Things to Do in Oaxaca
50 curated spots from Oaxaca itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Mercado Benito Juárez
Dive into this bustling covered market full of fruit, vegetables, sweets, textiles, and daily life. Focus on halal-friendly items: fresh fruit juices (jugos), cut fruit, nicuatole (corn-based dessert), bread, chocolate, and corn snacks like memelas or tetelas that can be prepared with only beans, cheese, and salsa. Always confirm: “sin carne, sin manteca, sin caldo de carne.”
1h 30m · $5-10 per person for tastings
Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
Located in the former monastery next to Santo Domingo, this museum offers extensive exhibits on Oaxacan history, plus windows overlooking the Ethnobotanical Garden for a bird’s-eye view of the greenery.
2h · $5-7 per person
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Book or join the next available entry and walk the cactus-filled, sculptural garden paths. It’s the best fit for the jungle-wild aesthetic in a calm, centrally located setting.
1h 30m · $5-10
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
Walk the market corridors and meat hall for atmosphere, but focus your family on fruit drinks, pastries, and vegetarian-friendly snack spots only.
1h 30m · Free to enter
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán & Plaza
Visit the ornate Baroque church and its large plaza, then sit under the trees or on the steps to soak up daily life; you can briefly step inside the church to admire the interior if you’re comfortable.
1h · Free
Zócalo & Alameda de León Stroll
Walk the main square under big laurel trees, watch street performers, and peek at the cathedral exterior; sit on a bench and ease into the city.
1h · Free
Evening in the Zócalo
Return after dark to listen to live music, let kids chase bubbles and balloons, and watch the city light up around the trees.
1h · Free (small budget for snacks and balloons)
Mercado de Artesanías de Oaxaca
Indoor artisan market selling textiles, bags, and crafts; wander the aisles and chat with vendors about their work.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Monte Albán
Take the main archaeological site tour, enjoy the sweeping valley views, and keep the pace easy for the kids. It’s the biggest “must-see” beyond the city center.
3h · $5-15
Parque El Llano (Parque Juárez)
Stroll through this leafy park with big trees, local joggers, and snack stands, especially pleasant in the morning.
1h · Free
Plaza de la Danza & Basílica de la Soledad
Climb the gentle steps to Plaza de la Danza, framed by volcanic stone and greenery, then visit La Soledad church and try a cup of nieve (Mexican ice cream) from a stall—choose fruit or milk flavors without alcohol.
1h · $1-3 (for nieve)Templo de Santo Domingo & Ethnobotanical Garden (Exterior/Views)
Visit the majestic Santo Domingo church and the plaza around it, then peek into the adjacent Jardín Etnobotánico from the outside or join one of the scheduled guided tours if timing works. Even just walking the perimeter gives jungle-like views of agaves, cactus, and lush greenery behind stone walls.
2h · $4-6 per person for garden tour, church plaza freeTemplo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Visit the church and surrounding plaza, then take a slow walk through the nearby historic streets and gardens.
1h 30m · Free
Zócalo & Alameda de León Evening Walk
After dinner, circle the main square shaded by big trees, listen to street musicians, and sit on a bench to people-watch under the canopy.
1h · Free
Afternoon Free Explore in La Cosecha Organic Market
Browse stalls in this open-air, leafy market; look for artisanal products, coffee, and light vegetarian snacks like memelas with beans and cheese (ask about lard).
2h · $5-12 per person
Andador Macedonio Alcalá
Take an easy pedestrian-street stroll for galleries, people-watching, artisan shops, and a few photo stops.
2h · Free
Andador Turístico (Calle Macedonio Alcalá) Stroll
Walk the pedestrian street from Santo Domingo toward the zócalo, stopping at small galleries, artisan shops, and leafy side courtyards.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Andador Turístico (Macedonio Alcalá) Wandering
Stroll along the pedestrian street from Santo Domingo toward the Zócalo, exploring galleries, artisan shops, and side streets with colorful façades.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Barrio de Jalatlaco Free Explore
Use this block simply to wander, sit in a café, or find a quiet bench; watch local life and take photos of hidden corners and plants.
2h · Free (plus any drinks)
Barrio de Jalatlaco Walk
Stroll cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, murals, and hanging plants; it feels like a small village inside the city.
1h 30m · Free
Barrio de Xochimilco Aqueduct Walk
Walk along the old aqueduct streets lined with colorful houses, murals, and plants spilling from balconies. It’s a calm, photogenic area just uphill from Centro.
1h 30m · FreeBarrio de Xochimilco Walk
Wander the aqueduct-lined streets, colorful houses, and hidden courtyards of this historic neighborhood, stopping at small handicraft workshops if open.
2h · Free
Basílica de la Soledad & Plaza
Before or after dinner, sit on the steps of the basilica and in the adjacent plaza, enjoying evening breezes and live music if you’re lucky.
45m · Free
Calle Macedonio Alcalá Photo Walk
Walk this pedestrian street from Santo Domingo toward the zócalo, stopping for photos of colorful façades, small galleries, and street performers.
1h · Free
Calle Macedonio Alcalá Stroll
Walk the pedestrian street from Santo Domingo toward the zócalo, watching street performers and browsing small shops for colorful textiles and wooden toys; pause in shady doorways and small courtyards as you go.
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca
Step into the baroque cathedral off the Zócalo; appreciate the stonework, altars, and quiet interior.
30m · Free
Day Trip: Tule Tree, Teotitlán del Valle & Rural Scenery
Hire a driver or join a family‑oriented tour to see the massive, ancient Tule Tree, then continue to Teotitlán del Valle to watch weavers use natural dyes; enjoy the green valley scenery along the way.
4h · $25-40 per person on a shared tour; private driver varies
Ethnobotanical Garden (Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca)
Join a guided tour (check language times) through Oaxaca’s famous walled garden filled with cacti, agaves, and native plants. Tours are required; buy tickets on-site and enjoy the contrast of structured paths and wild-looking desert plants.
1h 30m · $5-10 per personEvening Walk Around Templo de Santo Domingo
After dinner, circle the Santo Domingo complex: admire the illuminated façade, wander the broad plaza with agave plants, and continue a short stretch along Calle Alcalá for night-time photos and a relaxed stroll.
45m · FreeEvening Walk in Barrio de Xochimilco
Before or after dinner at Ancestral, wander the old aqueduct streets, colorful houses, and quiet alleys of Xochimilco. Look for murals, hanging plants, and small artisan workshops; it feels like a calm, slightly wild corner of the city, especially at golden hour.
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Boulenc
Trendy bakery-café with a leafy, rustic interior. Stick to vegetarian-friendly options like avocado toast, shakshuka, sourdough toasts with vegetables, salads, and pastries baked without lard; clearly request no pork or alcohol in any dish.
1h 15m · $8-15 per person
Hierba Dulce
Plant-based Oaxacan restaurant with a cozy, natural feel. Everything is vegan, so no meat, lard, or animal products; order memelas, tlayudas, and mole dishes knowing they are fully halal-friendly from an ingredient perspective.
1h 30m · $12-20 per person
Terraza Istmo
Rooftop restaurant specializing in dishes from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, with a cozy, plant-rich terrace; focus on seafood plates and vegetarian options, clearly asking for no pork, no lard, and no alcohol-based sauces; avoid dishes with chorizo or unclear broths.
1h 30m · $18-30 per person
Los Danzantes Oaxaca
Beautiful, high-walled courtyard restaurant with water features, stone, and greenery—very jungle-wild at night with candles. For halal-friendly choices, focus on vegetarian specialties (like their creative corn and vegetable dishes, salads, and moles served without meat) or any fish/seafood items that are not cooked with alcohol or lard; clearly request “sin carne, sin cerdo, sin pollo, sin alcohol, sin manteca” and ask staff to suggest suitable plates.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Ancestral Cocina Tradicional
Focus on comal-prepared vegetarian dishes, vegetable moles, bean-based plates, and corn specialties; make the halal request clear and avoid any meat-heavy set menus.
1h 30m · $15-30 per person
Chepiche Café
Garden café with lush greenery and outdoor seating. Choose vegetarian chilaquiles, pancakes, fruit bowls, and egg dishes; confirm beans and salsas are made without lard or meat stock.
1h 30m · $10-18 per person
La Cosecha Organic Market
Outdoor organic market with multiple stalls; pick vegetarian tlayudas with beans and cheese, fresh fruit, smoothies, and tamales de rajas or elote that are clearly labeled meat-free.
1h · $7-12 per person
Levadura de Olla Restaurante
Stylish restaurant focusing on seasonal Oaxacan cuisine, with plants and a calm, earthy interior. Ask specifically for vegetarian moles, vegetable dishes, salads, and any fish prepared without alcohol or lard; avoid chapulines and meat moles.
1h 30m · $18-30 per person
Pan:am Café
Casual café-bakery with a light, airy space and plants. Order vegetarian chilaquiles (ask for green or red sauce without meat or chorizo), omelets with vegetables and cheese, fresh bread, and fruit juices; confirm your choices are cooked in vegetable oil or butter and contain no pork or lard.
1h · $8-12 per personAncestral Cocina Tradicional (Vegetarian Focus)
Traditional restaurant in a charming setting. Ask specifically for vegetable-focused dishes, such as grilled vegetables, tortillas with quesillo (cheese), and any beans or rice cooked without lard; avoid all meat moles and confirm cooking fats.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Cabuche
Cozy, colorful spot with a plant-filled interior and rustic look. Halal-friendly picks: bean and cheese tacos, vegetarian tortas, enchiladas with green or red sauce (request no meat and no lard), and salads; drinks like fresh juices and aguas frescas are alcohol-free.
1h 15m · $10-18 per person
Café Brújula (Macedonio Alcalá branch)
Popular café with a small, leafy courtyard corner and relaxed vibe. Order coffee, hot chocolate, fresh juices, and simple items like toast, fruit, and pastries; stick to vegetarian items to keep things halal‑friendly.
45m · $6-10 per person
Café Brújula (Macedonio Alcalá)
Popular café with plants and rustic wood; choose sweet breads, simple toast with jam, fruit bowls, and strong Oaxacan coffee or hot chocolate; confirm pastries without lard and stick to vegetarian options.
45m · $5-10 per person
Café Lavoe
Café in a leafy corner of Jalatlaco; enjoy coffee, smoothies, and light vegetarian breakfasts like fruit bowls or egg dishes without meat.
1h · $6-10 per person
Cafeto & Baristas
Coffee-focused café with pastries, fruit, and simple breakfasts like omelets and chilaquiles; order vegetarian versions and confirm no meat stock in sauces.
45m · $6-10 per person
El Quinque
Local favorite with a rustic interior. Ask clearly for fish dishes (such as grilled fish or fish tacos) prepared without alcohol or pork products, and request vegetables or salad on the side.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
La Jícara Librespacio Cultural
Cultural café-bookshop with vegetarian and seafood dishes; choose vegetarian tacos, salads, and soups, confirming they’re cooked without meat stock or lard.
1h 15m · $8-15 per person
La Matatena Pizzería
Casual pizzeria with a garden feel; order vegetarian pizzas (like mixed veg or four-cheese) and salads, asking for no meat or alcohol in sauces.
1h · $10-15 per personLevadura de Olla
Choose fruit, eggs, vegetable plates, and pastries; halal-safe choices are the vegetarian breakfast dishes and bakery items.
1h · $10-18 per person
Muss Café
Attached to a boutique hotel with a courtyard full of plants; offers avocado toast, granola, eggs, and good coffee. Order vegetarian or fishless items only.
1h · $7-13 per person