Curator’s statement
Oaxaca is a fantastic destination filled with rich history, ancient archaeological sites, vibrant markets, flavorful culinary, mezcal traditions and stunning landscapes. Zapotec, Mixtec, other indigenous cultures, Aztec conquest, Spanish colonial history and modern traditions are woven through the region’s defining features. There is a palpable reverence towards artisans, artists and their craft. You will find a deep sense of community and reciprocity. Magic and culture are truly everywhere you turn in Oaxaca.
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Where to stay in Oaxaca, Mexico
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Things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico
A curated selection of things to see, eat and experience in Oaxaca. Not exhaustive, just unforgettable.
See & explore
A free walking tour in Oaxaca City is a great way to get a sense of where things are and learn a little bit about the history and politics of the region before you dive in.
A food tour is another great way to get oriented before diving in.
Explore the Zócalo (main square). Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a stunning baroque church with intricate gold interiors and an attached cultural museum. Do a guided tour of the Jardín Etnobotánico, a beautifully curated space showcasing Oaxaca’s diverse plant life. Check out the Museo Textile and the stamp museum.
Walk down Andador Macedonio Alcalá and other streets filled with shops, street performers and galleries. Stunning murals and street art. Just wander and get lost in the picturesque streets, appreciating stunning murals and street art, stopping at a street food vendor when the desire calls.
Explore the markets like Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
Day trips:
Monte Albán and the Ruta de Magica: Take a day trip to visit Monte Albán. This is an awe-inspiring Zapotec archaeological site with panoramic views over the valley in the morning. In the afternoon you can explore artisan villages along the Ruta Mágica de las Artesanías. These include San Bartolo Coyotepec (known for their black clay pottery), San Martín Tilcajete (known for their colorful alebrijes carved from wood) and Santo Tomás Jalieza (known for their textiles made using pre-Hispanic techniques such as telar de cintura or backstrap loom weaving, to name a few.
Hierve el Agua and Mitla: Alternatively, take a day trip southeast of the city to visit Hierve el Agua. This is a stunning set of petrified waterfalls and natural pools perched high in the mountains. You can also visit Mitla, another Zapotec archaeological site known for its intricate stone mosaics. Stop by Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec weaving village known for its naturally dyed, handwoven wool rugs and strong community traditions.
Places to eat & drink in Oaxaca, Mexico
Be sure to try tlayudas, a crispy, oversized tortilla piled high with asiento, beans, cheese and your choice of meat. There is also empanada al comal, a quesadilla with stringy, salty Oaxacan cheese at a local market.
Savor Oaxaca’s famous moles, which are rich, complex and deeply traditional.
Delight in a cafe de olla or enjoy a chocolate con pan de yema — a warming, spiced Oaxacan hot chocolate paired with a fluffy egg bread.
Have heirloom corn in a variety of dishes — Memelas, tetelas and tamales.
Have heirloom corn in a variety of drinks, too! Or try any number of cacao-based drinks. Better yet, try tejate, a frothy drink made of both toasted maize, fermented cacao beans and the pits of the mamey fruit.
Visit small-batch producers in Santa Catarina Minas or Santiago Matatlán to experience the smoky complexity of mezcal, Oaxaca’s signature spirit. My favorites include Mezcal Real Minero, one of the only female-owned palenques in the state, and her brother’s Mezcal Lalocura.
Need to know
Pro tips:
Start with a meal at Alfonsina: This is a gastronomic and cultural project on your way to town from the airport (or on the way to the airport from town). The outdoor restaurant is a beautiful space, and the experience makes you feel like you’re at your abuela’s farmhouse.
Drop by the museum store: Before heading out on the Ruta Mágica de las Artesanías, visit the Andares del Arte museum store to get a sense of the local arts and craftsmanship you love.
Pack with souvenirs in mind: Leave extra space in your luggage — you’ll definitely want to bring back textiles, pottery and mezcal.
Know the alcohol limits: When flying back to the US, you’re typically allowed one liter of alcohol per person duty-free — anything beyond that may be taxed. Check airline and customs rules before stocking up on mezcal.
Explore Oaxacan cuisine at home: Keep the flavors alive by seeking out Oaxacan restaurants near you. Los Angeles, for example, is home to one of the largest Oaxacan communities outside of Mexico, and the food here is excellent!
Travel Advisor
Shivani Patel
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Oaxaca page.