27 Unmissable Things to Do in Oaxaca City Mexico – A Travel Guide

It preserves many icons that represent a cultural tradition of more than four centuries of art and the rich history of indigenous cultures. 

Oaxaca is home to friendly people with many talents and a wealth of cultural events that attract travelers worldwide. 

The city’s grandeur is best experienced at the many festivals that occur throughout the year. These festivals showcase the essence and heart of this destination and its people.

Carnival time is a time of joy and fills the city with sound and color. Holy Week is a time of reflection and respect for the city’s religiosity.

In summer, residents are busy with sports and dancing. The festivals of Mole, Tejate (local drink), Tamal, and Mezcal proudly display the diversity of gastronomy and flavors.

And, of course, the Day of the Dead celebrations, where the city dresses in all the elements that attract our ancestors to this annual gathering.

As you can see, Oaxaca has much to offer throughout the year for the eye and all the senses to explore and discover.

In Oaxaca, you can walk and take pictures, visit places, and participate in guided tours that will help you understand the political, economic, and social issues that have long plagued the city.

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How Many Days Do I Need in Oaxaca?

I think 5 to 7 days is a reasonable amount of time to finish everything at an average pace and still find time to relax. But of course, the more, the better.

Unmissable Things to Do in Oaxaca Mexico

1. Walk Walk Walk (And Visit the Tourism Office)

Honestly, I am a bit old school and love paper. Every time I am in a new place, I grab a map, figure out how far the “safe area” is to roam, and then I just go.

I also usually talk to the people at the hotel or lodging I am staying at. I ask them: where do you go? Where do you eat? What to do in Oaxaca City Mexico? This works great for me; you get to connect with the locals instead of looking at an Oaxaca travel guide. 

Also, on my walks, I usually make the tourist office my first stop to find out about any special events or activities that might be going on during my stay. 

The Oaxaca tourism office I usually visit is located downtown at 102 Calle Mariano Matamoros, and of course, there are other offices scattered around the city. They are usually open between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

2. Take a City Tour or a Free Walking Tour

For shared or private city tours (and other tours), I have mentioned them before, and I am probably biased (but no, they are the best).

You can contact Trez Travel, a fantastic local travel agency with lots of experience in the city and the state of Oaxaca. 

And you can contact Gabriel Sanchez, who offers top-notch private services and tours. 

There are many city tours that I will include here below, or you can go directly to the main tourist attractions and find local guides offering paid mini-tours of the place, for example, at el Templo de Santo Domingo de Gúzman. 

Regarding a free walking tour, I recommend the one organized by Estación Mexico. It takes you outside the main downtown attractions and takes place every day at 11 am.

The meeting point is the main zocalo in front of the El Márques del Valle hotel.

I always take these tours and highly recommend them as a starting point. Please remember that “free” does not mean you take the tour and leave without paying anything.

The guides do this job for a tip, so I recommend you always offer at least 100 pesos per person for a 2-hour tour. 

You can also find more walking tours with different itineraries here

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3. Take a Sightseeing Tour Around Oaxaca by Tram

For people who are not very mobile or generally have trouble walking, I want to mention something here that I have never done because I love hiking. 

However, at the corner of Macedonio Alcalá and Morelos Street, a tram will take you on a sightseeing tour of downtown Oaxaca.

It is called “Tranvía el alebrije.” Please be warned that this tour is very slow. It is a large tram that must be almost full to run. It runs every 30 minutes, and the cost is about 70 pesos per person. The language is Spanish only.

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4. Visit the Zocalo and the Oaxaca Cathedral 

As in any colonial city, Oaxaca’s main square, zocalo, is always the perfect place to start exploring and one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca. 

And why is that? Well, remember that our territory was conquered and colonized. Mexico started to be built on these squares, and all the elements of colonialism, religious syncretism, and the evolving government system began here.

In every colonial city, including Oaxaca, you will find 3 main elements: 

• Ecclesiastical power in the form of a monastery or cathedral. In Oaxaca city, we have the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. 

• Political power – the colonial buildings of the time were palatial and built to “govern” the city, and so we find what we call today “Palacio de Gobierno de Oaxaca.” 

• The open square, the atriums, or “Plaza Mayor,” are the spaces where everything converged. All pre-Hispanic and colonial activities merged in these places.

One reason I enjoy sightseeing tours is that the local guides can provide interesting facts and information that is hard to find elsewhere.

For example, I remember my local tour guide explaining how when the indigenous people carved the details of the cathedral’s facade, they hid deities and symbols that were part of their own culture.

So when the indigenous people “prayed” outside the churches, in this case, the cathedral, it was a way to continue worshipping their gods freely without punishment.

We have to remember that in most cases, the Spanish conquerors chose to build each government office and religious center on top of what used to be a sacred site or a symbol of the leadership of pre-Hispanic times.

They did this to show that they were now in charge.   

I highly recommend visiting the Zocalo area at least 3 times. One, bright and early. Why? For architecture and photography lovers, it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the sunrise light and avoid the crowds.

Second, I recommend going after breakfast or in the middle of the day, which is the best time to learn about the main attractions.

Last, in the evening, around 7 pm, for people watching and cultural appreciation.

The evening is when local people go out and enjoy time with their families. You will find couples kissing on benches, friends lining up to eat an esquite, or families buying balloons for their kids.

This is a perfect time to try whatever street food or snack you can find in the Zocalo area. Also, this area is used for many activities like salsa dancing, book fairs, and more, and it all usually happens at night.

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5. Walk the Whole of the Pedestrian Macedonio Alcalà From Top to Bottom and Its Streets.

This will undoubtedly take you most of the day. In a later article, I’ll cover some of the restaurants on this street in more detail, but Voces de Copal is one of my favorites, so treat yourself to lunch there.

Café brújula can be found all over Oaxaca, so it’s worth a quick stop for a coffee there as well. If you want to visit a bar, head to La Mezcalerita.

If you have a sweet tooth and want ice cream, stop by Nieves Manolo to try local craft flavors. 

Macedonio Alcalá is where you get cash at the ATM, visit some museums, delight yourself in the Oaxacan art galleries, and eat, drink, and SHOP! 

There are street vendors during the day, but they become more numerous as the sun goes down. 

You can also find street snacks and local drinks like tejate or tamales. Also lots of sweets and pastries. 

Usually, an additional artisan market is added to the existing markets during the weekends at the northern part of the street, just at the end of the Santo Domingo Museum. 

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6. Visit the Mercado Benito Juárez: (Market) 

If you have never been to Mexico or any of its local markets but you have seen them portrayed in a movie, this market is the perfect example of what you would expect to see.

This market is the size of a total of 4 street blocks filled. Mexican street vendors, food stalls, and all kinds of trinkets are being sold everywhere, even outside of it. The whole market area is bustling, noisy, and colorful.

Its many aisles offer a combination of local art and handicrafts, traditional clothing, festivities decorations, mezcal stands, fresh fruit, veggies, seeds, chocolate, spices, and every single element used in the mole making, and more. 

The best way to experience the market is by asking a lot of questions and doing tastings of everything available. 

When you stop at the place where they sell chocolate, ask for a taste. Do the same at the mezcal place. Stop at the local bakery and buy a sweet.

Try the tejate drink. Buy one of the mini string cheese bags and try that too. Go crazy and try the chapulines because they are everywhere. Try it all! Take it all in. You are in Mexico! 

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7. Visit the 20 de Noviembre Market

The 20 de Noviembre market is next door to the Mercado Benito Juárez, and here you will mainly go to eat.

You will be able to try: tlayudas, hot chocolate, pan de yema, enchiladas de mole, mole coloradito, tamales and its main “attraction,” the meat aisle. Not a great spot for vegetarians or vegans. 

There is a 100-meter (at least) meat aisle where local people buy it to take home, but at 20 de Noviembre, the butchers have decided to set up grills and a seating area right next to the raw meat.

Cecina, tasajo, and chorizo are the 3 main “cuts” in Oaxaca. You can order as much of them as you want, along with tortillas, nopalitos, lemon, and salsa to make your tacos right on the spot. 

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8. Have a Mezcal at la Casa Del Mezcal and Then Hop on to Other Mezcal Bars

Of course, mezcal is one of the protagonists of any trip to Oaxaca, and there are many places where you can enjoy it, but a good reason to visit is that it is one of the oldest traditional cantinas in the city, founded in 1935.

There, as soon as you walk in, it feels like you are traveling in time. Plus, you find yourself amongst locals of different ages, and they will be interested in striking up a conversation with you, for sure!

Use the opportunity to brush up on your Spanish skills! I am sure you will be fluent after 3 shots. But remember, mezcal shots are to be kissed, not to be chugged. 

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9. Have Dinner or Drinks in One of the City Rooftop Bars or Restaurants

Oaxaca’s skyline is gorgeous, gives us very pretty sunsets, and its evening weather is delightful, so enjoying a meal or a drink on a rooftop is a must. 

I have already mentioned La Mezcalerita, and we can add Mezquite, Gozobi, Terraza los Amantes, Tierra del Sol, or Praga Coffee Bar. 

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10. Visit the Xochimilco District

The city center of Oaxaca is quite large, but luckily, everything is within walking distance.

You can call the markets, the main square, and the pedestrian zone the most touristy area, but the whole downtown that you should visit includes this district, which is located on the north side of it. 

The Xochimilco neighborhood is a very pretty and colorful area to walk around. It is very photogenic because there is quite a bit of street art around there.

People go there to see the Xochimilco arches, the cobblestone streets, and the aqueduct, and also because Rufino Tamayo, one of the most outstanding Mexican artists, was born in this neighborhood. 

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11. Visit the Colorful Jalatlaco Neighborhood

This is my favorite neighborhood by far. I love to stay there when I go. This neighborhood is even more colorful than Xochimilco.

Many murals, chocolate shops, coffee places, small boutique hotels, and restaurants exist. Honestly, this is the perfect place for an Instagram photoshoot. It’s idyllic. 

In 2019 Jalatlaco was included in the Time Out magazine list of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world. 

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12. Visit the Santo Domingo Temple, the Museo de Las  Culturas and El Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca.

If you have only 2 days in Oaxaca and you are interested in learning about its rich history and the local culture, you MUST visit this place. It is large enough that it will take you a great part of your day, but it is worth it. 

This temple has been the stage of many historical events throughout history.

During the “reforma times” (part of Mexican history that gives place to the “birth” of a liberal party against the clerical powers), it served the military in different ways, then Porfirio Diaz (Oaxacan and Mexican dictator) gave it back to the church. 

At the temple, you can hire a local guide to talk about architecture, history, altarpieces, and a magnificent vault.

The museum is impressive! It consists of 14 rooms that take you through the history of the state of Oaxaca.

From prehispanic times to modern times, you can learn about the different regions, cultures, gastronomy, art, crafts, agriculture, archeology, education, and more.

Unfortunately, most of the museum’s infographics are in Spanish, so it’s a good idea to hire a guide if you do not know the language. 

Finally, for nature lovers, we have the botanical garden (Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca). Here you can take a guided tour of it and learn all about the state’s agave plants and other endemic flora.

This place is important because Oaxaca is not only the state with the highest number of ethnic groups but also where we can find more plants.

There are guided tours in English and Spanish. Spanish tours are more frequent. For English, you must go Tuesday or Thursday at 11 am, and the entrance fee is 100 pesos. There is no entrance without being part of the guided tour. 

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13. Try as Many Coffee Shops as You Can

The state of Oaxaca is a coffee producer, and for that reason, the city offers plenty of coffee shops where you can indulge in espressos, cappuccinos, or even iced coffee.

I have mentioned Café Brujula because it is on the main pedestrian street and in many other locations, but it is not my first choice. It’s not bad; it’s become commercialized, like a local Starbucks, if you know what I mean. 

One of the best places I know is called CAFETO and BARISTAS. Please DO NOT miss them.

You will find it on Calle de José María Pino Suárez 407- B. It is a tiny location, and having the coffee there can be tricky, but oh so worth it. My second favorite place is BOULENC. This is a great place to enjoy their bakery with a large cappuccino.

Also, Oaxaca is famous for its Cafe Pluma. It is called that because it is grown in the region of Pluma Hidalgo.

This coffee is internationally recognized as the best quality in our country, and it’s sustainably grown in the area. I must mention that this coffee is patented or certified with the “denominación de Origen,” meaning that it is a protected brand.

So, look for coffee shops serving this type of coffee when you are there.

Other coffee places to check out are Cafe Nuevo Mundo and Café Café. 

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14. Eat the 7 Moles Dish

As you may have noticed, Oaxaca is a destination for foodies. Many typical dishes—or at least the original versions—can be found exclusively here. One of them is the mole.

There are 7 moles in Oaxaca, and having them in one dish is not only a meal but also education. 

The Oaxaca moles are different in color, flavor (given by the pepper used or herbs added), preparation, protein served, and other factors.

The list of the 7 moles is: Amarillito, mole negro, coloradito, verde, chichilo, manchamanteles and rojo (red). 

My favorite place to have them is Los Pacos, a restaurant behind the Santo Domingo Temple. Las Quince Letras also serves that dish. 

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15. Take a Cooking Class

👉 Book one of the top-rated cooking classes + market tour with a local chef on this site.

We have already mentioned that Mexico’s gastronomy is also on the UNESCO list of the cultural heritage of humanity, and Oaxaca contributes in great proportion to that inscription. 

It is only logical that while in Oaxaca, we become chefs and take a cooking class. 

The cooking class I have taken includes drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, margaritas, mezcal shots, and more. Also, it usually includes learning to make mole, as that is the most characteristic meal of Oaxaca.

They can cater to you if you are a vegan or a vegetarian. The class is run by a family in their beautifully decorated home.

Here are some other cooking class options.

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16. Check Out the Chocolate Process at EL MAYORDOMO.

In and around Oaxaca City are many places to learn about the process of making the famous local chocolate. 

El Mayordomo is the biggest brand in the state, so if you have a short stay or a small budget, this is a good option because the demonstration is free. 

The demonstration only happens in one place, though. You have to go to the Mayordomo store near the Benito Juárez and 20 de Noviembre market.  

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17. Go to Plaza de la Danza and Eat Ice Cream

So far, we have mentioned 2 very important temples of Oaxaca City, the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Temple, but we have yet to mention the one most dear to the local people. 

I am talking about la Basílica de nuestra señora de la Soledad Cathedral of our Lady of the Assumption).

La señora de la Soledad is the patron saint of the city of Oaxaca and is, therefore, most revered by its people. It is known that many locals hold their weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras, and other ceremonies there.

So, it is very important to make a stop there to make a deeper connection with the Oaxacan culture.

But, you don’t only stop there to learn or sightsee, you go to that area for this very important reason too: Ice Cream!

Outside the basilica is a vast open area called Plaza de la Danza. Many local craft ice cream stalls have taken over a big chunk of the open space, where you can find exciting and creative flavors such as chapulin, mezcal, beso oaxaqueño, tuna, and more. 

Make sure you go try them all! 

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18. Visit MACO Museum of Contemporary Art

Maco is the contemporary art museum of Oaxaca. Unfortunately, it is closed for now, but they are about to announce its reopening. 

The most interesting thing about MACO is that its main intention is to bring together the past and the present, the tradition and the modern, in its exhibitions and installations to portray the state’s cultural wealth and diversity. 

If you are looking for different ways to connect and understand the culture of Oaxaca and its social and political issues through art, this is one of the best places to do it. 

MACO is located on MACEDONIO ALCALÁ pedestrian street, opening at 10:30 am. 

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19. Visit IAGO, Institute of Graphic Arts of Oaxaca

The IAGO is a museum and library created by Francisco Toledo, a proud native of Oaxaca, a wonderful artist, and a passionate protector and promoter of the state’s culture. 

Unfortunately, Francisco Toledo died only 2 years ago, but his legacy in Oaxaca is very alive. 

There is a really funny anecdote about one of the things he did to protect the integrity of the city of Oaxaca.

It seems that some years ago there was an announcement of a McDonald’s to be opening right in the Zocalo area.

So what Toledo did was to call for a peaceful protest in front of the location where it would open and have people eat Tamales to express the unconformity towards having that fast food place there.

This cultural center has 5 exhibition rooms, 3 library rooms, a patio with endemic plants, a coffee shop, and a regional food restaurant. 

To go into IAGO, there is no cost, and it opens at 9:00 am. 

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20. Eat In One of the Delicious Eateries

As we already know, Oaxaca is not short of options for where to eat delicious food.

I promise I will be more specific on which are the best restaurants to try while there, but I will leave you with a couple of recommended places that live in my heart:

• Any of the food stalls at the 20 de Noviembre Market 
• The organic market of El pochote
• For Tlayudas, go to Tlayudas el Negro.
• For fine dining, go to Los danzantes.
• For artists and chefs, go to La Olla.
• For the best mole, go to Los Pacos.

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Oaxaca Festivals

As I mentioned before, in Oaxaca, you can experience some of the most incredible festivals where the creativity of the locals is expressed at its best. Here I am listing some of the most important ones.

21. Night of the Radishes

This is a deeply rooted Christmas-time tradition in Oaxaca. It occurs on the evening of the 23rd of December and is believed to go back to 1897. 

The Night of Radishes is a traditional Oaxacan festival with a popular stamp in which market gardeners and flower growers display the artistic talent of their hands with unique designs made in radish, flor inmortal (a type of flower), and totomoxtle (corn shell plant).

The exhibition lasts only a few hours, but it brings together practically all the local people in the main square who attend to admire the creativity of the participants in this contest.

It is said that this tradition started because, during Christmas times, the farmers would bring all the fresh produce to make dinner.

To make their stalls more attractive, they began to create figures with radishes, adorning them with cauliflower leaves and flowers made from baby onions. They placed radishes, lettuces, turnips, onions, etc., all in an artistic way.

The works that the gardeners and flower growers present are inspired by motifs consistent with the Christmas season, such as the birth of Jesus or the arrival of the Three Wise Men.

With the Festival of the Virgin of Solitude, the Day of the Dead, typical costumes of the State, dances, amongst others.  

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22. La Guelaguetza

Gastronomic, artisan, and sports exhibitions, traditional representations of the most diverse communities in the state, as well as exhibitions, concerts, and all kinds of events that share the culture and sport of Oaxaca are some of the events to take place in July, at the Guelaguetza festival. 

The origins of this event go back to both colonial and prehispanic times.

It is said that 2 traditional celebrations were held on a hill around the same dates and on the same days, first by the Zapotecs and then by the Carmelite nuns that built a church there (Iglesia del Carmen Alto).

This coincidence gave way to what is called Lunes del Cerro (Hill Monday) 

The Hill Monday Festivities occur throughout July with folkloric presentations, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural and sports events. 

Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word that describes the participation of people through cooperation.

So, groups of people from the 8 traditional regions of Oaxaca get together to present a sample of their cultural heritage through dances performed to the sound of music and songs that are their own, wearing the dress of their respective towns.

In the end, each group distributes to the public their “Guelaguetza” composed of objects characteristic of their respective regions.

The Guelaguetza lasts the whole month, and there are events everywhere. Nowadays, there is an auditorium where the main events take place at a cost, but the whole city has a constant party day and night. 

One of the main “happenings” during those days was the parades called Calendars, in which music bands walk through the streets of the city center, followed by the “chinas” (women holding big baskets) and the “Marmota,” a large spherical lantern, and the “giants,” huge motley type characters controlled by the participants.

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23. The Mezcal Fair

The Mezcal originates in Oaxaca, so a Mezcal fair is due. It also takes place during July and is part of the Guelaguetza festivities.

It’s a full set up of Mezcal galleries, gastronomic exhibitions, and cultural and artistic forums in an area of 8,900 square meters in the shape of a cross. It usually takes place in the Paseo Juárez at “El Llano” Park. 

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Best Day Trips From Oaxaca

Although the city of Oaxaca is not short of things to do and places to visit, its surroundings are brimming with incredible places, both historical sites and natural wonders.

Here I am sharing a quick overview of them, but I will share them in a separate post.

24. The Archaeological Site of Monte Albàn

This is one of the two most important archaeological sites in the area. It is only 30 minutes away from Oaxaca City.

The site is located on a low mountainous range rising above the plain in the central section of the Oaxaca Valley. This is a great day trip for history and culture lovers, but also nature lovers, as the views from the highest points are breathtaking. 

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25. Visit the Town and Ancient Ruins of Mitla

Monte Albán might be the most famous, but Mitla is my favorite of both ancient ruins. Mitla is also said to be the most important site for the Zapotec culture. It is located 40 km away from the city center. 

An interpretation of the past says that Mitla was a “place for rest” or a place for the dead. Mitla comes from the word “Mictlan.” One of its meanings is “the underworld.” 

Mitla is a pre-Columbian archeological site that expresses the Mesoamerican belief that death was the most consequential part of life after birth. It was built as a gateway between the world of the living and the world of the dead.

We will be talking about Mitla and the rest of the day trips in more detail soon, but I want to mention a fun fact that our guide told us.

One of the interpretations made by historians and archeologists is that Mitla remains so apparently untouched because when the Spanish arrived, intending to destroy the ancient site.

They got stuck in awe of its beauty and decided to spare it and instead build their churches and other colonial buildings around.

So, Mitla becomes a really good place to observe and imagine the past events in which 2 cultures collided.

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26. Visit el Tule 

The best way to visit El Tule is for you to include it on your day tour, either to Hierve el Agua or Mitla as it is on the same path.

Tule is short for the small town called Santa Maria del Tule, and its main attraction is a huge and ancient ahuehuete tree (as it’s called in the Nahuatl language).

The tree has a circumference of 42 meters, and it is around 1400 years old (according to the local people and legends around the tree). Mexican people refer to this tree as “El árbol de Tule.” 

One interesting and fun fact that can also be polemic is that there you will find community kids acting as guides who are “working” (for tips) to show you the different formations that can be identified on the tree trunk: a crocodile, a lion, etc. 

Before, you could go into the atrium of the town’s church where the tree is.

But right now, no one is allowed to enter the area, and the tree can only be seen from the transportation or outside the gate, about 200 meters away.

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27. Hierve El Agua

This is the popular petrified waterfall of Oaxaca and one of the most amazing natural wonders in Mexico that you must visit.

Hierve El Agua is 1 hour and 40 minutes from the Oaxaca city center. It is one of the best day trips in the area because it’s a perfect place to connect with nature and enjoy breathtaking views.

You can hike to the top and bottom of the waterfall, drink fruit juice, eat a tlayuda, or freshen up at the exciting swimming pool, which was made to look like it’s part of the place’s natural geography. 

Hierve El Agua belongs to the local community next to it, and there has been a little bit of tension between them and the government, so for a bit, the site was closed.

We learned that it opened just before the Day of the Dead festivities, but the problem has yet to be solved. If you plan to visit on your own, make sure you confirm that it is indeed open to the public. 

Here are some tour options to Hierve El Agua.

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28. Mezcal Tasting at Don Agave 

Don Agave is a mezcal house that produces several mezcal brands of multiple agave plants. 

They produce the mezcal the artisanal way, and they are located around 30 minutes away from Oaxaca City.

Don Agave offers a mezcal tour to learn about its making from the beginning, and they have you participate in a tasting right after.

The one I experienced (several times) included as many as 8 to 10 different types and 5 or 6 mezcal cream flavors. They are fun!

You can also have lunch there. They have a very good Oaxacan food restaurant. 

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29. Arts and Crafts Workshops, Visits and Demonstrations

Another of the top things to do on a day trip to the surrounding area of Oaxaca is to go to arts and crafts workshops to demonstrate the making processes and to shop, of course!

3 of the most sought workshops are: 

• The Alebrijes of San Martin Tilcajete village. 

• The Barro Negro of San Bartolo Coyotepec 

• The wool and cotton carpets of Teotitlán del Valle

All the 3 villages are a short driving distance from the city center. 

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Where to Stay in Oaxaca City Mexico

I recommend always staying in the central area, including the Xochimilco and Jalatlaco neighborhoods. These are some of my recommendations: 

• Oaxaca Real: Great value, located parallel to the Macedonio Alcalá pedestrian street. 
• Parador del Dominico: very close to the Santo Domingo Temple. 
• Hostal de las Américas: budget and central. 
• Hotel Magda – simple and inexpensive in the Jalatlaco neighborhood
• Hotel Casántica for a more high-end treat in the main downtown area. 

Read more on where to stay in Oaxaca City, Mexico, or check directly on the map below.

Oaxaca City Mexico: FAQ

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How Many Days Do You Need in Oaxaca?
If you’re moving fast through Mexico, 2 nights and 3 days is enough to explore the city and do a few day trips.
If you’ve got a bit more time and money but not a full week, aim for 4 nights and 5 days.
If you’re coming to Oaxaca as your main destination, and you can swing it, a full week or even 10 days is ideal.

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Is Oaxaca Safe Right Now?
Yes, Oaxaca is safe right now—but you need to use common sense.
Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Do most things during daylight.
• Don’t flash money or valuables.
• Use the hotel safe or find a good hiding spot for your things.
• Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying lots of gadgets in busy areas like markets or events.
• Don’t get too drunk or hang out with sketchy people.
• Don’t use drugs.
• Never leave your stuff unattended.
• Keep your bags in front of you.
• Don’t put valuables in your pockets.
• Stay away from protests or political demonstrations.

This advice goes for everyone—men, women, and all travelers.

More info: Safety in Mexico

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What 3 Things Is the State of Oaxaca Known For?
Oaxaca is known for its amazing food, the Day of the Dead celebrations, and its arts and crafts.

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What Food Is Oaxaca, Mexico, Famous For?
The most popular foods are mole, chapulines (roasted grasshoppers), tlayudas, and tasajo (thin grilled beef).

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How to Get from Puebla to Oaxaca
Getting from Puebla to Oaxaca is easy. ADO buses take about 6 hours, and you can ride during the day or at night.
You can also rent a car if you prefer to drive.

More details here: Puebla to Oaxaca Guide

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Final Thoughts
After reading this, you’re more than ready to explore Oaxaca and enjoy the city to the fullest. More tips and guides are coming soon!

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Before You Go…
You might also find these helpful:

• How Much Cash to Bring to Mexico
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