12 Things to Do in Oaxaca
Nestled in the heart of southern Mexico, Oaxaca is a vibrant city rich in culture, history, and gastronomy.
Known for its colourful festivals, smokey markets, and mouth-watering cuisine, Oaxaca offers a unique experience that caters to all types of travellers. Whether you're a food enthusiast, history buff, or adventure seeker, this guide will help you navigate the best that Oaxaca has to offer.
We came here in 2023 twice, once to explore the city on our way to Puerto Escondido and then back again for the amazing Día De Los Muertos!
Explore the Markets
Oaxaca has 3 main markets for you to explore, each offering a completely different experience. We spent a lot of our time eating here and the markets do not dissapoint!
Mercado de Abastos
Mercado de Abastos, the largest market in Oaxaca City, is a chaotic hub. Covering several city blocks, this Central de Abasto offers a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and aromas. Vendors sell an incredible array of goods, including fresh produce, meats, spices, textiles, pottery, and handcrafted items unique to the region. You’ll even find livestock in there!
Make sure you go to Doña Vale for one of the best breakfasts you’ve ever had!
Memelas Dońa Vale
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
Located just a few blocks from Oaxaca City's central square, this market is a vibrant celebration of flavours, colours, and sounds, and it's an absolute must-visit for any food lover.
Eat at the Comedores: Dive into a variety of traditional dishes at the market's bustling food stalls. It's an excellent place to sample local favourites in a lively atmosphere. Expect lots of tamales, Tlayudas and moles.
Pasillo de Humo: Translating to "Hall of Smoke," this area is renowned for its grilled meats. Choose your selection, and watch it sizzle over open flames right before you.
A comedor in Oaxaca
Pasillo de Humo
Mercado Benito Juárez
A treasure trove of spices, foods, textiles, and handcrafted items. Wander through the aisles to find unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Tlacolula Market
Not technically in Oaxaca city, but deifnitely worth a trip. Tlacolula Market, held every Sunday in the town of Tlacolula de Matamoros, is one of Oaxaca's oldest and most vibrant markets, brimming with local character and traditional flavours. This market draws people from all over the region, with vendors offering everything from handmade textiles and pottery to freshly prepared Oaxacan delicacies.
The atmosphere is a feast for the senses, filled with the colours of piled-high produce, the aromas of spit-roasted barbacoa (goat or lamb), and the calls of vendors selling everything from mole paste to mezcal.
You will find some unofficial mezcal vendors roaming around selling unlabeled mezcal from their bags; bring a capital (shot glass) with you to try some and buy a bottle.
Tlacolula Market
Eat lots of Amazing Food
Oaxaca is often dubbed the culinary capital of Mexico, and for good reason. Its cuisine is a rich tapestry of indigenous and Spanish influences. We’ve already mentioned the markets above so once you’re done with them you can try out the restaurants and street food.
Restaurants
Casa Oaxaca: An upscale dining experience offering a modern twist on traditional Oaxacan dishes. Don't miss their rooftop terrace for stunning city views.
Los Danzantes: Set in a beautiful courtyard, this restaurant combines contemporary design with a menu that highlights local ingredients.
La Cocina de Humo: Known for its authentic dishes cooked over a wood fire, providing a rustic and flavorful meal.
Alfonsina: Helmed by Chef Jorge León, a Pujol alumnus, Alfonsina offers a unique tasting menu that showcases the depth of Oaxacan cuisine.
Street Food
Tacos del Carmen: A local favourite for delicious, no-frills tacos.
Tacos Sierra: Renowned for their flavorful tacos and friendly service.
Read our full post detailing all the foods you must try in Oaxaca here.
Drink lots of Mezcal
Mezcal is more than just a drink here; it’s a symbol of tradition, crafted with care in small palenques across the region. From the smoky, earthy flavours of espadín to the more exotic varieties like tobalá or pechuga, there’s a mezcal for every palate.
Many mezcalerías in Oaxaca City offer tasting flights, giving you the chance to discover the unique notes and stories behind each bottle. Whether you’re sipping it neat, savouring it with an orange slice and sal de gusano (worm salt), or enjoying it in a creative cocktail, Oaxaca is the place to truly appreciate this iconic spirit.
Los Amantes: Our favourite place, known for its cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, perfect for both mezcal novices and aficionados.
Sabina Sabe: A stylish cocktail bar offering an extensive selection of mezcal in a modern setting.
Selva: A chic spot with inventive cocktails and a vibrant ambiance.
La Mezcalerita Oaxaca: Offers a variety of mezcals and craft beers, along with traditional snacks. Website
You can also visit local distilleries (palenques) to learn about the mezcal-making process firsthand. Book a tour online to arrange your transport and tastings.
For a unique experience, purchase "botellas sin etiquetas" (bottles without labels) from merchants in the markets. These homemade mezcals offer a taste of traditional distillation methods.
Get Some Beautiful Photographs
Oaxaca is a dream destination for photographers, with its vibrant streets and stunning landscapes begging to be captured. The city’s colourful colonial architecture, often covered in brilliant bougainvillaea, creates a picture-perfect backdrop at every corner.
Wander through neighbourhoods like Jalatlaco and Xochimilco, where the cobbled streets and mural-covered walls will have your camera clicking constantly.
Visit the Zócalo and Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
The Zócalo and Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán are two of Oaxaca City's most iconic spots, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's culture and history. The Zócalo, Oaxaca’s lively central square, is the perfect place to experience the city's vibrant energy. Sit under the leafy trees, enjoy the sounds of live music, and watch the world go by as vendors and families fill the area.
Just a short stroll away, the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán awaits, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, with an interior that dazzles with intricate gold leaf and elaborate carvings. The surrounding plaza and gardens of Santo Domingo are ideal for an evening stroll, with the warm light of the setting sun creating a magical backdrop for photographs.
Visit El Barrio de Jalatlaco
El Barrio de Jalatlaco is one of Oaxaca City's most picturesque and enchanting neighbourhoods, known for its cobbled streets, brightly painted houses, and relaxed atmosphere. This historic area, just east of the city centre, feels like stepping into a different time, with murals depicting scenes of local culture, traditional festivals, and mythical figures adorning many walls.
Flowering vines drape over doorways, and small, family-run cafés spill out onto the pavements, making it the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Jalatlaco is also famous for its traditional Day of the Dead celebrations, where altars and vibrant decorations fill the streets, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions of Oaxaca. Whether you're exploring its quiet lanes or enjoying a coffee in a quaint courtyard, Jalatlaco is an ideal spot to experience the beauty and authenticity of Oaxaca away from the crowds.
Hike up Monte Albán
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Valley of Oaxaca, this incredible archaeological site was once the thriving capital of the ancient Zapotec civilisation. The hike itself is a rewarding experience, with trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the city below, making the ascent as enjoyable as the destination.
Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by impressive ruins, including grand plazas, stepped pyramids, and intricate carvings that whisper tales from thousands of years ago. The effort is well worth it. Not only will you feel a connection to the ancient past, but you’ll also be rewarded with breathtaking vistas that stretch out for miles.
The hike up to Monte Albán typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and starting point. Many visitors begin from Oaxaca City, and while you can drive or take a bus, hiking offers a more immersive experience. The climb is moderately challenging, with a mix of inclines and flat sections, but it's definitely doable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
Coffee Shops, Cafés and Bakeries
Oaxaca is full of charming coffee shops and cafés that are perfect for a relaxed break, featuring local coffee that reflects the region’s rich flavours.
The state of Oaxaca is known for its high-quality, aromatic beans, and many cafés here serve freshly roasted Oaxacan coffee straight from the surrounding mountains. Whether you want to people-watch from a terrace, dive into a good book, or catch up with friends, Oaxaca’s coffee shops are a fantastic way to slow down and savour the rich, earthy flavours of the region.
Our recommended places:
Boulenc
Bodaega
Pan Con Madre
LIA Café
La Atoleria
Casa Blasón
Tierra del Sol
Take a Cooking Class
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Oaxaca's rich culinary heritage is by taking a cooking class. Guided by experienced local chefs, you'll learn how to make iconic dishes like mole negro, tamales, and tlayudas, using fresh ingredients sourced from vibrant local markets.
Many classes begin with a trip to the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you’ll select the spices, vegetables, and herbs needed for your recipes, gaining insight into the culture behind each ingredient. These classes are hands-on, ensuring you get to knead, grind, and taste your way through every step of the cooking process. At the end, you'll enjoy the feast you've prepared, giving you a true taste of Oaxaca that you can recreate at home—a delicious souvenir and an unforgettable experience rolled into one.
Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Oaxaca is one of the most vibrant and meaningful celebrations you can witness, a heartfelt fusion of pre-Hispanic traditions and Catholic influences. Taking place from 31st October to 2nd November, the city and surrounding towns are filled with beautifully decorated altars (ofrendas), adorned with marigolds, candles, incense, and photographs of departed loved ones.
Families gather in cemeteries, such as Panteón General, to clean and decorate graves, creating an intimate and colourful tribute to those who have passed. Streets come alive with parades, including the iconic comparsas. Processions filled with costumed dancers, musicians, and fantastically painted faces.
Markets are packed with sugar skulls, pan de muerto (sweet bread), and other treats, and the air is filled with the scent of copal incense. Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca isn’t a sombre occasion but rather a joyous celebration of life, inviting all who witness it to feel a deep sense of connection and community.
Go Shopping
Shopping in Oaxaca is a treat for the senses, with plenty of opportunities to find beautiful homeware and handcrafted souvenirs that reflect the local culture. The city is known for its artisan markets and charming boutiques, brimming with handwoven textiles, ceramics, and hand-carved alebrijes (brightly coloured wooden figurines).
Visit the Petrified Pools of Hierve el Agua
A trip to Hierve el Agua is like stepping into another world, with its surreal landscape of petrified waterfalls and stunning natural pools perched on the edge of a cliff. Located about 70 kilometres from Oaxaca City, this natural formation is famous for its mineral-rich waters that cascade down the mountainside, creating what looks like frozen waterfalls.
Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise pools, which are perfect for cooling off and enjoying the sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and capture the pools bathed in soft light. Don’t forget to take in the panoramic views from the top—it’s a breathtaking spot that highlights the natural beauty of Oaxaca, perfect for photography and pure relaxation.
Conclusion
Oaxaca is a city that captivates the senses—from the aromatic allure of its markets to the historic charm of its architecture. Whether you're savoring the complexities of mole, exploring ancient ruins, or simply strolling through its vibrant streets, Oaxaca offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Mexican culture.
Enjoy your adventure in this enchanting city!
