Things to do in Oaxaca

Activities, attractions and tours

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Oaxaca travel guide

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Tours & day trips

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Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour

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Private & custom tours

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Oaxacan Urban Mythology and Colonial Art

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Classes & workshops

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Oaxaca de Juarez: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class

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Shopping & fashion

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Oaxaca: Food and Markets Tour

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Wildlife & nature

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From Huatulco: Jungle and River quad bike Tour

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What to do in Oaxaca

Popular places to visit

Oaxaca, Scenic old city streets and colorful colonial buildings in historic city center

Zócalo

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.

Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán

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.

archaeological ruins of Monte Alban in Oaxaca, Mexico

Monte Albán

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.

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.

Santo Domingo Square

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.

Beautiful view of Santo Domingo Old Monastery in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca Cathedral

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.

Benito Juarez Market

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.

Aerial views of the Ex-convent of Santo Domingo in the City of Oaxaca, Mexico, the roofs are reddish and there is an ethnobotanical garden

Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden

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.

Andador de Macedonia Alcala

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.

Where to stay in Oaxaca

Find the best Oaxaca areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oaxaca

Colorful historic alley in mexican city of Oaxaca

Jalatlaco

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

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cruz de piedra barrio xochimilco oaxaca mexico

Barrio de Xochimilco

Though Barrio de Xochimilco may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Zócalo and El Llano Park.

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Reforma

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

Oaxaca Centro

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

While visiting Ruta Independencia, you might make a stop by sights like Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden and Andador de Macedonia Alcala.

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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.

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