Location: Oaxaca
Top Things to do in Oaxaca
Top 10 Free Things to do in Oaxaca, Oaxaca
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. 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!
2. 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.
3. Biblioteca Infantil
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By P9777FXbenb
A sleek, modern children's library with a healthy selection of books and entertainment. Plenty of space, with beautiful trees and flowers everywhere. A cool place to check out.
4. Oaxaca Free Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 137 reviews
Small groups, family, friends, private tour? Book your spot! THIS IS AN ORIGINAL WALKING TOUR CREATED IN OAXACA BY LOCAL GUIDES. Our free walking tour is very different from many others that you can find in Oaxaca, in this tour, you're going to find the hidden side of ( OAXACA DE JUAREZ) which most of our travelers appreciate a lot, and you can live and feel the real Oaxaca. Our free walking tour introduces you to the amazing Oaxaca Highlights. During our 2:30 hours tour; you will not only learn about culture, history, gastronomy, music, but also about the colorful political arts and social political movements. Our experienced guides will love to share options about places to visit, travel, eat and drink. Join us for an engaging introduction to Oaxaca. We are offering 2 free walking tours per day Our morning tour starts at 10:00 a.m. EVERY DAY. Our Afternoon tours starts at 5:00 p.m. EVERY DAY.
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Centro Fotografico Alvarez Bravo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By kayaklady2
First off, it is free, which is amazing. As a fundraiser, by profession, I wonder who is paying for it. But, in any case, there was new edgy work dealing with the situation we are in as a society, along with the work of Bravo. I had the feeling that this was a work in progress, part of a school, a place for students to take classes. I do not know the details. It was also a sort of sanctuary with people thinking, looking, creating. I liked the informality of the place. It was peaceful.
