Introduction
Oaxaca City sits in a highland valley in southern Mexico, its colourful colonial centre built around the ornate church of Santo Domingo. Nearby, the hilltop Zapotec city of Monte Albán overlooks the valley, and villages are known for weaving, pottery, and mezcal. Together, the historic centre and Monte Albán are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city's food — moles, tlayudas, market stalls — is a reason to visit on its own.
Travel highlights
- The historic centre and Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Church of Santo Domingo and its cultural centre
- Markets and Oaxacan cuisine: moles, tlayudas, chocolate
- Craft villages and mezcal distilleries in the valleys
Local experiences
Monte Albán
The Zapotec hilltop city a short drive from the centre; go early for cooler temperatures.
Market eating
Food stalls in the central markets, from tlayudas to grilled meats.
Valley villages
Weaving in Teotitlán del Valle, pottery, and mezcal distilleries.
Hierve el Agua
Mineral springs and rock formations resembling waterfalls — check access before you go.
Where to stay in Oaxaca
Centro Histórico
Walkable colonial streets near the zócalo, Santo Domingo, and restaurants.
Jalatlaco
A small, colourful neighbourhood with murals and cafés, a short walk from the centre.
Xochimilco (Oaxaca)
A quiet residential area with an old aqueduct, north of the centre.
Good to know before you go
- Festival periods (Day of the Dead, Guelaguetza) bring crowds and higher prices.
- The beaches of the Oaxacan coast are a long drive or a flight away.
- Rainy-season afternoons can interrupt plans.
