What to do in Oaxaca: 10 fantastic experiences

Looking for what to do in Oaxaca? More than just activities, this city is full of experiences. Come with us to discover our favorites. Oaxaca is a unique city in the state of Juárez, in Mexico. We had long wanted to visit Oaxaca for its culture, gastronomy, and colors. We visited the city in June 2024, at the start of our second trip around the world, and we were completely surprised by the warm welcome we received and the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

In 2024, Oaxaca expects to surpass 5.6 million visitors, according to data from the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. This impressive number confirmed for us that Oaxaca was an unmissable destination, making our decision to visit it even more obvious.

Why We Decided to Visit Oaxaca

In recent years, we’ve heard and seen a lot about Oaxaca, and this city has increasingly captivated us. The gastronomy, especially the mezcal culture, was something we were eager to discover. Additionally, being a city with strong cultural roots and many festivities, Oaxaca piqued our interest even more.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a city that can be easily explored on foot, with most points of interest within a reasonable distance. The city’s sense of security makes any neighborhood near the center a good option for accommodation. Staying in the center has the advantage of being in the heart of the festive atmosphere, amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, with easy access to most restaurants and street food spots.

We chose to stay at the hotel SIN nombre, which is much more than accommodation – it is a unique experience. It is a singular project in the center of Oaxaca, with a local soul but evoking memories of North Africa and Moroccan riads. It is a space that sparks curiosity, without labels, allowing us the freedom to be who we are through a multisensory experience of sensuality.

The hotel SIN nombre is centered around an interior courtyard with various spaces inviting a peaceful retreat in vibrant Oaxaca. From an area that invites you to sit on the floor and enjoy a drink, to a more secluded library offering a quiet space to work, and a fantastic terrace with a pool and the restaurant where breakfast is served.

The entire hotel, and especially the rooms, has details that make the space unique. Along with the exceptional service, staying at the hotel SIN nombre becomes an unforgettable experience.

We also had the opportunity to try the tasting menu, where local flavors and high-quality ingredients were meticulously crafted and creatively reinvented, providing a unique gastronomic experience. The pairing with mocktails elevated the dinner to a superior level.

If you want to make your visit to Oaxaca a unique trip, don’t miss staying at hotel SIN nombre. Book your unique experience in Oaxaca here.

10 Experiences – What to Do in Oaxaca

Try Mezcal and Mole

We experienced the authenticity of Oaxaca with a classic combination of mezcal and mole. The tasting experience harmonizes the smoky flavor of mezcal with the richness and complexity of mole, a true explosion of flavors that encapsulates the essence of Oaxacan cuisine, all guided by a certified sommelier. Learn more about this experience here.

Explore Vibrant Markets

We explored the cultural diversity in Oaxaca’s markets. We visited Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre, famous for its “pasillo de humo,” where we enjoyed freshly grilled meat. We also didn’t miss the artisan market and the Mercadito Gastro Jean-Marc for local delicacies and unique crafts.

Visit the Heart of Oaxaca

Constitution Plaza, or Zócalo, is the pulsating heart of Oaxaca. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to relax, observe local life, and appreciate colonial architecture.

Explore a Majestic Cathedral

We visited the Church of Santo Domingo, a masterpiece of Mexican baroque architecture. The interior is stunning with its detailed gold ornamentations, and the adjacent botanical garden offers a peaceful retreat.

Vibe with the Street Art and Colors

We wandered through the streets of Oaxaca and discovered vibrant street art, spontaneous street parties, and colorful houses. The colonial architecture and cobblestone streets add a unique charm to the city.

Charm of Jalatlaco

The Jalatlaco neighborhood is one of Oaxaca’s best-kept secrets. With its quiet streets, artistic murals, and bohemian atmosphere, it’s a charming place to explore.

Eat Tlayudas – A Crunchy Delight

Tlayudas are known as the pizzas of Oaxaca. This crunchy dish, filled with local ingredients like Oaxaca cheese, beans, and meat, was an unmissable gastronomic experience. El Negro is an excellent option.

Oaxaca Culinary Journey

At the Sin Nombre Restaurant, we embarked on a culinary journey with a tasting menu that celebrates the authentic flavors of Oaxaca. Each dish was carefully crafted to represent the cultural and culinary richness of the region.

Starred Dinner

At the Levadura de Olla restaurant, we experienced a meal that combines culinary tradition with innovation, all marked by Michelin quality. Each dish is a masterpiece that highlights the best ingredients of Oaxaca.

Tasting Oaxaca’s Chocolate

Oaxaca’s chocolate is famous for its quality and unique flavor and should be on your “what to do in Oaxaca” list. Almond chocolate, with its unique blend of flavors, is very common. We visited a local chocolate shop to taste and learn about the traditional production process, from cacao beans to the final chocolate product.

Safety Tips

During our stay in Oaxaca, we felt safe at all times. However, like in any tourist city, it’s always good to keep a few precautions in mind:

• Take care of your belongings: Oaxaca attracts many tourists, and naturally, there are some pickpockets. Always keep your bag or backpack well-closed and preferably in front of you.
• Use only trusted taxis: At the airport, you can buy a fixed-price ticket to get to the city center. For getting around the city, opt for registered taxis or ride-sharing services like Didi (similar to Uber).
• Get travel insurance: We recommend Heymondo, which offers excellent coverage and assistance throughout your trip.
• Avoid deserted areas: At night, try to stay in busy, well-lit areas. If you need to go to more isolated places, do so during the day.

Other Tips for Oaxaca

• Mobile data: While there are some public Wi-Fi networks, there are places where the connection is limited or non-existent. We prefer using an eSIM to stay connected at all times. Stay connected at all times with Holafly eSIMs, offering unlimited data so you’re always reachable and safe. From our experience, Holafly was incredibly simple to set up and let us browse without worries about limits or connection failures, making it the perfect choice for stress-free travel. And now, you can even get 5% off your travel eSIM from Holafly!

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• Visit the Central de Abastos Market: We couldn’t visit this market on our last trip because we realized it would be better to go with a guide, but we plan to include this experience on our next visit. There are food tours that include the Central de Abastos Market, which can be a great way to explore local cuisine with safety and guidance.
• Use insect repellent: Oaxaca can have mosquitoes, especially in greener areas or at night. Always carry a good insect repellent to avoid bites and possible discomfort.
• Participate in the festivities: If you’re lucky enough to be in Oaxaca during one of its many traditional festivals, such as the Guelaguetza or Day of the Dead, don’t miss the opportunity to participate and experience these unique cultural celebrations.
• Explore the surroundings: Looking for more things to do in Oaxaca? Besides Hierve el Agua and Monte Albán, take a trip to Teotitlán del Valle, a village famous for its handmade rugs.
• Wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen: The weather in Oaxaca can be hot and sunny, so it’s essential to protect yourself properly, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Buy local crafts: Support local artisans by buying handmade products such as ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. It’s a great way to take a piece of Oaxaca’s culture with you and contribute to the local economy.