Oaxaca City, a jewel nestled in the heart of Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca, captivates visitors with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. From its colonial architecture to its vibrant indigenous traditions, Oaxaca City offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Chris and I first visited in August 2022 and deeply feel in love with the city, so much that we decided to have our wedding in May 2024 there.
If you’re planning a visit to this enchanting destination or will be because you’re attending our wedding, here are the top things to do to make the most of your journey:
Explore the Historic Center- Step back in time as you wander through the cobblestone streets and charming plazas of Oaxaca’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colonial architecture and cultural significance. Admire the ornate facades of landmarks such as the Santo Domingo Church and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude, then stroll through the bustling Zocalo, where street vendors sell traditional crafts and delicious local snacks, so be sure to always have a few pesos on you.
I always say that the best way to travel is to wander and Oaxaca City is extremely walkable! You only need transportation to get into the city from the airport but once you arrive you can truly walk anywhere. Taxis are how you’ll get around if need be as there are is no Uber or Lyft in the city. If you are looking to do any excursions, most if not all of these offer transportation.
Indulge in Oaxacan Cuisine- Savor the flavors of Oaxaca’s renowned cuisine, celebrated for its rich mole sauces, flavorful tlayudas, and artisanal mezcal. Explore the bustling markets of Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juarez, where you can sample an array of local delicacies, including tamales, quesadillas, and chapulines (crunchy grasshoppers). Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a mezcaleria and taste the smoky spirits crafted by local maestros mezcaleros.
Oaxaca is the culinary capital of Mexico and because of it’s region they are able to grow a variety of foods that can’t grow anywhere else in Mexico, they truly have an amazing gastronomy. We can hands down say that the best food and drinks we have had in Mexico have been in Oaxaca and anytime we are about to go back we begin to get so excited to have it all again and try a few new places as well. So with that said, one of goals when coming to Oaxaca should be to eat and drink all of the unique and delightful food this region has to offer!
Discover Indigenous Art and Culture- Immerse yourself in the vibrant indigenous culture of Oaxaca through visits to local art galleries, museums, and cultural centers. Explore the works of renowned artists such as Rufino Tamayo and Francisco Toledo at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACO), then delve into the ancient traditions of Zapotec and Mixtec artisans at the Textile Museum of Oaxaca and the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art. Oaxaca also has many galleries, pop up shops, and studios that you can discover when walking around the streets and if you wanted to go a step further you can book a trip to see the pottery town or alebrije town, all incredible as it is generations of artists who have honed their craft.
Day Trips to Nearby Attractions- Venture beyond the city limits to explore the natural wonders and cultural landmarks that surround Oaxaca. Take a day trip to the archaeological site of Monte Alban, an ancient Zapotec city perched atop a scenic hillside overlooking the valley below. Alternatively, visit the artisan villages of Teotitlan del Valle and San Bartolo Coyotepec, where you can watch local artisans create traditional textiles and black pottery.
We have booked Coyote Adventuras to Monte Alban, pottery town and alebrije town and have taken Sonia’s cooking class, both which we had great experiences with and recommend to anyone.
Explore Local Markets- Delve into the bustling atmosphere of Oaxaca’s vibrant markets, where you’ll find an abundance of fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and traditional goods. Wander through the stalls of Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where the aroma of grilled meats fills the air, or browse the colorful displays of textiles and pottery at Mercado Benito Juarez and the Mercado de Artesanias for your traditional embroided clothes and home items. Check all three out and see them for yourself, all have great things to offer and gifts for others so leave a little room in your suitcase to bring some goodies back!
Experience Festivals and Celebrations- Immerse yourself in the colorful festivities and vibrant traditions of Oaxaca by timing your visit to coincide with one of the city’s many festivals and celebrations. From the vibrant Guelaguetza festival, which showcases indigenous dance and music from across the state, to the solemn observances of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Oaxaca’s calendar is filled with cultural events that offer a unique glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. We actually were very lucky in the fact that our first trip down was during Guelaguetza and it was so incredible to be in the city then and fully take in all of the traditions. If you can I highly recommend going during one of these two celebrations.
Also, you haven’t fully experienced Oaxaca until you have stumbled or been apart of a calenda (parade) and if you’re coming to our wedding you’re in luck, we have you covered!
In addition to these top-rated attractions, be sure to take time to wander through Oaxaca’s charming neighborhoods, where you’ll find hidden gems, local artisans, and authentic experiences waiting around every corner. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, sampling street food, or immersing yourself in indigenous traditions, Oaxaca City promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you enchanted and inspired.
PS- here are some of my must haves when traveling
