The 10 best things to do in Oaxaca City

The journey starts here in the centre of the City. This place has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Santo Domingo de Guzmán temple, along with the Santo Domingo Plaza in the center of Oaxaca, is a mystical place full of history. It received a visit from Pope John Paul II, and inside, you can admire gold altarpieces of exceptional quality. Don't forget the plaza outside, adorned with agaves, where you can find handicrafts or simply experience the splendor of Oaxacan life.

Macedonio Alcalá s/n, Centro. Monday-sunday 9am-7pm. Free Acces.

Other amazing place. Behind the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán stands this sanctuary with trees over eight meters high, endangered species, and a wide cultural offering with workshops and courses.

Imagine observing the species from which Montezuma obtained the cotton for his pillows or the marriage tree, which, by the way, is full of thorns. You can view this vegetation in this garden of 2.3 hectares, opened in 1994. It was the idea of the artists Francisco Toledo and Luis Zárate, who succeeded in transforming this former military barracks into a garden with corridors designed based on the fretwork of Mitla.

Visit Jardín Etnobotánico in Oaxaca de Juárez, Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Near of Oaxaca cathedral, there’s a local market also known as “20 de noviembre”. This place is very popular for the objects that you can find, the main ones are: food ingredients, handcrafts, ceramic and attire. Perfect to buy a souvenir for your family and friends.

Your visit is incomplete unless you eat in its “pasillo de humo”. It’s a very traditional area where you can try all the gastronomic offerings that Oaxaca has, like tlayudas, tasajos y chorizos.

Las Casas s/n, Centro. Mon-fri 9am-5pm. Free.

Oaxaca is well known for historically being a hotbed of plastic artists. Since 2005, this museum, inside a 17th century mansion, has exposed the pictorial work of some of the most important painters, engraving artist and photographers in the state, as well as emerging artists. Also Known as MUPO, this is the best place to delve into the cultural wealth of the art scene. There are also workshops and children activities. 

Independencia 607, Centro Histórico. Tue-sun 10am-6pm. $20. 

Traditional textile art merges with the contemporary in this place. Housed in an 18th-century restored mansion since 2007, the Museo Textil (MTO) celebrates traditional Oaxacan pieces that have evolved over centuries. However, it also aims to showcase the newest work from local artisans, as well as to demonstrate the craftsmanship and creativity of Mexican textiles by exhibiting work from other parts of the world. They also offer workshops and conferences, undoubtedly a delight.

Av. Hidalgo 917, Centro. Monday-Friday 10am-8pm; Saturday 11am-8pm; Sunday 11am-6pm. Free Access.

This small town is the capital of the production of Oaxaca's most famous distillate, mezcal. You cannot miss the opportunity to travel here, in just 30 minutes from Oaxaca city, you can learn up close the process of making this traditional drink guided by the master mezcaleros from the agave plant to the stills and, of course, the tasting. There are hundreds of palenques in this area, but we recommend you go to one that works sustainably like Mal de Amor or Sombra.

Feel free to absorb the good energy that emanates from this place. Monte Albán is one of the most significant cities in Mesoamerica and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1987.

Taking a guided tour is optional. Wherever you choose to begin, start by exploring the museum to learn about the daily life of the Zapotec people. Then, take a stroll through the archaeological site, which boasts incredible acoustics.

The city was constructed on a mountain, a strategic location that helped the Zapotec people evade surprise attacks from their enemies.

 Visit Monte Albán in Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, for a cost of $95, daily 10am-4pm.

We know that Montealbán is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country, but these almost unknown ruins are even more interesting. Yagul, whose meaning translates to "old tree" is located in the valley of Tlacolula, in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, and is a magnificent place that has the first traces of agriculture in the American continent.

This great archaeological zone has great buildings built by the Zapotecs, such as the Palace of the Six Courtyards, the set of courtyards with tombs (several of them also with remains of mural paintings) and the imposing Ball Court, whose court is the largest in the Valley of Oaxaca.

Visit Yagul in Tlacolula de Matamoros, 70403 Oaxaca, for a cost of $75, daily from 10am to 6pm.

Hierve el Agua is well worth trip from Oaxaca for its visual and natural attraction. Two hours away from the city center, these natural pools with mineral properties are a must-see. Don't miss out on hiking before reaching the natural pools and seeing the impressive petrified waterfalls. Additionally, you'll have unique panoramic views of the mountains and landscapes. The best option to get there is to rent a car or book a guided tour that includes transportation.

Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca. Mon-sun 7am-6:30pm. $50.