Oaxaca is the place to go if you’re searching for a city that isn’t overly large but still offers a tonne of attractions and cultural experiences. One of the greatest destinations to visit in Mexico, Oaxaca offers a wide variety of activities to keep you occupied.
You may tour the cathedrals and museums, go on day trips to see old ruins, eat the local food, and perhaps even take part in a traditional celebration during a brief trip to Oaxaca City.
The city of Oaxaca is quite simple to navigate. You may hire a car for about $25 to $30 per day or utilize private cabs.
There are also respectable bus systems available for online reservations on websites like Bookaway. So below mentioned are the things to do in Oaxaca
15 Things To Do In Oaxaca
Explore the Zocalo
Exploring the city’s centre is one of the things to do in Oaxaca. This plaza, also known as the Zocalo, is the ideal location to get a sense of Oaxaca.
It’s also a fantastic location for extensive sightseeing. Begin in the main square and tour the other well-known sites around.
The Zocalo is a great place to spend a day or two sightseeing. When you need a break, there are several locations where you may get some food or a drink.
One of the finest things to do in all of Mexico is to visit the Zocalo, which is the ideal location for people-watching, unwinding with a drink, or getting a snack. Additionally, it’s where you can generally see Mexican families having fun in the evening.
Visit Templo de Santo Domingo
The stunning Templo de Santo Domingo is without a doubt the centre of attention in Oaxaca city. Baroque Catholic church from the sixteenth century, both inside and out.
After viewing the structure from the plaza, be sure to walk inside to admire the magnificent golden inside. It has acted as a church, a monastery, and a military barracks throughout history.
The Templo de Santo Domingo is open every day from 7 AM to 1 PM and again from 4 PM to 8 PM, excluding when there is mass. If you go on a Saturday, there’s a good chance you’ll see a couple weddings taking place.
Check out the Museum of Cultures
After seeing the chapel mentioned above, spend some time at the Museo de las Culturas (Museum of Cultures). It covers the history and culture of the area and is housed in the stunning monastic structures of the complex.
The Treasure of Tomb 7, a collection of precious stones and gold jeweler that was found in a Monte Alban tomb, is the most remarkable exhibit in the museum.
The museum’s $3.75 entry cost is more than compensated by the wonderful view of the city from within.
Take a Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours are becoming increasingly popular in cities throughout the world. Undoubtedly, one of the finest free things to do in Oaxaca City is doing the walking tour. A skilled local guide will teach you a lot about the city, its past, and its culture while also helping you meet new people.
Joining this trip with a guide who was born and bred in Oaxaca is another choice for having a wonderful time in the city. You’ll see a wide variety of locations on his highly regarded and incredibly inexpensive walking tour of the city.
Get Lost in the Markets
Getting lost while exploring the numerous marketplaces of Oaxaca is one of the must-do activities. You may buy affordable, excellent local meals as well as a wide variety of unique gifts.
The most well-known market is Benito Juarez, where you may sample traditional Oaxacan dishes like mole, buy mezcal and local cheese, or be daring and eat insects for a snack. Mexican life is heavily reliant on the markets; set aside some time to take them in.
Joining this enjoyable activity in Oaxaca is an additional choice and a fantastic approach to become fully immersed in local culture there. Meet up with a local guide from Oaxaca and see two of the top markets in the area: November 20th and Benito Juárez.
These vibrant marketplaces are well-known for their tastes, aromas, customs, and, of course, cuisine. On this journey, you’ll sample more than 20 different kinds of cuisine.
Day Trip to Monte Alban
A day excursion to the ruins at Monte Alban (White Mountain) is unquestionably one of the most well-liked activities in Oaxaca. One of the most spectacular archaeological sites in all of Latin America was constructed by the Zapotecs.
Unlike the more famous ruins at Chichen Itza, you can actually still climb the pyramids at Monte Alban. Doing so affords you stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
You can take a bus or taxi out to the ruins if you please, or you can sign up for a small group tour to go with a guide. With this highly-rated experience, your transportation and guide are included — by having a guide, you’ll learn much more about the ancient site.
Go for a Hike
You should explore the stunning scenery that the city of Oaxaca is surrounded by while you are there. Go to the mountains and leave the traffic behind. Hiking is a wonderful opportunity to get some exercise and burn off some of the delicious Oaxacan food you’ve been consuming. Meet your guide there, then proceed to the hills.
Your guide will describe the flavorful beans to you while you have a good cup of coffee at a neighborhood coffee shop on the route to the walk.
Then, after a brief walk up to the waterfalls, you can take in the breathtaking view of the Sierra Norte Mountains as well as information about Oaxaca and various tree and plant species. Transportation and breakfast are both included.
Take Part in a Temazcal Ceremony
It’s beneficial to have a good sweat every now and then to rid your body of pollutants. It’s much better if you can do it as part of a traditional Mayan rite. This is why attending a temazcal ritual should be at the top of your list of things to do when visiting Oaxaca.
Ceviarem Temazcal Oaxaca is the greatest location to go in the city, but you need make a reservation well in advance as they frequently fill up. Don’t miss this historic ceremony, which is also among the best things to do in Cancun and Cozumel.
Go Hiking and Swimming at Hierve el Agua
When visiting Oaxaca, a day excursion to Hierve el Agua is a necessity. Amazing rock formations that resemble flowing waterfalls may be seen here. Spend an enjoyable half-day hiking and taking in the scenery there.
You may have a dip in natural mineral springs as well. Even though the name means “boiling water” in Spanish, the water in this area can occasionally be rather frigid. Even after a lengthy hike around the region, taking a plunge is still pleasant and revitalizing.
Although it is feasible to get here independently, excursions in this instance make the experience considerably simpler. A full day or half-day tour typically includes stops at additional sights in the state of Oaxaca.
This day excursion tops the list of the best things to do in Oaxaca if you’re seeking for something to do. Find out more about this acclaimed small-group excursion that includes lunch, transportation, and a mezcal sampling.
Stroll On The Pedestrian
You may take the pedestrian-friendly Calle Alcala to get between the Zocalo and the Templo de Santo Domingo. You may appreciate the colonial-era structures while strolling down this pedestrian-only strip, the majority of which are now galleries, cafés, artisan stores, and bars.
Since the traffic in Oaxaca City may be unrelenting, if you stay a few days there, you’ll probably visit Calle Alcala at least a few times. It’s always wonderful to escape the car odours and take a leisurely stroll across the city.
Feast on Local Food
If you ask any Mexican what to do in Oaxaca, the majority will simply say, “Eat!” Oaxaca is known for its delectable cuisine, so you must treat your taste senses while you’re there. Every region of Mexico has its own distinct cuisine, and Oaxaca State is no exception.
Tlayuda, a crispy, gently fried tortilla topped with beans, pork, lettuce, avocado, salsa, and Oaxaca cheese (which is soft, white, and very stringy), is arguably the most iconic food from the region.
One of your top things to do in Oaxaca should undoubtedly be sampling the various variations of mole sauce as it is also claimed to have originated in this city. Joining a culinary tour is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the varied cuisine of Oaxaca.
There aren’t many, but this walking tour includes many of food and drink sampling, including alcoholic ones.
Your native guide will share their passion of Oaxaca via cuisine while also imparting information about the city’s facts, tales, and history. For foodies, this is among the best things to do in Oaxaca.
Take a Mexican Cooking Class
Why not learn how to prepare Oaxacan food at home if you’re going to enjoy eating it so much? Although the city offers several culinary lessons, this one is an excellent choice! A trip to a nearby market to purchase supplies is part of the cooking lesson (transport is provided).
Since your guide is a skilled cook, you will undoubtedly also love the meal. All meals including snacks, beverages, and several enjoyable discussions take place while cooking.
Day of the Dead Festivities
Do a Google search of “best places to celebrate Day of the Dead,” and Oaxaca is sure to turn up. The city is home to some of the liveliest celebrations for Día de Muertos, which last from the end of October to early November.
Taking place October 31 – November 2, Day of the Dead is not a mournful festival, but rather a celebratory one. Locals visit the cemeteries to decorate the graves of loved ones and light candles, and there are very lively parades to watch in town.
Along with cemetery visits and parades, the city is decorated with colourful sand tapestries, special delicacies, one-of-a-kind alters, and other festivities. Since this is Oaxaca’s peak travel time, be sure to reserve your lodging far in advance.
Check Out The Sunday Market
Be sure to visit the sizable market in adjacent Tlacolula if you find yourself in Oaxaca on a Sunday. The valley’s vendors come from all around to sell a wide range of things. Since most individuals are dressed in their native attire, it’s a fantastic area to people watch.
You may pick up some fresh fruit, sample some delectable street cuisine, grab a bottle of mezcal, and browse the market for handmade items. The little trek out here to check out this bustling market is well worthwhile.
Visit the Ruins at Mitla
Take a journey out to Mitla if you want to explore additional ruins while you’re on vacation. The Zapotecs’ religious hub was Mitla, while Monte Alban served as their governmental capital.
Its name is derived from a Nahuatl phrase that refers to the underworld or “place of the dead.” Your list of things to do in Oaxaca should absolutely include a trip out here.
The Column of Life, which is housed in one of the tombs, is what makes the Mitla ruins famous.
The distance between your hands, if you wrap your arms around the column, is thought to indicate the number of years you have left on Earth. If you dare, give it a try. If you know a little Spanish, you may ask for assistance.
Conclusion
We are sure you are eager to reserve your trip and see Oaxaca for yourself now that you’ve read about all the amazing things to do in Oaxaca.
You already know there’s a lot to do here, so consider include it on your upcoming vacation to Mexico.
Spend a few days seeing everything the city has to offer before heading to the coast to unwind on some of Oaxaca’s top beaches, such Puerto Escondido or Huatulco. That is what we call a vacation now.