This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Looking for the top things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico? You’re in the right place!
We’ve traveled all over Mexico, and Oaxaca is easily one of our favorite places. It’s full of culture and history, and famous for its food and mezcal scene. The truth is, there is SO much to do in Oaxaca – where do you even start?
Right here! To make planning a little easier, we have narrowed down the best activities in Oaxaca. Whether you’re looking for a food tour, exciting day tours, traditional villages, or mezcal tastings, you’ll find it all on this list. All you have to do is keep reading and book your favorite experiences to see the best of Oaxaca!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Oaxaca was this walking food tour through the city’s vibrant streets! We wandered around the local markets, tasting everything from fresh tlayudas to mole, and sipping mezcal along the way. It’s the perfect way to dive into Oaxaca’s flavor and culture!
Best Things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico
1. Hierve el Agua day trip
- Duration: 12 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Explore Hierve el Agua, visit Mitla Archaeological Site, enjoy a mezcal tasting, experience a rug weaving at a workshop
- Inclusions: Transportation with AC, mezcal tasting
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
To me, this is a must-do activity in Oaxaca! Why? Well, Hierve el Agua is such a unique place. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it anywhere else in the world!
Made from calcium build-up, Hierve el Agua is a “petrified waterfall”. At first glance, this waterfall appears to be a normal (impressive) waterfall. But when you really look, you’ll realize there is actually no water at all, and instead, the water appearance is created from calcium build-up – a really interesting and unique sight to see.
But on top of that, there are semi-natural pools at the lookout point that you can actually swim in! When we were there, it was pretty cold (we visited at sunset), so nobody was swimming. But, during the day, it could be a fun place to go for a dip! The views of the surrounding mountains from the pools are enough to make the trip worth it alone, in my opinion.
Just be aware, the drive to Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca takes about 1.5 hours, so there is a decent amount of driving involved. This is why we opted to take an organized tour. We also love that this top-rated tour to Hierve el Agua combines a mezcal tasting and a stop at Mitla for the ultimate day trip!
This tour is perfect if you only have a few days in Oaxaca and are trying to squeeze a lot in. It also breaks up the drive as you stop at the photogenic Tule tree and the traditional village, Teotitlán del Valle. Then head to Mitla Archaeological Site, where you’ll have an hour to explore ancient ruins.
Before you know it, you’ll be at Hierve el Agua! This tour allows 2 hours here, which I think is the perfect amount of time to swim and take in the stunning views. Lastly, the tour ends with a mezcal tasting at a traditional distillery – did you even go to Oaxaca if you didn’t taste mezcal?
Check out the hundreds of positive reviews and reserve your spot here!
2. Food Tour in Oaxaca City
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Tour the Oaxaca markets with a local guide; taste more than 24 delicious Oaxaca foods, drinks, fruits, mezcal and more; learn about history and culture
- Inclusions: Local guide, breakfast, lunch, coffee/tea, water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 440+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Oaxaca is known all around the world for food, which is why a food tour is easily one of the best tours to do in Oaxaca! This food and markets tour will have you eating like a local and trying the best Oaxacan cuisine at its iconic markets and street food stalls!
On this food tour, you’ll be introduced to some of the most famous local dishes – mole, tlayuda (Mexican pizza), and chocolate de agua, just to name a few! But you’ll also be introduced to dishes that most tourists miss. You’ll get to try over 24 different foods and drinks while exploring 3 of the main markets and the best local street food stalls.
I personally love food tours when I travel, especially in countries where I don’t fully speak the language. With an English-speaking guide, you’ll be able to understand what everything is made of and fully understand what you’re trying (as opposed to just blindly ordering something random on a menu).
This tour is top-rated for a reason, with over 400 5-star reviews (check them out here!). It runs every day except Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, so make sure you plan accordingly and come hungry – this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
Reserve your spot here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
3. Monte Alban
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Guided tour of Monte Albán archaeological site, travel between sights quickly in an air-conditioned vehicle, learn all about the incredible history
- Inclusions: Guide, A/C transport, insurance
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 790+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This one is for the history buffs! Monte Alban is hands-down the best archaeological site near Oaxaca and well worth a visit if you want to see ancient ruins!
These ruins are from both the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and are estimated to be from about the 8th century BC. When you visit here, you’ll see large pyramids (temples), tombs, a ball court, and terraces.
Monte Alban is located about 9 km (5.6 mi) from Oaxaca city. If you love diving into the history of a place, I recommend this half-day tour to Monte Alban. I always like to have a tour guide when I visit ruins. This way, the guide explains the significance of what you’re seeing. Without a guide, I find I never get enough information, and the entire visit is less enjoyable.
This tour also provides transportation from Oaxaca, so if you’re without wheels, this is an easy way to get to the ruins. It doesn’t include the admission fees though, so be sure to bring extra cash with you.
With over 700 5-star reviews, this tour is well worth it (see all the glowing reviews here)! I love that it’s affordable (just $30 USD!), and about 4 hours long, so you can easily fit it into your schedule.
Don’t miss out – reserve your spot on this top-rated tour here!
Related Read: Don’t wait too long to book a hotel! We break down where to stay in Oaxaca with our picks for the best areas and hotels!
4. Mezcal tour
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Visit the towns of Mitla and Matatlán, walk through the agave fields, learn about the distillation process, and enjoy unlimited mezcal tastings
- Inclusions: Guide, A/C transport, mezcal tasting, lunch, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The state of Oaxaca produces more mezcal (a strong alcoholic spirit made from cactus, it’s commonly mistaken for tequila) than anywhere else in Mexico – and most of the distilleries are located very close to Oaxaca City! A mezcal-tasting tour in Oaxaca is an absolute must for anybody who doesn’t mind getting a little (or a lot) tipsy.
This Mezcal Journey Tour is perfect for those who really want to learn about Mezcal. Your tour guide will pick you up in Oaxaca City before bringing you to the remote villages of Mitla and Matatlán, where you’ll get to walk through the agave fields while learning some information about them.
Next up is a visit to an artisan mezcal distillery where you’ll see the drink-making process firsthand and at the end get unlimited tastings of a wide variety of mezcal. Even if you aren’t a big fan of spirits, you can try the cream mezcals, which contain about 12% to 18% alcohol and taste like candy!
Oh, and that isn’t all! Your group will then share a traditional Oaxacan meal together at a local restaurant.
This tour is the best way to experience Mezcal because they take care of everything for you, from the transportation to the distillery tour and lunch. It’s no surprise it has hundreds of 5-star reviews!
Book this tour now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you take off!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Take a cooking class
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Small group cooking class, visit the local markets, learn to make authentic Mexican dishes, enjoy beer & cocktails, eat your delicious creations
- Inclusions: Expert instructor, ingredients, drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 320+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The only thing better than eating Oaxacan food is eating Oaxacan food that YOU cooked!
Cooking classes are one of the most popular tours in Oaxaca, and for good reason. Once you know how to cook this incredibly unique and tasty food, you can make it for yourself over and over again when you get home (talk about impressing your friends at a dinner party!)
This cooking class includes a visit to the market to select your own ingredients and also a mezcal tasting! There is no set menu, so you can decide what you want to cook when you go to the market and see what fresh ingredients are available. I love that this part is included; it just makes the experience even more immersive!
Then it’s time to get cooking! This tour lasts for about 5 hours in total, so you’ll have time to make a few dishes. I learned that there’s quite a technique to making tortillas, mole, and other dishes, and our teacher was a fantastic guide. We had plenty of mezcal to sip on as we cooked, too, which made it even more fun.
This cooking class includes all ingredients and drinks, and you get to eat your creations at the end. They can also cater to gluten free and vegetarian participants, just be sure to let them know ahead of time!
Check availability and book this tour before you go here.
6. Check out the street art
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Walk through the city visiting murals, studios, and galleries with a local guide; learn about the artists and the meaning of their pieces; enjoy a cacao tasting
- Inclusions: Local guide, printing shop souvenir, cacao tasting
- Rating: 5 stars (check 110+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Oaxaca City is sprawling with street art, which is primarily illegal and voices the revolutionary freedom movement in the city. Artists also use street art as an alternative to protests, using art as a means to express their demands. It is also a continuation of a tradition in Mexico, long before the need for revolutionary art.
Many renowned artists such as Jose Guadalupe Posada, Leopoldo Mendez, and Diego Rivera have recognized Oaxaca’s famous street art. This means checking out the street art is not an experience to miss while in Oaxaca City! Some of these art pieces have been around for over 30 years!
This street art walking tour is a great way to learn about Oaxaca’s colorful history and culture. You’ll explore with a local artist, who can tell the significance of the street art you’re seeing, and also visit local galleries and studios. They also make it immersive as you get to see a printing demonstration and take home a souvenir – how cool is that!?
You’ll also get to explore the art of cacao by finishing the tour with a cacao tasting, as if this tour couldn’t get any sweeter! This is a totally unique look at Oaxaca’s culture over a 4.5-hour tour, and something that can’t be missed!
Don’t miss out on this unique Oaxaca art experience – book this tour here!
7. Visit Mitla
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Walk through the city visiting murals, studios, and galleries with a local guide; learn about the artists and the meaning of their pieces; enjoy a cacao tasting
- Inclusions: Local guide, printing shop souvenir, cacao tasting
- Rating: 5 stars (check 110+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Mitla is one of the most important archaeological sites near Oaxaca City thanks to its deep Zapotec roots. Located about 44 kilometers (27 miles) from the city in the Tlacolula Valley, it was once a sacred burial site long before the rise of Christianity and remained a major religious center for the Zapotecs until around 900 AD. The dry, cool climate has helped preserve its intricate stone mosaics and ancient structures, making it one of the most fascinating sites in the region.
The best way to experience Mitla is by joining a guided tour—this half-day option is a great choice if you want a deeper understanding of the site’s history. It includes a 4–5 hour excursion with a knowledgeable guide who explains the cultural significance of Mitla and gives you plenty of time to explore on your own.
Along the way, you’ll also visit a traditional rug-making workshop to see firsthand how local artisans continue centuries-old weaving techniques. Entrance to Mitla is not included, so be sure to bring cash for the small admission fee.
What I love most about this tour is how seamless it is—hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you can focus on soaking up the history without worrying about transportation or logistics. This is definitely one of the most meaningful ways to experience Oaxaca’s ancient past!
Reserve this tour in advance to get FREE cancellation before you go.
8. Historic Center walking tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 4 pm
- Highlights: Private walking tour through the historic center of Oaxaca, see highlights like the Temple of Santo Domingo, learn about the city’s history and culture
- Inclusions: Private guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the first tours you should do in Oaxaca is a walking tour of the historical center. This way, you can learn about all of the best things to do and see around the area and decide where you want to go back to (museums, cathedrals, restaurants, etc.)
These tours also offer a lot of insight into the history of Oaxaca, as well as the day-to-day lives of the people today.
I recommend booking this private tour of Oaxaca’s historic center. As you wander through the streets, you’ll see lots of beautiful old buildings, and I loved learning all about the history here. We explored the Temple of Santo Domingo, Juarez El Llano Park, Temple of San Matias Jalatlaco, and even saw a traditional parade. Our guide had us try a traditional Zapotec drink made of corn and cacao, which was actually pretty tasty!
We experienced a lot in just 2.5 hours, and think having a private guide to ask all of our questions to and go at our own pace made all the difference!
Check availability and book this private tour here to secure your date.
Related Read: Maximize your vacation time and follow our ideal 3-day Oaxaca City itinerary. It includes most of these top activities, plus a few hidden gems!
Where to Stay in Oaxaca, Mexcio
Of course, you’re going to need a place to stay in Oaxaca between all of those tours. Luckily, there are plenty of hotels to choose from in Oaxaca City and something for all types of travelers and budgets!
Luxury – $$$
For those looking for a luxury stay, the Quinta Real Oaxaca is a five-star hotel that is simply beautiful. Inside and out the stylistic decor sets the scene for an upper-class yet relaxed stay. This hotel is not only located right in the middle of the historic center, but it also has a beautiful outdoor pool! On a hot summer day, this is the perfect place to relax and cool off.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
We love the City Centro by Marriott because it offers a luxurious stay, without blowing your budget! The location couldn’t be better, as it’s in Oaxaca City’s central area, but is quiet and serene onsite. You can enjoy the pool, restaurant, vibrant atmosphere, and upscale rooms to relax and recharge.
Rooms average around $200 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For those looking for a great deal, Hotel Parador de Alcala is incredible with everything you could need and more! In fact, it could easily be considered a “luxury” hotel, but since the price for a standard room comes in under $100 USD, it truly is great value for money! It features a rooftop pool and is right in the historic center, which is very handy because that’s where most of the tours we have mentioned meet up!
You can book this hotel on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of the hotels in Oaxaca City here!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”
What’s an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.
In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.
We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
💡 Bonus: We’ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:
Thanks for reading!
No matter what you prefer, Oaxaca can offer it to you! There are countless more things to do in Oaxaca City, Mexico. You have to book your flight there, and the rest will fall into place. If you have any questions regarding what to do on your trip to the city, reach out to us!
If you enjoyed this article on things to do in Oaxaca City, you’ll definitely enjoy some of our other Mexico tips and guides, like:
Things to do in Puerto Escondido
Bob watts
Friday 7th of February 2025
My wife wants to know if you felt safe
Destinationless Travel
Saturday 8th of February 2025
Hey Bob,
yes we did! Oaxaca has a beautiful downtown area that feels very safe.
Thanks Bailey
Deidre
Monday 11th of November 2024
Thank you for all the great info. Madly researching and booking for next month.