50 Best things to See, Do and Eat in Oaxaca City: Your Ultimate Guide
Oaxaca City’s a gem that draws you in—lively streets, delicious food, and a rhythm all its own. I’ve gathered 50 great things to see, taste, and do, from mezcal evenings to Zapotec ruins. Your Oaxaca City journey begins here—let’s get started!
Major Festivals
Oaxaca’s cultural fiestas are Mexico’s finest—time your trip for these unmissable peaks!
Guelaguetza
Every July, Guelaguetza explodes with Indigenous flair—dancers, brass bands, and mezcal flow on a hillside amphitheater and parades through the city daily. Nearby towns also offer authentic vibes. This is Oaxaca at its proudest!
Day of the Dead
Oaxaca’s Día de Muertos is a bucket-list spectacle—cemeteries glow with candles, altars bloom with marigolds, and parades (comparsas) dance through the streets. It’s not just a party; it’s a heartfelt tribute to loved ones, blending Zapotec roots with wild energy.
Locals swear it’s Mexico’s best spot for it and the vibe’s so electric you’ll need to book early—hotels and tours vanish fast! Check out the full Day of the Dead guide.
⭐️ 5 Star – 8 different Day of the Dead Tour options
Marvel at Radish Night (Noche de Rábanos)
Radish Night’s a wild one—giant radishes carved into nativities and mythical scenes light up the zócalo on December 23rd. This quirky 1897 tradition is a creative Christmas gem you won’t forget!
Best Day Trips From Oaxaca City
Hop out for Oaxaca’s real hidden gems—epic views and ancient vibes await!
Swim at Hierve el Agua
One of Oaxaca City’s most popular day trip destinations, Hierve el Agua is pure magic.
Just 1.5 hours from Oaxaca City, Hierve el Agua’s petrified waterfalls are nature’s masterpiece—think frozen cascades and infinity pools with epic mountain views. Go early, snap Insta-worthy shots, and swim in history-soaked waters.
Top Rated Tours
⭐️ 4.8 Star – Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery Tour
⭐️ 4.8 Star – Hierve el Agua half day tour
⭐️ 4.5 Star – Hierve el Agua, Teotitlán del Valle, Mezcal, El Tule
Monte Albán
Along with Hierve el Agua, visiting the ruins of Monte Albán is a must do when visiting Oaxaca City. A quick 7km from town, Monte Albán’s Zapotec ruins—pyramids, tombs, and a ball court—offer a time warp to 500 BCE, unbeatable.
Take a tour and pair it with artisan stops for a full day.
⭐️ 4.9 Star – Monte Alban – Full Day Guided Tour – Includes visit to Black Pottery, Alebrijes and Textile workshops.
⭐️ 4.8 Star – Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour
Tour a Mezcal Distillery in Santiago Matatlán
Oaxaca is all about Mezcal, so when in Rome…! Known as the “World Capital of Mezcal,” this village (40 minutes out of town) is where agave gets roasted, crushed, and distilled into smoky perfection. Tour a palenque, chat with a maestro mezcalero, and taste batches too small to bottle—Oaxaca’s spirit in its rawest form!
⭐️ 5 Star – The Mezcal Journey
Visit the Tlacolula Market on a Sunday
One of Oaxaca’s oldest markets, Tlacolula is a vibrant blast—40 minutes away, it’s tlayudas, smoky barbacoa, and spice-filled air. Dive into the colorful chaos and savor Oaxaca at its liveliest!
Artisan Workshops in nearby villiages
Teotitlán’s rugs and Atzompa’s pottery dazzle—watch artisans wield ancient skills and snag a keepsake!
⭐️ 4.9 Star – Monte Alban – Full Day Guided Tour – Includes visit to Black Pottery, Alebrijes and Textile workshops.
⭐️ 4.5 Star – Hierve el Agua and Teotitlan del Valle Tour
See the El Tule Tree
This 2,000-year-old cypress, 10km from Oaxaca City, is the world’s widest tree—its gnarled trunk feels like a wise old friend. It’s a quick stop in Santa María del Tule, often paired with bigger day trips like Hierve el Agua.
You can also rent a bike from Mundo Cieba A.C for a nice ride out there.
⭐️ 4.5 Star – Hierve el Agua, Teotitlán del Valle, Mezcal, El Tule
Mitla – Puebla Magico
A 45-minute trip to Mitla’s precise Zapotec stonework—tombs and mosaics pack a mysterious punch. Nearby caves add intrigue!
Explore the Ex-Convento de Cuilápam, a stunning unfinished monastery
Ten kilometers out, this 16th-century monastery’s unfinished arches and carvings feel frozen in time—half colonial, half Indigenous. It’s eerie and gorgeous—perfect for a reflective stroll.
⭐️ 4.5 Star – Monte Albán, Arrazola, Cuilapam and San Bartolo Coyotepec
Top Rated Hotels in Oaxaca City
⭐️ 5 Star – Quinta Real Oaxaca
⭐️ 4 Star – NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca
⭐️ 3 Star – Las Mariposas Hotel & Studios
Food and Drink
Oaxaca’s flavors are a feast—dig into these must-tastes!
Try the Street Food
Oaxaca’s Street Food is the best! It’s the most authentic, flavorful, and affordable way to eat your way around Oaxaca City. From memelas and tlayudas to tamales and chapulines, Oaxaca’s streets are a flavor party. Pull up a seat next to some locals and eat until your heart’s content.
Pro Tip – Eat where the locals are eating. Pick a spot that’s busy.
⭐️ 4.8 Star – Food & Markets Tour
Take a Cooking Class
Oaxaca is famous for its food. Unlock mole and tlayuda secrets with local chefs—cook, eat, and bring home recipes and bragging rights.
⭐️ 4.8 Star – The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking class
⭐️ 4.8 Star – Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class
Try a tlayuda, it’s a must!
Tlayudas are my favourite Oaxacan food to eat, hands down.
A couple favourite places are Tlayudas Doña Flavia, Tlayudas Libres, or Tlayudas El Negro.
Try Tamales Oaxaqueños
Banana or Maíz leaves wrap mole or chicken into steamy bundles—comfort food, Oaxacan style.
Taste the 7 Moles
Oaxaca’s mole is a bold, velvety sauce—seven varieties mix chiles, chocolate, nuts, and spices. Negro, rojo, amarillo—these spicy masterpieces define the region’s cuisine.
Drink Tejate
The “Drink of the Gods,” Cold, frothy corn-cacao bliss—Oaxaca’s ancient refresher! Enjoy every delicious drop!
Sip Mezcal at a Tasting
In Situ or La Mezcalerita pour smoky perfection and have insightful tastings. If you’re here in July, you’ll love the huge Feria de Mezcal!
Eat quesillo (Oaxacan string cheese)
I could eat quesillo all day long, it’s so good! You’re going to be eating it in Oaxaca on a lot of dishes and street foods. It’s addictive—grab a 250g ball at Benito Juárez Market and unravel it all day!
Taste Nieve (Oaxacan ice cream) at the Basílica de La Soledad
Just west of the Zocalo is the church Basilica de la Soledad. Although the church is nice and definitely worth the visit, most people go here to eat Nieve, Oaxacan Ice-Cream. There’s a small courtyard in front of the church with about 10 Nieve stalls. A nice relaxing break from the heat.
Eat Brunch or a Pizza at Boulenc
These guys make the best artisanal pizzas! This high quality bakery/restaurant has turned into one of the top eating spots in Oaxaca City – Boulenc.
Try Oaxacan Grasshoppers (chapulines)
Toasted grasshoppers with garlic, lime and chile—crisp, tangy, and totally Oaxacan! A snack you definitely won’t forget! Find them around Mercado Benito Juárez.
Cafe/Coffee
Drop by Muss Café for rich Sierra Madre beans—brewed into coffee heaven in a cup! My favourite cafe in Oaxaca City, though, is Mondo Café.
Markets and Shopping Hotspots
Oaxaca’s markets pulse with life—food, crafts, and chaos collide!
Browse Benito Juárez Market
Near the zócalo, this market’s a whirlwind—from fresh produce to handmade crafts, quesillo wheels, dried chiles, and textiles everywhere. It’s loud, chaotic, and 100% Oaxaca—dive in!
Savor Pasillo de Humo at Mercado 20 de Noviembre
A visit to Mercado 20 de Noviembre’s Pasillo de Humo is an absolute Oaxacan food lover’s dream. The “smoke aisle” is grill heaven—juicy meats like Tasajo and Chorizo while vendors shout. Place your order and take a seat—it’s smoky, messy bliss!
Hunt unique crafts at Mercado de Artesanías
Rugs, alebrijes, and pottery a few blocks from the zócalo—authentic treasures await. Want premium? Head to La Casa de las Artesanías!
Visit Mercado La Cosecha
Organic produce and cheeses in a chill setting—fresh Oaxaca at its best. This market is filled with fresh, local produce, artisanal cheeses, and unique, sustainable products.
Eat at a comedor in Mercado de la Merced
Tiny stalls whip up mole and tamales—home cooking at its best, cheap and cozy.
Free and Fun things to do in Oaxaca City
Oaxaca’s freebies pack a punch—dive into these gems!
Watch and join a Wedding Parade (Calenda)
Street parties with giant puppets and brass bands—jump in and dance, no invite needed!
A must-see spectacle that captures the heart and soul of Oaxaca! You’ll find them leaving Santo Domingo church every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from about 1pm, hourly.
Wonder around Jalatlaco
Colorful colonial streets, murals and cafes—this gem’s a short stroll from downtown.
Take a Free Walking Tour
Local guides spill city secrets—tip what you can for this history-packed stroll! The best way to understand Oaxaca City. Free Walking Tour.
Discover Street Art
Bold murals cover Oaxaca’s walls—history and heart in every splash of paint. Best neighbourhoods are Jalatlaco, Xochimilco and Centro.
⭐️ 4.8 Star – Street Art Bike Ride
⭐️ 5 Star – Street Art Tour With An Artist in Oaxaca
Step inside Oaxaca’s Art Galleries
Oaxaca’s many galleries burst with creative spirit—think contemporary art, folk pieces, and local talent. From wood carvings to bold paintings, each spot offers a vibrant peek into the region’s culture. You’ll leave inspired!
Hang out in the Zócalo – Day or night
Daytime performers or nighttime lights—this square’s always buzzing!
Fun and Unique Experiences
Lucha Libre Wrestling – Sundays
Sunday Lucha Libre in Oaxaca is a high-energy blast—masked wrestlers flip and soar with theatrical flair. The crowd’s cheers amp up the fun, making it a must-see slice of Oaxacan culture, fan or not! Arena Oaxaca
Experience a Temazcal Ceremony
A Temazcal ceremony in Oaxaca is a soulful dive into ancient healing—steam, herbs, and meditation in a sweat lodge. Led by shamans amid nature, it’s a relaxing ritual tying you to Oaxaca’s sacred roots.
Check out Temezcal Toop Oaxaca.
Watch a traditional Guelaguetza dance performance
Missed July? See vibrant Guelaguetza dances at Hotel Quinta Real—pure Oaxaca magic!
Their ‘Dinner and Show’ every Thursday, 6pm-9pm for $1,015 pesos is well worth it for mine.
Best things to do at night
Oaxaca lights up after dark—here’s the nightlife scoop!
Rooftop bar in front of Santo Domingo
Sip a sunset cocktail at any rooftop bar in front of Santo Domingo for stunning views of Oaxaca’s top photographed church—perfect for a relaxing, scenic evening.
Night Life
Catch live music at Txalaparta, Tentacion, or La Nueva Babel—vibrant spots with rock, jazz, and local tunes for an unforgettable night out.
Try some Oaxacan Artesanal Beer
Sample Oaxaca’s craft beers—unique, locally brewed flavors from stouts to pale ales, a must-try for beer enthusiasts! Check out Oaxaca Brewing Co.
Bicycle Ride Through the City at Night
Cruise nightly with Mundo Ceiba A.C.—9pm, $150 pesos, bike included! Check out their Facebook page for more details.
Outdoor Adventures and More
Oaxaca’s wild side and extras beckon—get out there!
Hike Pueblos Mancomunados
Ditch the city for the mountains—trek the Pueblos Mancomunados’ trails. These villages blend natural beauty with culture, winding through forests, peaks, and valleys with stunning views at every step.
⭐️ 5 Star – Hiking in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca
Mountain Bike Sierra Norte
Sierra Norte mountain biking is an adrenaline rush through Oaxaca’s wild beauty. Trails twist past forests, cliffs, and villages, suiting all riders with epic views and thrilling drops—adventure meets nature in one epic ride!
Catch a Baseball or Soccer game
Oaxaca’s baseball and soccer games buzz with passionate fans and lively vibes. Baseball’s a tourist fave—right in Centro, it’s a fun night out with beers and memories!
Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo – Oaxaca Botanical Gardens
Admire the baroque beauty of Templo de Santo Domingo and unwind in the serene Oaxaca Botanical Gardens—history and nature in one perfect stop.
Watch a performance at the Macedonio Theater
Enjoy a concert, ballet, or play at the stunning Macedonio Alcalá Theater, a colonial gem with top-notch acoustics, just a block from the Zocalo.
Museums Worth Your Time
Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art
Pre-Hispanic sculptures and pottery in a colonial stunner—art meets history!
Oaxaca Textile Museum (Museo Textil de Oaxaca)
Gorgeous weavings tell Oaxaca’s story—textile lovers, this is your spot! This museum showcases intricate weavings, beautifully dyed fabrics, and detailed embroidery, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship of Oaxacan communities.
Contemporary Art Museum of Oaxaca (MACO)
Modern art in an old building—Oaxaca’s creative edge shines here. MACO features thought-provoking exhibitions from both local and international artists.
Museum of Oaxacan Painters (Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños)
The Museum of Oaxacan Painters (Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños) is a true homage to the region’s artistic legacy. Featuring works by Oaxaca’s most renowned painters, this museum showcases a blend of tradition and today—small but mighty!
Conclusion
Oaxaca City weaves a special spell—its food, sights, and spirit come together in a way that’s hard to forget. These 50 highlights are just a taste of what’s waiting. I hope you get to soak up everything about Oaxaca City and love it as much as I do—happy exploring!
