Things To Do
Templo de Santo Domingo
📍 Templo de Santo Domingo Templo de Santo Domingo is one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico and a must-see while in Oaxaca. The interior is covered in gold details, and the surrounding plaza is full of life with street performers, markets, and cafes. Right next to the church you’ll also find the botanical garden and several museums. 💡 TIP: Visit late afternoon/ evening for the best light and when the area around is most lively.
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
📍 Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca (Botanical Garden) Next to Santo Domingo, the botanical garden showcases plants from all regions of Oaxaca, including agave, cacti, and traditional medicinal plants. The garden is beautifully designed and very peaceful, offering amazing views of the church and mountains. 💡 TIP: The garden can only be visited with a guided tour, so check tour times in advance (www.jardinoaxaca.mx) and bring a hat — it can get very sunny.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
📍 Mercado 20 de Noviembre A stroll through Mercado 20 de Noviembre is the perfect way to discover Oaxacan food, culture, and everyday life in the heart of the city. This market is home to the famous Pasillo de Humo (Smoke Hall), where vendors grill meats over open flames and serve them with fresh tortillas, salsas, and grilled veggies. You’ll find everything from fresh juices and local chocolate to mole, textiles, and handmade crafts. It’s lively, colorful, and one of the best places to experience local Oaxaca. 💡 TIP: Come hungry! Walk around and order from several stalls, it’s part of the experience.
Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca
📍 Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo Located in the former monastery next to Santo Domingo, this museum features stunning artifacts — including treasures from the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán. The building itself is beautiful, with quiet courtyards and impressive architecture, and the exhibitions give a wonderful overview of Oaxaca’s history and culture. 💡 TIP: Even if you’re not a big museum person, it’s worth visiting for the building and courtyards alone. Combine this with a visit to Santo Domingo and/or the botanical garden.
Aripo
📍 Instituto Oaxaqueño de las Artesanías (A.R.I.P.O.) This government-run artisan shop brings together traditional crafts from all regions of Oaxaca, including textiles, pottery, rugs, baskets, and alebrijes. It’s a great place to see the incredible craftsmanship Oaxaca is known for and to buy authentic handmade pieces directly supporting local artisans. 💡 TIP: Prices are fixed and fair, and the quality is usually higher than in many street markets — perfect if you want to bring home something special from Oaxaca.
Monte Albán
📍Monte Albán Monte Albán is an ancient Zapotec city located on a mountain overlooking the Oaxaca valley and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico. Walking through the pyramids and plazas with views over the entire valley is a really special experience and a great way to learn about the history of the region. It's also one of the only ancient pyramids in Mexico you are allowed to walk on. 💡 TIP: Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water — there is very little shade at the site.
Hierve el Agua
📍 Hierve el Agua Hierve el Agua is a natural rock formation that looks like a frozen waterfall and is one of the most unique landscapes in Oaxaca. You can walk along the cliffs or do a short hike before going for a swim in the natural pools, and enjoying incredible views over the mountains. 💡 TIP: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. Bring swimwear, water, and good walking shoes.
Mezcal Tasting
📍 Mezcal Tasting in Oaxaca No visit to Oaxaca is complete without mezcal — the smoky, complex cousin of tequila that is deeply rooted in the region’s culture. From small family-run distilleries to beautiful tasting rooms in the city, there are many ways to experience mezcal in Oaxaca. Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit made from agave, and each type has its own flavor depending on the agave variety, region, and production method. Many mezcals in Oaxaca are still made the traditional way: cooked in underground pits, crushed with a stone wheel, and distilled in clay or copper. 💡 TIP: If you have time, visit a small mezcal palenque (distillery) outside the city for a tasting — it’s a really special experience and very different from tequila.