Things to do in Oaxaca

Activities, attractions and tours

A park with a fountain, red flowers, and a gazebo.
A beach with clear turquoise water, people swimming and surfing, and rocky cliffs in the background.
A person holding a surfboard on a beach at sunset.
A crowded beach with people swimming and walking along the shore.
A coastal landscape with a beach, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery.

Things to do

Boil the water and distillery mezcal tour

Hierve el Agua and distillery of mezcal tour

HK$471
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hierve el Agua and distillery of mezcal tour
Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour

Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour

HK$241
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour
Juárez Highlands: Ecotourism and Workshop Experience

Juárez Highlands: Ecotourism and Workshop Experience

HK$268
per adult
Juárez Highlands: Ecotourism and Workshop Experience
Oaxaca: Hierve El Agua, El Tule, Mitla and Mezcal Tasting

Oaxaca: Hierve El Agua, El Tule, Mitla and Mezcal Tasting

HK$402
per adult
Oaxaca: Hierve El Agua, El Tule, Mitla and Mezcal Tasting
Natural Soap Class in Oaxaca City

Natural Soap Class in Oaxaca City

HK$251
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Natural Soap Class in Oaxaca City
Boil Water Full Day Guided Tour from Oaxaca

Tour Ruta Hierve el Agua, Tule, Mitla, Teotitlan and Mezcal

HK$209
per adult
Tour Ruta Hierve el Agua, Tule, Mitla, Teotitlan and Mezcal
Tour in Oaxaca Monte Alban Mezcal Alebrijes and Barro Negro

Monte Alban, Ancestral Mezcal, Alebrijes and Black Mud Tour

HK$268
per adult
Monte Alban, Ancestral Mezcal, Alebrijes and Black Mud Tour
From Oaxaca City: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour

Oaxaca City: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour with Transportation

HK$220
per adult
Oaxaca City: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour with Transportation
Lunch and explore Central de Abastos Oaxaca’s most diverse market

Lunch and explore Central de Abastos Oaxaca’s most diverse market

HK$282
per adult
Lunch and explore Central de Abastos Oaxaca’s most diverse market
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What to do in Oaxaca

Stay near popular Oaxaca attractions

A cobblestone street with colorful buildings, a tree, and a brick archway.

Zócalo

9.2/10 (4,742 reviews)
The Zócalo pulses with life as Oaxaca City's vibrant heart, where colonial architecture meets UNESCO heritage. Sip mezcal at a plaza-side café while musicians perform beneath the shade of laurel trees.
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Where to stay in Oaxaca

Find the best Oaxaca areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oaxaca
Learn more about Oaxaca
A narrow cobblestone street flanked by colorful buildings with balconies and hanging plants.

Jalatlaco

While Jalatlaco isn't home to many top sights, El Llano Park and Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.

A historic plaza with colorful buildings, a tree with white flowers, and a clear blue sky.

Barrio de Xochimilco

Though Barrio de Xochimilco may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like El Llano Park and Andador de Macedonia Alcala.

A colorful sign with the letters "OAKLA" in a public square with a fountain and statues in the background.
Photo by Tahino2000
Open Photo by Tahino2000

Reforma

While visiting Reforma, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Mazari and Plaza Parque.

A cactus garden with tall cacti and a reflective pond.
Photo by Marina Alcantara
Open Photo by Marina Alcantara

Oaxaca Centro

Churches, museums and art galleries are some highlights of Oaxaca Centro. Make a stop by Macedonio Alcalá Theater or Oaxaca Textile Museum while you're exploring.

A historic cathedral with two bell towers and a courtyard with palm trees.
Photo by Sergio Camalich
Open Photo by Sergio Camalich

Ruta Independencia

While visiting Ruta Independencia, you might make a stop by sights like Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden and Museum of Oaxacan Culture.

A historic stone church with two bell towers and a central entrance.

Cuilapam de Guerrero

A courtyard with a reflective pool, arched windows, and a building with a tower.

San Agustin Etla

Frequently asked questions

Is Oaxaca worth visiting?
Oaxaca has a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or local culinary flavours, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Oaxaca?
Kick your day off with a visit to Andador de Macedonia Alcala and Museum of Oaxacan Culture. Then, tour other parts of Oaxaca for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Oaxaca?
You can't leave without checking out Oaxaca Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Oaxaca.
Is three days enough to stay in Oaxaca?
Three days in Oaxaca is enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travellers book for three days on average. Oaxaca Cathedral, Andador de Macedonia Alcala and Museum of Oaxacan Culture are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as San Pablo Villa de Mitla.
Is Oaxaca a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Oaxaca is a great destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Oaxaca Cathedral and Andador de Macedonia Alcala. Then take a stroll around Oaxaca Centro, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Ruta Independencia, which is about 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Oaxaca with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Oaxaca with kids.

What to do in Oaxaca for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Oaxaca, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to El Mirador or Oaxaca Textile Museum.
Are there free things to do in Oaxaca?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Oaxaca is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Oaxaca Cathedral is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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