Oaxaca City Guide: 3–5 Day Itinerary + Best Food & Where to Stay
Need help building your Oaxaca itinerary? Our city guide covers the top things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico in 3 to 5 days, plus recommendations on where to stay, how to get there, and all the travel tips you need to avoid common mistakes!
Oaxaca is hands-down our favorite destination in Mexico. It’s got everything you could want in a well-rounded vacation – incredible food, distinctive culture, and epic historical and natural sites. It’s the birthplace of mezcal and mole, the historic home of the Zapotecs, and the current residence of some of Mexico’s most talented artisans. We lived here for a month, and I’m not sure we’ve ever had such a jam-packed schedule of activities and attractions! But you likely don’t have a full month to explore Oaxaca – so what’s worth seeing in your limited time? In our Oaxaca city guide, we’ll lay out the ideal 3 to 5 day itinerary to hit as many of the top things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico as possible – without running yourself ragged. We’ll also give you tips on where to stay in Oaxaca, how to get there, and answer all your FAQs.
Of course, any Oaxaca itinerary should be driven by personal preferences. So, we’ve bolded the can’t-miss attractions in our itinerary below, and also provided an alternative activity at the end of this post in our section What to Do in Oaxaca If You Have More Time. Already in Oaxaca and looking for the best bars and restaurants in the city? Check out our posts 14 of the Best Places to Eat in Oaxaca: A Foodie’s Guide and 13 Best Bars in Oaxaca: Mezcalerías, Rooftops, and Cocktail Spots.
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Oaxaca City Guide: 3-5 Day Itinerary At A Glance
(Click the teal links to jump down for more information)
5 Day Oaxaca Itinerary
- Free walking tour of the historic center
- Lunch at Pasillo de Humo & shopping at the markets
- Take a mole cooking class
- Stroll, sip, and shop along Calle Macedonia Alcalá
- Learn how mezcal is produced and savored on a full-day tour
- Dinner at Las Quince Letras
- Explore Hierve el Agua, Mitla, and the Tule Tree on a full-day tour
- Dinner at Chichilo
- Take a street art tour of Jalatlaco
- Learn about Zapotec history and see archaeological finds from Monte Alban at the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca
- Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
- Take a cocoa workshop to make your own chocolate
- Enjoy an educational mezcal tasting at La Mezcaloteca
- Dinner at Los Danzantes
- Explore the ancient city of Monte Alban on a full-day tour
- Dinner at Levadura de Olla
3 Day Oaxaca Itinerary
*Day 1 - Immerse Yourself in the City:
- Free walking tour of the historic center
- Lunch at Pasillo de Humo & shopping at the markets
- Learn about Zapotec history and see archaeological finds from Monte Alban at the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca
- Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
- Dinner at Las Quince Letras
- Stroll, sip, and shop along Calle Macedonia Alcalá
Day 2 - Monte Alban & Mezcal:
- Explore the ancient city of Monte Alban on a half-day tour
- Enjoy an educational mezcal tasting at La Mezcaloteca
- Dinner at Chichilo
*Day 3 - Explore Epic Natural Sites:
- Explore Hierve el Agua, Mitla, and the Tule Tree on a full-day tour
- Dinner at Levadura de Olla
Why Visit Oaxaca?
Oaxaca is the gastronomic heart of Mexico, so if you’re someone who travels for food, then visiting Oaxaca is a MUST. Seriously, the food here is unbeatable, and you’ll probably leave a few pounds heavier than you arrived, but in the best possible way. After all, several tour guides told us that “If you don’t gain weight when you visit Oaxaca, then you didn’t visit Oaxaca.”
But amazing cuisine is just the start. We were shocked by how many incredible things there were to do and see in Oaxaca, Mexico, and you could easily spend a week here without getting bored. From the historic ruins of Monte Alban to the incredible natural formation at Hierve el Agua and the rich tapestry of local artisans, Oaxaca is an explosion of color and culture that’s not to be missed on a trip to Mexico.
Where To Stay in Oaxaca?
No matter your budget or travel style, the best place to stay in Oaxaca is the historic center. Staying in the city center will put all of Oaxaca’s top things to do right at your doorstep, letting you tackle your entire Oaxaca itinerary on foot. The best part is that, despite the prime location, there are still tons of affordable places to stay in this area.
While the nearby Jalatlaco neighborhood is also a popular suggestion for where to stay in Oaxaca, we don’t recommend it. It’s a beautiful, colorful area to explore – and we definitely recommend you spend an hour or two strolling through to admire the street art – but there’s not a lot else to see and do here. Most of the top things to do in Oaxaca and the city’s best restaurants are in the center, so staying in Jalatlaco will just mean a lot more walking than is necessary.
To help you decide where to stay in Oaxaca, Mexico, we’ve provided a brief pricing overview below, as well as our top picks for some of the best hostels and hotels in the city:
- Budget Hotels & Hostels ($) – $20-$65 per night
- Mid-Range Hotels ($$) – $65-$150 per night
- Luxury Hotels & Boutique Stays ($$$) – $150-$300+ per night
- Best Hostel: Viajero Oaxaca ($) – 9.3 average rating – rooftop bar & pool, daily social events, dorms & private rooms
- Best Budget Hotel: Boutique Casa Abuela Maria ($) – ⭐⭐⭐, 8.4 average rating – highly walkable, included continental breakfast on sun terrace
- Best Mid-Range with a Pool: Hotel Parador de Alcalá ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 average rating – rooftop bar & restaurant for poolside drinks
- Best for Affordable Design: Hotel Materia ($$) – 9.3 average rating – in-room hammock & sunny courtyard dining
- Best Luxury Stay: Boulenc Bed & Breakfast ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 average rating – cozy rooms with private balconies, adults-only, pet-friendly
How To Get To Oaxaca?
The easiest way to get to Oaxaca is by plane. Oaxaca lies within a mountainous area, so while bus routes from hubs like Mexico City do exist, they’ll be much longer and potentially rougher rides. Plus, airline tickets from Mexico City can be as cheap as $50 each way, so it’s not a big markup to save several hours of transit time.
We use aggregators like Google Flights and Skyscanner to track flights and get the best prices – use the widget below to check prices for your flight to Oaxaca:
Once you arrive at Oaxaca International Airport, you’ll want to hop in a private or shared taxi to travel the roughly 5 miles (8 km) to the city center. There are two taxi stands after you grab your luggage that offer quick, efficient service at the same prices. Determine the zone your hotel is located in (likely Zone 1), then pay your fare in cash or with credit card. When we visited in September 2025, the price was 135 MXN (~$7.50) per person for a shared ride to Zone 1 and 210 MXN (~$12) per person for a shared ride to Zone 2 (490 MXN and 715 MXN, respectively, for a private ride). There’s no limit on luggage, and pets are allowed in a carrier as well.
Pro tip: When leaving Oaxaca by air, be advised that the lounges are located landside. Don’t go through security too early, as there is very little to eat, drink, or occupy you airside!
Be Prepared - Oaxaca City Guide Travel Tips
Before we get into your 3 to 5 day Oaxaca itinerary, we’ve got one other city guide tip to make your visit smoother:
Cash is King
While many hotels, restaurants, and activities accept card in Oaxaca, there are still plenty of vendors that only accept cash, like those at the local markets. Plus, all it takes is a temporary internet outage for even a card-friendly vendor to become cash-only. So, we recommend keeping at least 500 pesos (~$27) on hand at all times. You’ll want these in as small of bills as possible, as vendors often have a hard time making change. And don’t forget our pro tip on withdrawing from ATMs in foreign countries!
Pro tip: When offered an exchange rate by an ATM, you can – and should – always decline the rate displayed. This rate often includes a heavy markup on top of the market exchange rate. Declining the rate will not stop your transaction, but rather allow your personal bank to set the rate instead.
Day 1 - Immerse Yourself in the City
- 10:30-1:00 – Start your Oaxaca itinerary with a free walking tour via GuruWalk – don’t forget to tip! More on this below.
- 1:00-3:30 – Grab lunch at the Pasillo de Humo (“Meat Alley”) in Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Try tasajo, cecina, and chorizo for the full experience. Afterwards, spend a couple of hours exploring and shopping in nearby Mercado Benito Juárez. Make sure to bring plenty of cash, and be prepared for a bit of sensory overload!
- 3:30-7:00 – Take a cooking class to learn how to make indigenous mole, salsa, and tortillas by hand. In a city where cuisine reigns supreme, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than by learning about its local ingredients and traditional cooking methods! More on this below.
- 7:00-10:00 – Spend the evening strolling down Oaxaca’s main pedestrian street, Calle de Macedonia Alcalá. Check out artisan galleries like Voces de Copal and Galeria Mestizo, grab a drink at Alambique or Los Amantes Mezcaleria, and enjoy the colorful flags and giant alebrijes (intricately painted wooden sculptures of spirit animals) along the way.
Day 1 Itinerary Details
On the first day of your 3-5 day Oaxaca itinerary is all about experiencing the beating heart of the city’s historic center and its culture. You’ll hit some of the top things to do and see in Oaxaca, Mexico, like its markets and lively pedestrian street, as well as get your first insights into what makes Oaxaca the gastronomic heart of Mexico.
Walking Tour
Our favorite way to start off any new city is with a walking tour. It’s the best way to get familiar with the area, learn some fascinating tidbits about the city’s history, and pique your interest on which sites or museums you would like to add to your itinerary. We reserve our tours through GuruWalk, which is an app that offers free – yes, free – walking tours in over 800 cities in 100 countries (and counting!). Make sure to bring some cash to tip your guide. Today we recommend focusing on the historic center, as you’ll tackle Jalatlaco’s street art on Day 4. Check out some of Guruwalk’s top-rated tours in Oaxaca below:
Mole Cooking Class
This cooking class was a great way for us to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Oaxacan cuisine, and is definitely one of the top things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico for foodies. Over the course of three hours, we shopped, cooked, and feasted with our guide, all while learning about the Zapotec people’s traditional cooking methods.
We first visited a local market to learn about the region’s unique produce and shop for our cook, including several samples of delicious quesillo that we used in our quesadillas. Then, we used the products to prepare salsa, tortillas, quesadillas, and mole, plus a side of local veg like zucchini and chayote. We loved learning how to use the tortilla press and cook the masa on the flat top, and the smokey salsa we ground by hand in the molcajete was one of the best we’ve ever eaten. Add in a couple margaritas from the on-site bar and our bellies couldn’t be happier! If you like to cook – or, like me, just love to eat – this is a can’t-miss experience in Oaxaca.
Day 2 - All About Mezcal
- 9:30-10:30 – Fuel up for Day 2 of your Oaxaca itinerary with a delicious brunch at Cunda Cafe. The chilaquiles are to-die-for and the aesthetic is an Instagrammer’s dream-come-true.
- 11:00-5:00 – Next, embark on The Mezcal Journey, a full-day tour that will teach you everything you need to know about mezcal – and give you plenty of tasting opportunities too. More on this below.
- 6:00-7:30 – After your tour, we can’t recommend dinner at Las Quince Letras highly enough – it was our favorite restaurant in Oaxaca (check out more of our favorites here). The plato oaxaqueño and the triología de moles are can’t-miss dishes for a sampler of the best of what Oaxacan cuisine has to offer. We suggest making reservations 3 days to 1 week in advance.
- 8:00-9:30 – For after-dinner drinks, we recommend Sabina Sabe, a previously-listed Top 50 Bar in North America that does not disappoint. It’s best to arrive early, as they’re walk-in only. Looking for more drinks after this? Check out our favorite bars and mezcalerías in Oaxaca here.
Day 2 Itinerary Details
The Mezcal Journey
This was one of our favorite activities and definitely one of the top things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico for mezcal lovers. While nearly all full-day tours in Oaxaca include a mezcal component, this tour was far more in-depth and really set us up to understand and enjoy mezcal more during our time in Oaxaca. After our tour, we were able to confidently order the wild-varietal mezcals we enjoyed most while visiting Oaxaca’s many mezcalerías, so we never had a bad drink in town!
The tour began with a visit to Illegal Mezcal distillery, where we walked through the entire production process from harvest to bottle. We learned about the huge variety of wild agave plants that are used to make mezcal here – as opposed to the Espadin-only mezcals we’re able to purchase in the states – and were able to taste seven of them, all with very distinctive flavor profiles. We learned about the three different production methods (ancestral, artisanal, and industrial), and how the method impacts the flavor. We also got to see the giant pit ovens where agaves are cooked, taste the partially-fermented juices, and see how the fully-fermented liquid is distilled and bottled into the final product. By the end of this portion of the tour, we practically knew enough about the production process to open our own distillery!
After we finished at the distillery, we headed out to the farms to learn how the plants are harvested. We even got to chop a few leaves off with a machete, which was incredibly fun. Finally, we concluded our tour with a delicious lunch in Mitla, where we enjoyed more mezcal tastings and a live band performance. The tour was a blast from start to finish, and we highly recommend it for any tourists in Oaxaca.
Day 3 - Explore Epic Natural Sites
- 8:00-7:00 – For Day 3 in our Oaxaca city guide, it’s time for another full-day tour. This one takes you to some of the region’s more incredible natural sites, as well as exposes you to some of Oaxaca’s many talented artisans. More on the Hierve el Agua, Mitla, and Tule tree tour below.
- 7:30-9:00 – After your tour, enjoy dinner at Chichilo. This restaurant is a great choice for its seven-mole tasting platter, allowing you to try each of the moles that make Oaxacan cuisine famous. We recommend making reservations at Chichilo 3 days to 1 week in advance.
Day 3 Itinerary Details
Hierve el Agua, Mitla, & Tule Tree - Tour Overview
This is a big day, but it hits practically all of the top sites and things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico, besides Monte Alban, so it’s well worth your time!
You’ll start with a visit to the Tule Tree, the widest tree in the world – over 40 m wide and 2,000 years old! Then you’ll head to Teotitlan del Valle, the center of handwoven textiles. This was a particularly cool stop, where we learned how they spin the wool, dye it with organic materials, watched a weaving demonstration, and had time to shop some of their incredible products – an excellent souvenir if you have space for it!
After the textile stop, we headed to Hierve el Agua, a natural formation of calcium deposits that looks like a frozen waterfall off the side of a cliff. It’s a truly unique and awe-inspiring site, and in addition to snapping some photos, there’s a short hike and mineral-rich pools you can swim in (don’t forget your swimsuit!).
Next up is Mitla, an ancient spiritual city for the Zapotecs and Mixtecs. Here, they worshipped the god of the underworld until the Spaniards arrived in 1526. Unfortunately, this part of the tour felt a bit rushed to us, with only 30 minutes to explore the site’s intricate carvings and nearby market. But, you can always go back and spend more time later if you’d like! Mitla costs an additional 100 MXN (~$5.50) cash to enter.
Finally, we headed to lunch, and then finished with a stop at a small road-side mezcalería. This was a very abbreviated overview of mezcal production compared to The Mezcal Journey tour, but it was still nice to end the day with a tasting, and it’s a decent overview if you don’t have time for the full-day mezcal tour.
Hierve el Agua, Mitla, & Tule Tree - Honest Thoughts & Top Tips
A full-day tour is a big commitment in a tight Oaxaca itinerary, so people often ask – is it worth it? Our honest takeaway is yes. While we didn’t love every single component of the tour, several elements of it were excellent and it’s a great overview of some of the top things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico when you’re short on time. Plus, though the tour is long, it’s got a nice, relaxed pace, so it’s not too exhausting. To make the most of your tour, here are some of the top tips you should consider:
- Food – we were pretty underwhelmed by the lunch option on this trip. It was pricey, the food quality wasn’t great, and by 3:30pm we were starving. We recommend bringing some snacks with you or buying something to-go from the tour office’s cafe, as well as buying lunch from the vendors at Hierve el Agua. Once you get to the lunch buffet, you can just grab a drink to pass the time while the others eat.
- Safety/Comfort – we recommend taking some Dramamine before you leave if you’re sensitive to motion sickness, as the bus ride was quite bumpy. Make sure to pack sunscreen and water as well, as you’ll be in the sun a lot.
- Cash/Card – you can use your card at the textile shop and at the lunch buffet, but you’ll need cash for entrance to Mitla, small souvenirs, and snacks from street food vendors. We recommend bringing at least 300 MXN (~$17) per person.
Day 4 - Street Art and Ancient Relics
- 10:00-12:00 – After two big days of touring, we’ll stick to exploring more of Oaxaca city on Day 3 of this guide. Start your day with a street art walking tour of Jalatlaco, a vibrant and colorful neighborhood of Oaxaca. This is another free tour from GuruWalk, so make sure to bring cash to tip your guide!
- 12:00-3:00 – Grab a bite to eat in Jalatlaco and then head to the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Snap a few photos of the stunning church and then visit the attached Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca – a must-do before visiting Monte Alban tomorrow! More on this below.
- 3:00-6:00 – Stop by Chima Cacao con Origen for a hands-on chocolate-making class, a fun and immersive way to learn about the importance of cacao to Oaxaca’s culture and economy – more on this below.
- 6:00-7:00 – For your daily dose of mezcal, reserve a seating at La Mezcaloteca, Oaxaca’s premier mezcalería for educational tastings. Choose from a 3, 4, or 5 mezcal tasting, ranging in price from 550 to 720 MXN (~$31 to ~$41). This is a super popular thing to do in Oaxaca, so we recommend making reservations at least 1-2 weeks in advance.
- 7:30-9:00 – Finally, finish your day with dinner at Los Danzantes, one of two Michelin-starred restaurants in Oaxaca. Given its highly-rated status, we recommend making reservations 1-2 weeks in advance.
Day 4 Itinerary Details
Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca
No Oaxaca city guide would be complete without recommending a visit to the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca. It’s a must-do in advance of tours of Monte Alban, because it houses some of the most incredible archaeological finds from the dig there. But the museum itself is also a sight to behold, housed in an old convent that is absolutely gorgeous to explore. The hallways are lined with giant arched, open-air windows that overlook both the botanical garden and the city itself, complete with scenic mountains in the background. The majority of the museum’s displays are only in Spanish, but the crown jewel exhibit – the discoveries from Tomb 7 at Monte Alban – is available in English and absolutely unmissable.
The Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca is open from 9am to 5pm daily, except Mondays, and costs 100 MXN (~$5.50) to enter (card accepted). Expect to spend about 2 hours exploring the exhibits here.
Chima Cacao con Origen
Chima Cacao con Origen was such a fun find for us, and a great addition to any Oaxaca itinerary. We were intrigued by a place somehow managing a perfect 5 star rating on Google with over 500 reviews, and we were not disappointed.
While we didn’t have time to take the cocoa class when we visited, we absolutely would if we went back. During the class, you get the chance to make your own hot chocolate – from learning about the types of cacao to roasting it on a clay griddle, peeling it by hand, adding in sugar and spices, and mixing it with a traditional molinillo tool. You’ll also get to sample some of their chocolate bars and bring your handmade chocolate powder home with you to enjoy later. You can book the hot chocolate experience here, or you can check out their website to see the other classes they offer, including making your own chocolate bars, a broad cocoa tasting experience, and a shorter hot chocolate mixing and tasting experience.
For those of you who, like us, don’t have time for the full experience, it’s still totally worth visiting for a tasting. For just 150 MXN (~$8.50), we were able to choose a cup of freshly made hot chocolate from a sampling of their 5 cocoa bases, plus we were treated to samples of 4 of their chocolate bars too – an absolute steal!
Day 5 - Monte Alban
- 9:00-7:00 – Time for the grand finale of your Oaxaca itinerary – a visit to the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Alban! This can be done as a half-day tour or a full-day tour that includes other cultural sites – we’ll discuss your options more below.
- 7:30-9:00 – For your final meal in Oaxaca, visit the second Michelin-starred restaurant in the city, Levadura de Olla. It’s deservedly one of the most popular restaurants in Oaxaca, so we recommend making reservations at least 1-2 weeks in advance. Learn more about what to order there in our post 14 of the Best Places to Eat in Oaxaca: A Foodie’s Guide
Day 5 Itinerary Details
Half-Day Monte Alban Tour
Monte Alban was one of the earliest cities in Mesoamerica, and is without a doubt one of the top things to see in Oaxaca, Mexico. It served as the capital of the Zapotec empire for nearly 1,000 years, from around 500 BC to 500 AD. After this time, the city was largely abandoned and most of its story is lost to history, lending an element of mystery to the site. It was discovered by Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso in 1931, and the famous Tomb 7 was excavated in 1933, where some of the most impressive burial offerings of any site in the Americas were discovered and are now housed at the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca. Much of the site as you’ll see it today has been reconstructed, but the scale of the ancient city will surely impress you.
If you’re short on time during your Oaxaca itinerary, we recommend the below half-day tour to explore Monte Alban. This tour only includes Monte Alban, so it gets the job done, but if you have more time, we recommend the full-day tour we’ll discuss in the next section to experience even more of Oaxaca’s culture and history.
Monte Alban Full-Day Tour
During our Oaxaca itinerary, we took this full-day tour of Monte Alban with additional cultural stops. We do recommend it if you have the time, but for the sake of transparency, there are a few caveats. It’s a long tour (10 hours), and elements of it may feel a bit repetitive after some of the other tours we’ve recommended in this post. In addition, some of the stops dragged on for us, allowing too much time for shopping. However, the elements of the tour that were new – like the black clay pottery and alebrijes artisans, were incredibly cool, so we still feel that the tour is a worthwhile one.
After visiting Monte Alban, this tour takes you to a super small ancestral mezcal distillery. Though we’d already visited several distilleries at this point, we still really enjoyed this stop, as we got to see a different, more ancient way of making mezcal. We then went to a lunch buffet, which was much better quality but still a bit pricey.
After lunch, we visited an alebrije artisan, where we learned how the alebrijes are made and what our personal spirit animals were, then given time to shop. We also visited a small textile shop where artisans wove on a seated loom, though we’ll be honest that this was less impressive than the shop in Teotitlan del Valle that we visited on the Hierve el Agua tour. Our last stop was to an artisan shop for black clay pottery, where we were able to watch the artist throw a pot by hand – an impressive feat compared to the modern electric pottery wheel. This is a distinctive and beautiful type of pottery unique to Oaxaca, so it was really special to learn more about it and purchase a piece to bring home.
What to Do in Oaxaca If You Have More Time
Fans of Mexico may find one thing conspicuously absent from this Oaxaca city guide – the beach! While Oaxaca City itself is not on the coast, Oaxaca state does have an absolute gem – Puerto Escondido. It’s an aggressive day trip, but doable with an early transfer. Or, you can choose to extend your Mexican vacation with a few nights in Puerto Escondido – we’ll provide a day trip and transfer options for you below.
Puerto Escondido Day Trip
Puerto Escondido is a stunning beach town famous for its surfing at Playa Zicatela. But even if you’re not a surfer, there are tons of other awesome things to do in this laid-back spot. Think swimming and sunning on white sand beaches, boat tours to spot dolphins and sea turtles, bioluminescent plankton at night, and releasing baby sea turtles at sunset. On the day trip below, you’ll leave Oaxaca early to beat traffic, enjoy a boat tour to admire the beaches and look for wildlife, spend time relaxing on Playa Zicatela, and have options for fun add-ons like surf lessons, renting bicycles or ATVs, and releasing the baby sea turtles at the end of the day. You’ll return to Oaxaca after sunset, leaving you with gorgeous photos and unforgettable memories.
Rather spend a few nights in Puerto Escondido, or just plan the day’s activities yourself? Check out some of these Oaxaca – Puerto Escondido transfers you can book. You can also fly from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido directly – check out Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
FAQs: Oaxaca City Guide
When is the Best Time to Visit Oaxaca?
Oaxaca is a great year-round destination, so pretty much any time is a good time to visit. Peak season is late-October to March, when the weather is comfortable and you can enjoy holiday festivals, like Dia de los Muertos and Christmas. July is also popular due to the Guelagetza festival, when domestic tourism is also high.
Visiting during these months will be busier, which can make hotels more expensive and restaurant reservations tougher to get. You can consider traveling during the off-season to save a few bucks, but be aware that summer can be pretty hot, and rainier as well. However, we visited during the rainy season and it didn’t meaningfully impact tourist activities.
Can I See Oaxaca in Less Than 3 Days?
Of course, if time is tight, you can visit Oaxaca for less than 3 days – but we don’t recommend it! There is so much to do here that a 1 or 2 day itinerary will certainly exclude some of the top things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico. However, even if you can only squeeze in 2 days in Oaxaca, we still think it’s worth it. Make sure you choose a hotel in the city center and prioritize a walking tour, Monte Alban, a visit to the Museum of Cultures Oaxaca, and a mezcal tasting at Mezcaloteca.
Is Oaxaca Walkable?
Oaxaca is highly walkable, so you’ll be able to get to most of the city’s top sites, bars, and restaurants on your own two feet. But, in case you need a taxi, we recommend downloading DiDi, Mexico’s most popular rideshare app (like Uber, but cheaper!).
Pro tip: For whatever reason, DiDi license plates don’t often match the apps. So, make sure your name is on the driver’s screen before entering the cab.
Should I Tip at Bars & Restaurants in Oaxaca?
A tip of 10% is pretty standard across most of Mexico, though never required. We typically tip 10% unless we had terrible (very rare) or exceptional (much more common) service. Check out our lists of Oaxaca’s top bars and best restaurants in Oaxaca to get ideas for your trip.
Can I Drink the Water in Oaxaca?
The tap water in Oaxaca is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water to avoid any risk of illness.
What Kind of Outlets Are Used in Mexico?
Mexican outlets are the same as those used in the US. If you’re visiting from Europe or another region with different outlet types, make sure to bring a converter like this one!
Do I Need to Speak Spanish to Visit Oaxaca?
Honestly, yes, a bit of Spanish will definitely help. Of every country we’ve visited so far across Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America, Mexico is the place where we’ve needed to speak the local language the most. There is some anti-tourist sentiment in the country right now too, especially in Mexico City and especially against Americans, so speaking Spanish will go a long way in warming the locals to you. We recommend practicing these words at a minimum before you visit Oaxaca:
- Hello – hola – OH-lah
- Goodbye – hasta luego – AH-stah loo-AY-go (always see you later, never goodbye in Mexico’s warm culture 😊)
- Please – por favor – pohr fah-VOHR
- Thank you – gracias – GRAH-see-ahs
- A table for two – una mesa para dos – OO-nah MAY-sah pah-rah DOHS
- Excuse me – disculpe – dee-SKOOL-pay
- The bill/check – la cuenta – lah QUAYN-tah
Where Else Should I Visit in Mexico?
Mexico is FULL of incredible destinations. During our four months in the country, we also visited Mexico City and Merida (Yucatan peninsula), and will have guides for each of these in the coming months. Oaxaca was our favorite of the three, but each city has unique offerings that make them worth a visit – different historical civilizations and ruins, different cuisines, and different attractions and activities.
We’ve also heard great things about Guadalajara, Guanajuato, and Puebla, and plan to hit these next time we’re in Mexico. And, of course, Mexico has tons of stunning beaches like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and the Riviera Maya. Honestly, Mexico is a huge country, and it would take you at least a year to see it all! It’s hard to go wrong – just pick one of its amazing destinations and get started.
Are There Helpful Apps I Should Download Before I Visit Oaxaca?
Absolutely! These are the top apps we recommend you download before your trip to Mexico:
- Airalo – having full use of your phone while traveling is incredibly important! eSIM apps like Airalo make getting cell service anywhere you travel easy and affordable. If you haven’t used it before, you can use this Airalo code to get a discount on your first purchase.
- DiDi – another highly valuable app to download before you visit Mexico is DiDi, Mexico’s most popular ridesharing and food delivery app (like Uber). Requesting rides on DiDi will usually be cheaper than purchasing them on the street, and without any stress or haggling.
- Google Translate – we recommend downloading the Spanish language for offline use on Google Translate, so you can always communicate even if you lose cell service.
- Google Maps – for the same reason, we also recommend downloading the offline map of the city you’re visiting on Google Maps.
Which Travel Resources Should I Use to Plan My Trip to Oaxaca?
For starters, use our site! Check out all of our Mexico travel guides to help you decide where to go, what to do, and where to stay. We’ve got detailed itineraries and travel guides, plus recommendations on all our favorite bars, restaurants, and more.
Once you’re ready to plan your trip, we recommend the following resources:
- Flights – we use Google Flights and Skyscanner to book our flights. These resources help you compare all the airlines at once, plus give you tips on the best times to purchase. I use their price tracking features religiously to make sure we get the best deal.
- Hotels – we always use Booking.com for choosing hotel stays. We think they have the best prices, their star ratings are super reliable, and we love the perks we get with their rewards system.
- Trip Planning – the most frequently opened app on our phone, regardless of our destination, is Wanderlog. This app makes travel planning SO easy. You can import all your flights, hotels, and transit information, add top sites to your itinerary, and even track and split your budget amongst your travel buddies. It also provides recommendations on where to visit and a map of all the attractions you plan to see, with transit time between each.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Oaxaca?
While it’s not required, we highly recommend it. You never know when something might go wrong, and it’s best to be prepared. We use and recommend SafetyWing, which is an especially good option for those traveling for a month or more. For as little as $63, it covers everything from lost luggage to hospital stays – a heck of a deal if you encounter any emergencies while abroad.
Final Thoughts: Oaxaca City Guide and Itinerary
We know first-hand that choosing how to fill your Oaxaca itinerary is a big task, as there are so many top things to do in Oaxaca, Mexico. But, we hope this city guide makes things a little easier! Whether you’re deciding where to stay in Oaxaca or which mezcal tour is the best, we’re here to help! Comment below any of your questions about visiting Oaxaca and we’ll provide as much guidance as we can.
Before you go, make sure to check out our other posts on Oaxaca, like our list of Oaxaca’s best restaurants and the top bars and mezcalerias in Oaxaca. These will help you fill out your itinerary so you make sure to enjoy the best food and drink this city has to offer!
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