Oaxaca is one of those effortlessly cool places that basically everyone can vibe with.
With a population of just over 300,000, it doesn’t feel like a large city. There are no skyscrapers, no metro system, and it doesn’t have that sense of hustle and bustle of other densely populated areas.
Instead, it has a ton of authentic restaurants, hip bars, and adorable streets with adorably colourful buildings. It has the feeling of being a relaxed place, where people are happy to go about completing their daily errands without worrying about what everyone around them is doing… they just get on with the job until it’s time sit down and enjoy a cerveza in the warm afternoon air.
When I visited Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ka) during my honeymoon in 2015, I found the city to be unbelievably pleasant. Because of it’s elevation in the mountains, the temperature never felt like it got overly hot or humid (though apparently this can change during the wet season) and the nights had a cool freshness that was a welcome relief after spending time in the hot streets of Mexico City.
I really loved visiting southern Mexico, and I especially loved exploring the mountainous areas around Oaxaca. This small city is totally different to the Mexico that you’ll see at the touristy coastal destinations. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience authentic Mexican food and culture.
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to see Oaxaca in just a few days, I think most tourists would find it easy enough to tick off the best Oaxaca attractions over a long weekend. Here are my suggestions for the top things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico!
The best things to do in Oaxaca:
Wander the streets of Oaxaca
In the heart of Oaxaca City, every cobblestone street feels like you’re walking through a postcard. The Zócalo (main square) is a good place to start as it’s buzzing with street performers and locals selling crafts.
Stop by the iconic Templo de Santo Domingo—a baroque-style church with an impressive amount of gilded decor. There are also art galleries and museums in this area, such as the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca (Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca) where you can learn all about the region’s past.
If you’d like a more in-depth look at the city centre, hop on a downtown walking tour where a knowledgeable guide can tell you all about the buildings and their history.
Dive into Oaxaca’s food scene
I somehow managed to eat tacos every single day through the entirety of my 3 week trip to Mexico. This was not a bad thing at all, as I truly love tacos and the vegetarian options (usually mushroom or cactus) were always fabulous.
Oaxaca is known as the culinary capital of Mexico, and it does not disappoint. The state is known for Oaxaca cheese (also known as quesillo/queso de hebra–a kind of white stringy cheese) and mole (a rich, dark brown sauce that comes in a few varieties, with mole negro being the most popular). I found mole to have quite a unique flavour… although it’s served with savoury dishes, chocolate is actually a key ingredient in mole!
If you’re a foodie who is keen to sample Oaxaca’s best eats, you might want to take a gastronomy tour. You’ll get taken through markets where the air is thick with the smell of grilled meats, spices, and freshly baked bread and try a variety of local specialties (plus, the tour is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, too!).
If you’d prefer to head out on your own, head to the Mercado 20 de Noviembre which is an undercover market with a variety of food stalls, or visit Pasillo de Humo (Smoke Alley) to sample tlayudas (a kind of Oaxacan pizza) and grilled meats/veggies with sides of guacamole and salsa.
Shop the artisan markets
Oaxaca is known for its vibrant crafts, from handwoven textiles to intricately painted alebrijes (fantastical wooden creatures). Visit the Mercado de Artesanías (Oaxaca Artisan Market) in the city embroidered clothing, carved wooden sculptures and pottery, or black clay jewellery.
You can also take a day trip to nearby towns like Teotitlán del Valle, which is famous for its rugs dyed with natural pigments. This is what I did when I was travelling through Oaxaca – we stopped in at the Isaac Vasquez G. weaving gallery and studio to admire the brightly coloured woven goods.
Marvel at Monte Albán
I was already captivated by Mexico’s ancient ruins after visiting Teotihuacan near Mexico City, so I was stoked to be spending time exploring more archeological sites at Monte Albán, just outside of Oaxaca.
Only a short drive from the city, these ancient ruins sit perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the valley below. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this was once the thriving center of the Zapotec civilization with pyramids, ceremonial platforms, and even an ancient ball court.
A half day tour to Monte Albán includes transport to and from Oaxaca, and a guided walking tour once you arrive at the site.
Take a mezcal tour
If you’re intrigued by mezcal, it’s worth taking a mezcal distillery tour to see how this local spirit is made at the palenques (distilleries). I visited a few mezcal producers during my 3 weeks in Mexico, and I really was fascinated to learn about the creation process from agave roasting to the final distillation.
Tours often include tastings (you have to try it, the smoky flavour is quite interesting) and are also a fantastic way to support local family-run businesses. Plus, you get to leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of mezcal-making and probably a bottle or two for your suitcase.
Experience Hierve el Agua
Hidden away in the mountains is Hierve El Agua, a solidified waterfall made from deposits of carbon from underground water sources, slowly created over thousands of years. I was blown away by this natural formation – it truly looks like something out of a sci-fi movie! Also, the views of the surrounding mountains were really breathtaking.
It’s about two hours drive from the city, so it might be a good idea to hop on a Hierve el Agua day tour to sort out your transport. And don’t forget to take your swimmers along – the pools of water at the top are perfect for a refreshing dip!
Explore the surrounding villages
Oaxaca’s surroundings are just as interesting as the city itself. If you’re taking a Hierve el Agua day tour, this may also include a trip out to some of the small towns and regional attractions that can be found just outside of the city.
Mitla is another set of ancient ruins known for its intricate geometric carvings, and in the nearby small town of Santa María del Tule, you’ll find the massive Árbol del Tule tree – a towering, 2000 year old cypress which is one of the widest in the world. The trunk circumference is so massive that it takes dozens of people holding hands to encircle it!
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