Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ka) City is located in Southwestern Mexico, in the state of the same name. While many travelers choose to spend their time in Mexico on the beaches of Tulum or the capital of Mexico City, Oaxaca flies under the radar as the country's hidden gem. Oaxaca is a vibrant and colorful city with an incredible food scene and plenty of history for travelers to learn about during their stay. These are 10 of the best things to do when visiting Oaxaca City for the first time that will keep you coming back for more.
10 Explore The City On Foot
Oaxaca is a very walkable city, so it’s best explored on foot, at a leisurely pace. Travelers can join a free walking tour if they want a guided explanation of the areas they’re visiting, or they can wander at their own speed and get lost in the colorful streets. For the most convenience, travelers should try to book accommodation in the central historic district, enabling them to walk to some of the most picturesque restaurants and coffee shops from where they’re staying.
9 Visit The Mercado Benito Juárez
The Mercado Benito Juárez is a covered marketplace in Oaxaca City that takes up an entire city block. The market is open seven days a week from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and has vendors selling fresh produce, artisan goods, crafts, and prepared foods. The market is a can’t-miss attraction in Oaxaca and is the perfect place to go for lunch or grab groceries when staying in the city long term.
8 Explore The Zócalo
The Zócalo is a historic landmark in Oaxaca and attracts visitors to the city and locals alike. The Zócalo is the town square which is formally called Plaza de la Constitución. The square is clean and picturesque, lined with cafés and quaint restaurants where travelers can grab a morning coffee or watch the city come alive at dusk while sipping a margarita. In the evenings, live music fills the Zócalo.
7 Take Photos In The Xochimilco District
Photographers and social media influencers should take time to walk around the beautiful Xochimilco neighborhood when visiting Oaxaca City. This is one of the city’s oldest quarters and is a lively, urban area where artists have painted stunning murals on the buildings. The cobblestone streets and artwork make this the perfect photography backdrop to capture the beauty of Mexico.
6 Visit Templo De Santo Domingo
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is a church and was previously a monastery, located in the heart of Oaxaca City. The building complex features courtyards and many rooms with dramatic, breathtaking architecture. The church is lavish, adorned with gold, making it easily one of the most ornate buildings in Oaxaca, dating back to 1555.
5 Have A Coffee In The Jalatlaco Neighborhood
The Jalatlaco barrio of Oaxaca doesn’t frequently earn a place in the guidebooks, making it a hidden gem of the city. This neighborhood is lesser-known among travelers, but it's one of the most beautiful in Oaxaca. Centuries old, the romantic Jalatlaco barrio is a colorful quarter with street art, vibrantly colored buildings lining the cobbled streets, and a local atmosphere.
4 Take A Day Trip To Monte Albán
Monte Albán is an archeological site in the state of Oaxaca, located about 30 minutes from Oaxaca Centro by car. The site was founded in the sixth century B.C. and overlooks the city from its place atop a low mountain range. The architectural remains of the pyramids, canals, and terraces that once stood there stretch over a distance of four miles. The incredible ancient ruins of the metropolis are the ideal setting to learn about the history of the Zapotec people of Mexico.
3 Visit The Ruins At Mitla
The Ruins at Mitla are the most important site for learning about Zapotec culture in Mexico and are located in Oaxaca. Mitla is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its intricate mosaic designs on the walls and columns of the ruins. The site designated by UNESCO contains two pre-Hispanic archeological complexes. By car, it takes approximately an hour to reach Mitla from Oaxaca City’s Centro district.
2 Do A Mezcal Tasting
Many travelers think of tequila when imagining the food and drink in Mexico, but in Oaxaca, the best drink to try is mezcal. There is a vast range of agave plants grown in the state of Oaxaca, and as a result, the state is a fantastic place to try local varieties of mezcal. Visitors to the city can book a proper tasting tour, or they can simply head to a local bar and organize a tasting experience of their own.
1 Take A Cooking Class
Mexican food, in general, is delicious, but Oaxaca has its own unique dishes that travelers should look for while visiting Oaxaca City. In particular, the seven moles and Oaxacan-style tamales are must-try food items. One of the best ways to appreciate the cuisine in Oaxaca is to sign up for a cooking class while visiting. Que Rico Es Oaxaca is one school dedicated to cooking classes, but experiences like this are also available through Airbnb.