Oaxaca City

Oaxaca de Juárez

The vibrant capital of Oaxaca state, famous for its colonial architecture, indigenous culture, and world-class cuisine centered around mole and mezcal. The zócalo, museums, and surrounding neighborhoods offer some of Mexico's richest cultural experiences.

Things to do

• Explore the Zócalo — Wander the main plaza surrounded by colonial arcades, street musicians, and local vendors selling crafts and food.
• Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo — Marvel at this ornate 16th-century Baroque church with an interior covered in gold leaf and intricate carvings.
• Museo Textil de Oaxaca — Discover pre-Hispanic and contemporary indigenous textiles, weaving techniques, and traditional dress from Oaxaca's communities.
• Tour a mezcal palenque — Visit a traditional mezcal distillery to learn about agave roasting, fermentation, and tasting this iconic spirit.
• Wander the Barrio Xochimilco — Stroll through this bohemian neighborhood filled with artisan shops, galleries, cafés, and colorful colonial buildings.
• Museo de las Culturas — Explore Oaxaca's indigenous heritage, colonial history, and archaeological artifacts housed in a former Dominican convent.
• Shop at Central de Abastos Market — Experience the chaos and color of Oaxaca's largest market, brimming with fresh produce, chocolate, textiles, and regional crafts.

Food to try

• Mole Negro — Oaxaca's most celebrated mole, a complex dark sauce made with over 30 ingredients including chocolate, chilies, and spices, traditionally served with chicken.
• Tlayudas — Large, crispy fried tortillas topped with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado, sometimes called 'Oaxaca's pizza'.
• Chapulines — Seasoned grasshoppers served as a snack or appetizer, crunchy and protein-rich with a tangy lime and garlic flavor.
• Chocolate de Agua — Traditional hot chocolate whisked with water (not milk), light and frothy, often paired with pan de yema or churros for breakfast.
• Tejate — An ancient pre-Hispanic drink made from ground corn and cacao with a maize-flour foam topping, sweet and refreshing.
• Quesillo — Oaxaca's signature fresh cheese, stretched like mozzarella and served melted on tlayudas or in quesadillas with epazote.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect indigenous traditions — Many neighborhoods around Oaxaca City are predominantly indigenous communities; ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies, and purchase textiles and crafts directly from artisans.
• Learn basic Zapotec greetings — While Spanish is spoken widely, showing effort to use Zapotec phrases like 'Ndani' (hello) demonstrates respect for local indigenous identity.
• Embrace the evening paseo — Join locals in the traditional early-evening stroll through the Zócalo and surrounding streets, especially on weekends, when the city gathers for socializing and people-watching.
• Plan around local festivals — Major celebrations like Guelaguetza (July) and Día de Muertos (November) transform the city; book accommodations early and expect crowded streets and higher prices during these periods.