Oaxaca was recently named the #1 City in the World by Travel & Leisure. Read more here.

There are many experiences that you can research and book online (i.e. via AirBnB Experiences & Viator Tours) or that your hotel can help recommend and coordinate.

EXPLORE OAXACA'S DIVERSE NEIGHBORHOODS

Read about the different neighborhoods here. Most attractions are in el Centro but there are other great neighborhoods worth exploring like Jalatlalco and Reforma.

MEZCAL TASTINGS, COOKING CLASSES, FOOD & DRINK TOURS

There are several cooking classes, food & drink tours, and mezcal tastings that are in or near el Centro that you can find and book online. Here are some recommendations:

- Cooking class with Cocina de Humo

- Food and drink tours with legendary Oaxacking

- Mezcal tastings at In Situ or El Cortijo

-Other options on AirBnB Experiences

VISIT THE LOCAL MARKETS

Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Mercado Benito Juárez, and Mercado de Artesanías are just a few for food, produce, textiles, and crafts.

SHOPPING :)

There are dozens of street stands, markets, boutiques and galleries that are great for shopping. Here are some online shopping guides:

Mexchic

Conde Nast Travel

AFAR

TEMPLO DE SANTO DOMINGO & OAXACAN CULTURAL MUSEUM

During certain hours, you can walk in and see the Templo de Santo Domingo, or feel free to attend mass (in Spanish). There is also a museum attached to the church called Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca that will take you through Oaxacan history and culture.

CLEANSE IN A TEMAZCAL SWEAT LODGE

A spiritual sweat lodge experience that originated from indigenous cultures in Latin America. We personally visited Temazcal Mariana.

JARDÍN ETNOBOTÁNICO DE OAXACA

Botanical Gardens in el Centro

If you book a tour or excursion, transportation is usually included. There are several half-day or day-long excursions online. If you'd prefer a non-guided experience, you can book your own transportation (via cab or private transfer - see our 'Travel' page).

MEZCAL TOURS & DISTILLERY VISITS

While you can do tastings inside the city, venture out to a mezcal distillery to see and learn how mezcal is made.

Book a Mezcal tour with Oaxacking, Rambling Spirits, Mezcal Educational Tours, AirBnB or visit LaLocura.

HIKE & SWIM AT HIERVE EL AGUA

About 1.5 hours from Oaxaca City, but totally worth it! Beautiful rock formations, natural pools, and stunning views. We did a 6-hour tour via Viator that went to Hierve el Agua and also stopped at a mezcal distillery.

EXPLORE THE ANCIENT RUINS OF MONTE ALBÁN

Archaeological site built by the Zapotec Indians ~30 minutes outside of el Centro. You can book a guided tour via Viator, AirBnB or explore the grounds on your own.

VISIT THE ANCIENT RUINS OF MITLA

Mesoamerican archaeological site surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra Madre del Sur, about 1 hour outside of Oaxaca City.

You can reach the beautiful Oaxacan Coast by:

-private transfer (~3 hour hour drive)

-small airplane (30-45 minute flight) via AeroTucan

-major airliner (will need to connect in Mexico City)

PUERTO ESCONDIDO

Puerto Escondido is known internationally for partying, great surfing, and its relaxed people/vibe.

HUATULCO

About 70 miles south of Puerto Escondido, Huatulco has more of resort-like, family-friendly atmosphere.