I’m one of those impatient people who doesn’t always want to read a story with every single thing. So, if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate this Oaxaca Quick Planning Guide: an unadulterated list of everything we did in Oaxaca.
Look these up on your own, or click through to the corresponding pages on our site for more detailed information (and maybe some stories). For reference: we were in Oaxaca for a month (winter 2023) and this is an aggregate of tons of planning and Oaxaca guide book/blog research.
If you’re ready for a deep dive or need Oaxaca orientation start with our Oaxaca 101 Travel Guide.
Oaxaca City Experiences
- Cooking Class at Casa Crespo
- Biking the bike path between Tule and Oaxaca
- The Smoke Hall (this is food, but it’s an experience)
Check out our post on Everything We Ate to see more about the cooking class and the Smoke Hall.
Authentic Mexican Markets in Oaxaca
- La Merced
- Mercado Sanchez Pascuas
- Mercado 20 de Noviembre
- Mercado Benito Juarez
- Centro de Abasto
The market experience (and meal) is a MUST. Visit our Market Guide to Oaxaca for details.
Museums and Art Spaces in Oaxaca
- Textile Museum
- San Pablo Cultural Center
- Museum of Oaxacan Painters (MUPO)
- Contemporary Art Museum (MACO)
- Stamp Museum (MUFI)
Check out our post on Museums and Sightseeing in Oaxaca for locations and overviews.
Churches in Oaxaca
- Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca
- Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman
Our Museums and Sightseeing Page also lists the two big churches in Oaxaca.
Cool Neighborhoods and Walks in Oaxaca
- The Aqueduct
- Mural Walk – Reforms to 2a Calle de Rufino Tamayo
- Plaza Cruz de Piedra
- The pedestrian way to Plaza Santo Domingo
- El Llano Park
- Jalatlaco Neighborhood
- Zocalo and Alameda de Leon
- Plaza de la Danza
- El Mirador de Cerro del Fortin
Read more about where to wander with our Oaxaca Walking and Neighborhood Guide.
Day Trips in the Oaxaca Valley
- Monte Alban
- Hierve el Agua
- Mitla
- Teotitlan del Valle
- Tlacolula Market
- Tule Tree & Market
- Atzompa
These are the most popular excursions in Oaxaca. Visit Best Day Trips for details.
Trendy Stores and Shopping in Oaxaca
- Rocinante
- Juana Vintage
- Punto 20
- Chocolatl Oaxaca
- Marias Arte & Diseño
- Habitáculo Diseño + Arte
- Cerámica Cuarto Suspiro
- Taller Grafico
- Gogui Handmade
- Muchitos (for shoes)
- Once in Oaxaca
- Makers Market at Plazuela de Carmen Alto
Oaxaca has a trendy side. I made this Oaxaca Shopping Guide so you can tour the best shops.
Everywhere We Ate in Oaxaca City
If you want this list with our ratings and recs, go to Everything We Ate in Oaxaca
Need a glossary of Oaxacan food? Our Mexican Food Guide is super helpful!
Our Food Safety and Picking Restaurants page has good tips if you’re nervous.
Street Food
- Tacos de Cazuela del Carmen Alto
- Empanadas del Carmen
- Tortas la Hormiga
Market Food
- Smoke Hall (Pasillo de Humo) at 20 de Noviembre Market
- Doña Vale at Central de Abastos
- Jugos Angelita at Mercado Sanchez Pascuas
- Memelas Lady at Mercado Sanchez Pascuas
- Tamales Lady at Mercado Sanchez Pascuas
- Fonda Rosita at La Merced
- Barbacoa at the Sunday Market in Tlacolula
- Memelas at Tule Market
- Nieves at Tule Market
Restaurants and Cafés
- Boulenc Bakery
- La Atoleria
- Café Brújula
- Tacos Roy
- Latte Raza
- D’Villa Tortas
- Tortas Lalita
- Honchos Casa de Churros
- Mezcalite Pop!
- Donas y churros El Vega
- Grabe Katsu
Things We Didn’t Do
(but are still on our list)
- Mitla Ruins
- Mezcal Tour of the Central Valley
- Botanical Garden and Museum at Santo Domingo
- Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca – Dec 23
- Diá de los Muertos/Day of the Dead in Oaxaca – Oct 31 to Nov 2
