Things to do in Oaxaca

In Oaxaca, you can enjoy a walking tour of the historic center. This tour provides a local insight into the city and an understanding of the local lifestyle. Additionally, exploring the historic center on foot allows you to learn about the origins of Mexican and Spanish civilizations.

Throughout Mexico, the term El Zócalo refers to the main public square (in this case, it is called Plaza la Constitución) that is surrounded by restaurants, food vendors, historic museums and terraces. This is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and learn about Mexican history. Also, you can ask for a Mariachi serenade at El Zócalo to accompany a romantic dinner with your partner at night.

This street market, called Mercado 20 de Noviembre, is one of the most famous places in Oaxaca, mainly because of a section inside known as Pasillo de Humo (translated as Hall of Smoke). Here, numerous food vendors offer a variety of smoked meats, also known as carne asada, making it a paradise for foodies who enjoy indulging in flavorful cuisine.

The  Santo Domingo Temple is located near the Museum of Cultures and is made of soft stone on the outside and intricate gold patterns on the inside, which makes it a beautiful place to visit during the day. This building is an example of baroque hispanic architecture. Throughout its history, this temple has been the scenario of some historical events in Mexico, such as the visit of the Pope John Paul II in 1979, and it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Also, you can take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens (Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca) and watch all the variety of plant species that are typical of this region, such as agave, vanilla, cactus, and amaranth.

Mezcal is one of the most famous beverages in Oaxaca due to the optimal conditions for growing agave plants across the region. This beverage is made from the agave plant, and hundreds of bars offer excellent-quality mezcal. One notable establishment is La Mezcalerita Oaxaca, known for its intimate rooms and rooftop patio, perfect for enjoying mezcal shots with family and being part of the mezcal route.

This district, located to the north of Santo Domingo, is known for its creative designs and murals adorning the streets and aqueduct. During a walk, you can see houses and neighborhoods painted with captivating combinations of colors and designs.

This wonderful market comprises Oaxacan families from different places of the state of Oaxaca. Here, the vendors offer local products, including homemade food stalls, handicrafts, textile products, and vegetables at meager prices. The Pochote Market is open on weekends at the main square of the historic center of Oaxaca.

The Andador Alcalá tourist walkway is one of the most beautiful sites in Oaxaca, leading directly to the heart of the main square. Walking along this street, you can purchase souvenirs from museums and handicraft stores to immerse yourself in Oaxacan culture.

You can learn how to make authentic Mexican food from this region by taking a cooking class. It's an excellent activity to enjoy quality time with your loved ones and to discover the unique flavors of Oaxacan dishes.

Located near the main square, you can easily reach this local market on foot and enjoy all the quality products it offers. Undoubtedly, it is the largest market in the region, offering a wide variety of fresh food, clothing, home goods, bakeries, coffee shops and more. It's the perfect place to embark on a mini food tour and savor the local flavors.

This neighborhood can be accessed by a 10-minute walk from the Zócalo of Oaxaca, and its streets are filled with a variety of street designs that captivate all tourists who visit. Alongside the colorful murals, the neighborhood boasts many cozy cafes and small bars where one can take a break from their stroll.

Everyone knows about the spicy flavors of Mexican food, but here in Oaxaca, you can try typical plates with a unique combination of fresh ingredients. Also, you can take a full-day tour in Oaxaca to taste some of the most famous plates of the region such as tamales, salty chapulines, crispy Tlayudas, tasajo meat, the 7 types of moles, and of course the delicious hot chocolate.

Tlacolula is one of the largest Indigenous markets on the planet, and people usually come here on Sunday to sell their wares at a fair price. In this place, you can find a variety of items such as: fresh fruits and vegetables, all kinds of meat, clothes, household supplies, etc.

In July, Oaxaca hosts the Guelaguetza Festival, one of the largest in North America. During this time of the year, the event celebrates the diverse indigenous cultures, food and artistic expressions of the region.

This fantastic restaurant is located right in front of the Santo Domingo Church, offering a peaceful view of the historic center of Oaxaca. The terrace boasts an extensive menu featuring a variety of local dishes and drinks to enjoy with family and friends during a vacation trip to Oaxaca.

Another place to visit is the restaurant Teocintle Tika’ya, which serves indigenous-style dishes daily without a menu. This means that each day, it serves different combinations of plates for customers. Here, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of the indigenous culture. The staff is aware of veganism, so every customer can enjoy its cuisine and delicious dishes.

Fortunately for those art lovers, there are many local art galleries in the city of Oaxaca to visit and enjoy looking at some beautiful paintings. This is one of the top things to do in this city.

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, holds significant cultural importance not only in Mexico but also in other regions of Latin America, including Guatemala, Bolivia and El Salvador. This celebration occurs on November 1st, during which devout individuals in various towns of Oaxaca gather in pantheons to honor their deceased loved ones. Families also partake in traditions such as preparing dishes favored by the departed and adorning graves with candles to guide their spirits, as well as incense and copal to purify the entrance.

Plaza de la Danza is an intriguing attraction in Oaxaca, inviting visitors to enjoy its beauty and historical significance. Take a leisurely walk through this charming square, capturing photos of the colorful houses and winding alleys nearby. Discover the historic landmarks within the plaza and marvel at the stunning views it offers.

Tejate is a nutritious non-alcoholic drink with subtle flavors of chocolate milk, made of toasted corn flour, cacao beans, ground-up pits of mamey (a honey-sweet fruit with bright orange flesh), and flor de cacao (white flower). This famous beverage is a very good option to start the day with breakfast.

Hot chocolate is an ancient recipe that has been prepared for years in this region of the American continent. In Oaxaca, hot chocolate is traditionally prepared with water instead of milk. Locals typically enjoy this wonderful beverage with sweet bread called pan de nata.

The Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca, or IAGO (Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca), is an art school and famous cultural center located in Oaxaca de Juarez. Here, you can visit the Library of the Institute of Graphic Arts of Oaxaca, which specializes in art and houses about 60,000 volumes mainly donated by Francisco Toledo, Eduardo Mata Music Library and the Centro Fotográfico Álvarez Bravo to gain a unique perspective on artistic expression in Oaxaca.

El Paseo Juarez, “El Llano,” is a public park near the historic center of Oaxaca and one of the oldest in the region. Many people come here to take a walk, ride bicycles, and take photos of the monument dedicated to Don Benito Juárez.

Undoubtedly, eating barbacoa beef tacos in Oaxaca is worth every penny. To prepare this dish, beef is typically cooked with avocado leaves, which are also commonly used in other Oaxacan dishes - most notably when cooking a pot of beans.

Voces de Copal is an art gallery in Oaxaca where you can enjoy beautiful art pieces by local artists and handcrafters. This gallery features alebrijes, jewelry, sculptures and pottery. It is important to note that there is no English translation for "alebrije." This term simply refers to a particular style of Mexican art. Alebrijes are brightly-colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantasy creatures (mostly dragons), and each design is unique.

If you enjoy taking photos of the sky and appreciating a good view, a visit to El Mirador del Fortín is a must. Situated atop a hill on the west side of the city, this historic site offers a panoramic view of Oaxaca City.

Monte Albán is an archaeological site located on a low mountainous range rising above the plain in the central section of the Oaxaca Valley. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1987, it offers visitors the opportunity to explore its main square, truncated pyramids and 170 tombs. Guided tours are also available for those interested in delving deeper into the history and culture of Oaxaca.

If you'd like to see more ruins than Monte Albán, Mitla is a must. It served as the religious center for the Zapotecs, and today's visitors usually come here to see the Column of Life, located within one of the tombs. Legend has it that if you wrap your arms around the column, the distance between your hands reveals how much time you have left in life. Regardless of whether you believe the legend, Mitla remains a fascinating piece of Oaxaca's history.

Santa María del Tule is a small town located in Oaxaca, 20 minutes away from the center of the city. This site is famous for having the biggest tree of the world, called the Tule tree. This is a Montezuma Cypress Tree (known as the tree of enlightenment), and only its trunk measures 46 feet (14.02 meters) in circumference.

Hierve El Agua is a tiny lake situated right next to the edge of a cliff and resembles a natural infinity pool. Here, you can swim and be amazed by the view of the forest in the background.

The word 'mezcal' means 'overcooked agave’. Unlike tequila, where agave is heated up and then mashed, to make mezcal, the agave is burned on fire and charred before the mashing. This gives the drink a smoky and strong flavor characteristic. At the Don Agave Mezcal distillery, you can observe all phases of the process and visit the agave fields, followed by an interesting tasting. Additionally, you can take the mezcal route, a full day to learn about the ritual behind mezcal, where the planting and harvesting of mezcal becomes a cult.

A day trip to San José del Pacífico is a must-do activity here in Oaxaca. In this area, you can participate in ceremonies led by local healers to relax, dispel negative energies, and immerse yourself in the majesty of Oaxaca's enchanted forest.

The Oaxaca coastline boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, making it a favorite destination for tourists visiting Oaxaca. You can explore Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite, and Punta Pájaros, each offering paradisiacal views and the perfect setting for a relaxing and unforgettable vacation.

Tlacolula hosts one of the biggest local markets, known as a “tianguis”, in the state of Oaxaca. This flea market opens on Sundays, offering insight into the daily life of Mexico. In the alleys, vendors sell high-quality homemade Oaxacan food such as mezcal, traditional hot chocolate, handwoven baskets and the famous pan de cazuela.

This beautiful village is home to a community of locals who produce wool rugs with unique combinations of colors unlike any others you've seen before. These rugs are part of a millennial art form that has been passed down from older to younger generations.

This town is located in Oaxaca de Juárez, just a 30-minute drive from the main square. Part of the land in this community has been designated as a conservation zone where commercial activities such as farming, logging or cattle rearing are prohibited. Here, you can take a tour to La Mesita, a large greenhouse where you can enjoy a relaxing walk.

Cuajimoloyas is a picturesque village located in Sierra Norte, just an hour away from Oaxaca. This beautiful destination offers a wide range of outdoor activities, making it the perfect getaway for friends and families who enjoy hiking through the hills, horseback riding and mountain biking. Additionally, it boasts cabins and restaurants, providing ample opportunities for a relaxing weekend escape.

Visiting the Benito Juárez market is a rich cultural experience. Here, you will encounter numerous street vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, local handicrafts, traditional clothing and other souvenirs at affordable prices. It is also an excellent spot for people-watching and immersing yourself in local customs.

A guided full-day tour to Santa Catarina Ixtepeji is a perfect plan for nature lovers. This small village, surrounded by a forest, offers magical views. Additionally, you must visit the Mirador Piedra Prieta and the Cascada Palo Hueco to capture stunning photos and further appreciate the landscape.

The word 'Apoala' means 'where the water is distributed', referring to the several turquoise waterfalls in this region. Here, you can find numerous natural gems and take a break from the crowds of Oaxaca City.

Located in the Nochixtlán district, this town is part of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, a preserved natural area. One of the attractive aspects of Santa María Apazco is its gastronomy. You can taste delicious traditional dishes such as chapulines, nopal tortillas, yellow pozole, mole pronto, and atole chili.

This small village, located 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido, is home to an incredible phosphorescent lagoon. When the sun sets, you can see streaks of light in the water caused by a luminescent algae that lives there.

Another great trip to take when visiting Oaxaca is a guided tour of the Copalitilla magic waterfalls. You can explore the beautiful nature of this place with a tour guide and have one of the most powerful experiences of your life.

This beach spans 25 kilometers of white sand, highlighting the blue tone of the sea. In July, hundreds of sea turtles come here to lay their eggs, creating an amazing event that occurs once a year. This is why Escobilla is also known as ‘The Turtle Beach’.