Things to Do
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What To Bring
Wi-Fi + Cell Service
Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Oaxaca Centro, and most cafés, restaurants, and accommodations offer it for free. Cell service and data are also reliable in Centro, but expect both to drop off as you head into the surrounding valleys or mountains.
Money
Most businesses in Oaxaca accept both cash (Mexican pesos) and major credit cards. That said, cash is king - especially at street stalls, mercados, and smaller local shops. Thankfully, there are plenty of banks and ATMs throughout Oaxaca City, including branches of international banks.
ATM Tip
When withdrawing pesos from an ATM, you’ll likely be prompted with a screen asking if you want to “accept the conversion rate.”
Always hit DECLINE.
Accepting the ATM’s rate almost always results in a worse exchange rate than what your own bank will provide. Depending on how much you withdraw, you could lose anywhere from $10 to $100+ USD. Don’t fall for it—just decline and let your bank handle the conversion. -
Day Trips & Getting Around
For day trips or overnight stays in the surrounding valleys, you have two great options: hire a tour guide or rent a car. Car rentals are affordable and easy to find in Oaxaca Centro, with several agencies conveniently located right in the heart of the city. Some even offer one-way drop offs to coastal locations like Huatulco or Puerto Escondido - perfect if you’re planning a scenic road trip to the beach.
If you’re interested in visiting ancient ruins, Mitla is a must. It’s considered the second most important archaeological site in Mexico and is just over an hour’s drive from Centro. You can reach it on your own by car, or opt for a guided tour if you prefer a deeper dive into the history and culture.
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Mezcal Experiences
Oaxaca is the mezcal capital of the world, and there’s no better place to dive into this rich cultural tradition. Whether you're a curious first-timer or a seasoned enthusiast, you'll find a wide range of educational tours and tastings that go far beyond sipping.
You can tailor your experience - hike through agave fields, learn about the plant-to-bottle process, or visit traditional palenques (mezcal distilleries) to meet the families who have been crafting mezcal for generations. It's an immersive way to understand the land, labor, and love behind every pour.
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Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua makes for an easy worth-it day trip from Oaxaca City. The site features two striking rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls - formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich spring water leaving behind calcium deposits. The smaller formation has two natural pools at the top where visitors can swim while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Many tours offer both a trip here and start at “The Tree of Tule”, or “El Árbol del Tule”, which is a mighty Montezuma cypress located in the town center. Its existence has been chronicled for more than 2,000 years by both the Aztecs and the Spanish that founded the city of Oaxaca, making El Árbol del Tule one of the oldest tree in the world.
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Eat & Drink
Oaxacan cuisine’s reputation speaks for itself. It spans centuries of history and tradition and should be even more famous than it already is. The state’s home to more than 16 indigenous groups. And its beautiful, deep cultural diversity has created a culinary legacy packed with bold flavors, regional ingredients and rich tradition. From street vendors slinging the crispiest tlayudas to upscale tasting menus and mezcal pairings, Oaxaca food is just different. Arguably the most famous dish is mole, which originated here and often served with tamales or tlayudas.
Also try Tacos del Carmen if you want phenomenal street tacos!
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Shopping & Mercados
Mercado Benito Juárez and Tejate are must-visit markets in Oaxaca City, each offering a unique experience. Mercado Benito Juárez is a bustling public market with a wide array of local products, including fresh produce, meats, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Tejate, on the other hand, is a smaller, more specialized market known for its traditional pre-Hispanic drink, also called tejate, made from maize, cacao, and other ingredients. Both markets offer a vibrant glimpse into Oaxacan culture and cuisine.
