Oaxaca City is just a 1hour flight from Mexico City or almost a whole day by bus. No real travel itinerary in Mexico will be complete without a visit to this hotspot for arts, incredible food, museums, and indigenous culture. If you are pressed for time, in 2 to 3 days you'll see the main sights, however, if you have a more expandable schedule, 4 days or even one week in Oaxaca City will let you experience all this city has to offer and also explore some surrounding wonders.
1 - Get Lost In The Historic Centre
Oaxaca City doesn't feel big although it's home to about 300.000 people. You can, however, tell there are a few people about especially over the weekend, come Monday all the way through to Friday, once you head to the historic centre you'll find quiet cobbled streets with house after house painted in the most vibrant colours you can imagine, only adding to the 'small-town' charm in what is actually the state's capital. Many of these streets will lead to extraordinary cafés, colonial churches, secret gardens and arts & crafts shops. Wandering around the historic centre of Oaxaca is undoubtedly one of the greatest things to do in this city.
2 - Visit The Jardín Etnobotánico De Oaxaca (Ethnobotanical Garden)
You’d be missing out if you visited Oaxaca and didn't stop by the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca. This 'recent' attraction located behind to the famed Templo de Santo Domingo, the garden was originally part of the Santo Domingo monastery grounds until it was occupied by the Mexican army for over a century. When the army left in the 90's plans were drawn to develop the site as a luxury hotel and car park, but a Toledo-led group had a different idea, and they lobbied for an ethnobotanical garden to be created instead. This wonderful attraction was officially opened in 1998. Even if you're not into gardens in general, this one showcases the diverse range of flora that is native to Oaxaca, the most biodiverse region in Mexico.
Just a bit of advice, you can only enter the garden with a guide. Guided tours are available in different languages on different days:
English - Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 11am- $100 MXN Spanish - Monday – Saturday, 10am, 12pm, 5pm - $50 MXN
French - Tuesdays, 5pm - $100 MXN German - Wednesdays, 5pm - $100 MXN
3 - Check Out Templo De Santo Domingo
Templo de Santo Domingo is possibly one of Mexico's most well-known landmarks and it surely is the most famous attraction in Oaxaca City. Built by the Spanish over 400+ years ago its interior will leave you in awe with its intricate ornaments covered in gold. It does have some similarities to another church also called Templo de Santo Domingo in the city of Puebla (click to open) but the one in Oaxaca City is bigger, more ostensible and iconic.
4 - Drink Oaxacan Coffee
Your morning began some hours ago, you have already been to some great landmarks of this great city, even took some photos and uploaded them to Instagram, but have you had Oaxacan coffee yet? Well if the answer is no, then surely one of the top things to do in Oaxaca City is to have a cup of the famous brew. Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s primary coffee producing states and obviously coffee here is great. One of our favourite places to have your fix of caffeine is Boulenc where you can also have brunch and try some typical Mexican pastries as well as French pâtisserie.
5 - Try Some Local & International Cuisine
Oaxacan cuisine is according to many chefs around the world some of Mexico’s best. It's true that if you're a vegetarian this may not necessarily be a paradise for you, but truth be told Mexico isn't the most vegetarian friendly of countries. As far as typical staples of Oaxacan cuisine go, one the most well known are the Tlayudas which are large, crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, avocado and either meat, nopales (cactus pads) or even dried shrimp. Other famous specialities are the different Oaxacan moles, deep-fried Chapulines, Tasajo (dried beef) and the delicious tamales Oaxaqueños. In town, there are also some international options such as French cuisine, American inspired food and an excellent Italian restaurant called Cafe Bistrot Epicuro.
6 - Visit A Typical Market
Do you love the narrow lanes packed with goods, street food vendors and hustle and bustle of Mexico's markets? If so, then Oaxaca City has got you covered. The city is a haven for travellers like you who love trawling through a market. The most famous one and easy to get to is Benito Juarez Market in the centre. Come here if you like finger-licking food or visit any of the nearby markets for some traditional artisanal products.
Read about the best travel itineraries in Mexico by CLICKING HERE, or if you are unsure how to pack for your upcoming trip? - CLICK HERE
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