In a nutshell
- Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico, but when people say Oaxaca, they usually mean the capital city, Oaxaca de Juárez.
- It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico, famous for its incredible food scene and the colorful Día de los Muertos celebrations.
- In this guide, we’ll show you the best things to do in Oaxaca City, including the most stunning sights and plenty of practical tips for your trip.
Our Map of Oaxaca City
Oaxaca de Juárez is the capital of the state of Oaxaca and lies about 7 hours south of Mexico City.
On this map you can see where the main attractions in Oaxaca are located. You can also download it and use it offline.
Our map of Oaxaca City as a pdf
The Best Places to Visit in Oaxaca
You can easily see the most important highlights in the historic center of Oaxaca in just one day:
- Plaza Zócalo
- Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
- Museo de las Culturas
- Ethnobotanical Garden
- Mercado 20 de Noviembre & Benito Juárez
- Mirador Cerro del Fortín
- Jalatlaco neighborhood
- Plaza de la Danza
Still, we recommend staying in Oaxaca at least three days. That way you’ll have time to enjoy the city’s amazing food and also check out a few spots outside the center.
These sights around Oaxaca are also worth a visit:
- Hierve el Agua
- Monte Albán
- Árbol del Tule
Plaza Zócalo
What should you know? Like in most Mexican cities, the main square in Oaxaca is called Plaza Zócalo. It’s home to the cathedral and the government palace.
Is Plaza Zócalo worth it? Definitely. It’s the lively heart of Oaxaca, with street performances and something happening almost all the time.
Templo de Santo Domingo
What should you know? The Templo de Santo Domingo is one of the city’s most important landmarks. Entrance is free, but keep in mind it’s often closed on weekends for private events.
Is it worth visiting? Absolutely. The baroque interior is stunning and one of the best things to do in Oaxaca City.
Our tip for Santo Domingo: Around the church you’ll find plenty of great restaurants and cafés. We love La Proveedora Alcalá – it’s both a restaurant and a bookshop.
Museo de las Culturas
What should you know? The museum is inside the Santo Domingo complex and features fascinating exhibitions about the archaeology, history and culture of Oaxaca.
Is it worth visiting? Yes, very much. The exhibits are engaging and it’s a great way to learn more about the region.
Good to know: Admission is 90 MXN and the museum is closed on Mondays.
Ethnobotanical Garden
What should you know? The Ethnobotanical Garden is part of the Santo Domingo complex and showcases native plants from all over Oaxaca. You can only visit as part of a guided tour.
Is the Ethnobotanical Garden worth it? Definitely, especially if you love plants. But even if you don’t, the guides share fascinating stories about Oaxaca’s landscapes and culture that make the tour special.
Our tip for the Ethnobotanical Garden: join the English-language tour, which runs Monday to Saturday at 11 am (100 MXN). Spanish tours run more often and cost 50 MXN. You can check the schedule on the official website (Spanish only).
Mercado 20 de Noviembre & Benito Juárez
What should you know? These two markets sit right next to each other. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is the place for tasty and affordable meals, while Benito Juárez Market is packed with stalls selling crafts and souvenirs.
Are the markets worth visiting? Absolutely. Eating at Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a must-do, and Benito Juárez Market is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs in Oaxaca City.
Our tip: try regional specialties like mole negro or tlayudas at Mercado 20 de Noviembre – some of the best things to do in Oaxaca City if you’re into food.
Mirador Cerro del Fortín
What should you know? This viewpoint is northwest of the center and can be reached via a set of steps. At the top, head left along the main road to reach the actual Mirador.
Is Mirador Cerro del Fortín worth it? Yes. The road location is noisy and a bit hectic, but the views across the city and mountains are still beautiful.
Our tip for Mirador Cerro del Fortín: if you’re up for a short hike, continue to the summit of Cerro del Fortín. Cross the tunnel at the end of the stairs to the other side of the road, then walk uphill. Plan about 2 hours in total.
Jalatlaco Quarter
What should you know? Jalatlaco is about a 15-minute walk from the center and feels just as colorful and vibrant as the old town, but much quieter. The narrow streets are full of great photo spots.
Is Jalatlaco worth a visit? Yes, without a doubt. It’s our favorite neighborhood in Oaxaca and one of the most authentic places to visit in Oaxaca City.
Our tip for Jalatlaco: simply wander through the small streets. The district is compact, so you’ll quickly stumble across its prettiest corners.
Plaza de la Danza
What should you know? Plaza de la Danza is less touristy than other squares but worth stopping by. It’s located west of the center and its highlight is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.
Is Plaza de la Danza worth visiting? Yes. The basilica is stunning and the view from the square with the mountains in the background makes it one of the best things to do in Oaxaca City if you want a quieter vibe.
Hierve el Agua
What should you know? Hierve el Agua is famous for its petrified waterfalls and natural pools where you can take a dip. Both the rock formations and the turquoise pools are stunning photo spots.
Is Hierve el Agua worth it? Yes. Even though it’s popular with tourists, the scenery is still breathtaking and unique.
Our tip for Hierve el Agua: join a guided tour from Oaxaca. Most tours also include other highlights, like the ruins of Mitla, making it one of the best things to do in Oaxaca City.
Book a guided tour to Hierve el Agua and more
Monte Albán
What should you know? Monte Albán was once the capital of the Zapotecs and today it’s one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico. It sits on a mountain about 7 km from Oaxaca. Entry is 90 MXN, payable in cash or card.
Is Monte Albán worth it? Absolutely – it’s a must on any list of the best things to do in Oaxaca City.
Our tip for Monte Albán: take a guided tour to really understand the history. There are only a few signs with explanations on-site. If you go on your own, you can get there by taxi or with the tour bus (90 MXN) that leaves from the corner of Calle Francisco Javier Mina and Díaz Ordaz.
Book a guided tour to Monte Albán from Oaxaca
Árbol del Tule
What should you know? In the town of Santa María del Tule near Oaxaca stands the Árbol del Tule, the tree with the thickest trunk in the world. Its exact age is unknown, but experts believe it’s more than 2,000 years old.
Is Árbol del Tule worth it? We wouldn’t go just for this, but if you’re on a Hierve el Agua tour it’s a nice extra stop.
Our tip for Árbol del Tule: you’ll pay 20 MXN if you want to get right up close, but you can also admire it from a distance.
Extra Tip: Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca
The Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca is as iconic here as Oktoberfest is in Munich. While the Day of the Dead is celebrated all over Mexico, Oaxaca is one of the absolute hotspots.
On November 1 and 2 every year, the city fills with parades, music, and celebrations in cemeteries. It’s not a sad event – it’s vibrant, colorful, and full of life. In Oaxaca, the festivities already start several days before the official dates.
Note: book your accommodation at least two months in advance. Hotels sell out quickly during Día de los Muertos.
Food in Oaxaca
If you’re after amazing Mexican food, Oaxaca should be at the top of your Mexico itinerary. The city is famous for having the best cuisine in the country.
These dishes are typical of Oaxaca
- Tlayudas: Giant, crispy tortillas with tasty toppings.
- Mole: Oaxaca is known for its many varieties of chili-based sauce. Mole Negro is especially popular.
- Tamales: Corn dough wrapped in banana leaves with different fillings.
These drinks are typical of Oaxaca
- Mezcal: A strong spirit distilled from agave.
- Tejate: A traditional, non-alcoholic drink made from cocoa and corn.
Our restaurant tips for Oaxaca
- Los Danzantes: Upscale restaurant with amazing local dishes.
- Boulenc: The most famous bakery in Oaxaca.
- Casa Taviche: Great Mexican food at fair prices.
- Margarita Comedor: Tasty and affordable set menus for lunch.
- La Casa del Tío Güero: Delicious Oaxacan dishes at good prices.
Another fun activity in Oaxaca is joining a cooking class. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes and take some of the flavors home with you.
Book a traditional cooking class with market visit in Oaxaca
Where to Stay in Oaxaca
We recommend staying right in the center of Oaxaca. It’s safe, full of great hotels, and you can reach all the main sights on foot.
Safety in Oaxaca
We always felt safe in Oaxaca. The state is one of the safest in Mexico and crime here is relatively low. Even walking around the city center late at night never felt unsafe.
Outside the historic center, though, we wouldn’t recommend wandering around after dark.
As always, keep an eye on your bags and valuables and avoid the poorer neighborhoods of the city.
Getting There & Getting Around
You can reach Oaxaca either by plane or by bus. The airport is in the south of the city and serves both domestic and international flights. There are no direct flights from Europe, so you’ll usually have a stopover in Mexico City.
From the airport, the easiest option is to take a taxi or a private or shared shuttle straight to your hotel. You can book these shuttles in advance online at Oaxaca Shuttle.
Oaxaca is also very well connected by long-distance bus. The ride from Mexico City takes about 7 hours, from Puebla 5 hours and from San Cristóbal de las Casas around 12 hours. Keep in mind there are several different bus terminals in Oaxaca.
Tickets are available on the ADO website. If that doesn’t work, you can also book through ViajoMucho or Checkmybus.
Once you’re in Oaxaca, the city is very walkable, which makes exploring the main places to visit in Oaxaca City super easy. There are also buses, colectivos (shared taxis), and regular cabs if you need them. City buses cost 8 MXN, which you pay directly to the driver when you get on.
Weather in Oaxaca
The weather in Oaxaca is pleasant year-round. The city sits at an altitude of 1,550 meters, so daytime temperatures are usually between 25 and 30 degrees.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to May. In the rainy season, you’ll get more showers and higher humidity, but since it rarely rains all day, you can still enjoy your trip and check out the best things to do in Oaxaca City.
If you want to know more about the best time to visit Mexico, take a look at our detailed guide.