Best place to visit in Oaxaca

1. Historic Centre of Oaxaca

The Historic Centre of Oaxaca is the cultural heart of southern Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its magnificent colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, colorful streets, and deep indigenous traditions. Walking through its cobblestone avenues reveals beautifully preserved churches, elegant mansions, artisan workshops, bustling markets, museums, cafés, and flower-filled courtyards that reflect more than 500 years of history. Every corner of the historic district showcases a unique blend of Spanish colonial influence and Zapotec heritage, making Oaxaca one of the country’s most culturally rich destinations.

Throughout the year, the Historic Centre comes alive with festivals, traditional music, folkloric dances, art exhibitions, and culinary events that highlight Oaxaca’s extraordinary cultural diversity. Visitors can sample authentic regional dishes such as mole, tlayudas, and tamales while browsing handmade textiles, pottery, wood carvings, and colorful handicrafts created by local artisans. Whether exploring during the day or wandering beneath beautifully illuminated colonial buildings at night, the Historic Centre offers an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and artistic beauty.

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2. Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church

The Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is Oaxaca’s most famous architectural masterpiece and one of the finest examples of Baroque art in Mexico. Constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries, the church features an elaborately decorated golden interior, magnificent altars, intricate stucco work, colorful ceiling paintings, and beautifully carved stone façades.

Visitors can admire extraordinary craftsmanship while exploring one of Mexico’s most spectacular religious monuments.

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3. Zócalo of Oaxaca

The Zócalo is the lively central square of Oaxaca and the perfect place to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Surrounded by cafés, restaurants, colonial arcades, government buildings, and historic landmarks, the plaza features shaded gardens, fountains, outdoor dining, and frequent live music performances.

Visitors can relax beneath centuries-old trees while enjoying authentic Oaxacan cuisine and watching daily cultural activities unfold.

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4. Monte Albán

Just outside the city stands Monte Albán, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the Zapotec civilization, the ancient city features enormous pyramids, ceremonial plazas, temples, tombs, observatories, and breathtaking panoramic views across the Oaxaca Valley.

Visitors can explore thousands of years of history while discovering one of Mexico’s greatest archaeological treasures.

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5. Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca

Located beside Santo Domingo Church, the Ethnobotanical Garden showcases hundreds of native plant species from across Oaxaca. Guided tours introduce visitors to the region’s extraordinary biodiversity, medicinal plants, cacti, agaves, and tropical vegetation while explaining their importance to indigenous cultures.

The beautifully landscaped gardens provide a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

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6. Benito Juárez Market

Benito Juárez Market is one of Oaxaca’s most famous traditional markets and an essential destination for experiencing local culture. Vendors sell handcrafted textiles, pottery, woven baskets, spices, chocolate, mezcal, fresh produce, colorful souvenirs, and authentic regional specialties including mole, quesillo, chapulines, and tamales.

The lively atmosphere makes it one of the city’s most memorable culinary experiences.

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7. Museum of Oaxaca Cultures

Housed inside the former Santo Domingo Monastery, the Museum of Oaxaca Cultures presents remarkable collections of Zapotec, Mixtec, and other indigenous civilizations. Visitors can admire archaeological treasures, ancient jewelry, ceremonial artifacts, manuscripts, and historical exhibitions explaining the region’s extraordinary cultural heritage.

The museum is considered one of the finest archaeological museums in Mexico.

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8. Hierve el Agua

Located a few hours from Oaxaca City, Hierve el Agua is one of Mexico’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Mineral-rich springs have created spectacular petrified waterfalls that appear frozen in time, while natural infinity pools offer breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains.

Visitors can hike scenic trails, swim in crystal-clear pools, and photograph one of the country’s most unique geological formations.

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9. Mitla Archaeological Site

Mitla was one of the most important ceremonial centers of the Zapotec civilization and is famous for its intricate geometric stone mosaics unlike any other archaeological site in the Americas. Visitors can explore ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and tombs while learning about Oaxaca’s indigenous history and architectural achievements.

Its remarkable craftsmanship continues to fascinate archaeologists and travelers alike.

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10. Zócalo of Oaxaca at Sunset

As the sun sets over Oaxaca, the Zócalo transforms into one of the city’s most enchanting places. The colonial buildings glow in warm shades of gold and amber while musicians perform traditional melodies, cafés fill with visitors, and local families gather beneath the shade of ancient tree

Visitors can enjoy authentic Oaxacan cuisine, sip locally produced mezcal, watch traditional dances, or simply admire the beautifully illuminated architecture surrounding the square. The lively atmosphere, rich cultural traditions, and colorful evening sky create the perfect ending to a day spent exploring one of Mexico’s most captivating colonial cities.

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