3-Day Oaxaca City Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Get ready for a full day of walking! Pack water, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and comfy shoes—Oaxaca gets sunny and hot.

Morning

• Breakfast: If your hotel includes breakfast, enjoy it there. Otherwise, try either Casa Mayordomo, for a local taste of Oaxaca, or La Rueca Oaxaca, which overlooks the stunning Church of Santo Domingo. Honestly though, most breakfast spots in Oaxaca are great!

• Jardín Etnobotánico: Start your day with a guided tour (the only way to enter) through Oaxaca’s beautiful botanical garden. It takes a couple of hours, so bring water and a hat.

• Templo de Santo Domingo: A must-see! This iconic church is breathtaking and explains why so many couples want to get married here. Take your time inside to cool off from the sun.

Lunch & early afternoon

• Walk along Calle Manuel García Vigil until you reach Centro Gastronómico de Oaxaca, a modern space for tasting local food. It's perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or drink. Sometimes the second floor hosts a small artisan market.

• Keep exploring along Manuel García Vigil to Monumento Cruz de Piedra, then turn into Calle Félix Díaz—a colorful little street with tiny shops and cozy coffee spots.

• Continue to Calle Rufino Tamayo. It might seem quiet, but you’ll find hidden mini plazas with fountains, cafés, and small restaurants.

Optional detour

• If you still have energy, head to the Xochimilco neighborhood:

  • Calle José López Alavez is full of colorful houses and murals.

  • Stop at Corazón de Cacao for a refreshing chocolate drink.

  • Have a late lunch at Ancestral Cocina Tradicional.

  • For architecture lovers, visit BS Biblioteca Infantil and reach Aqueduct Arcos de Xochimilco.

Evening

• Return to your hotel for a siesta before dinner.

• Try one of these restaurants for dinner—and make sure to make reservations, as restaurants fill up fast!

  • Los Danzantes Oaxaca

  • Zandunga Sabor Istmeño

  • Levadura de Olla Restaurante

  • Brío Cocina Local

  • Cobarde Oaxaca

Drinks & nightlife

• Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar

• Bocaflor by Marchanta

• La Cueva Oaxaca Bar

• Barra Popular Oaxaca

Morning

• Start your day at Mercado Benito Juárez for local food, snacks, and souvenirs.

Late morning

• Architecture lovers: Visit Biblioteca Oaxaca Juan de Córdova

• Museo Textil de Oaxaca (free entry): Small but beautiful, with traditional textiles and lovely architecture. A great escape from the heat!

Afternoon

• Stroll around Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca and the Zócalo.

• Enjoy live music, street performers, and local energy.

Shopping

• Casa de Barro: A good spot for local fashion

• La Chicharra Cerámica: My favorite ceramic studio in Oaxaca

Explore the streets around Templo de San Matías Jalatlaco and the Barrio de Jalatlaco—a peaceful, colorful neighborhood with stunning street art and painted walls. Perfect for a relaxing last walk, coffee stop, and final photo session before leaving Oaxaca.