Things to do in Oaxaca

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A park with a fountain, red flowers, and a gazebo.
A beach with clear turquoise water, people swimming and surfing, and rocky cliffs in the background.
A person holding a surfboard on a beach at sunset.
A crowded beach with people swimming and walking along the shore.
A coastal landscape with a beach, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery.

Things to do

Boil the water and distillery mezcal tour

Hierve el Agua and distillery of mezcal tour

￥9,752
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hierve el Agua and distillery of mezcal tour
Bike tour to the Tule Tree and the Gastronomic Market

Bike tour to the Tule Tree and the Gastronomic Market

￥4,999
per adult
Bike tour to the Tule Tree and the Gastronomic Market
Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour

Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour

￥4,999
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour
Tour in Oaxaca Monte Alban Mezcal Alebrijes and Barro Negro

Monte Alban, Ancestral Mezcal, Alebrijes and Black Mud Tour

￥5,555
per adult
Monte Alban, Ancestral Mezcal, Alebrijes and Black Mud Tour
Picture 10 for Activity Oaxaca: Full Day Guided Tour on the Monte Alban Route

Tour to Monte Alban, Barro Negro, Hip Loom and Alebrijes

￥4,166
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tour to Monte Alban, Barro Negro, Hip Loom and Alebrijes
Natural Soap Class in Oaxaca City

Natural Soap Class in Oaxaca City

￥5,201
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Natural Soap Class in Oaxaca City
Juárez Highlands: Ecotourism and Workshop Experience

Juárez Highlands: Ecotourism and Workshop Experience

￥5,555
per adult
Juárez Highlands: Ecotourism and Workshop Experience
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What to do in Oaxaca

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A cobblestone street with colorful buildings, a tree, and a brick archway.

Zócalo

9.2/10 (4,742 reviews)
The Zócalo pulses with life as Oaxaca City's vibrant heart, where colonial architecture meets UNESCO heritage. Sip mezcal at a plaza-side café while musicians perform beneath the shade of laurel trees.
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Where to stay in Oaxaca

Find the best Oaxaca areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oaxaca
Learn more about Oaxaca
A narrow cobblestone street flanked by colorful buildings with balconies and hanging plants.

Jalatlaco

While Jalatlaco isn't home to many top sights, El Llano Park and Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.

A historic plaza with colorful buildings, a tree with white flowers, and a clear blue sky.

Barrio de Xochimilco

Though Barrio de Xochimilco might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like El Llano Park and Andador de Macedonia Alcala.

A colorful sign with the letters "OAKLA" in a public square with a fountain and statues in the background.
Photo by Tahino2000
Open Photo by Tahino2000

Reforma

If you're spending some time in Reforma, Plaza Mazari and Plaza Parque are top sights worth seeing.

A cactus garden with tall cacti and a reflective pond.
Photo by Marina Alcantara
Open Photo by Marina Alcantara

Oaxaca Centro

Churches, museums, and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Oaxaca Centro. Make a stop by Macedonio Alcalá Theater or Oaxaca Textile Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

A historic cathedral with two bell towers and a courtyard with palm trees.
Photo by Sergio Camalich
Open Photo by Sergio Camalich

Ruta Independencia

If you're spending some time in Ruta Independencia, Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden and Museum of Oaxacan Culture are top sights worth seeing.

Popular day trips from Oaxaca

A courtyard with a reflective pool, arched windows, and a building with a tower.

San Agustin Etla

A large tree in front of a white building with red arches, a blue and white church, and a street with cars and people.

Santa Maria del Tule

Various bowls of yarn in different colors and textures.

Teotitlán del Valle

Frequently asked questions

Is Oaxaca worth visiting?
Oaxaca has a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or local culinary flavors, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Oaxaca?
Kick your day off with a visit to Andador de Macedonia Alcala and Museum of Oaxacan Culture. Then, tour other parts of Oaxaca for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Oaxaca?
You can't leave without checking out Oaxaca Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Oaxaca.
Is three days enough to stay in Oaxaca?
Three days in Oaxaca is enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travelers book for three days on average. Oaxaca Cathedral, Andador de Macedonia Alcala and Museum of Oaxacan Culture are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as San Pablo Villa de Mitla.
Is Oaxaca a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, Oaxaca is a great destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Oaxaca Cathedral and Andador de Macedonia Alcala. Then take a stroll around Oaxaca Centro, located 0.32 kilometers from the center, and Ruta Independencia, which is about 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Oaxaca with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Oaxaca with kids.

What to do in Oaxaca for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Oaxaca, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to El Mirador or Oaxaca Textile Museum.
Are there free things to do in Oaxaca?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Oaxaca is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Oaxaca Cathedral is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.