Things To Do

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Zócalo Oaxaca

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca

Museo Textil de Oaxaca

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Oaxaca

Monte Albán

Hierve el Agua

Boulenc

A european-style artisanal bakery turned café that reached cult food-world status with its mastery of sourdough fermentation and use of ancient regional grains. Stop in to grab fresh bread and gift to bring home like their homemade peanut butter or jams. The coffee is delicious. Order the shakshouka or avocado toast for breakfast and one of their sourdough pizzas for lunch or dinner.

Cafébre

For a cup of coffee with house-roasted Mexican beans, head to Cafebre. The charming coffeehouse is one Oaxaca’s finest ways to get a caffeine fix, whether with a traditional brew or something more creative like a tejate frappe (tejate is one of Oaxaca’s regional cold drinks) topped with vanilla ice cream.

Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante

Fresh salsa mixed tableside and warm Mexican hospitality are the trademarks of this critically acclaimed restaurant from chef Alejandro Ruiz, who celebrates the traditional flavors, recipes, and heritage of his home state with a menu that soars from start to finish.

Los Danzantes

The original upscale spot in the city, for contemporary Mexican dishes in a sweeping three-story space. Make sure you check out their upstairs bar, Selva, for delicious libations.

Criollo

The Oaxacan outpost from Pujol chef Enrique Olvera, a daily tasting menu highlights entirely local ingredients in a pared-down setting.

Pitiona

Overlooking Santo Domingo’s majestic 17th-century cathedral, Pitiona is the work of chef José Manuel Baños, highlighting his personal take on Oaxacan regional cooking.

Origen

Top Chef winner Rodolfo Castellanos renders artful expressions with seasonal ingredients. His grilled octopus and chicharron are must-haves.

Los Pacos

Laid back spot that serves the famous Mole Oaxaqueño. Mole is a traditional marinade and sauce originally used in Mexican cuisine.

Tlayudas El Negro

Budget friendly. Delicious tlayudas. What more can you ask for?!

Los Amantes Mezcalería

One of the best places to try it is at the mezcaleria Los Amantes. The walls of the funky space in the historical district are lined with dozens of clay pots that were traditionally used to transport mezcal. Order a tasting flight at this tiny bar.

Casilda Aguas Regionales

"Si no has bebido las agua de Doña Casilda, no has venido a Oaxaca". You can find in the Mercado Benito Juarez. We recommend her horchata y tuna mix!

Archivo Maguey

Our favorite dancing spot! Half cantina, half speakeasy, it has great vibes and definitely have you leaving a little sweaty. The upstairs bar also has a great drink selection.

Restaurant Tierra del Sol

Tierra del Sol sits across from the Jardin Etnobotanico. It is an atoleria, a panaderia, and a great restaurant with rooftop views and great food and drinks! The tableside salsa is the cherry on top.

La Flor de Huayapam

Our favorite place to get tejate! Located inside el Mercado Benito Juarez Tejate is a prehispanic drink made from toasted maize, fermented cacao (chocolate) beans, toasted mamey (a tropical fruit) pits, and flor (flower) de cacao. All the ingredients are finely ground into a paste on a metate (a stone platform with a rolling pin-like instrument for grinding). The paste is then mixed with water slowly by hand in a clay pot. You can spot tejate by the big clay bowl it’s served in and the foamy beige top. Don’t be alarmed by the foam – this is caused by the fats from the beans and other ingredients that rise to the top.