All citiesOaxaca de Juárez Things to do and walking itinerary
Mexico Oaxaca de Juárez travel guide
18 things to do in Oaxaca de Juárez, where to stay, airport transfers, 1 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Oaxaca de Juárez
- Monte Albán — pre-Columbian archaeological site in Mexico (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Oaxaca — Catholic Cathedral in Oaxaca, Mexico (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán — church building in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude — church building in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca — botanical garden in Oaxaca City, Mexico (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca — Art school in Oaxaca, Mexico (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Benito Juárez National Park — national park in Oaxaca, Mexico (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Oaxaca México Temple (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca — small museum in the municipality of San Bartolo Coyotepec (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museo Rufino Tamayo — art museum in Oaxaca, southern Mexico (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Contemporary Art Museum — museum in Oaxaca (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Teatro Macedonio Alcalá — theatre and opera house in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Ex-monastery of Santiago Apóstol — monastery in Cuilapan de Guerrero, Mexico (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Museo Textil de Oaxaca — Mexican museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museo de Filatelia de Oaxaca (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca — museum in Oaxaca, Mexico (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Archaeological Zone of Atzompa — archaeological zone of Oaxaca (visit ≈ 60 min)
2-day Oaxaca de Juárez walking itinerary
Starting point: Historic Centre. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 3.0 km · 4,000 steps · 38 min on the way): Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Oaxaca → Contemporary Art Museum → Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán → Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca → Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca → Museo Rufino Tamayo → Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude
- Day 2 (≈ 6.5 km · 8,740 steps · 1 h 26 min on the way): Oaxaca México Temple
Where to stay in Oaxaca de Juárez
- Historic Centre: The Zócalo, churches and markets within walking distance.
- Jalatlaco: A quiet, cobbled neighbourhood with murals.
- Xochimilco: A peaceful area beside the old aqueduct.
Getting from the airport to Oaxaca de Juárez
- Oaxaca (OAX): Taxi or shared shuttle (colectivo) ≈ 25 min.
Getting around
The historic centre is fully walkable; use colectivos or taxis for nearby villages. The altitude is high, so drink plenty of water.
Classic places to eat
- Mercado 20 de Noviembre: In the smoke corridor they grill the meat you choose.
- Casa Oaxaca: Modern Oaxacan cooking on a rooftop.
- Las Quince Letras: A long-loved restaurant for traditional moles.
- Los Danzantes: Oaxacan flavours and mezcal in an open courtyard.
- Itanoní: Tortillas and memelas made from heirloom corn.
- Boulenc: A bakery famous for sourdough and breakfasts.
- Chocolate Mayordomo: Traditional chocolate ground on stone mills.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Criollo — 1 MICHELIN star, Mexican, Oaxacan
Romantic views
- Templo de Santo Domingo (Evening): A baroque church and plaza glowing gold in the evening light.
- Cerro del Fortín (Sunset): City views from above the Guelaguetza auditorium.
- Ethnobotanical Garden (Afternoon): Giant cacti in a former monastery garden.
Good to know before visiting Oaxaca de Juárez
- Fine: Bringing firearms or even a single bullet brings heavy prison sentences.
- Fine: Selling and importing e-cigarettes and vapes is banned.
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: Don't hail street taxis; use apps or official sitio ranks.
- Pay in pesos and decline DCC; markets need cash.
- In many places toilet paper goes in the bin.
- Emergency: 911
- Plugs: A/B, 127V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: 10–15% is customary in restaurants.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Mexico, Wikivoyage — Mexico, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Oaxaca de Juárez travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Oaxaca de Juárez?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 13 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Oaxaca de Juárez?
- Highlights: Monte Albán, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Oaxaca, Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude and Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca. The map has 18 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Oaxaca de Juárez?
- Historic Centre: The Zócalo, churches and markets within walking distance. Other options: Jalatlaco and Xochimilco.
- How do you get from the airport to Oaxaca de Juárez city centre?
- Oaxaca (OAX): Taxi or shared shuttle (colectivo) ≈ 25 min.
- How do you get around Oaxaca de Juárez?
- The historic centre is fully walkable; use colectivos or taxis for nearby villages. The altitude is high, so drink plenty of water.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Oaxaca de Juárez?
- According to the last known data there are 1 starred restaurants: Criollo (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Oaxaca de Juárez?
- Emergency: 911.
- Do you tip in Oaxaca de Juárez?
- 10–15% is customary in restaurants.
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