Things to Do in Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City is compact enough to walk everywhere in the centre, and there’s enough within a two-hour radius to fill a week. These are the activities worth prioritising.

In the city

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca — inside the Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo complex, this is one of the best regional museums in Mexico. Highlight: the complete Tomb 7 assemblage from Monte Albán — gold, jade, and turquoise jewellery from a Mixtec burial, displayed intact.

Templo de Santo Domingo — the church itself, adjacent to the museum, has one of the most extraordinary baroque interiors in the Americas. The gilded ceiling above the entrance is a genealogical tree of the Dominican order rendered in three dimensions.

Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre — side by side, a few blocks south of the Zócalo. Juárez is for groceries and everyday goods; 20 de Noviembre has the famous row of charcoal grills (the Pasillo de los Humos — Smoky Corridor) where you select meat and it’s grilled to order. Eating at the markets is one of the best value experiences in Mexico.

Mezcal bars — the best mezcal in the world is made in Oaxaca state, and the city’s bars serve producers rarely found outside the region. Good options around Calle Macedonio Alcalá (the main pedestrianised street) and the streets off it.

Day trips

Monte Albán — the ancient Zapotec capital on a levelled mountaintop 9 km west. Colectivos leave from near the second-class bus station. One of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites and often less crowded than you might expect. Allow 3 hours.

Hierve el Agua — petrified waterfalls in the valley southeast of the city (75 km). Mineral springs have built up calcite formations over millennia, creating cliff-edge formations with natural pools. The views over the valley are exceptional. Tours from the city or self-drive.

Teotitlán del Valle — 31 km southeast, the centre of Oaxacan rug weaving. Zapotec women weave on traditional looms using hand-dyed wool; designs range from traditional geometric patterns to contemporary interpretations. Purchases direct from weavers are the best value and support the makers directly.

San Bartolo Coyotepec — barro negro pottery village, 20 km south. The distinctive black clay is produced using a technique unique to this village.

Craft villages: the circuit

A full day covers several craft villages: Atzompa (green-glazed ceramics), Arrazola (alebrijes), San Martín Tilcajete (larger alebrije workshop scale). Rent a car or join a guided day tour.

Guelaguetza (July)

If your timing allows, Oaxaca’s most important festival fills the city with traditional dance, music, and food from communities across the state. The formal performances in the amphitheatre require tickets; the street celebrations are free.