22 Things to Do in Oaxaca City for Foodies and Art Lovers

The modern traveler's guide on what to do, where to eat and places to explore in Oaxaca.

Oaxaca City is arguably one of the most traditional versions of a Mexican city you will come across in Mexico. A hub for vibrant festivals and a well-preserved food culture, backdropped against colorful colonial architecture, makes this a dream destination for culture aficionados. I spent two weeks exploring this city on my recent trek around Mexico. This guide details my top 20 recommendations for things to do in Oaxaca for foodies and art lovers.

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1) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Go on an authentic Oaxacan Food Tour.

Oaxaca has been ranked a top foodie city. Yes, tacos, but also: savory moles, quesadillas filled with squash flower and tropical fruits you would never come across otherwise. A tour is the best way to get your fill in a short amount of time.

[Book the Tour Here]

2) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Sip mezcal-infused cocktails at Selva.

Voted as one of the top 50 bars in the world, this little cocktail bar has a vibey, young atmosphere and mixologists that know how to blend local flavors with fun spirits.

3) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Take a tour of the Botanical Gardens at Sunset.

These iconic gardens are the best way to explore the flora of the region while snapping gorgeous IG photos. Tours are required for entry and are Monday - Saturday at 10am and 6pm.

4) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Grab a latte with views at Ama Terazza.

This rooftop coffee shop is my favorite place for drinks and pastries in the city. It gives Paris meets Mexico energy.

5) Things to Do in Oaxaca: See a show at Teatro Macedonio Alcalá.

Another Parisian building in Oaxaca, Teatro Macedonio Alcalá showcases live music, theatre and dance recitals that explore Mexican tradition.

6) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Stroll through the Oaxaca Artisan Market.

A great place to grab souvenirs for your loved ones back home or simply admire handmade jewelry, textiles and trinkets.

7) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Make your own cocktails at Etnofood.

Be a mixologist for a night and learn to make 3 different drinks in this funky, intimate cocktail making class. This was one of my favorite experiences in Oaxaca!

[Book the Experience Here]

8) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Spend the afternoon at the Stamp Museum.

While this may not sound like a super exciting, the stamp museum is a hidden gem for snapping IG photos. Plus, you experience art and history in an unconventional way!

9) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Try smoked meats at the Pasillo de Humo.

Another must-do for foodies. The Pasillo de Humo or "Smoke Hall" is a section of Mercado de 20 Noviembre where you can purchase made-to-order meats smoked with local flavors. A food tour is the best way to experience this as it can be overwhelming.

10) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Browse the collections at Museum of Contemporary Art.

This free museum showcases contemporary pieces from Mexican artists across the country. Perfect for people who love thought-provoking art.

11) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Sip and shop at the hidden bar, Bocaflor.

A cute little pink cocktail bar tucked into a funky boutique. The vibe is feminine, the cocktails are smooth and the boutique itself has so many cute pieces. A 10/10.

12) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Take a vegetarian cooking class.

If you're going to take a cooking class anywhere in Mexico it has to be Oaxaca. This vegetarian class involves a market tour and preparation of traditional Oaxacan dishes sin carne with a small group.

[Book the Vegetarian Class Here] or if you prefer to have some meats, you can book a normal cooking class here.

13) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Play giant chess at the Centro Cultural San Pablo.

This free community space is perfect for soaking in the essence of the city and mingling with locals. Think, a coffee shop, several art galleries and grassy courtyard all in the same place.

14) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Have a fancy meal at Los Danzantes.

One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Oaxaca. You'll need a reservation to get on the list and they book at least a week in advance so don't wait!

15) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Take pictures with street art in the Xochimilco neighborhood.

This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Oaxaca and is known for its weaving art collectives, gorgeous murals and quiet street corners away from the hustle of centro.

16) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Try mezcal cocktails and vibe out at Los Amantes.

Another one of my favorite bars in the city, Los Amantes is a hidden gem where mezcal meets bold flavors in a cave-like setting,

17) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Visit the Museo Textil de Oaxaca.

Another amazing architectural gem in Oaxaca. Snap some IG pictures against the brick wall and learn about the region's weaving history.

18) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Watch the sunset at Los Andantes Terazza.

This restaurant is conveniently located facing Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, one of the main churches in the city center. Below you'll find a bustling center with street vendors, musicians and local artists while sipping to the sunset.

19) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Grab a fresh juice a Mercado La Merced.

Mercado La Merced is on of the principal markets located in the city. A food hall for fresh fruits and veggies, local honey, tamales and local drinks. Super Jugos Angelita has nearly a hundred fresh juice mixes.

20) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Learn about the production and culture of mezcal.

While you can find mezcal everywhere in producer, Oaxaca is a main producer. Take a day trip outside the city to visit a traditional mezcal farm and tasting.

[Book the Experience Here]

21) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Support local art vendors.

Local art is everywhere in Oaxaca. Stroll through the streets long enough and you'll find hidden galleries and street painters everywhere.

22) Things to Do in Oaxaca: Explore the local architecture scene.

Led by a local architect, this tour takes you on a journey through Oaxaca's architectural history while helping you discover hidden gems you probably would not have stumbled upon on your own.

[Book the Tour Here]

And that's your curated list of things to do in Oaxaca City. The museums, the food, the rooftop mezcal moments—it’s giving main character energy.

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