Oaxaca City, Mexico: 8 Places to See Around Oaxaca City
Explore Oaxaca City, Mexico's cultural and culinary capital in southwestern Mexico. This region offers colorful colonial architecture, indigenous heritage, and world-class cuisine set against mountain scenery and temperate climate.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Day Trip to Mitla
- End
- Santo Domingo Church
- Stops
- 8
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Day Trip to Mitla — Ancient Zapotec ceremonial center renowned for intricate geometric stonework and underground tombs dating back over a thousand years.
- Oaxaca City
- Monte Alban — Hilltop pre-Columbian city offering sweeping valley views and archaeological insights into Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations.
- Day Trip to Hierve el Agua — Natural limestone terraces formed by mineral-rich spring water cascading down mountainside cliffs, creating stunning white formations and natural pools.
- Auditorio Guelaguetza — Hillside auditorium offering panoramic sunset and sunrise views over Oaxaca City and surrounding mountains, accessible by hiking from the city center.
- Zócalo — Main historic square in the heart of Oaxaca City's UNESCO World Heritage center, surrounded by colonial buildings and serving as the cultural heart of the city.
- Mercado Benito Juárez
- Santo Domingo Church — Beautiful colonial church in Oaxaca City's historic center, notable for its ornate baroque architecture and significant role in the city's cultural and religious heritage.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Spend at least 5 days in Oaxaca City to fully experience the area.
- Timing
- Visit Hierve el Agua early morning or stay until sunset (6pm+) to avoid tour bus crowds. Pool is nearly empty after 5pm.
- Transport
- Rent a car to visit Hierve el Agua rather than taking tours, allowing flexible timing to avoid daytime crowds.
- Transport
- Free walking tours depart daily at 10am and 5pm from Teatro Macedonio Alcalá. Tours last 2.5 hours.
- Food
- Try Oaxaca's seven varieties of mole, tlayudas, and tamales. Food is affordable even at high-end restaurants.
- Tip
- Visit local markets Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez, located 1 block from Zócalo main square.
- Tip
- Pueblos Mancomunados eco-tourism reserve is 1.5 hours by local bus from Oaxaca City. Stay at least 2 days to explore 7 mountain villages.
- Transport
- Mitla day trip is 31 miles (50km) south of Oaxaca City. Can combine with Hierve el Agua and mezcal distillery tours.
- Tip
- Monte Albán ruins are 8km west of Oaxaca City. Accessible by taxi, local bus in front of Hotel Riviera de Angel, or tour.
- Timing
- Major festivals include Días de Muertos (November), Holy Week (Easter), Fiesta Guelaguetza (July), and Night of Radishes (December 23).
- Tip
- Visit mezcal distilleries ('palenques') on the Ruta de Mezcal within 100km radius for authentic production experience.
- Tip
- Watch sunsets from rooftop locations or hike to Auditorio Guelaguetza for panoramic city views from the mountains.
Video on this route
OAXACA CITY, MEXICO | 10 Best Things To Do In & Around Oaxaca City