Oaxaca City
Oaxaca is the strongest food destination in Mexico, with seven regional moles, a daily market culture and mezcal palenques in the surrounding valleys. Colonial streets, the Santo Domingo church and the ruins of Monte Albán above the city fill the days between meals. Day of the Dead here is the country's most intense.
How long to stay
October to April; late October for Día de Muertos.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Oaxaca City yet
Is Oaxaca City right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Oaxaca City is known for.
Great for
- History & culture
- Food
Less of a focus
- Nightlife
- Nature
- Family
- Couples
- Solo
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Top things to do
Hierve el Agua
Entrance $35 · VerifiedOaxaca City
Mineral springs on a cliff edge forming petrified waterfalls and natural infinity pools, about 90 minutes from the city.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
Free entry · VerifiedOaxaca City
A covered market whose smoke-filled meat hall grills tasajo and chorizo to order.
Monte Albán
Entrance MX$210 · VerifiedOaxaca City
A Zapotec capital on a levelled mountain top above Oaxaca, with a great plaza, ball court and carved danzante stones.
Templo de Santo Domingo
Free entry · VerifiedOaxaca City
A Baroque church with a gilded interior and an adjoining cultural centre holding the Mixtec gold from Tomb 7.
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Popular activities
Mezcal palenque tour
Visit small distillers in the valleys, tasting espadín and wild agave batches.
Oaxacan cooking class
Market shopping then cooking mole negro and tlayudas with a local cook.
Weaving village day trip
Teotitlán del Valle workshops using natural dyes and backstrap looms.