The best things to do in Oaxaca City, the capital of Oaxaca state are those that highlight the city’s colors, flavors, art and history.
Oaxaca is nestled in the majestic Sierra Madre mountains of central Mexico about 287 miles (462 km) southeast of Mexico City. This is a city that is rich in colonial and indigenous culture.
The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site with its wide Zocalo, or square and the imposing Santo Domingo de Guzman church. The streets around the center are lined with many shops, galleries and vendors selling lovely little works of art and local handicrafts.
The best things to do in Oaxaca can be infinite. However, after spending several days there I can share 5 top sights and activities that stand out as truly exceptional and representative of the magical Oaxacan culture.
Oaxacan art; especially street art
Oaxaca displays its artistic soul everywhere in town but it is especially evident in its streets. Oaxaca must be on the the world most decorated cities. It’s as if its talented residents are compelled to express themselves by creating lovely designs on the city’s walls.
Walking through the city feels a bit like exploring an open-air museum. Colorful murals and creative graffiti transform ordinary walls into works of art. There is something new to discover around nearly every corner.
Oaxacan street art is not just about decoration. It tells stories about the city’s history, culture, and people. Many designs celebrate local traditions, featuring indigenous symbols, traditional clothing, local wildlife, and everyday life scenes.
Other murals may highlight important social and political issues. Oaxaca has long history of community activism and this is expressed in its art.
The detail, scale and imagination are incredible.
Although street art in Oaxaca is everywhere, the neighborhood of Jalatlaco is especially popular for street art lovers. The narrow streets and colorful buildings offer the perfect backdrop for topics ranging from whimsical to provocative. I found myself stopping every few minutes to take photos or admire a particularly interesting work.
The skeletons of Oaxaca
Skeletons appear frequently in Oaxaca’s street art. The theme is inspired by Mexico’s rich traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead on November 2.
On the Day of the Dead, locals honor their dead and frequently gather at cemeteries to decorate the tombs of their departed.
The holiday emphasizes reunion and memory, with families creating ofrendas (altars) featuring photographs, food, flowers, and personal items of those who have died.
The skeletons in street art don’t represent sadness or dread. Instead, they are often depicted celebrating or just hanging out doing everyday activities.
Skeletons and skulls appear in decorations, artwork, costumes, and altars. They symbolize:
- Remembrance of deceased loved ones
- The continuity between the living and the dead
- Acceptance of mortality
- Celebration rather than fear of death
The skeleton street art is among the most interesting, intriguing and beautiful. The art represents all creatures, both human and animal.
Oaxaca’s exquisite “alebrijes”
I would be remiss in discussing Oaxacan art without mentioning the incredible “alebrijes,” colorfully decorated wooden creatures. The designs represent mainly animals and fantasy creatures.
The art form originated in Mexico City where they were originally made from papier mache. But it was in Oaxaca where they began to use wood and elevate the alebrijes to their current status.
These amazingly crafted creatures come in all shapes, sizes and fantasies.
Visit the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures in the Santo Domingo de Guzman Temple
This museum is housed in what was once a Dominican monastery built in the late 1500s. Weather you love museums or not, this place will amaze you and you will question, as I did, how this glorious structure was constructed almost 500 years.
The museum tells the history of Oaxaca from prehistoric times to the present through its 23 exhibition rooms, all of which were once monks’ cells. As impressive as these are, the real star attraction is the building itself.
Strategically placed windows showcase the architectural prowess of the original builders. Many of the ceilings are decorated in gold leaf.
The big surprise is the perfectly symmetrical interior courtyard with fountain. This visit is truly one of the best things to do in Oaxaca.
Explore One of Oaxaca’s Many Markets
Oaxaca is a wonderland of markets selling just about everything.
Despite the many choices, there are two major markets that visitors should not miss.
Mercado Benito Juarez
Names after Mexico’s first indigenous president, Benito Juarez, this massive market is just one block from the town center. The market sells food, textiles, artifacts, spices, jewelry, clothes, animals, you name it.
It is worth strolling the various stalls and accepting the little samples the vendors offer. The delicacies include chapulines, or grass hoppers, and roasted ants. Both of these are common items served throughout the city.
A visit to this market is one of the best things to do in Oaxaca and a lesson in Oaxacan culinary arts. I learned there are over 50 types of mole, a delicious sauce, and over 300 regional varieties.
In the section selling locally handcrafted clothing you are free to try on all the wonderful textiles and designs.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
This market is next to Mercado Benito Juarez so its easy to visit both on the same trip. The market sells different items but it is basically a large area with various stalls, sit-down restaurants and eateries.
The vendors will approach you as you enter trying to entice you to eat at their stalls. Some spots specialize in seafood, others in pre-Hispanic dishes and so forth. Wherever you decide to eat, it’ll be good.
Sample the Unique and Fabulous Cuisine
Oaxaca is considered the culinary capital of Mexico. That is really saying something as you know Mexico has one of the most sophisticated cuisines in the world.
You can have a delicious meal in Oaxaca from a humble taco stand to a Michelin starred restaurant.
It’s good to know that many of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Oaxaca offer spectacular meals in stunning locations at about one third of the price in other cities.
Some Michelin-starred restaurants to try include my favorite, Restaurante Tierra del Sol
Forget about just walking in and expecting to be seated. You will need to make advanced reservations. These restaurants are incredibly busy.
A meal in one of Oaxaca’s top restaurants is more than a meal, it’s an experience.
These are just a small sampling of the best things to do in Oaxaca. There are so many; take a cooking class, sample mezcal at a distillery, wander Alameda Street with its shops galleries and handicraft vendors. The list goes on and on.
Where to stay in Oaxaca
Oaxaca has many different accommodation options from luxurious 5-star properties to budget friendly hostels.
Want to splurge? Try the Oaxaca Grand Fiesta Americana with its massive pool and delightful landscaping. For old world charm in a converted colonial structure, stay at the Quinta Real Oaxaca. You will feel like you time traveled back to the 16th century with all the modern conveniences.
For a standard, no-nonsense, efficient, fit for purpose, mid-range stay, check out the Holiday Inn Express in the city center. They have free breakfast and parking. It is quite lovely and close to everything.
For the budget minded, Oaxaca has some lovely hostels in colorful neighborhoods for as little as $15.00/ night depending on the season, try the Casa del Arbol, about a 10 minute taxi (or Uber) ride from the city center.
This hostel is in a great neighborhood, Xochimilco, filled with street art, cafes and restaurants. Or, if you prefer to stay in the center of town, try Andaina Hostel.
You will find Oaxaca to be a lovely, welcoming, intriguing, town well worth a trip.
Want to know more about Oaxaca in central Mexico? Check out these handy reference guides:
Moon Oaxaca Archeological sites, beaches food and festivals.
Oaxaca City Travel Guide. The Ultimate guide to exploring Oaxaca.
The Oaxaca cookbook. The complete collection of regional specialties.
What are some of your favorite best things to do in Oaxaca? Let us know in the comments.
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