I had been itching to visit Oaxaca, Mexico for quite some time, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. From its vibrant, colorful neighborhoods and lively markets to the rich flavors of its exceptional food, coffee shops on every corner, and its beautiful cultural heritage, every moment was a treat for the senses. I’m thrilled to share that this incredible city truly didn’t disappoint!
Know Before you Go:
- Spanish is the primary language spoken in Oaxaca City, Mexico, but many indigenous languages are also commonly used due to the area’s significant indigenous population.
- Mexico uses the same outlets as the U.S., but I recommend to bring your Universal Power Adapter anyway. It’ll allow you to charge multiple devices at once without hassle.
- The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While credit cards are accepted in many places, cash is king in Oaxaca—especially at markets, street vendors, museums, and in more remote areas.
When to Go:
There’s really no bad time to visit Oaxaca, but the best time to visit is generally from late October to early May during the dry season. The weather around this time is great with warm days that are perfect for exploring, and cooler nights, making it comfortable to enjoy outdoor activities.
If you want to experience the Day of the Dead celebrations, aim for late October and early November. Just keep in mind that Oaxaca gets more crowded and prices tend to rise around this time due to the festive holiday.
Where to Stay:
The Oaxaca Historic Center is a great spot to stay if you want easy access to all the main attractions, museums, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Next time, though, I’d probably choose a more traditional and colorful neighborhood like Jalatlaco or Xochimilco. Jalatlaco is just a short walk to the center but feels quiet and super charming. Barrio de Xochimilco also has a laid-back, local vibe, though it’s a bit farther from the center.
How to Get Around:
Walking is the best way to explore Oaxaca City, Mexico. It’s small enough that many attractions are just a short stroll away.
For places outside the city center, taxis are affordable and colectivos (shared rides) are a popular, budget-friendly option for getting around.
While Uber is not available in Oaxaca, Didi is a widely used ride service for getting around the city.
Keep reading for my top recommendations on
things to do in Oaxaca City!
1. Take a Walking Tour of Oaxaca City
As with many of my top things to do in a new city, I always kick off my trips with a walking tour. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for the place right away, especially when you can explore the local plazas. The Zócalo in Oaxaca, for example, is incredibly lively at night with live music filling the air. During the day, it’s a peaceful spot to relax under the shade of its many trees, making it an ideal place for people-watching.
For this trip, I booked with Oaxaca Free Walking Tour, and as the name implies, the tour is completely free. At the end, you simply tip the guide based on what you feel the experience was worth.
2. See the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
This stunning church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s known for its baroque architecture, and inside the church is decorated with intricate gold details. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Right next to the church is the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, which showcases Oaxacan cultural artifacts and fascinating exhibitions. Be sure to plan 2-3 hours for your visit to fully experience the museum.
3. Take a Half-Day Trip to Monte Albán
Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. Offering stunning views of the Oaxaca Valley, it provides a fascinating glimpse of the Zapotec people who inhabited Oaxaca for over a thousand years. The site contains some of the earliest known examples of Zapotec writing carved into stones, temples, tombs, and even a ball court.
Monte Albán is just about 20 minutes from Oaxaca’s city center, and there are several ways to get there. You can take a taxi, join a guided tour, or hop on a shuttle bus that runs every hour. I decided to go on my own and took the shuttle bus, which was a great way to explore the site at my own pace for a few hours.
I booked a shuttle bus with Lescas Co tours, which offers shuttle buses every hour. Their office meeting point was easy to find in the Zócalo area.
Pro Tip: If booking with them, bring exact cash! When I arrived first thing in the morning, the office had just opened and they didn’t have change for some people. So, having the right amount of cash on hand made things go much smoother!
4. Learn about Mezcal
Oaxaca City in Mexico has been a producer of Mezcal for centuries and the region is known for making some of the best and most sought after mezcals in the world.
Mezcal production in Oaxaca is often artisanal, with many small family-owned palenques (distilleries) producing small batches using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
I booked a tour with Rambling Spirits and it was an amazing experience! We visited a mix of small and large paloenques, and the tour was both informative and incredibly fun. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone visiting Oaxaca.
As the locals say, “Para todo mal, mezcal; para todo bien, tambien!” – which means, “For everything bad, mezcal; for everything good, too!” It really shows how mezcal is such a big part of Oaxacan life. I love it!
5. Stroll Through Oaxaca’s Vibrant Neighborhoods
One of the best ways to experience a place and its people is by simply getting lost and wandering through its streets. My favorite neighborhoods to explore in Oaxaca, Mexico are Jalatlaco and Xochimilco. Both are vibrant, colorful areas that capture the local essence and instantly lift your spirits! While some streets can get busy with daily traffic, taking your time and embracing the rhythm of the neighborhood allows you to soak in the unique atmosphere.
6. Explore the Markets
Nothing is more local and authentic than the Oaxacan markets. Bustling with lively crowds, here you can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handcrafts, clothes, meats, and even pets! While some markets can be a little chaotic, it’s an interesting place to wander around and see aspects of Oaxaca’s daily life.
Pasillo de Humo (Hall of Smoke) located in Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a popular spot where several vendors offer grilled meats and is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy traditional Oaxacan grilled meats.
A word of warning: you’ll have to pay each vendor separately – one for the meats, another for tortillas, a different one for drinks, and another for condiments like veggies and salsas. It’s part of the experience, so be ready to handle a few cash transactions. If you want to sit at a table, they’ll likely squeeze you in with other families to share the long table.
7. Take a Food Tour
Oaxaca is a gastronomic paradise, offering many traditional dishes that reflect its rich culinary heritage. Here are some must-try foods while you’re in the city:
Mole: Mole is a rich and complex sauce made with chiles, chocolate, nuts, seeds, and spices. It’s commonly served with meats, rice, and tortillas. The preparation of mole is a time-consuming process, often taking hours or even a full day, involving many steps of roasting, grinding, and simmering. However, the result is a flavorful dish. Oaxaca is often called the “Land of the Seven Moles,” as each region has its own unique mole recipe.
Tlayudas: Often called “Mexican pizzas,” tylayudas are HUGE, crispy tortillas covered with a variety of toppings.
Chapulines: Crispy grasshoppers are a local delicacy, often eaten as snacks or sprinkled over dishes like tylayudas or tacos. They add a crunchy texture and earthy flavor to the meal!
Oaxacan Chocolate: Often used in both mole sauces and in drinks like chocolate caliente (hot chocolate) since it has a rich and intense flavor.
While you can explore the many restaurants and food stalls around the city, I highly recommend joining a food tour, like Oaxaca Eats, to sample a variety of traditional dishes and drinks.
8. Visit an Artisan Village
Oaxaca is famous for its artisanal products, and several villages showcase unique crafts that draw visitors from all over. Here are just a few:
- Teotitlán del Valle: Known for its beautiful handwoven rugs, crafted using centuries-old techniques that make them a must-see! The artists use all-natural dyes gathered from seeds, flowers, rocks, insects and so many other things.
- San Bartolo Coyotepec: This village is famous for its Barro Negro (black pottery), and the pieces are so stunning with their intricate designs.
- San Martín Tilcajete & Arrazola: These villages are where you’ll find Alebrijes, the bright, colorful wooden animal figures that represent mythical spirit creatures.
You can easily visit these villages by renting a car, hopping on local transport, or booking a guided tour that’ll take you to a few of them.
9. Check out a Museum
Oaxaca, Mexico is home to many incredible museums, and here are two of my favorites:
Museo Textil de Oaxaca (free): A small museum showcasing the region’s traditional textile crafts, featuring beautifully woven pieces and insight into the processes behind Oaxacan weaving.
Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca ($95 MXN): This museum showcases Oaxacan cultural artifacts with fascinating exhibits. Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore. Don’t miss the view of the Botanical Gardens through the windows. I didn’t include the gardens on this list since access requires a group tour (no longer offered in English) and you can’t explore independently. The museum’s view was enough for me!
10. Experience a Lucha Libre Wrestling Event
Lucha libre is a type of professional wresting that features masks wrestlers known as luchadores. The wrestlers are super athletic, performing acrobatics and theatrical performances. Some luchadores play the role of the heroes, and others take the role of the villain.
If you’re in Oaxaca on the weekend, don’t miss a lucha libre match. It’s a fun, family-friendly event and a great way to get a feel for the local culture!
Where to Eat & Drink
Cafes & Bakeries
- Boulenc Pan y Café – Irresistible pastries and delicious dulce de leche coffee.
- Pan con Madre – My favorite bakery in Oaxaca! Don’t miss the Rol de Dulce de Leche.
- LIA cafe – Amazing cappuccinos and a cute shop.
- Casa Blason – Excellent coffee!
- Café Brujula -Perfect spot for a quick pick-me-up.
Lunch/Dinner
- La Popular – Marlin tacos, quesillos en hoja, and a mezcal margarita – the perfect Trifecta!
- Ancestral Cocina Tradicional – The plantains and pork belly were a standout!
- Mercado 20 de Noviembre (Pasillo de Humo) – An authentic Oaxacan food experience!
- Los Danzantes – Everything on the menu looks amazing, but the ceviche in mango sauce was the perfect light meal after days heavy eating.
- Las Quince Letras – A great spot for traditional Oaxacan dishes done right.
- Tierra de Sol – Beautiful rooftop terrace, incredible food, and a great atmosphere.
- Casa del Tio Guero – A chill spot with fun decor and delicious food.
Sweets
- Mayordomo – Choco Mio is a must-try!
- Señora de la Soledad – The vendors outside of the church sell the best Nieve de Tuna (prickly pear cactus sorbet), refreshing and delicious.
If you’re traveling solo to Oaxaca City, Mexico make sure to read my article on Preparing for a Solo Trip for extra tips to make your journey unforgettable!
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