What to do in Oaxaca City (and what not to do)
Oaxaca City - the authentic culinary hotspot in Mexico
Welcome to Oaxaca City, a living masterpiece of cultural diversity cradled in the heart of Mexico. This captivating city is a sensory extravaganza, celebrated for its lively markets where the tantalizing scent of traditional cuisine dances alongside the vivid colors of indigenous crafts. Oaxaca beckons to food enthusiasts, offering a culinary heritage as rich and varied as its landscapes – from the intricate flavors of mole sauce to the delightful crunch of chapulines (grasshoppers).
While spending leisurely days immersing ourselves in the everyday rhythm of Oaxaca, we've curated a unique list of experiences for you to consider. Our blog embodies authenticity, aiming to offer insights beyond the usual tourist haunts. In this carefully crafted list, you'll find not just the obvious attractions mentioned in popular travel platforms but also hidden gems that can save you time, money, and enhance the genuine essence of your Oaxacan adventure, based on our firsthand experiences and in-depth research
Read our tips on Mexico City
We have also travelled Mexico City and we have come up with important things to know in order to plan the perfect visit to one the worlds largest cities
Must-Try Chapulines & Doña Vale's Culinary Magic
1. Visit food markets --> Experience the Best of Oaxaca City's Traditional Mexican Food
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Oaxaca City, a gastronomic paradise renowned for its traditional Mexican cuisine. At the top of the list is the city's delectable food scene, where flavors come alive in a symphony of tastes and aromas. Dive into the heart of Oaxaca's culinary heritage at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where the air is thick with the tantalizing scent of open barbecues.
Here, you'll be enveloped in a sensory delight of smoke, noise, and a myriad of meat and food options.
A culinary revelation awaits in the form of Chapulines – marinated and fried grasshoppers that are a must-try delicacy! Be bold and venture into the realm of unique flavors that Oaxaca is famous for.
If you're a fan of 'Street Food: Latin America' on Netflix, you might recognize the legendary Doña Vale, an elderly lady whose food is not just a meal but an experience infused with love and tradition. Despite the bustling atmosphere, her exceptional dishes are well worth the wait. However, plan your visit wisely, as Doña Vale operates on a limited schedule. Catch her culinary magic between 7 am and noon, ensuring you arrive early as she tends to get busy after 10 am. Please note that she is closed on Sundays. Finding her spot might require a bit of navigation, but fear not – the locals are friendly and more than willing to assist you. And don't forget to bring cash to savor the flavors of Oaxacan cuisine at its finest. Your taste buds will thank you for this remarkable journey into the heart of authentic Mexican gastronomy
Unlock the Secrets of Temazcal: A Must-Try Experience in Oax
2. Temazcal a traditional Mexican cleansing and holistic experience
During our research on Oaxaca, we discovered that Temazcal was a must-try experience. Temazcal, an ancient Mesoamerican ritual deeply ingrained in Mexican culture, offers a transformative journey. Participants sit in a meticulously crafted clay oven, enveloped in herbal-infused steam, believed to purify both body and spirit.
We were intrigued by the glowing recommendations, suggesting that a trip to Oaxaca City was incomplete without experiencing Temazcal. For approximately 1800 pesos (for two persons), we enjoyed an hour-long Temazcal session coupled with an hour of massage. The ritual, involving inhaling herbs and sweating out toxins, was held in a serene location slightly outside the city. We were graciously picked up from our hotel and guided by the owner, who spoke English fluently. Though the two shamans facilitating the ritual communicated only in Spanish, they expertly guided us through the process.
Following the Temazcal, we indulged in an ice bath, allowing us to relax before proceeding to the massage room. It's worth noting that the experience involves nudity, enhancing the overall sense of purity. If privacy is a concern, bringing dry shorts or a dress is recommended.
Our visit to Temazcal Oaxaca was a memorable one, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow travelers. While our personal experience found the intensity of the sauna to be subjective, we advise discussing expectations with the owner beforehand.
In summary, Temazcal is a must-try activity for anyone visiting Oaxaca. For a visual glimpse into our experience, please refer to the photos below. Don't miss this transformative adventure on your Oaxacan journey!
We can recommend Temazcal Oaxaca (not sponsored) but we did expect the sauna/the actual temazcal to be more intensive - this is of course subjective but we recommend talking to the owner about this before entering.
All in all this is a must try if you visit Oaxaca. See our photos of the experience below!
Considerations for Your Day Trip Adventures
3. Oaxaca Day Trip, Agua El Hierve, El Mule Tree, Traditional Crafts Tour, Oaxaca Travel Tips, Authe
When planning your Oaxacan adventure, you've likely stumbled upon popular day trip options such as Agua el Hierve, visits to local towns crafting traditional rugs and candles, the renowned El Mule, the world's widest tree, and Mezcal tastings. These experiences, often bundled together, promise a taste of authentic Oaxacan culture and natural wonders.
We opted for a day tour through Airbnb that encompassed all these stops, taking up an entire day (8 hours). However, we have a few insights to share. Given the length of the trip, it's essential to pack an array of snacks and food to keep you energized. Many tours are primarily conducted in Spanish, so if you're an English speaker, consider finding a tour catering specifically to English speakers — though keep in mind, these might lack the authenticity of a native experience.
Now, with that said, let's discuss the tour. Our first stop took us to El Mule, the world's largest tree, an impressive sight indeed. However, what followed might not be as captivating. There's a visit to a rug factory demonstrating traditional weaving techniques. While not uninteresting, this stop, lasting about an hour, might be most engaging for avid rug enthusiasts or potential buyers. For others, it might feel like a pressured situation where a purchase or tipping is expected without a genuine interest in the stop.
Later, we visited a candle-making workshop. While the candles are beautiful, this stop feels like a revenue stream for tour organizers, again lasting well over an hour. Remember, for every hour-long stop, there's an additional 30-40 minutes of travel, considerably lengthening the day.
Now, for the main attraction – Agua El Hierve. It may look fantastic on TikTok and Instagram, but in reality, it's a tourist destination that doesn't quite live up to the hype. Expect to spend approximately 2 hours here. While bathing in the springs is pleasant, it might not be as extraordinary as you anticipate. Yes, you can capture some stunning photos, but we found the springs less spectacular than expected.
Therefore, this isn't a outright discouragement from such a tour, but rather considerations we believe you should ponder before embarking on it. Perhaps a shorter tour that solely focuses on Agua El Hierve might be a better fit for you? Explore our photos below for a visual glimpse into our experience.
Rooftops in Oaxaca City and center plaza
4. Embracing Oaxaca City's Nightlife: Rooftop Tranquility and Plaza Revelry
As the sun sets behind the ancient hills of Oaxaca City, a vibrant transformation sweeps through its streets, beckoning travelers to explore the enchanting nightscapes. Away from the humdrum of daily life, the city's rooftops and its central plaza come alive, offering a unique and authentic experience that captures the essence of Oaxaca's soul. In this guide, we delve into the allure of Oaxaca's nocturnal spirit, celebrating the tranquil charm of its rooftops and the lively energy of its central plaza.
High above the bustling streets, Oaxaca's rooftops offer a serene escape amidst the city's vibrant energy.
Atop the city, under the canopy of stars, rooftops in Oaxaca offer a quiet retreat. Here, amid the gentle breeze and ambient city sounds, visitors find solace. The distant murmur of conversation, the occasional clink of glasses, and the soft glow of city lights create an atmosphere of tranquility. It's an ideal vantage point to absorb the city’s unique blend of colonial architecture, ancient history, and modern allure.
In the heart of Oaxaca City lies a plaza that becomes the epicenter of community, culture, and celebration after sundown.
Plaza de la Noche:The central plaza of Oaxaca, a place we affectionately call "Plaza de la Noche," undergoes a magical transformation as evening falls. Locals and visitors alike gather here, forming a diverse tapestry of humanity. Children chase after bubbles, musicians serenade the crowd with traditional tunes, and laughter mingles with the distant melodies of street performers. The atmosphere is electric, charged with the spirit of camaraderie and joy, making it a perfect spot for immersing oneself in Oaxaca's vibrant culture.
In the heart of Oaxaca City, as day turns into night, the rooftops and the central plaza invite you to experience the city's authentic soul. Whether you seek quiet contemplation high above the city or the lively revelry of community gatherings, Oaxaca's nocturnal spirit is sure to captivate your senses and leave you with cherished memories of a city that truly comes alive after dark
How many days should we spend in Oaxaca?
Read our recommendations on duration in Oaxaca. We have also added our full Mexico itinerary on our webpage.