyes, and more.
Public access to the garden is only by guided tour. The botanical garden tour schedule is subject to change, but it is usually Monday-Saturday at 10 am, 11 am, and 12 pm. English-language tours are only available at 11 am.
6. Take a City Walking Tour
One of the best things to do in such a walkable city is to take a walking tour of Oaxaca City’s main sights, including the colonial architecture, historical churches, and lively plazas.
This walking tour of Oaxaca City takes you on a visit to the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman and several nearby attractions while your local guide provides essential insights into Oaxaca’s celebrations, traditions, and culture.
For those on a tight budget, this free walking tour of Oaxaca visits off-the-beaten-path attractions and other hidden gems in Oaxaca’s colorful neighborhoods.
7. Experience Oaxaca’s Local Markets
Wandering through Oaxaca City’s local markets, or mercados is a unique cultural experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Vendor stalls at the enormous markets, like Benito Juárez Market and Mercado 20 de Noviembre, sell everything from fresh produce to handmade textiles to home-style Oaxacan food.
Discover authentic Oaxacan food on this highly-rated food walking tour of the local market stalls and street food stands.
➡️ See the complete list of the best markets in Oaxaca City.
8. Taste Authentic Oaxacan Food
Oaxaca is regarded by many as the culinary capital of Mexico. From drinking Mexican hot chocolate to snacking on salty chapulines (edible grasshoppers), Oaxaca’s cuisine is a delight for the palate.
Book this popular Oaxacan cooking class with a local market tour for a hands-on experience with Oaxaca’s famous cuisine and local ingredients.
For those with a sweet tooth, this private chocolate-making class lets you make your own Oaxacan chocolate bar.
➡️ Check out What to Eat and Drink in Oaxaca for a complete list of all the must-try foods along with desriptions and translations, including tlayudas, quesillo, and the famous seven moles.
9. Sip Mezcal Like a Local
Mezcal is a distilled liquor made from over 30 types of agave plants. But it is much more than just the local liquor for Oaxacans. It’s a symbol of community, joy, and sorrow. It’s used for celebrating life at baptisms, love at weddings, and death on the Day of the Dead.
Mezcal tasting is one of the most popular things to do in Oaxaca. Sit and sip a flight of mezcal at one of the many mezcalerias, or mezcal bars, throughout the city, like Unión de Palenqueros de Oaxaca and La Mezcaloteca (reservations required).
This Mole and Mezcal Tasting offers visitors the opportunity to sample mole and mezcal pairings by a certified sommelier.
10. Savor the Seven Moles
Sampling Oaxaca’s seven moles is an absolute must when trying the regional cuisine in Oaxaca. Moles are rich pre-hispanic sauces made with a variety of ingredients, including cacao, regional chiles, nuts, and spices.
Oaxaca’s most popular mole is mole negro, or black mole, which takes over 24 hours to prepare and contains Oaxacan chocolate. This Mole and Mezcal Tasting offers visitors the opportunity to sample mole and mezcal pairings by a certified sommelier.
Many restaurants offer mole tasting platters with a sample of each of the seven moles. One of the best restaurants for mole tastings is Restaurante Los Pacos. Vegans and vegetarians can taste vegan versions of the seven moles at the 100% plant-based Hierba Dulce restaurant.
11. Explore the Art Scene
From the colorful street art in Jalatlaco to the art galleries in Centro Histórico, Oaxaca City has a thriving art scene.
Wander around the streets and pop into the local art workshops and galleries scattered throughout the city.
For an active art adventure, check out this popular street art bike tour with stops to see murals, posters, and stencil art workshops.
12. Visit the City Museums
Staying true to its reputation as a cultural gem, Oaxaca has a variety of interesting history, art, and culture museums.
These are some of Oaxaca’s most popular museums:
- Oaxaca Cultural Museum
- Oaxaca Museum of Contemporary Art (MACO)
- Rufino Tamayo Pre-Hispanic Art Museum
- Oaxaca Textile Museuma
- Mexican Stamp Museum
- Benito Juárez’s House
13. Shop for Artisan Handicrafts
The artisans in Oaxaca create stunning handicrafts ranging from black clay ceramics to textiles woven on looms.
The Instituto Oaxaqueño de las Artesanias (also known as Aripo) is a museum-style shop with authentic Oaxacan handicrafts on display, which you can purchase.
The Mercado de Artesanías is a large artisan market with multiple aisles of handicraft and souvenir stalls.
For an immersive visit to the artisan villages around Oaxaca, book this private artisan villages tour and see towns where alebrijes and black pottery are made.
14. Catch a Performance at Alcala Theater
The historical Teatro Macedonio de Alcalá is Oaxaca City’s main theater. It’s a historical building dating from 1909 with gilded interiors and a white marble staircase.
The Alcala Theater hosts operas, concerts, symphonies, plays, and other events. Check the event schedule here or in person at the theater ticket booth.
15. Explore the Local Neighborhoods
See the city’s best neighborhoods and get a feel for local life in Oaxaca.
Some of the city’s unique neighborhoods include:
- Centro Historico: the historical heart of the city
- Jalatlaco: full of colorful street art and cozy cafes
- Xochimilco: known for its aqueduct and stone archways
- Reforma: residential area with craft breweries and restaurants
16. Relax at El Llano Park
Parque El Llano is a park in the Centro Historico that’s quite popular with locals. It has walkways, fountains, and large trees for shade. It’s located a few blocks north of Santo Domingo Temple.
El Llano Park is a good spot to relax on a bench, join an exercise class, or grab a bite to eat at one of the street food carts like Tortas La Hormiga, a local favorite.
17. Experience a Traditional Oaxaca Festival
Participating in a festival, Oaxaca-style, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many tourists.
Oaxacans take their celebrations very seriously, and they know how to party. Festivities and celebrations throughout the state of Oaxaca, like weddings or a town’s patron saint’s festival, last for several days.
Here are Oaxaca City’s annual festivals:
- Guelaguetza: regional dance and cultural festival with participants from the entire state of Oaxaca (last 2 weeks of July)
- Day of the Dead: Mexico’s Dia de Muertos honors loved ones who have passed (October 31-November 2)
- 16 de Septiembre: Mexican Independence Day (September 15-16)
- Noche de Rabanos: Night of the Radishes is a uniquely Oaxacan radish sculpting contest (December 23)
18. Hike to the El Fortin Overlook
The hike up to Cerro El Fortin to take in the amazing views of the city is a popular walking route for Oaxaca locals.
To get there, take the Escaleras del Fortin (Fortin staircase) off of Calle Crespo and go through the tunnel towards the amphitheater. Walk past the Guelaguetza amphitheater and take the dirt path to the top of El Fortín Hill. Once there, you can also visit the small observatory.
19. Soak in the Springs at Hierve el Agua
The natural pools and petrified waterfalls at Hierve El Agua are one of Mexico’s most magnificent natural wonders.
Although the name Hierve El Agua translates to “boiling water,” they are not hot spring pools. The cold-water pools are perfect for cooling off and taking in incredible views after a hike to the bottom of the waterfalls.
Many popular Oaxaca tours make a quick stop at the falls, but this Hierve el Agua hiking tour provides plenty of time to explore the petrified waterfalls and includes an off-the-beaten-path hike beneath the falls and a stop at a family-owned mezcal distillery.
20. Climb the Ruins at Monte Alban
Don’t miss exploring the ancient Zapotec capital and the archeological site of Monte Albán.
If you only visit one of the many archeological zones in Oaxaca Valley, make it this one. Monte Alban is only about 30 minutes away from Zócalo and has stunning views of Oaxaca City.
Book this popular guided tour of Monte Alban to explore the ruins and learn about the still present Zapotec indigenous cultures from a local guide.
21. Explore the Magical Town of Mitla
Mitla is one of over 100 Pueblo Magicos, or Magical Towns, in Mexico. It’s an official government designation given to communities with exceptional cultural, historical, and architectural values.
It’s a colorful town with a traditional market, a large plaza, and ancient ruins scattered throughout, including the must-see Mitla Ruins and its mosaics.
This highly-rated tour of the Mitla takes visitors to a textile workshop in Teotitlan, the Mitla ruins, and to see the massive Tule Tree.
22. See the Giant Tule Tree
The enormous Árbol del Tule (Tule Tree) is located about 20 minutes east of Oaxaca in the town of Santa Maria del Tule. The town itself is named after the ancient tree, and it’s their star citizen.
Riding a bike to El Tule Tree is a popular thing to do for Oaxaca locals, especially on Sundays. Alternatively, take this highly-rated tour to the Tule Tree and other Oaxaca attractions.
23. Visit a Mezcal Distillery in Matatlan
Santiago de Matatlan is known as the world capital of mezcal. Matatlan is a town surrounded by palenques, or agave fields, whose sole purpose is the production of mezcal. It’s also a popular stop for thirsty tourists exploring Oaxaca on group tours.
Matatlán’s main street is lined with mezcal distilleries and palenqueros (mezcal producers) loading agave into the ground ovens.
This 5-star mezcal tasting tour takes you to an authentic palenque where you get a hands-on experience, learn about mezcal production, see the agave fields, and meet the master mezcal producers.
24. Experience a Village Market Day
Visiting a village on the outskirts of Oaxaca City during its market day is a must for those interested in seeing an authentic snapshot of Oaxaca’s local culture. Tlacolula and Ocotlan village market days are the ones most commonly visited by tourists.
In Oaxaca, each day of the week has a corresponding village market day. On this day, indigenous villagers and street vendors from smaller communities throughout Oaxaca state gather in larger towns to sell their products, including traditional clothing and freshly-harvested produce.
This tour to the Tlacolula market is on Sundays, while this tour to the Ocotlan market takes place on Fridays.
25. Check Out the Cuilapam Convent
Take a tour to see the Cuilapam Convent, officially named the Ex-Convento Santiago Apóstol, but more commonly known as the Ex-Convento de Cuilápam.
This impressive 16th-century former Dominican convent complex features a roofless chapel and sweeping views of the valley below.
It’s located in the colorful town of Cuilápam de Guerrero, only 30 minutes south of Oaxaca City. Cuilapam is known as the birthplace of the famous Danza de la Pluma, a traditional Oaxacan dance featuring elaborate headdresses.
26. Hike the Sierra Norte Forest Trails
Oaxaca City lies in a valley with the Sierra Norte mountain range as its backdrop. With pine tree forests, waterfalls, and elevations of over 7,000 feet, the Sierra Norte is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
This hiking tour of the Sierra Norte and its Pueblos Mancomunados takes you to one of the highest points in Oaxaca with a knowledgeable guide that describes the vegetation. It also includes foraging for mushrooms when they are in season.
27. See Where Oaxacan Quesillo is Made
Quesillo is the name of Oaxaca’s favorite regional cheese. Oaxaca cheese is a stringy, high-moisture, tangy cheese that comes wrapped in a ball and is used on most Oaxacan food, like tlayudas and tortas.
This tour of the Etla communities takes you to visit the artisanal paper-making workshop and the community arts center in beautiful San Agustin de Etla. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Etla market for a look at where Oaxaca cheese is made.
28. Explore the Towns in Sierra Juarez
Sierra Juarez is the birthplace of Mexico’s former president, Benito Juarez. It’s a high-elevation area with pine tree forests, outdoor activities like hiking and camping, and small mountain towns. The most-visited towns in the area are Ixtlan, Guelatao, and Capulalpam (another Pueblo Magico).
This Sierra Juarez tour visits all the main attractions, including the glass lookout point and the enchanted lagoon.
29. Paint an Alebrije in Tilcajete
Alebrijes are handicrafts of small fantastical creatures carved from copal wood and painted with bright colors made from natural dyes.
The villages of San Martin Tilcajete and San Antonio Arrazola are best known for their alebrije workshops with whimsical creations.
This paint your own alebrije tour takes you to alebrije workshops in Tilcajete, where you make your own alebrije.
30. Witness Traditional Loom Weaving
The people of Oaxaca have a long tradition of producing textiles using backstrap looms, and most recently, stationary looms. You can hear looms clanking away as you walk down the streets in most of the towns around the state of Oaxaca.
Teotitlan del Valle is the town that’s best known for its loom weaving and artisanal textile production. It also has an excellent textile museum, where you can learn about the process used to make natural dyes and wool yarn.
This tour to a Teotitlan textile workshop is part of a full-day trip to some of Oaxaca’s top attractions, including Hierve El Agua.
31. Visit a Black Clay Workshop
There are several types of clay (like red and green) used for pottery in Oaxaca, but black clay is the one for which Oaxaca is most famous.
The town of San Bartolo Coyotepec is known for its barro negro, or black clay, ceramic workshops.
Visit a Coyotepec black ceramic workshop to learn more about this traditional Oaxacan handicraft.
32. See the Yagul ruins and Prehistoric Caves
The Yagul Archeological Site is an off-the-beaten-path option for visiting ancient ruins near Oaxaca. These Zapotec ruins are currently only open Sunday-Wednesday.
The Yagul and Mitla Pre-historic Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rock art inside the caves dates back to nomadic hunter-gathers and the beginning of agriculture. One of the caves has 10,000-year-old seeds that are believed to be the earliest known evidence of farming on the North American continent.
If you’re in Oaxaca on a Sunday, take this tour to the Yagul ruins, the town of San Jeronimo Tlacochahuaya, and the Tlacolula village market.
33. Swim in the Santiago de Apoala Waterfall
Santiago de Apoala is a hidden gem in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca. This village is a popular ecotourism destination that’s known for its Cascada Cola de Serpiente, which translates to Serpent Tail Waterfall. The more than 90-feet high waterfall and its natural swimming pool are a local favorite amongst Oaxacans.
This tour to the Apoala Waterfall includes a guided nature hike, a swim in the waterfall, and time to relax by the river.
34. Hike in a Cloud Forest in San Jose del Pacifico
The magical mountain town of San Jose del Pacifico is in Oaxaca’s Sierra Madre del Sur cloud forest. It’s well-known for its connection with nature and magic mushrooms.
Stay the night in one of the cabins nestled amongst the clouds or take a day trip to breathe in the fresh mountain air.
This San Jose del Pacifico hiking tour includes the scenic drive from the City of Oaxaca, a stop for breakfast, a 2-hour hike, and a relaxing session in a temazcal (traditional sweat lodge).
35. Relax on the Oaxaca Beaches
While not exactly a day trip, many visitors take a few days away from Oaxaca City to relax on the beaches along Oaxaca’s magnificent Pacific coast.
Here are Oaxaca’s most popular beach towns:
- Puerto Escondido: a surfing mecca, known as the Mexican Pipeline
- Mazunte: a wellness-focused beach town, known for its yoga retreats and sea turtle sanctuary
- San Agustinillo: a small beach community that’s perfect for getting away from it all
- Zipolite: a hippie hot spot, known for its nudist beach
- Huatulco: a touristy resort town, known for its all-inclusive beach resorts and beautiful bays
There are several ways to get to Puerto Escondido on the coast, but booking a private transfer is the most convenient and comfortable, other than flying.
FAQ: Oaxaca City, Mexico
These are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Oaxaca
Oaxaca, Mexico, is without a doubt one of Mexico’s best cities to visit. From its culinary delights to mountain hikes, Oaxaca has something for everyone.
There are enough things to do in Oaxaca City to keep you busy for months. We hope this list of what to do in Oaxaca helps you pick out a few things to do on your trip to Mexico.
Looking for the best places to stay in Oaxaca City? Our post on where to stay in Oaxaca covers the top neighborhoods and best hotels.
Visiting for Dia de los Muertos? Don’t miss our Oaxaca Day of the Dead post for an itinerary and insider tips on celebrating like a Mexican.
Planning a trip to Oaxaca? Check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Oaxaca for everything you need to know before visiting, including how to get around and other must-read tips.
Did we miss something? Leave us a comment below with your favorite things to do in Oaxaca City.
