Things to Do

Places

Within the City

  • Templo de Santo Domingo - Oaxaca’s most famous church built by the Dominicans between 1570 and 1608

  • Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca (inside Templo de Santo Domingo) - cultural museum housing archeological and historical artifacts from the region

  • Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca - beautiful botanical garden located next to Templo de Santo Domingo

  • Zócalo - the city square and beating heart of the city

  • 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez markets (take a food tour!)

  • Jalatlaco - cute and artsy neighborhood adjacent to Centro

  • Xochimilco - Oaxaca’s oldest neighborhood a 10-minute walk north of Centro

  • Makers:

Day Tours

  • Mezcal tour (Caminos del Mezcal)

  • Monte Albán - Zapotec ruins and most important archaeological site in Oaxaca

  • San Pablo Villa de Mitla - 2nd most important archeological site in Oaxaca

  • Hierve el Agua - natural pools and petrified waterfalls

  • Artisan villages

    • Teotitlán del Valle - known for textiles and rugs

    • San Bartolo Coyotepec - known for black pottery

    • San Martín Tilcajete - known for alebrijes

    • Santa María Atzompa - known for green clay pottery

Oaxacan Coast

If you have time and are feeling adventurous, rent a car or hire a driver to take you to the coast. Direct flights are also available through the smaller airline AeroTucan.

  • Puerto Escondido - main hub of the coast; best for surfing and nightlife

  • Mazunte & San Agustinillo - neighboring beach towns known for their laid-back and bohemian vibes

  • Zipolite - hippy beach town and home to Mexico’s only official clothing-optional beach

  • Huatulco - resort town known for its nine bays; best for snorkeling and family-friendly stays

Food and Drink

Traditional Foods

Don’t leave Oaxaca without trying:

  • Mole (any color) - Oaxaca is known as the “Land of Seven Moles”, with varieties including rojo, coloradito, amarillo, verde, negro, chichilo, and manchamanteles

  • Masa-based foods - tlayudas, tamales, memelas, tetelas, garnachas

  • Chapulines - toasted and seasoned grasshoppers

  • Quelites - edible and foraged greens included in many traditional dishes

  • Quesillo - traditional Oaxacan string cheese

  • Tasajo and cecina - thin cuts of fire-grilled meats

  • Tejate - pre-Hispanic beverage made from ground corn and cacao

  • Drinking chocolate - traditionally made with water (chocolate de agua) but can also be made with milk

  • Mezcal - try different varieties such as espadín, tobalá, arroqueño, and tepeztate

Restaurants and Bars

Some of our favorite sit-down spots:

  • Levadura de Olla - inspired cooking that pays homage to the chef’s upbringing in the Sierra Sur region of Oaxaca

  • Tierra del Sol - traditional Oaxacan dishes served on a beautiful terrace overlooking Templo de Santo Domingo; also check-out the bakery and atolería on the first floor (a personal favorite of the bride)

  • Criollo - Oaxacan cooking with a twist served in a curated and inviting setting

  • Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante - a local classic owned and operated by Chef Alejandro Ruiz, known for bringing Oaxacan cuisine to the world stage

  • Brio - high-quality Oaxacan/European fusion cooking

  • Zandunga Sabor Istmeño - hard-not-to-like dishes inspired by the Isthmus region of Oaxaca

  • Boulenc - popular bakery and brunch spot, be prepared to wait for a table!

Mezcalerías:

  • Mezcalería In Situ - small but highly-regarded mezcalería featured in several travel shows

  • La Mezcaloteca - another famous mezcalería with an educational approach to tastings (reservations required)

  • MEZCALOGIA - the convenient location and friendly staff made this one of our faves

Street Food

The street food is fantastic, but enjoy at your own risk, especially if you have a sensitive tummy. We personally haven’t had issues and have often found the street food to be better than restaurant food.

Some of our favorite spots:

  • Pasillo de Humo - the famous “Smoke Alley” located inside 20 de Noviembre market; it’s chaotic, overwhelming, and delicious!

  • Lechoncito de Oro - if you’re craving late-night tacos, this is the place to go

  • Tacos Del Carmen - popular breakfast and lunch stall serving up Oaxacan empanadas, quesadillas, and tacos

  • Tlayudas Las Ánimas - while there are more famous tlayuda spots in the city, this place ticks all the boxes if you’re looking to try the classic Oaxacan dish

  • Any of the street carts in Centro selling:

    • Elote - grilled corn on the cob seasoned with your choice of mayonnaise, queso fresco, chili, and chapulines

    • Esquites - cups of corn served up with your choice of toppings

    • Marquesitas - similar to a waffle cone filled with cream cheese, chocolate, nutella, or fruit

    • Platanos fritos - fried banana topped with a drizzle of condensed milk