Must-See Things in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a vibrant, mountainous state in Southern Mexico. Its namesake capital city offers no shortage of wonders for tourists to explore. Here are some of my favorite ways to make the best of your time in the city.

Get Lost In The Markets

Oaxacan mercados are lively, to say the least. Each market is housed in a different building, specializing in specific goods and foods. Get your Oaxacan souvenirs at Benito Juarez Market, then head to Mercado 20 de Noviembre for life-giving Aguas Frescas. With a beverage in hand, let your nose lead you to the Pasillo De Humo aka Smoke Hall aka Meat Hall.

eat mole, lots of it

Oaxaca is a gastronomic sanctuary, known for its chocolate, mezcal, and of course, mole. There are seven kinds of mole originating in Oaxaca: Negro, Rojo, Coloradito, Amarillo, Verde, Chichilo, and Manchamantel. You can find mole in most restaurants in downtown Oaxaca, my personal go-to is Rojo over browned chicken with queso Oaxaca on the side.

Cleanse Your Soul At Oaxacan Cathedrals

Some of the earliest churches in Oaxaca date back to the 16th century, and two of the most popular are right in the middle of Oaxaca City. The Santo Domingo de Guzmán cathedral is Oaxaca’s most famous church, featuring gold-leafed baroque architecture and historical objects on display. Just a few blocks away in Zocalo Square is The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, another remarkable neoclassical church built out of indigenous green volcanic stone.

Get Swept Away In Oaxacan Weddings

During my stay in Oaxaca, we witnessed two huge wedding parades that practically take over downtown. Live bands, dancers, ten-foot-tall marionettes of the bride and groom, and a horde of weddinggoers march through the streets. It’s common for passersby to stop and enjoy the show, you might even be given a bamboo shot glass that hangs around your neck in which weddinggoers will occasionally offer a pour of rare mezcal.

Set Off On An Excursion

Two of the most noteworthy and most visited landmarks in Oaxaca are Monte Albán and Hierve el Agua. A large archaeological site of an ancient Zapotec metropolis, Monte Albán includes excavated structures that functioned as a capital city between 500 BCE and 800 CE. Hierve el Agua is a stunning collection of three natural spring pools and calcified waterfalls. The busy tourist spot can see upwards of 7,000 visitors each day, so come prepared with your swimsuit and some patience.