Things to do in Oaxaca

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Oaxaca

Types of activities

Where to stay

Oaxaca travel guide

Oaxaca which includes a garden, a square or plaza and flowers

Carrizalillo Beach which includes a beach and swimming as well as a large group of people

Puerto Escondido showing a sandy beach, surfing and a sunset

Puerto Escondido featuring swimming, a coastal town and general coastal views

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Oaxaca

Popular places to visit

Zocalo square and Metropolitan cathedral of Mexico city

Zócalo

4.5/5(12 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Oaxaca with a trip to Zócalo. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

archaeological ruins of Monte Alban in Oaxaca, Mexico

Monte Albán

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Oaxaca with a stop at Monte Albán. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

#lifeatexpedia #lovemyjob #weloveourmarkets #latam #oaxaca #mexico #green Hundreds of plant species, all of them native to Oaxaca. A magical place!!!

Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden, a lovely green space in Oaxaca. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Benito Juarez Market

4.5/5(7 reviews)

During your visit to Oaxaca, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Benito Juarez Market. You can seek out the local tours in this culturally rich area.

Santo Domingo Square

4.5/5(6 reviews)

During your trip to Oaxaca, you can do some window-shopping at Santo Domingo Square. Discover the art scene and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Santo Domingo Cathedral, Oaxaca City, Mexico. #favoriteplace #oaxaca #mexico #ilovemexico

Andador de Macedonia Alcala

4/5(1 review)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Andador de Macedonia Alcala during your visit to Oaxaca. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is just one of the places to see in Oaxaca, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Oaxaca Cathedral

4.5/5(10 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Oaxaca with a stop at Oaxaca Cathedral. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Auditorio Guelaguetza

Catch an event at Auditorio Guelaguetza during your trip to Oaxaca. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Areas of Oaxaca

Oaxaca Centro

5/5(21 area reviews)

Churches, museums and art galleries are some highlights of Oaxaca Centro. Make a stop by Oaxaca Textile Museum or Oaxaca Cathedral while you're exploring.

Ruta Independencia

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Ruta Independencia, you might make a stop by sights like Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden and Jardín Etnobotánico.

Jalatlaco

While Jalatlaco isn't home to many top sights, Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos and El Llano Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Reforma

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Reforma, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Mazari and Plaza Parque.

San Agustín Yatareni

San Agustín Yatareni might not have many top sights, but Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos and El Llano Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Santa Lucía del Camino

While Santa Lucía del Camino isn't home to many top sights, Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos and El Llano Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is Oaxaca worth visiting?

Oaxaca has a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or local culinary flavours, there are many things to enjoy here.

How do I spend a day in Oaxaca?

Kick your day off with a visit to Andador de Macedonia Alcala and Museum of Oaxacan Culture. Then, tour other parts of Oaxaca for tasty eats and some retail therapy.

What is the top tourist attraction in Oaxaca?

You can't leave without checking out Oaxaca Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Oaxaca.

Is three days enough to stay in Oaxaca?

Three days in Oaxaca is enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travellers book for three days on average. Oaxaca Cathedral, Andador de Macedonia Alcala and Museum of Oaxacan Culture are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as San Pablo Villa de Mitla.

Is Oaxaca a walkable city?

With vibrant neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Oaxaca is a great destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Oaxaca Cathedral and Andador de Macedonia Alcala. Then take a stroll around Oaxaca Centro, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Ruta Independencia, which is about 0.64 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Oaxaca with kids?

Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Oaxaca with kids.

What to do in Oaxaca for adults?

There are plenty of things to do in Oaxaca, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to El Mirador or Oaxaca Textile Museum.

Are there free things to do in Oaxaca?

One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Oaxaca is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Oaxaca Cathedral is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia