Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Oaxaca, Mexico. #Top Attractions

Spread the love!

For your next holiday, make it a point to visit Oaxaca, Mexico. Explore the top activities to do and sights to see in Oaxaca, Mexico, to make the most of your time there. Get the most out of your vacation by exploring the best things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico, and the best places to visit in Oaxaca, Mexico below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3 travel company that brings the best travel ideas to travelers.

Oaxaca

For those who appreciate the coast to the peaks and the ancient to the modern, here is the place to go for an unforgettable vacation.

Oaxaca has some of the world’s top waves for surfing. Consequently, Oaxaca should be on your travel itinerary if you enjoy surfing.

There are a wide variety of regional specialties in this city. Many tourists enjoy Mexican cuisine. Oaxaca’s restaurants seek to fill their customers’ bellies, providing only the greatest and most generous portions.

But that’s not all; it’s the finest vacation place in Mexico. You will just be charmed and in awe because of their gorgeous scenery in all places.

In addition, Oaxaca is home to an abundance of breathtaking natural sights and attractions. You will feel like you have to go to this city.

They also have a plethora of bars and nightclubs to choose from. In the city, you’ll be able to have a good time and get to know some of the residents.

What else do you need to know to come to this city? Witness it yourself; you’re missing out on something truly spectacular.

Dead Festivities

What a unique tradition for a Mexican city to have a Day of the Dead celebration. Now that your curiosity has been satiated, it’s time to discover why and by whom it was celebrated.

One of Mexico’s holiest observances is the Day of the Dead. Memorial service honors the lives of people who have died by hosting a celebration of their lives that includes food, music, prayer, and beautiful memorials.

For Day of the Dead, you must go to Oaxaca, the cultural center of southern Mexico.

Happening at this time, “Day of the Dead,” which occurs from October 31 to November 2, is not a solemn affair but rather a festive one. 

Locals pay their respects to their dead loved ones at the cemeteries. The town also puts on colorful parades for tourists to enjoy.

It is not only possible to visit graveyards and take part in parades, but the city will be decked up with sand tapestries, and unique treats made only for the occasion.

Some must-sees are necessary for people attending the eerie Oaxaca festival.

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

El Zócalo

Nothing is stopping you from becoming Mexican! You’ll have a chance to observe how much the locals care about their city.

Oaxaca’s largest square, El Zócalo, is located right in the middle of the city and is a great place to start your day. People-watching and learning about Oaxacan daily life are both possible from this vantage point.

There are no cars on the Zócalo, and it’s flanked by exquisite portales (arcades), making it a great spot to begin experiencing Oaxaca’s culture.

Various foods are available for purchase. As a result of all the excellent food, you’ll be stuffed! When it’s hot outside, fresh fruit vendors are a welcome respite.

Marimba, brass bands, and wandering buskers all fill the air with their melodies during the day and night. Hawkers try to offload beautiful carpets and hideous balloon goods. 

Lovers make slow rounds beneath the trees. Everyone sits down to enjoy a drink and watches from one of the many sidewalk cafes that line the streets.

This is the best spot in Oaxaca to sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Address: Portal del Palacio, OAX_RE_BENITO JUAREZ, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Ethnobotanical Garden

This isn’t simply a gardener’s paradise. It’s a beautiful location with a lot of flowers surrounding it. You’ll be awestruck by the beauty of nature in this area.

One of the best places in the Dominican Republic to see native plant life is the Ethnobotanical Garden, located behind Santo Domingo’s Temple of Santo Domingo.

Gardening is a kind of ethnobotany, which is a study of how plants and humans interact with each other.

For visitors and locals alike, the garden tells the tale of Oaxaca’s cultural and aesthetic traditions and their role in Mexico’s natural heritage.

Thus was born the most biodiverse section of Mexico’s most beautiful garden, which displays an array of the region’s natural plant life. Oaxaca’s trees and flora were brought in from other parts of the state.

Visitors are given a chance to learn more about the plants in the garden, many of which have historical and practical significance.

In the Ethnobotanical Gardens of Oaxaca, you’ll find a serene environment. Make your way around the area and see the scenic beauty.

Address: Reforma Sur n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Guelaguetza Festival

A festival that will make your journey more enjoyable. It’s a show that will undoubtedly show you what kind of culture they have. This is the most eagerly anticipated event of the year in the city of Oaxaca.

In the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the Guelaguetza Festival is one of Mexico’s most distinctive cultural expressions and festivals, taking place every year in July.

Guelaguetza, one of Mexico’s most popular celebrations, is the right time and place for this. There is a strong emphasis on indigenous dances from the region. Each squad dresses differently for the event.

Each year, the Guelaguetza Festival brings together people from all eight regions of Oaxaca to celebrate by dancing, singing and giving out gifts to build bridges between them.

Celebrations are held on the final two Mondays of July in a stunning open-air amphitheater. An extremely popular Oaxacan tourist attraction, tickets to this show sell out quickly.

This is advice so that you do not miss out on this fantastic event! There were actually hundreds of people that showed up to watch this event in action. This is a spectacle that you won’t want to miss out on!

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

Hot Chocolate

It’s as good as they claim! But once you’ve had a taste, you’ll constantly need more!

As a candy bar, a cup of hot cocoa, or an ingredient in chicken mole, chocolate is often seen as the ultimate indulgence by some.

Greek mythology translates “food of the gods” as “Theobroma cacao.” It is found in the rainforests of the United States. This substance has been revered throughout history for its unique scent.

You will be greeted by the scent of freshly roasted cacao beans wherever you go in Oaxaca throughout the city.

Oaxaca has long been a center for chocolate consumption, although no cocoa trees are cultivated there. This is due to the city’s placement on an ancient trade route.

You must sample some Oaxacan hot chocolate. Hot chocolate is a drink that customers can get at a wide range of restaurants and even some cafes.

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

Hierve el Agua

This gorgeous natural infinity pool and petrified waterfall sit atop a mountaintop overlooking the Oaxaca Valley. You’ve probably seen photographs of it on social media.

Located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, the petrified waterfalls of Hierve El Agua may be discovered. 

Getting to Hierve El Agua from Oaxaca City might be challenging without a guide.

The most convenient option is a scheduled tour of the Tule Tree, Mitla’s carpet factory, an Alebrijes (traditional Mexican crafts) workshop, Hierve el Agua, and Mexico’s Mezcal plant.

Even though the name “Hierve el Agua” sounds like “hot water,” there are three nearby freshwater pools perfect for a cool dip.

Please remember to carry your swimming gear, but be forewarned: these are not warm waters!

If you want to swim in them, you’d better hope that the sun gives off some heat.

Moreover, suppose you get to Hierve El Agua early enough. In that case, you might see this bird that looks like a condor resting among the petrified waterfalls.

Walking on cobblestones all day would be a waste of precious vacation time. 

Hierve el Agua is an excellent place to visit if you want to get away from the city.

Address: Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico

Local Crafts

It’s no secret that the city is known for its handicrafts. People in the area put their heart and soul into making it.

Most of Mexico’s indigenous people live in the state of Oaxaca. Many of them have long traditions of making things by hand, influencing Mexico City.

In Oaxaca, you’ll find a wide variety of items for your home and your wardrobe, including hand-woven tapestries (such as a colorful blanket or a hand-painted alebrije).

People interested in black pottery or painted wooden sculptures can arrange trips to the houses and workshops of the craftspeople.

The natives will fulfill whatever request you make of them. However, they have a wide variety of crafts to pick from.

In addition to the Mercado de Artisanias, you may find a wide variety of local crafts around the city. Make sure you’re prepared to bargain!

So, self-control is your greatest challenge because of how popular this place has become.

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

Mercado de Benito Juárez

In Oaxaca, you’ll acquire fat, and this is one of the things that will satisfy your hunger. There are a lot of dining alternatives on the colorful streets!

At the Mercado de Benito Juárez, you can buy everything from street food and traditional consumables to traditional clothing, handcrafted pottery, home décor, and hand-painted artwork.

In Oaxaca’s marketplaces, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the sheer variety and number of goods on exhibit. 

Stacks of dried chiles, mounds of mole sauce, piles of fresh fruit, and baskets of hot chapulines (grasshoppers)

Empanadas, tamales, and tortillas are available for purchase right in front of your eyes from women who are eager to get your business. 

There were also stands that sold fresh-squeezed juices in different colors and flavors and plates of colorfully cut fruit.

Whether searching for a gift for a loved one or a piece of art to decorate your house, this market is the place to begin. 

Another excellent starting point for learning about the people and culture of the region is El Mercado de Benito Juárez.

Address: Las Casas S/N, OAX_RE_BENITO JUAREZ, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

We don’t travel to get away from life but rather to ensure that it doesn’t pass us by. Spread out your map and locate the next stop on your journey. Experience different cultures around the world by checking out the list of countries to visit around the world. When traveling the globe, a stop in the United States is a must. It would be an extraordinary experience to witness the multicultural way of living in the United States. Click here for the best states to visit in the USA.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Is your stomach growling because you’ve seen so many sights? It’s time to make a pit stop at one of the world’s most popular all-meat eateries!

Visitors to “El Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas,” located in the 20 de Noviembre market, who are searching for authentic Oaxacan cuisine, should do so.

Additionally, vegans will be able to find meals they enjoy. Attracting both locals and tourists, this meat market is often busy. Simply follow the fragrance of grilled meat if you’re unclear where it is located.

Pick your favorite cut of raw beef and watch it be prepared right in front of your eyes. 

Order some salsa and guacamole from a large table with benches to accompany your meal. 

The flavor of tortillas may be enjoyed by purchasing some from a street vendor.

You may have a significant issue if you can’t get food. Make a meal by delivering your veggies to the “meat guy,” who will then add protein to them.

Smoke and the fragrance of grilled meat filled the air, so follow your nose to find it. This dinner is sure to satisfy you!

Address: 20 de Noviembre 512, OAX_RE_BENITO JUAREZ, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Mexican Cooking Class

Learn how to create Oaxacan food at home so you may enjoy it, even more, when you return home. Sign up for this Oaxaca cooking workshop to unleash your inner chef!

You may learn about Mexican food while in the city by taking a cooking class. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

The food of Oaxaca is diverse, rich, and complicated. Learning to cook in Oaxaca is a great way to get to know the food and culture of the area.

Regarding an exhaustive experience, La Cocina Oaxaquena was just what you were looking for.

A trip to a local market and a cooking class with an Oaxacan chef provide perspective. Cooking classes are a great way to taste Oaxaca’s cuisine. 

Cooking workshops in Oaxaca are a great way to learn about the local cuisine while having a good time.

Isn’t it amazing that you can learn to cook Mexican food? If you want to learn something new and have fun, don’t miss out on this opportunity.

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

Mezcalería

Mezcaleras, or mezcal bars, may be found all around town. A trip to Mexico wouldn’t be complete without having a sip of mezcal at a mezcalera.

Oaxaca is home to a slew of intriguing palenques. Small villages and cities all around the country have them within an hour of one another. Because of this, Oaxaca’s mezcal tour is quite popular.

A hands-on look at the process of manufacturing mezcal is the best way to learn about mezcal in Oaxaca. In the beginning, the many agave species are described in detail.

Some mezcalerias require reservations ahead of time, so plan accordingly. Wherever you go, it is possible to learn about mezcals from the bartender while you sip.

You may have already noticed it if you’ve been in the city for a few days. “Mezcalerias” are places dedicated solely to serving mezcal-based cocktails, and they’re popping up all across the country.

This drink is so popular in the city that who wouldn’t want to taste it? It’s something you should give a go! 

A chance like this will never again present itself, only in Oaxaca taste the famous Mezcalería.

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

Monte Albán

Even though it’s a simple attraction, you’ll definitely be blown away!

Visit one or two indigenous archaeological sites in Oaxaca, and your journey will be complete! In particular, the motherland of all Oaxacan ruins, Monte Albán, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s worth seeing.

It’s one of the most prominent Oaxaca tourist attractions, alongside Puerto Escondido’s surfing and the holy mountains of San José del Pacifico.

Teotihuacan is Mexico’s most significant archaeological site, although the Oaxacan ruins of Monte Albán rank second. 

Oaxaca has a wide variety of ruins, but these are by far the most noteworthy.

It is estimated that Monte Albán was the Zapotecs’ primary sociopolitical and economic hub for around 1,000 years. A variety of cultures have occupied this land, including the Olmecs and Mixtecs.

Monte Albán’s pyramids, canals, terraces, and dams are awe-inspiring engineering feats that will blow your mind!

In Oaxaca, this is one of the most memorable things you can do. This is a must-see experience! Awe-inspiring scenery awaits you.

Address: Ignacio Bernal S/N, San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Oax., Mexico

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

You must see this even if you’re not a big art admirer! The building’s architecture is breathtaking, and it houses a vast collection of art.

For example, the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures is near the Santo Domingo Temple. It is in a large monastery building.

Its placement in a centuries-old monastery adds historical relevance. Magnificent pre-Colombian antiquities and artifacts from the Conquest and subsequent years may be found inside.

This is the location of one of Mexico’s most important regional museums. From the time before the Spaniards came to the present, Oaxaca’s history and culture are shown in many different ways.

Everything from ancient to contemporary art is on display for your viewing pleasure. The process used to create these pieces of art will astound you. It’s a thing of beauty.

In addition to the impressive exhibits and order, you’ll learn about the various indigenous cultures that have thrived in the region. 

This is a must-see on any Oaxaca vacation.

Address: 1a. Cerrada de Macedonio Alcala s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Ruins at Mitla

This one is well worth a visit because of the stunning mosaics and the nearby world-famous ruins.

A number of English terms have their roots in Nahuatl, such as “underworld” and “graveyard.” If you haven’t been to Oaxaca,

The Ancient Mitla Oaxaca Ruins are a must-see for anybody visiting central Mexico’s central area, and they’re located in Oaxaca.

One’s arms around a column are thought to represent how many years one has left on this earth. Consider giving it a whirl, and ask for guidance if you’re fluent in Spanish.

The temple’s walls at Mitla, both on the inside and the outside, are covered in mosaics.

The Column of Life, which can be seen in one of the tombs at Mitla, is one of the most famous features of the site’s ruins.

Paying a visit to these world-famous ruins is the best opportunity to take in even more of this city’s magnificence.

Address: Vila de, Cam. Nacional, San Pablo, Centro, 70438 San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Oax., Mexico

Sunday Market

Locals and tourists eagerly await the arrival of Sunday so they can enjoy a leisurely stroll around this charming market!

The city’s gastronomic traditions are thriving in Oaxaca’s local markets. 

When visiting Mexico’s “food capital,” Oaxaca, it’s a terrific idea for visitors to spend a lot of time in the markets and sample all that is on offer.

Many items are available for purchase from local sellers throughout the region. 

So, it’s a great chance to see people dressed in their hometown’s traditional clothes.

Shopping in this area will be a lot of fun for you because there is such a large selection of different foods and other items available.

The market is great for fresh fruit, delicious street food, mezcal, and other handmade goods and crafts. 

Check out this vibrant market for a few minutes of your day.

Tlacolula Market, a 45-minute drive from the city center of Oaxaca, is the most beautiful market in the area. 

Sundays are the best days to visit, and you won’t regret it.

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

Street Art Scene

This gallery is a must-see for art lovers. A place for residents to show off their artistic abilities. People will be astounded by the variety of art found all across town.

Oaxaca, Mexico, is well-renowned for its weaving, pottery, and painted wooden animal sculptures, known as alebrijes, all of which can be seen in the city. 

While the city’s museums and galleries are many, Oaxaca is also known for its vibrant street art scene.

There are numerous beautiful public art pieces in Oaxaca, as in many other Mexican cities.

Many of the city’s murals are the work of a street art organization called Lapiztola.

A “lápiz” is a Spanish word that refers to a pencil or a “pistol” (pistola). They hope that art may be used as a tool for social and political change. 

While you’re out and about in Oaxaca looking for street art, they’re worth a look.

As a “mother” and an activist, Leona Vicario was shown on one of Mexico’s first female journalistic posters. 

You should check out the rest of the artwork! Each piece of art has a narrative to tell, and you’ll find it fascinating.

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

Street Food

The street food is definitely worth a taste! This is the place if you’re looking for something that’ll make your mouth wet.

There’s no denying the depth and breadth of Oaxaca’s culinary traditions. Many visitors know about this, especially the ones who tried it.

Eating at one of the city’s many taquerias can practically taste the city’s past. Indigenous cooks have been using these techniques for hundreds of years, and they’ve been passed down from father to son.

Oaxaca is home to a well-known market breakfast, during which visitors may have a delectable and substantial meal while sitting in the middle of one of the city’s streets.

You may have a cheap and easy meal with wonderful flavor by stopping at any of the delicious-smelling street booths, especially those popular with the locals.

This means you’ll need a plan for packing the calories while you’re there, and that plan should involve a lot of snacking.

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

Templo de Santo Domingo

It’s both a church and a museum in one. A two-in-one attraction housed in a stunning structure is well worth a trip!

To put its beauty into perspective, it’s easily among Oaxaca’s most stunning cathedrals.

In addition to the museum and cathedral, the ethnobotanical garden is a must-see attraction. 

Even if you’re not a fan of cathedrals or museums, you should at least enter the edifice to get a sense of its grandeur.

This chapel was built between 1570 and 1608 by some of Mexico’s most accomplished artists, many of whom came from Puebla and other regions of the nation.

Moreover, the museum has 23 permanent display halls that show Oaxaca’s history, from the time before the Spaniards to the colonial period and independence.

The church’s stone pillars and walls are incredibly thick to avoid collapse. The cathedral’s domed interior, the golden altar, and ornate sculptures provide a stunning sight.

In a nutshell, you can’t miss out on this! Because of the stunning appearance that it offers, you will be in wonder.

Address: C. Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

The Pedestrian-Only Street

On this pedestrian-only route, even on a simple stroll, you’ll pass through a plethora of sights and sounds.

Walk along the pedestrian-friendly Calle Alcala from the Zocalo to the Templo de Santo Domingo. 

Wander down this car-free road and take in the colonial architecture, which is now home to art galleries, cafés, artisan stores, and pubs.

Colonial structures may be seen as you make your way along the street. This building’s design is breathtaking. You’ll be awestruck even if you’re simply passing by.

While walking down the street, you’ll come across an abundance of art galleries. 

If you like, you may also go inside and see the works of art up close. 

Several restaurants and cafés are nearby if you become hungry after a long stroll. 

You can’t go wrong with their Mexican cuisine. In addition, the cafés are a great place to unwind.

During the night, the area’s most popular establishments are pubs. 

There are several pubs where you can have a good time and sample some of the area’s world-renowned beverages.

As you stroll around the streets, remember to wear comfortable shoes because there are many sights to visit in the region.

Still undecided on visiting Oaxaca, Mexico? Visit reasons to visit Oaxaca, Mexico at least once in your lifetime here.

Address: Oaxaca, Mexico

Spread the love!