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Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities in the world. From the moment I first visited, I knew this was a place I would return to again and again and again. (And I have.)
Located in southwestern Mexico in a valley surrounded by craggy mountains, Oaxaca has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. Today, it’s a center for food, mezcal production, artisan textiles and pottery, and history, owing to places like Monte Albán and Mitla.
Take all that history, food, and drink, and package it in a city brimming with colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, unique street art, and picturesque parks, and it’s no surprise so many people — myself included — love Oaxaca.
Since I’ve visited this city a lot (I even run tours here), to help you plan your trip, I put together this five-day Oaxaca itinerary. It covers all the highlights (as well as some off-the-beaten-path activities)!
Oaxaca Itinerary: Day 1
Take a free walking tour
One of the first things I do when I visit a new place is take a free walking tour. They’re the best way to see the main sights, get introduced to the culture, and meet a local who can answer all your questions and give you tips on visiting.
My favorite company in Oaxaca is Oaxaca Free Walking Tour. They offer free daily tours that show you the hidden gems and what life is like for the locals. I can’t recommend it enough if it’s your first time in the city. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
See the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
While in downtown Oaxaca, don’t miss stopping in this complex that features a 17th-century Baroque Roman Catholic church, a cultural museum, and a botanical garden. Originally used as a Dominican church and monastery, this photogenic church was annexed and used as a barracks and military building during Mexico’s revolution (1910–1920). It remained in use by the military until the 1990s.
While here, see the Museo de las Culturas, which is home to all kinds of religious and pre-Columbian artifacts. It’s a must for history buffs. The “Treasures of Monte Albán” exhibition showcases over 400 relics from a Mixtec tomb that is one of the most important burial sites in Mesoamerica, including a skull covered in turquoise, carved bone objects, weaving tools, and jewelry made of gold and jade. It is by far one of the best things to do in the city and something I always take my friends to see when they visit. Expect to…
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