Location: Oaxaca
Top Things to do in Oaxaca
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Oaxaca That You Shouldn't Miss
Easygoing and vibrant, Oaxaca offers the best of southern Mexican charm, pairing lively festivals and entertainment with fantastic cuisine and unique cultural attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca is home to the spectacular Macedonio Alcala Theater and a short drive from the inspiring rock formations at Hierve el Aqua.
Restaurants in Oaxaca
1. Zona Arqueologica de Monte Alban
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,737 reviews
The ruins of this ancient Zapotec capital make up one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Latin America.
Reviewed By zantb003 - Sybertsville, United States
Great site!! Great prehispanic temples and observatory. It’s a part of Oaxaca, Zapotecs. I enjoyed it, of course, we’re into history and archeology. It’s impressive-grand.
2. Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,645 reviews
One of the city's most ornate structures, this church is lavishly endowed with gold.
Reviewed By katybird41 - Eugene, United States
I was approached by a kind man who asked if I wanted a tour as I was heading inside to look around. He spoke several different languages, and was incredibly knowledgeable, reciting the names of the saints depicted, the dates of each stage of building this beautiful church, and the historical significance of the church itself. It was a pleasure to learn more of this history. I am very grateful!
3. Exconvento de San Pablo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By agavebeat - Oaxaca, Mexico
This beautiful cultural center is pretty much the 'heart' of Oaxaca. It is part of the Alfredo Harp Helu (ex-owner Citibank) Foundation, which offers free concerts, conferences, handcraft workshops, artisanal fairs, etc. throughout the year. It also houses four traditional art galleries with installations that change every few months and a permanent library dedicated to preservation of native languages. Just outside and around the corner is the fabulous Textile Museum. Entrance to the Cultural Center and all events are free.
4. Zocalo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,730 reviews
This plaza, ringed with stores and an 18th-century cathedral, is the center of social activity in Oaxaca.
Reviewed By andyww18 - Savelletri, Italy
Plenty going on , lots of restaurants and great people watching . Have a shoe shine and capture some great photo ops
5. Mercado Benito Juarez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,423 reviews
Visitors to this marketplace are advised to bargain with vendors to get low prices.
Reviewed By andyww18 - Savelletri, Italy
Lots to see , photo and eat and drink . Famous and popular aqua Fresca stall , go down the bbq alley behind the meat section for freshly chosen meat on a bbq with vegetable and sauce choices . Meal for 3 with a beers at around 100 pesos a head and full of smoky buzzing atmosphere Take home dried chillis and herbs
6. Andador de Macedonia Alcala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 661 reviews
One of Oaxaca's crowded main thoroughfares.
Reviewed By 954hollyb - Washington DC, United States
Great street for people watching, eating and shopping, at any time of day. Plenty of fantastic artisan goods plus street food- I definitely recommend the fresh juices with condensed milk.
7. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
This lavish cathedral sits on the town's zócalo.
Reviewed By bgillian28
This is a very ornate church with interesting side chapels. If you go on a Saturday you can watch all the wedding parties come out of the church and then go in procession down the main pedestrian walkway. Walk with them and enjoy the celebration.
8. Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
This 17th-century church contains an interesting museum of religious art.
Reviewed By joela924 - Traverse City, United States
Beautiful church on the edge of el centro. Baroque in style, but not over the top. Maybe my favorite church in Oaxaca.
9. Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
This museum contains a varied collection of pre-Columbian art donated by Rufino Tamayo, one of Mexico's most famous modern artists.
Reviewed By mollyregan - New York City, United States
Don't miss this museum. It has an amazing collection of artifacts from pre-Hispanic Mexico. In each room there was information in English that helped us understand the significance of the pieces.
10. Teatro Macedonio de Alcala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
This theater, constructed in 1903, is still a popular place for performances.
Reviewed By Lovehorse24
This is an amazing restoration of this historic theater. My first time in Oaxaca and I never imagined that I would be watching the Bolshoi Ballet. (March 2019) et. Any seat would have felt close up. Just could not stop smiling afterwards. Look forward to attending other performances there in the future.
