20 Amazing Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca City
Wondering What to do in Oaxaca City?
You’ve come to the right place, because this article will highlight the 20 best things to do in Downtown Oaxaca City, Mexico. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there really is a lot to see in Oaxaca Mexico!
This article also includes some info about the best Oaxaca day trips, as there’s great places located just outside Downtown Oaxaca City. If you have space on your Oaxaca itinerary, make sure to venture outside the city.
Ready to get to this list of the 20 best things to do in Downtown Oaxaca City? Let’s dive in so you can discover all the top sites, tourist attractions and hidden gems in Oaxaca that only locals know about.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
1. Oaxaca Zocalo and Cathedral
⭐️ About Historical Downtown Oaxaca
While it may just look like a beautiful colonial city now, Oaxaca City and Centro de Oaxaca (Downtown Oaxaca), dates back to 1529 when it was originally occupied by the native Oaxaca Zapotec people.
Today, it is a mix of old and new. Out of the hundreds of sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, very few entire cities have made the cut, but Oaxaca City does.
⭐️ Oaxaca Zocalo: Town Square
The Zocalo is the main hub of activity in Downtown Oaxaca City. You might also see the Oaxaca Zocalo called the Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Plaza).
This is a great place for people-watching, especially from on a bench near the Oaxaca City Kiosko (gazebo) in the Alameda de León Park. From these places, you’ll have a great view of all the action.
Also in the Zocalo, don’t miss the Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca, or Oaxaca Cathedral. Construction on this massive church dates all the way back to 1535, and it contains beautiful Baroque-era art inside.
🇲🇽 Best Oaxaca tours in the city
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
2. Take a Oaxaca Cooking Class
This Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Sonia Silvia is one of the highest rated tours in Oaxaca City with a near-5 STAR rating!
If there’s one thing Oaxaca is known for — it’s food!
However, Oaxacan cuisine isn’t what most people know as traditional Mexican food, because things like tacos, burritos and nachos aren’t the traditional foods of Oaxaca.
Instead, you’ll find tlayudas, mole, memelas, tamales oaxaqueños, tetelas, chapulines, enmoladas, tejate and cafe de olla.
Have no idea what any of that Oaxaca food is?! You’ll learn all about it, cook it, and of course, eat it, in these best cooking classes in Oaxaca City.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
3. Oaxaca Botanical Gardens
To see more of the native Oaxaca plants, head to Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca (Oaxaca City Botanical Garden), located in downtown next to Templo de Santo Domingo.
This 2.5-acre garden (1 hectare) showcases the immense biodiversity in Oaxaca with hundreds of local plants and cacti.
🌵 Oaxaca Travel Tips
Due to the fragility of the garden’s ecosystem, you can only enter with a guided tour.
English tours take place Monday to Saturday at 11am, and last two hours. Oaxaca Botanical Garden tours cost $100 pesos ($5 USD) per person.
Though inexpensive, this is one of the best tours of Oaxaca City.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
4. Oaxaca Taco Tour
Join Gerardo, a Oaxaca City local, on this Tacos and Secret Bars of the Oaxaca City Tour. On it, you’ll visit three Oaxaca taco shops, as well as a secret bar that’s well off the main tourist trail.
Gerardo is a great host who will show some of the wonderful parts of the city. I seriously had one of the best tacos of my life. Check it out for a fun experience!
—Max (read more reviews)
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
5. Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman
Only have 1 or 2 days in Oaxaca City? Then don’t miss the Santo Domingo Temple, Museo de las Culturas and Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca (AKA Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden), all located next to one another.
The temple architecture is beautiful, and the museum has 14 rooms with permanent exhibitions about the history of Oaxaca.
💒 Best Churches in Oaxaca
Love Mexican churches? (So do I!) There are many more beautiful Oaxaca churches to see besides the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, like these:
- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
- Former Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena
- Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude, located in the beautiful Plaza de la Danza
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
6. Street Art Bike Tour of Oaxaca City
Join Carlos Alberto or Diego, two Oaxaca City locals, on this Oaxaca bike tour through three of the city’s best neighborhoods.
Fantastic street art tour of Oaxaca by bike… very safe and well organized [and we] explored different neighborhoods outside the main tourist center. A great experience and well worth doing.
—Liz (Read more reviews)
You’ll pass by colorful houses, buildings with unique architecture, all the top Oaxaca City sites, and all the coolest Oaxaca street art.
Towards the end of the tour, you’ll visit a Oaxaca artist collective so you can purchase some art.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
7. Oaxaca Photoshoot with a Pro
Join Kabir and Hugo, professional photographers and Oaxaca locals, on this Photoshoot in Oaxaca City — one of the most picturesque and most beautiful cities in Mexico.
Hugo is super talented and a complete sweetheart; he made me feel comfortable the entire time and made great suggestions on where to shoot. Don’t hesitate to support local arts/artists, book your session now…
—Mey (Read more reviews)
You’ll go to all the top places to visit in Oaxaca, like Santo Domingo Church and Macedonio Alcalá Theater, and some Oaxaca off the beaten path hidden gems that only locals would know about!
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
8. Pasillo de Humo in Mercado 20 Noviembre Market
Located inside the November 20 Market, you’ll find the Oaxaca Pasillo de Humo. This translates to Smoke Hall or Smoke Alley.
Here, there are rows of vendors selling meats and veggies a la carte that you can buy and have them cooked al carbon (over charcoal) for a delicious smoky flavor.
🇲🇽 Oaxaca Travel Tips
If this will be your first visit to a Oaxaca market, it can be intimidating — especially if you don’t speak Spanish. For this reason, I recommend going on the Eating with a Local at the Markets tour.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
9. As Seen on Netflix: Doña Vale Memelas in Central de Abastos
Head to Mercado Central de Abastos, the largest market in Oaxaca City, to sample the memelas from Doña Vale.
She’s been well known for her memelas and salsa morita for years, but became a local celeb after appearing in an episode of Netflix: Street Food Latin America.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
10. Museo Textil de Oaxaca (Oaxaca Textile Museum)
The architecture of the Oaxaca Textile Museum is just as impressive as the colorful textiles inside.
If you happen to be visiting during Oaxaca Day of the Dead or the Guelaguetza Festival, you’ll find it covered in thousands of marigold flowers, for a beautiful smell and look 🌼
This is by no means a huge museum, but head inside to see the traditional Oaxacan textiles and beautifully-displayed handicrafts.
The museum gift shop also sells artisan textiles by locals in the areas surrounding Oaxaca City. Admission to the Oaxaca Textile Museum is FREE.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
11. Best Oaxaca Mezcal Bars
To try all the best Oaxaca mezcal, you must visit all these best mezcal bars in Oaxaca, of course! Wondering, Just what is mezcal? Let’s clear that up now.
Mezcal is a distilled spirit that can be made from more than 30 varieties of the maguey (agave plant).
It is meant to be sipped and savored, because mezcal has an intense flavor that’s quite complex. If mezcal sounds like tequila to you — it kind of is.
Much like how champagne is essentially a sparkling wine from the city of Champagne, France, tequila is a kind of mezcal from the city of Tequila, Mexico that’s made only with blue agave.
If Tequila is the land of tequila, Oaxaca is the land of mezcal. When visiting, make sure to check out these three best mezcalerias in Oaxaca City:
🥃 best Oaxaca MEzcal Tours
The best way to learn about Oaxacan mezcal is by heading out to the agave farms and Oaxaca palenques (mezcal distilleries). Don’t miss these 11 Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours to try some locally-made mezcal.
🥃 La Mezcaloteca Mezcal Tasting Room
La Mezcaloteca Oaxaca is part mezcal school, part tasting room. After your time here, you can take your knowledge of mezcal to all other mezcalerias in Oaxaca you visit.
Note: There’s free admission, but reservations are required for tastings.
Para todo mal, mezcal. Para todo bien, también. (For everything good, mezcal. For everything bad, mezcal.)
—Famous Mexican Quote
🥃 La Casa del Mezcal
This is one of the oldest mezcal bars in Oaxaca City, founded in 1935, which offers many different varieties of mezcal.
It has a charming vintage aesthetic, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time when you walk through the doors at La Casa del Mezcal Oaxaca.
🥃 La Mezcalerita
La Mezcalerita Oaxaca has a casual atmosphere, with three cozy rooms downstairs and a big rooftop patio.
There are a lot of rooftops in Oaxaca to choose from, so make sure you visit this one (or any of them) to enjoy the beautiful Oaxaca sunset and live music one evening.
Along with their extensive list of Oaxaca mezcals, they also have a huge list of artisanal beers from Mexico. La Mezcalerita is also a brewery so this is both a great Oaxaca mezcaleria and one of the best Oaxaca beer bars.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
10. Eat at the Best Restaurants in Oaxaca City
Casa Oaxaca
Alejandro Ruiz’s famed Oaxacan eatery, located at the Casa Oaxaca Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca City. Order a bottle of Mexican wine, the crispy duck tacos, any of their moles — and do not skip dessert.
🍷 Oaxaca Travel Tips: Make a reservation for a rooftop table.
El Destilado
Want to splurge on an amazing meal? Do the 12-course chef’s tasting menu with drink pairing at this fine dining restaurant in Oaxaca that serves innovative and delicious food.
Ancestral Cocina Tradicional
You can try all seven moles here, or enjoy their Mole and Mezcal Experience. They are also know for their caldo de piedra, a prehispanic soup cooked with heated rocks — as piedra means stone or rock in Spanish.
Criollo
The seven-course tasting menu at Criollo Oaxaca changes daily, but you can expect an elevated spin on classic Oaxacan foods from chefs Enrique Olvera (of Pujol Mexico City) and Luis Arellano.
In case you’ve never heard of him, Chef Enrique Olvera is one of the most famous Mexican chefs of all time.
La Olla Oaxaca
The menu changes seasonally, so try the menu del dia (menu of the day) for the freshest local cuisine.
Tlayudas Libres
Most locals will tell you that the tlayuda (pronounced tuh-lie-you-dah) is the best Oaxaca street food. When traveling to Oaxaca City, it is a must try.
Visually, it looks like a pizza, but taste-wise, it’s quintessentially Mexican. Order a tlayuda and top it with cecina, tasajo or chorizo, if you eat meat, or skip the meat for one of the best Oaxaca vegetarian dishes.
Boulenc Oaxaca Bakery
Order shakshuka for breakfast, a brick-oven pizza for lunch, and a pastry for dessert, at what’s known to be the best bakery in Oaxaca.
Tacos roy
Depending on who you ask, they might just tell you Tacos Roy has the best Oaxaca tacos — at least for their tacos al vapor. These are steamed tacos, and you can get them with many different fillings.
Itanoni Oaxaca
Order tetelas, de ese con frijoles refritos (refried beans), tamales, memelas and wash it all down with tascalate or agua fresca (fresh fruit water).
🤔 Not sure what any of that means?! Learn to eat like a local on this Oaxaca food tour.
Las Quince Letras
Owned and run by Oaxaca culinary legend, Celia Florián. Order the trilogía de moles (trilogy of moles) to sample three types of mole in one meal.
Lechoncito de Oro
A must try taquería (Oaxaca taco shop)! Beloved by locals, Lechoncito de Oro serves some of the best tacos in Oaxaca City.
This late-night street taco stand only serves chicharron (fried pork skin) and pierna (pork leg), so try one of each.
For a more complete list, check out the 40 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca City for Foodies.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
11. Best Shopping in Oaxaca: ARIPO Oaxaca Artisan Market
There are eight regions of Oaxaca, each different from the other.
The Instituto de Artesanias Oaxaqueños, or ARIPO, is the best place to shop for jewelry, clothing, art, textiles, homewares, crafts and artisanal products from each Oaxaca region. You can also shop ARIPO online.
🛍 Best Shopping in Oaxaca City
Want to do a bit more Oaxaca shopping? Great choice; the local art from Oaxaca is beautiful, and most places to shop in Oaxaca City are fair trade, like these:
- Don Remigio Mestas
- Colectivo 1050°
- Marchanta
- Silvia Suarez
- MisMezcales
- Xico 303
- Tienda Q
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
12. Calle Andador de Macedonia Alcalá
Calle Macedonia Alcala is a main thoroughfare in Oaxaca City. This pedestrian-only street connects the Santo Domingo Church with the Oaxaca Zocalo (Town Square or Main Square).
Oaxaca Fun Fact: This street is named after composer Macedonia Alcala, one of the most famous people from Oaxaca Mexico.
As you walk this lively street, you’ll pass all the best Oaxaca art galleries, shops, bars, restaurants, museums and more.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
13. Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca (Oaxaca Culture Museum)
After visiting the Santo Domingo de Guzman Church and Oaxaca Botanical Garden (Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca), head next door to the Oaxaca Culture Museum.
Also called the Oaxaca Culture Center and Museum of Cultures, the museum has 14 rooms with exhibits that chronicle the history of Oaxaca State.
🎨 More of the Best Oaxaca Museums
There are quite a few more museums in Oaxaca City to choose from. Besides the Oaxaca Cultural Center and Oaxacan Textile Museum already listed, there’s also these:
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MACO)
- Rufino Tamayo Museum
- Museo De La Filatelia (MUFI), the Oaxaca Stamp Museum — And trust me, this museum is much cooler than it sounds!
- Museum of Oaxacan Painters (MUPO)
- Casa Juárez Museum
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
14. Sip Hot Chocolate at Mayordomo
Chocolate has been a staple food throughout Mexico since prehispanic times.
In Oaxaca, one of the top regions for cacao beans in Mexico, you’ll find it used more for hot chocolate than eaten straight up. It’s also one of the main ingredients in mole negro (black mole).
While often prepared with milk, chocolate oaxaqueño (Oaxacan hot chocolate) is made with chocolate and water.
It is still frothy like in the United States because this chocolate beverage is hand-spun using a wooden whisk called a molinillo, which creates a foamy top.
The best place to try traditional Oaxaca hot chocolate is Mayordomo Oaxaca City.
There are several locations throughout Downtown Oaxaca City, where you can see the chocolate being made, and also enjoy free samples of their products.
🧉 Also try Tejate in Oaxaca
Tejate (pronounced tay-ha-tay) is a centuries-old chocolate and corn drink. While that flavor combo may not sound appetizing, this ancient drink has stood the taste test of time.
In fact, Oaxacans love their tejate so much, they call it the bebida de los dioses (drink of the gods).
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
15. Colorful Jalatlaco Neighborhood
Love Oaxaca street art, colorful buildings and cute cafes?
Then don’t miss the hippest of all Oaxaca neighborhoods — Jalatlaco (pronounced ha-lat-lack-oh). It is located just outside of Downtown Oaxaca City, and makes for a fun, leisurely place to just stroll around.
🤔 Not sure where to stay in Oaxaca City?
There are some great Jalatlaco hotels in Oaxaca to choose from. Of the best hotels in Jalatlaco is City Centro Hotel — the famous pink hotel in Oaxaca City.
Overall, the vibe in Jalatlaco is a lot less touristy than Centro Historico, so you get a more authentic feel and you can mingle with the locals.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
16. Eat the 7 Moles of Oaxaca
Wondering, What food is Oaxaca known for? That would definitely be mole (pronounced moe-lay), and there are actually seven Oaxaca moles (listed below).
Mole is also the co-national dish of Mexico; it shares this honor with chile en nogada. As the national dish, mole in other states like Chiapas and Puebla, which both border Oaxaca State.
- Mole Negro: Black Mole, the most popular type of Oaxacan mole.
- Mole Poblano: AKA Mole Rojo, or Red Mole. Mole almendrado (almond mole) is a common variation of mole poblano that’s made with almonds.
- Mole Colorado: Dark Red Mole
- Mole Verde: Green Mole
- Mole Amarillo: Yellow Mole
- Mole Manchamantel
- Mole Chichilo
🤔 What is mole?
Oaxacan mole is unique because it’s a marinade, a sauce and a full meal.
Mole is commonly served with rice and chicken or turkey, or used as a sauce, as with enmoladas. This is a Oaxacan take on enchiladas, which are usually topped with salsa, but mole is used in Oaxaca.
Mole recipes vary, but generally consist of these ingredients: chiles, red and green tomatoes, fruit, chocolate, local spices, nuts and seeds.
The ingredients are crushed and worked into a paste, then mixed with water or stock, and slow-cooked for hours (or days) until thick.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
17. Mercado Benito Juarez Market Visit
One of the best things to do in Oaxaca City is just strolling the city’s mercados, or local markets in Oaxaca.
The most well-known and best market in Oaxaca is Benito Juarez Market, perfect for everything from buying souvenirs, to sampling Oaxacan food and drinks, like aguas casildas.
🧉 Oaxaca aguas casilda
Opened in 1926 by the late Casilda Flores Morales, Aguas Casilda in Mercado Benito Juárez Market is where the locals go for their aguas casildas (a local variation of aguas frescas).
Make sure to try the chilacayote, a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations.
🛍 Sunday Market in Tlacolula
If you’re visiting Oaxaca on a Sunday, head to the massive Mercado de Tlacolula in the city of Tlacolula, Oaxaca. It is located about 45 minutes outside of the city, but the trip is well worth it.
Vendors from all over the Oaxaca Valleys come here to sell everything from farm-to-table food and mezcal, to traditional clothing to artesanias (handmade crafts).
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
18. Free Walking Tour of Oaxaca City
🤑 Looking for free things to do in Oaxaca City?
The Oaxaca Free Walking Tour is among the top things to do in Oaxaca City, and makes a great first item on your Oaxaca itinerary.
Note: Though free, tips are customary. Consider tipping at least $100 MX pesos per person ($5 USD).
The tour is led by local guides, and a great way to see the city’s highlights, off the beaten tracks sites and best Oaxaca neighborhoods. You’ll also learn some history and fun facts about Oaxaca along the way.
🚉 Oaxaca Tram Tour
If you don’t want to walk around, there’s the Tranvía el Alebrije Oaxaca Tram Tour. The tour is only in Spanish, but even if you don’t understand the words, it’s a nice way to see the whole downtown area without walking.
The tram costs $70 MXN pesos ($4 USD).
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
19. Xochimilco Aqueduct in Oaxaca City
Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mill-co) is the oldest Oaxaca City neighborhood. It is located just north of downtown, and known for colorful buildings and history.
One of the coolest things in Xochimilco is an 18th century aqueduct that runs along Callejon Rufino Tamayo street.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
20. Take Some Day Trips from Oaxaca City
While this article is about the best things to see and do in Oaxaca City, I have to mention a few places just outside the city as well. After all, many of the best places to visit in Oaxaca are just outside city limits.
The best way to get to all of them? In a rental car or on a tour, as Oaxaca public transportation isn’t great.
For those planning on renting a car in Oaxaca City, check out the linked guide. If you’d rather not drive, there are tour options listed below, or you can search all the best Oaxaca tours here.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
1. Hierve el Agua Oaxaca
Located about 45 miles from Oaxaca City, is perhaps Oaxaca’s most famous natural wonder — Hierve el Agua, which means boiling water.
While the natural mineral pools are the most photographed places here, you should also check out the amazing “cascadas” (waterfalls).
“Cascadas” is in quotes because there are two cliff faces at Hierve el Agua that look like waterfalls. They are covered in calcified mineral deposits, which just so happen to look like falling water.
💧 best HIERVE EL AGUA TOURS in Oaxaca
The easiest way to experience Hierve el Agua? On a tour of Hierve el Agua, of course!
Check out these great, and varied, tours of Hierve el Agua, ranging from half- and full-day trips to one of the best Oaxaca places to visit.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
2. Monte Alban Oaxaca Ruins
Located about 30 minutes outside of the Oaxaca City Center, Monte Alban is the most-visited of all archeological sites and ancient ruins in Oaxaca Mexico.
It is among the best pyramids and ruins in Mexico, and a Oaxaca must see for all visitors.
You can visit on your own, but tours of Monte Alban means having a guide explain all the ways this site is so important — and there are many.
If you’re visiting on your own, arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday sun; Monte Albán opens at 8am. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle, and you’ll want to wear a hat, eco-friendly sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
🗿 Best Monte alban tours in Oaxaca
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
3. Mitla Oaxaca Pueblo Magico
After Monte Alban, Oaxaca’s second most important archeological site is in Mitla. It is a Oaxaca Mexico UNESCO World Heritage site, along with Prehistoric Caves of Yagul.
As Mitla is easy to access, and the caves are not, most tours and visitors will only go to Mitla, Oaxaca.
⛪️ Oaxaca UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are not one, but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oaxaca — Historic Downtown Oaxaca City, Monte Alban Ruins, and the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla — and all three belong on your What to do in Oaxaca City list.
⛪️ Best Mitla Oaxaca tours
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
4. El Tule Tree (World’s Widest Tree Trunk)
A must see Oaxaca vacation site! El Tule (The tree of enlightenment) is a giant Montezuma cypress tree on the grounds of the gorgeous Templo Santa María de la Asunción church.
It is located in the pueblo (small town) of Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca Mexico. This is just 15 minutes by rental car or taxi from Downtown Oaxaca City, so it’s way to get to.
It has the world’s biggest tree trunk at 46-feet (14 m), which takes at least 30 people with clasped hands to wrap around.
Scientists date this tree at about 2,000-years-old. However, the Zapotec people of Oaxaca say the Wind God Ehécatl planted it about 1,400 years ago.
🌳 el tule Oaxaca tours
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
5. Teotitlán Del Valle (Oaxaca Artisan Village)
Teotitlan del Valle Oaxaca is a quiet, picturesque pueblo (small town), located about 18 miles (30 km) from Downtown Oaxaca. The town is known for its history, culture, tradition, and the colorful rugs made here by local weavers.
Besides a great place to buy Oaxaca carpets (the prices are often cheapest here because it’s not very touristy), there’s other things to do in Teotitlan del Valle.
Don’t miss the beautiful hike to Cerro Picacho Mountain and the Iglesia Preciosa Sangre de Cristo church and ruins.
Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca City Map
For your convenience, all the places to see in Oaxaca City mentioned in this article have been pinned to the map above. There are also some places just outside the city that make for a great day trip.
I hope this Oaxaca map makes planning your trip to Oaxaca Mexico a little easier — so all you have left to do is enjoy!
Oaxaca Travel Guide and FAQ
How do you pronounce Oaxaca?
Wondering about the Oaxaca pronunciation? It’s a common question, so if you are, you’re not alone! The word Oaxaca is pronounced waa-haa-kah.
Where is Oaxaca located?
Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico, surrounded by other Mexican states like Chiapas and Puebla.
Oaxaca Map
The southern edge of the state sits on the Pacific Ocean. Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city, and located about six hours south of Mexico City, you can book direct flights.
What is the best time to visit Oaxaca Mexico?
The best time to travel to Oaxaca is during the dry season, October to May. If you don’t mind some rain during the Oaxaca rainy season, you will also get lower prices — as this is the slow season.
☀️ Oaxaca weather
The temperate weather in Oaxaca City means it can be a year-round destination — similar to Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende and Baja California, Mexico.
Oaxaca City has a desert climate, so expect hot days and cool nights (sometimes even cold nights). The temperature in Oaxaca fluctuates a lot, so be mindful and bring layers when packing for Oaxaca.
If you hate the heat and hot weather, avoid the hottest months in Oaxaca. These are April and May, though some will also include June and July.
To avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from late-October for Day of the Dead, through mid-January. Many also visit Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) for La Guelaguetza in July, the second biggest Oaxaca festival.
Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?
For the vast majority of travelers, Oaxaca is safe to visit. In fact, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico. Oaxaca City is the country’s 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe.
⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?
That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do.
However, if you take the same general travel precautions you would anywhere else — ie. stay aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings — you should be safe traveling to Oaxaca City.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
What are the best places to stay in Oaxaca?
Not sure where to stay in Oaxaca Mexico? That’s understandable because there really are a lot of great options at all price points.
Have a look at the options below, and if you need even more suggestions, check out these 17 Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City.
🏆 Best neighborhoods in Oaxaca City
For first time visitors, you’ll find staying in Oaxaca Centro (Downtown) near the Zocalo very convenient, as it’s super walkable.
There’s also the colorful and artsy Jalatlaco neighborhood, and Xochimilco, the most historic neighborhood in Oaxaca — all three are great options.
🏩 Best HotelS in Oaxaca
- Quinta Real Oaxaca City ($$$$, Centro)
- Pug Seal Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
- Hotel Escondido Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
- City Centro Hotel Oaxaca ($$$, Jalatlaco)
- NaNa Vida Hotel ($$$, Centro)
- Casa de Arte ($$, Xochimilco)
🏩 Best HostelS in Oaxaca
Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca
How do you get around Oaxaca City?
Oaxaca City is very walkable, so if you’re just staying in the city itself, you can walk and use taxis and public transportation as needed.
If you’re doing Oaxaca day trips, a rental car or group tour is your best bet, and I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences.
ARE TAXIS SAFE IN OAXACA MEXICO?
For the majority of travelers, yes, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca.
I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me, but you can also just hail a cab on the street.
Is there Uber in Oaxaca City?
No — There is no Oaxaca Uber service, and no Lyft in Oaxaca either.
They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.
How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?
Within Oaxaca City itself, you can see the highlights in 2-3 full days. However, many visitors could realistically spend a week in Oaxaca City — especially art, food and culture lovers.
For those who want to explore the villages outside town, like Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustín Etla, Teotitlán Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, you’ll want at least 5-6 full days.
What is Oaxaca known for?
Wondering, Why is Oaxaca so popular? There are five things Oaxaca is known for — art, culture, the Oaxaca Day of the Dead celebration, mezcal and food.
In fact, Oaxaca is known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico, so try both the street food in Oaxaca and the restaurants while on your Oaxaca vacation.
Is Oaxaca City worth visiting?
Yes — Oaxaca is magical; it’s the Mexico people imagine Mexico to be.
xThere’s everything from rich history, colorful festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made Oaxacan mezcal, beautiful nature, colonial architecture, indigenous artisan communities, and of course, the Oaxacan food.
As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or even a flight and a bus, you might be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it.
I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that FU+K YES IT IS!
Final Thoughts: Downtown Oaxaca City
While there might seem to be an endless number of Oaxaca City things to do, once you get to town, you’ll see most things aren’t far from one another. In fact, most of the best things to see in Oaxaca are in downtown.
With many of the best day trips from Oaxaca located about an hour away from Downtown Oaxaca City, you have some options for those as well. These are especially easy to do if you’re getting a Oaxaca rental car.