Oaxaca is the cultural heart of Mexico, renowned for its vibrant indigenous traditions, world-class culinary scene, and stunning colonial architecture. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April, especially for the colorful Day of the Dead festivities.
Top Things to Do in Oaxaca
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Getting Around Oaxaca
From the Airport
Taxi. Authorized airport taxis have a booth inside the arrivals hall; buy your ticket there and hand it to the driver outside. It costs a fixed rate and takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the city center. Shuttle. Shared shuttle vans are available at the airport booth and offer a more economical way to get to your hotel or hostel in the city center.
Once You're There
Walking. The historic center of Oaxaca is highly walkable, with most major sights, markets, and restaurants located within a compact grid of cobblestone streets. Taxi. Taxis are abundant and affordable for getting to sites outside the center like Monte Alban; always agree on the fare before you get in as there are no meters. Rideshare. DiDi is the primary rideshare app used in Oaxaca; it is generally reliable and often cheaper than hailing a street taxi.
Where to Stay in Oaxaca
Hotel picks for Oaxaca are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Oaxaca
Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante★ 4.5 (5,752)Constitución 104-A, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., MexicoFamous for its tableside salsa preparation and rooftop views overlooking the iconic Santo Domingo church.
Las Quince Letras★ 4.5 (5,685)C. de Mariano Abasolo 300, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., MexicoA legendary spot to sample a variety of traditional moles, including the complex and rich mole negro.
Los Danzantes★ 4.5 (5,223)C. Macedonio Alcalá 403-interior 4, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., MexicoEnjoy refined Oaxacan cuisine in a stunning open-air courtyard located right behind the Santo Domingo church.
Levadura de Olla★ 4.5 (2,392)C. de Manuel García Vigil 304, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., MexicoChef Thalia Barrios Garcia serves authentic, ancestral recipes that focus on heirloom corn and traditional moles.
Mezcaleria In Situ★ 4.5 (512)Reforma 306, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., MexicoThe best place to learn about and taste rare, artisanal mezcals sourced directly from small-batch producers.
Memelas Dona Vale★ 4.4 (923)Cosijoeza, Central de Abasto, 68090 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., MexicoLocated inside Central de Abastos, this stall was featured on Netflix for its legendary, crispy-yet-soft memelas.
Alfonsina★ 4.3 (206)C. García Vigil 183, 71232 San Juan Bautista la Raya, Oax., MexicoLocated in a quiet neighborhood, this spot offers a rustic, high-end culinary experience that feels like a home-cooked meal.
Criollo★ 4.2 (2,836)Francisco I. Madero 129, Santa María del Marquesado, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., MexicoExperience a sophisticated, ever-changing tasting menu that highlights seasonal ingredients from local farmers.
Pitiona★ 4.1 (2,161)Ignacio Allende 114, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., MexicoA creative restaurant that elevates Oaxacan street food classics into elegant, modern plates.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Oaxaca
Colonial Icons & Botanical Wonders
Morning. Start your first morning at the Zocalo, the city's lively main square where you can watch locals enjoy their morning coffee under the laurel trees. Walk a few blocks north to the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, an architectural masterpiece of Mexican Baroque style. Take your time admiring the intricate gold-leaf interior before stepping next door to the Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca. You must book a guided tour in advance to access the garden, which showcases the incredible biodiversity of the region. Afterward, head toward the nearby Centro Cultural San Pablo for a quick look at its beautiful restored courtyard and library.
Afternoon. After grabbing lunch, spend your afternoon exploring the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, which is conveniently housed within the former monastery attached to Santo Domingo. The museum holds the famous treasures from Tomb 7 of Monte Alban, providing deep context for the region's ancient Zapotec history. Once you have finished at the museum, wander the cobblestone streets toward the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad. This imposing stone structure is dedicated to the city's patron saint and features a dramatic facade that glows beautifully in the afternoon sun. Spend some time sitting on the steps here to people-watch as the city begins its transition into the evening.
Evening. As the sun sets, head toward the pedestrian-friendly Calle Macedonio Alcala to browse the many art galleries and artisan boutiques. Stop into a local mezcaleria like Mezcaleria In Situ to sample a flight of agave spirits while learning about the distillation process from knowledgeable staff. For dinner, secure a table at a restaurant with a rooftop terrace to see the city lights sparkle against the surrounding mountains. End your night with a slow walk back through the illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant energy of the historic center. If you still have room, grab a cup of hot chocolate with a sweet pan de yema from a street vendor.
Ancient Ruins & Artisan Villages
Morning. Dedicate your second morning to the archaeological site of Monte Alban, which sits atop a flattened mountain overlooking the entire valley. Plan to arrive exactly when the gates open at 8:00 AM to beat the intense sun and the tour bus crowds. Wander through the Great Plaza, explore the ancient ball court, and climb the North Platform for the most iconic panoramic photo of the site. It is a vast area, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water as there is very little shade. After soaking in the history, take a taxi back down to the city for a restorative lunch.
Afternoon. In the afternoon, hire a driver for a trip to the village of Teotitlan del Valle, famous for its traditional Zapotec weaving techniques. Visit a local family workshop to see how wool is dyed using natural materials like cochineal insects and indigo plants. You will get to watch the artisans work their wooden looms, creating intricate rugs that take weeks to complete. Before heading back, stop at a local kitchen to try some authentic mole served with handmade tortillas. The drive back to Oaxaca City offers beautiful views of the rural landscape and agave fields that define the valley.
Evening. Return to the city and dive into the bustling atmosphere of Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Head straight to the famous Pasillo de Humo, the 'Hall of Smoke,' where you can choose raw meats from vendors and have them grilled to order right in front of you. Pair your grilled tasajo or cecina with fresh salsas, guacamole, and a large basket of tortillas. The air is thick with delicious aromas and the noise of a busy market, making it an essential, high-energy Oaxacan experience. After dinner, walk off the meal with a stroll around the Zocalo to listen to the live brass bands that play late into the night.
Natural Wonders & Market Exploration
Morning. Start your final day with a trip to the natural petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. These unique mineral formations look like cascading water frozen in time, and you can hike the trails around them for spectacular views of the valley. Bring your swimsuit, as the natural infinity pools at the top offer a refreshing dip with one of the best views in all of Mexico. It is a long drive from the city, so consider booking a shared shuttle or private car early to maximize your time. The contrast between the stark white rock and the deep blue sky makes for incredible photography.
Afternoon. After returning to Oaxaca City, head to the massive Central de Abastos market to see the true heartbeat of the local economy. This is not a tourist market, but a sprawling, chaotic maze where you can find everything from medicinal herbs and local mezcal to handmade pottery. Make sure to seek out the stall of Memelas Dona Vale for a quick, legendary snack that will change your perspective on corn. Spend the rest of the afternoon navigating the aisles and picking up unique souvenirs like artisanal chocolate or colorful textiles. It is an intense sensory experience, so be prepared for the crowds and the noise.
Evening. For your final evening, treat yourself to a culinary journey at one of the city's top-tier restaurants. Choose a place that specializes in the seven classic moles of Oaxaca to get a true sense of the region's complexity. Spend your last hours sitting in the Zocalo, reflecting on the history, art, and flavors you have experienced over the last three days. Grab a final artisanal ice cream from a street vendor and enjoy the cool mountain air. It is the perfect, quiet way to conclude your first trip to this magical city.