Things to do in Oaxaca

Activities, attractions and tours

Oaxaca
Oaxaca
Oaxaca
Oaxaca
Oaxaca

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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.

Zócalo
Église Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Oaxaca

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.

Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán
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.

Monte Albán
Aerial view of Auditorio Guelaguetza on a hillside

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.

Auditorio Guelaguetza
Beautiful view of Santo Domingo Old Monastery in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca Cathedral

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

Oaxaca Cathedral
Benito Juarez Market

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.

Benito Juarez Market
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.

Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden
Santo Domingo Square

Santo Domingo Square

During your trip to Oaxaca, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Santo Domingo Square. Discover the art scene and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Santo Domingo Square
Andador de Macedonia Alcala

Andador de Macedonia Alcala

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Andador de Macedonia Alcala during your stay in Oaxaca. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Andador de Macedonia Alcala

Areas of Oaxaca

Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, former Santo Domingo de Guzman convent, Central courtyard with fountain, Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca Centro

Churches, museums, and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Oaxaca Centro. Make a stop by Oaxaca Textile Museum or Oaxaca Cathedral while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Oaxaca Centro
Ruta Independencia

Ruta Independencia

If you're spending some time in Ruta Independencia, Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden and Andador de Macedonia Alcala are top sights worth seeing.

Ruta Independencia
Colorful historic alley in mexican city of Oaxaca

Jalatlaco

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

Jalatlaco
Oaxaca, Mexico; 1st January 2025: Ancient aqueduct called "Acueducto San Felipe del Agua" in the city of Oaxaca.

San Felipe del Agua

While San Felipe del Agua isn't home to many top sights, Ex-Convento de Santa Catalina and Cerro del Fortín are some notable places to visit nearby.

San Felipe del Agua
Nov-2018, Mexico City. Day of the dead celebration, colorful craftsmanship of popular skulls and magic creatures Alebrijes on Reforma avenue

Reforma

If you're spending some time in Reforma, Plaza Mazari and Plaza Parque are top sights worth seeing.

Reforma
Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán

Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán

Visitors to Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán like its archaeological sites and cafes, and Monte Albán is a sight worth a stop.

Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán
The Tule Tree in front of a small, colorful church, in Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca, Mexico

Santa Maria del Tule

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 flavors, 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 travelers 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 neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from the center, and Ruta Independencia, which is about 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Oaxaca with kids?
Whether you're vacationing 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 neighborhoods, 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.