In case you’re searching for a metropolis that’s not overwhelmingly large, but packs an enormous punch by way of actions and tradition, then Oaxaca is the vacation spot for you. There are quite a few issues to do in Oaxaca to maintain you busy — this is among the greatest places to visit in Mexico.
A go to to this state in southern Mexico is greatest began off within the capital metropolis of the identical title, the place you possibly can spend a number of days taking within the sights, digging into the delicacies, and embarking on some adventures.
We loved our journey to this metropolis and the state as a complete. Today, Oaxaca is even turning into a hotspot for digital nomads, with many individuals living in the city.
On a brief go to to Oaxaca Metropolis (it’s pronounced wa-ha-ka, by the way in which), you possibly can bounce across the church buildings and museums, take day journeys out to historic ruins, indulge within the native delicacies, and perhaps participate in a standard competition.
Listed below are the 21 greatest issues to do in Oaxaca. Begin planning your journey to this superior Mexican metropolis.
Observe: This text has been up to date to replicate one of the best issues to do in Oaxaca in 2023, plus it has been up to date to incorporate prices and instructions to the sights. Get pleasure from your journey!
Getting Round
It’s fairly simple to get round Oaxaca. You possibly can take non-public taxis (a bit expensive) or hire your individual automobile for round $25-$30 per day. There are additionally first rate bus methods which you’ll be able to e-book on-line with websites like Bookaway.
After we had been in Oaxaca we principally took buses in between cities, however once we had been within the metropolis we’d taxi round or take public transport the place attainable. There are additionally some locations to hire motorbikes if you wish to get monetary savings when in comparison with automobile leases.
1. Discover the Zocalo
One of many high issues to do in Oaxaca is to discover the central a part of town. Often called the Zocalo, this space is one of the best place to get a really feel for town of Oaxaca. It’s additionally an incredible place to do some severe sightseeing.
Begin out in the principle sq. and bounce across the many well-known landmarks close by. You possibly can simply fill a complete day or two with sightseeing within the Zocalo. There are many locations to seize some meals or a drink as effectively everytime you want a break.
A go to to the Zocalo is all the time one of many high things to do in Mexico as a complete — that is one of the best spot for people-watching, stress-free with a drink, or grabbing a snack.
It’s additionally the place you’ll usually discover Mexican households having fun with themselves through the night. Click here for directions to the zocalo in Oaxaca.
2. Go to the Templo de Santo Domingo
The spotlight of downtown Oaxaca is certainly the beautiful Templo de Santo Domingo. This Sixteenth-century Baroque Catholic church is gorgeous in and out.
After admiring the constructing from the sq., you should definitely go in to see the magnificent gilded inside. It’s been used as a church, monastery, and navy barracks all through historical past.
The Templo de Santo Domingo is open day by day from 7AM-1PM and once more from 4-8PM besides throughout mass. In case you go to on a Saturday, there’s a very good likelihood you’ll see a number of weddings going down.
Entrance to the church is free. Click here for directions.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta – A Record of The Greatest!
3. Try the Museum of Cultures
After visiting the church above, you possibly can take a while to go to the Museo de las Culturas (Museum of Cultures). It’s housed within the lovely monastery buildings of the complicated and covers the historical past and tradition of the area.
Essentially the most spectacular show within the museum is the Treasure of Tomb 7 — a group of treasured stones and gold jewellery that was found in a Monte Alban tomb.
There’s additionally a wonderful view of town from contained in the museum, making it effectively definitely worth the $3.75 entrance payment. Click here for directions.
4. Take a Free Strolling Tour (this ought to be the very first thing you do in Oaxaca)
In cities all around the globe, free strolling excursions have gotten an increasing number of well-liked.
Taking the walking tour is certainly probably the greatest free issues to do in Oaxaca Metropolis. You’ll study so much concerning the metropolis, its historical past, and its tradition from a educated native information and make new pals within the course of.
Free strolling excursions begin day by day at 10AM in entrance of the Oaxaca Cathedral. Excursions final round two hours, leaving you loads of time to observe a few of your information’s suggestions on what to do and the place to eat.
Though the excursions are technically “free”, suggestions are welcome. Click here for instructions to the assembly level.
Another choice for an incredible expertise in Oaxaca is to join this tour with a information who was born and raised in Oaxaca. On his very reasonably priced and extremely rated strolling journey of town, you’ll absorb many various locations within the metropolis. Study extra here.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Guadalajara – The Prime 21 Sights and Actions
5. Get Misplaced within the Markets
One of many important issues to do in Oaxaca is getting misplaced wandering across the metropolis’s many markets. You’ll discover scrumptious native meals at a low value in addition to loads of fascinating souvenirs.
Essentially the most well-known market is Benito Juarez, the place you possibly can strive Oaxacan classics like mole, choose up some native cheese and mezcal, or get adventurous and snack on crickets.
Markets are an integral a part of Mexican life, give your self a number of hours and benefit from the environment. Click here for instructions to Benito Juarez Market.
Another choice and an effective way to immerse your self within the native life in Oaxaca is to join this fun experience in Oaxaca. Meet up with an area information from Oaxaca and discover a few one of the best markets within the metropolis: Benito Juárez, and November twentieth.
All of those bustling markets are identified for his or her colours, smells, traditions, tradition, and naturally, meals. You’ll strive greater than 20 various kinds of meals on this journey! Study extra here.
6. Day Journey to Monte Alban (one of many high issues to do in Oaxaca)
Far and away one of the crucial well-liked issues to do in Oaxaca is taking a day journey out to the ruins at Monte Alban (White Mountain). Constructed by the Zapotecs, this is among the most spectacular archaeological sites in all of Latin America.
Not like the extra famous ruins at Chichen Itza, you possibly can truly nonetheless climb the pyramids at Monte Alban. Doing so affords you beautiful views of the encircling countryside.
You possibly can take a bus or taxi out to the ruins for those who please, or you possibly can sign up for a small group tour to go together with a information. With this highly-rated expertise, your transportation and information are included — by having a information, you’ll study way more concerning the historic website.
*Tip: carry a picnic and luxuriate in some lunch within the shade, whereas gazing out at historic ruins!
7. Go for a Hike
When in Oaxaca, you’ll need to expertise the attractive nature surrounding town. Go away the site visitors behind and head to the mountains!
This hiking experience is an effective way to get some contemporary air whereas burning off among the tasty Oaxacan meals you’ve been consuming. Meet up along with your information and head to the hills.
On the way in which to the hike, you’ll cease in for a pleasant drink of espresso at an area espresso store and your information will clarify the scrumptious beans to you.
Then once you arrive on the waterfall, there’s a fast hike as much as the waterfalls you’ll find out about Oaxaca, various kinds of bushes and crops, and benefit from the unbelievable view of the Sierra Norte mountains. Breakfast and transportation are included.
Study extra about this enjoyable, extremely rated journey here. It’s one of many extra distinctive issues to do in Oaxaca.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in San Cristobal de las Casas
8. Go to the Botanical Gardens (one of many high issues to do in Oaxaca to get away from the site visitors!)
In case you love seeing and studying concerning the native natural world once you journey, you’ll need to you should definitely hit the botanical gardens. Right here you’ll be capable of see many various crops which are native to the state of Oaxaca.
A go to to the botanical gardens is definitely mixed with the cathedral and the tradition museum, as they’re all situated on the identical grounds. There are English excursions on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11AM for about $5. Click here for instructions.
⇒ See Additionally: Puerto Escondido – The Ultimate Travel Guide
9. Take Half in a Temazcal Ceremony
Each every now and then, it’s good to have a pleasant sweat to cleanse your physique of poisons. It’s even higher when you are able to do it in an historic Mayan ritual. That’s why you must put participating in a temazcal ceremony excessive in your checklist of issues to do in Oaxaca.
One of the best place to go within the metropolis is Ceviarem Temazcal Oaxaca, however you’ll need to make certain to order a spot effectively forward of time as they have a tendency to replenish. This historic ceremony can be one of many high things to do in Cancun and Cozumel, don’t miss it!
The price of this ceremony varies, contact Ceviarem for particulars.
10. Go Mountain climbing and Swimming at Hierve el Agua (Boiling Water)
When travelling in Oaxaca, a day trip out to Hierve el Agua is a should. Right here you’ll see wonderful rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls. It’s an incredible place to spend half a day mountain climbing and having fun with nature.
There are additionally pure mineral springs which you could soak in. Whereas the title means “boiling water” in Spanish, the water can truly be a bit chilly right here. It’s nonetheless good and refreshing to take a dip, particularly after mountain climbing across the space for some time.
Though it’s attainable to get right here by yourself steam, on this case, tours make the journey a lot simpler. Excursions are often a full day or half-day and embody visits to different websites within the state of Oaxaca.
In case you’re searching for probably the greatest issues to do in Oaxaca, at the present time journey is on the high of the checklist. Click here to study extra about this extremely rated, small-group expertise which incorporates transportation, lunch, and a mezcal tasting.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Tulum – 21 Prime Issues You Received’t Wish to Miss
11. Examine Out the Avenue Artwork Scene
There appears to be amazing street art in all places in Mexico, and Oaxaca is not any totally different. You’ll discover murals all around the metropolis, thanks largely to the road artwork collective generally known as Lapiztola.
Their title is a mixture of the Spanish phrases for pencil (lápiz) and pistol (pistola). Their purpose is to make use of artwork as a weapon to unfold social and political messages. You should definitely monitor down a few of their work once you’re out searching for road artwork in Oaxaca.
12. Stroll On The Pedestrian-Solely Avenue
When strolling between the Zocalo and the Templo de Santo Domingo, you should utilize the pedestrian-friendly Calle Alcala. Strolling alongside this car-free road means that you can admire the colonial-era buildings, most of which are actually house to galleries, cafes, artisan retailers, and bars.
In case you spend a number of days in Oaxaca, chances are high you’ll return to Calle Alcala at the least a number of instances — the site visitors in Oaxaca metropolis could be relentless. It’s all the time good to get away from the fumes of autos and simply take pleasure in your self on a stroll across the metropolis. Click here for directions.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende – 21 Wonderful Sights and Actions
13. Feast on Native Meals
Ask any Mexican what you must do in Oaxaca, and most will merely reply “Eat!” Certainly, Oaxaca is legendary for its mouth-watering delicacies, and also you’ll need to indulge your style buds when you’re there.
Every area of Mexico has its personal traditional cuisine on offer, and the identical goes for Oaxaca State.
Maybe essentially the most quintessential native dish is tlayuda – a crispy, frivolously fried tortilla lined with beans, meat, lettuce, avocado, salsa, and Oaxaca cheese (which is smooth, white, and really stringy).
Mole sauce can be stated to have originated proper right here in Oaxaca, so that you’ll undoubtedly need to make making an attempt the totally different varieties (there are 7!) considered one of your high issues to do in Oaxaca.
An effective way to study concerning the numerous meals in Oaxaca is to affix a meals tour. There are a number of, however this walking tour affords many meals tastings, and drinks (together with alcohol).
Your native information will share their love for Oaxaca by means of meals, whereas sharing details, tales and historical past concerning the metropolis. This is among the greatest issues to do in Oaxaca for foodies. Study extra here.
Bonus! In case you’re backpacking Mexico on a price range, you’ll be capable of eat wonderful meals with out breaking the financial institution.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Mexico City – A Record of The Greatest
14. Take a Mexican Cooking Class
Because you’re going to take pleasure in consuming the scrumptious delicacies of Oaxaca a lot, why not discover ways to make it at house?
There are quite a few cooking courses obtainable within the metropolis, however this one is a superb choice! The cooking class features a go to to an area market to choose up components (transportation is included). Your information is the skilled chef you’ll for positive benefit from the meals as effectively.
The cooking expertise consists of all meals (together with snacks), drinks, and plenty of enjoyable conversations all through the day. Study extra about this highly-rated journey here.
15. Day of the Useless Festivities
Do a Google search of “greatest locations to have fun Day of the Useless,” and Oaxaca is certain to show up. The town is house to among the most full of life celebrations for Día de Muertos, which final from the tip of October to early November.
Happening October 31 – November 2, Day of the Useless shouldn’t be a mournful competition, however slightly a celebratory one. Locals go to the cemeteries to embellish the graves of family members and lightweight candles, and there are very full of life parades to observe on the town.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Playa del Carmen – Mexico’s In style Seaside Vacation spot
On high of the visits to cemeteries and parades, you’ll discover vibrant sand tapestries across the metropolis, particular meals for the event, distinctive alters, and extra.
That is thought-about excessive season in Oaxaca, so ensure you e-book your lodging effectively upfront. Study extra about one of the best time to go to Mexico in our in-depth submit, here.
16. Eat All The Meat on the Mercado 20 de Noviembre
In case you’re a carnivore, that is undoubtedly one of the best place to go to in Oaxaca!
However, even for those who’re a vegetarian, you possibly can nonetheless discover some meals you’d take pleasure in as effectively. This meat corridor is a very fashionable spot for locals and vacationers alike. In case you’re unsure the place it’s, simply observe the grilled meat odor…
It’s a little bit of an meeting line and getting your meal can appear extremely complicated. Principally, you select the greens that you simply need to be grilled after which take your tray to the “meat man” who will add proteins to your tray (strive the thinly sliced beef, sausage or ribs).
You’ll obtain a quantity, and till it’s referred to as simply sit down at one of many tables — shared seating fashion. Tortillas and condiments will come round so that you can choose from.
This market is the place the locals eat so that you’ll be capable of take pleasure in a cultural expertise, and perhaps make new pals over some BBQ. That is undoubtedly one of the crucial hectic issues to do in Oaxaca, however price it!
Click here for instructions to the Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Isla Mujeres – The Better of “The Island of Girls”
17. Do a Mezcal Tasting
In case you fancy an grownup beverage sometimes, probably the greatest issues to do in Oaxaca is a mezcal tasting.
This spirit is created from any sort of agave plant, not like tequila which might solely be created from blue agave. Mezcal has a novel, smoky style because of the underground roasting of the plant.
Oaxaca is thought to supply among the greatest mezcal within the nation, so pop into one of many numerous mezcalerias and perform a little tasting. Likelihood is you’ll prefer it a lot you’ll need to choose up a bottle to carry again house.
For a enjoyable, late afternoon / early night expertise, be part of this mezcal tasting. Over the course of seven hours, you’ll style numerous totally different mezcals with knowledgeable information.
The setting for the tasting is on a stunning mezcal and agave farm! This highly-rated expertise is among the greatest issues to do in Oaxaca for pals, {couples}, and solo travellers. Find out more here.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A Record of the 21 Greatest
18. Go to the Ruins at Mitla
In case you’re making an attempt to see some more ruins in your journey, then you definitely’ll need to take a trip out to Mitla. Whereas Monte Alban was the political centre for the Zapotecs, Mitla was the non secular centre.
Its title comes from the Nahuatl phrase which means the place of the useless, or the underworld. Taking a visit out right here ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist of issues to do in Oaxaca.
The ruins at Mitla are famed for the Column of Life situated in one of many tombs.
It’s believed that for those who wrap your arms across the column, the area between your palms represents what number of years you will have left on Earth. Strive it for those who dare, and for those who can converse somewhat Spanish, you possibly can ask for assist.
Mitla could be mixed with a visit to Hierve el Agua on a two day tour. Click here for particulars on that day journey.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Cozumel – Mexico’s Prime Island
19. Examine Out The Sunday Market
In case you ought to end up in Oaxaca on a Sunday, you should definitely head out to the huge market in close by Tlacolula.
Distributors come from all around the valley to promote all kinds of products. It’s an incredible place to do some folks watching, as most individuals put on the standard garments of their village.
Wandering across the market, you possibly can choose up some contemporary produce, strive some yummy road meals, seize a bottle of mezcal, and store for artisan items and crafts. It’s effectively definitely worth the brief journey out right here to expertise this vibrant market. Click here for instructions.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in La Paz, Mexico – The Prime 21 Issues You Don’t Need To Miss
20. Get pleasure from a Sizzling Chocolate
Along with mezcal, Oaxaca is legendary for one more drink — scorching chocolate.
There are a number of cafes within the metropolis the place you possibly can order a cup of candy chocolatey goodness. It’s also possible to go to Mayordomo Chocolate to observe the chocolate being made and luxuriate in a number of free samples.
In case you’re living in Oaxaca as a Digital Nomad, you’ll most likely end up working at a restaurant sometimes. This is among the best cities for digital nomads for positive.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Things To Do in Mazatlan
21. Take a Tour with Fundacion en By way of
If you wish to assist an incredible trigger when you journey, join a tour with Fundacion en Via. This non-profit group makes use of funds from excursions to empower ladies within the Tlacolula Valley by giving them interest-free loans and funding instructional applications.
On their excursions, you go to small communities simply exterior of town to satisfy artisans and businesswomen.
You’ll study so much about their micro-finance program and the native tradition as effectively. They’ve a number of totally different tour choices, together with a particular tour for Day of the Useless.
Now You Know What To Do in Oaxaca
After studying about all of the unbelievable issues to do in Oaxaca, I’m positive you’re able to e-book your flight and test it out for your self.
As you recognize by now, there’s a lot to do right here to incorporate it in your subsequent trip to Mexico. Spend a number of days taking in all that town has to supply, then make your method to the coast to lounge on the best beaches in Oaxaca, together with Puerto Escondido or Huatulco. Now that’s what I name a trip!
Observe: Among the pictures on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock. Try the website for royalty-free footage and video clips.
