Last Updated At: 07-Dec-2023

10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Oaxaca 2024

Two World Heritage Sites- Central Valleys of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Alban- adorn the City of Oaxaca. It has Tree of Tule, a 2000-year-old Cypress Tree. The area is treasured with ancient monuments, museums, parks, and much more. In short, Oaxaca has it all for all. Along with gems of tradition, art, culture, and nature, you will immediately feel the warmth of people here.

Visit Oaxaca, feel the magic first-hand, and knit tons of wonderful memories. Refer to our list below for the quick reference.

List of 10 Places to Visit in Oaxaca | Gives a Glimpse of Traditional, Cultural, and Natural Gems of the City

Embark on a sensory journey of tradition, culture, and natural wonders. Immerse yourself in the wonderful art, craft, and colourful galleries, savour the authentic Mexican delicacies and soak in the sun on the beautiful beaches. Join us as we take you through the top 10 places to visit in Oaxaca.

Oaxaca Cathedral | A Notable Tourist Attraction
Squares and Markets: Zocalo and Mercado Benito Juarez | The Historic Downtown
Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman | A Major Oaxaca Attraction
Monte Alban | A Historic Settlement
The Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude | Patron Saint of Oaxaca
The Rufino Tamayo Museum | A Present by Mexican Artist Tamayo
Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden | A Green Adventure
Hierve El Agua | A Stunning Natural Surprise
Playa La Entrega | A Beautiful Beach Near Oaxaca
San Jeronimo and Santa Maria del Tule | A 2000 Years Old Cypress and More

1. Oaxaca Cathedral | A Notable Tourist Attraction

Oaxaca Cathedral, or The Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption, took around 200 years to complete. The construction started in the mid-16th Century. It was rebuilt in 1931 after damages due to an earthquake, an uncommon occurrence in this part of Mexico.

Things to Explore: Neoclassical style in the interior of the cathedral, a wood-carved original clock gifted by the King of Spain, the Baroque façade, 80 finely engraved glass windows and much more
Address: Av Independencia S/N, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca

Also Read - Best Tourist Places To Visit In Mexico

2. Squares and Markets: Zocalo and Mercado Benito Juarez | The Historic Downtown

Among the best things to do in Oaxaca, exploring colourful, vibrant, and extensive markets in downtown come first. You can visit Oaxaca markets for shopping, family time and more. Zocalo and Mercado Benito Juarez (covered colourful market) are prominent marketplaces of this World Heritage Centre.

Things to Explore: the downtown is famous for festivals like Fiesta de Rabanos. These festivals and events are the best time to explore the colourful, vibrant markets of the historic downtown of Oaxaca. Visit Mercado de Abastos and Mercado de Artesanias for exquisite textile products.
Address: Downtown Area and Major Markets Across Oaxaca

Also Read - Famous Festival Of Mexico

3. Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman| A Major Oaxaca Attraction

This splendid 16th Century Church is among the best Oaxaca attractions for its cultural, religious and historical significance.

Things to Explore: An extensive Church complex with a Baroque façade and ornamented interiors, 34 portraits depicting the family tree of St. Domingo de Guzman (founder of the Dominican order), the eleven Chapels including the Rosary Chapel, a lavishly decorated altar with a figure of Virgin Mary known as the jewel of Mexican Rococo
Address: Calle Constitucion #101, Centro, 68000

Also Read - Famous Foods Of Mexico

4. Monte Alban| A Historic Settlement

UNESCO World Heritage Convention has recognised the Monte Alban archaeological site among the cultural centres of Outstanding Universal Value, along with the historic centre of Oaxaca de Juarez. It is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca for its pyramid-like mounds, tombs, plazas, and palaces with outstanding architecture. The site was inhabited for over 1500 years by Olmecs, Zapotecs, and Mixtecs.

Things to Explore: The Grand Plaza (3300 meters long and 200 meters wide), Ball Court, Several Pyramids, Cruciform tomb, Monte Alban Ruins Museum, San Jose Mogote
Address: 8 km west of Oaxaca

5. The Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude| Patron Saint of Oaxaca

It is among the best things to see in Oaxaca for its religious significance, architectural excellence and value for local people. The monument is made of green Cantera, exclusively found in this area. It was constructed in 1686.

Things to Explore: Figure of Virgen de la Soledad in black clothes with gold and other precious stone work, old Baroque organ, nearby churches including San Felipe Neri, San Juan de Dios, San Agustin
Address: El Calvario 107, Centro, 68000

6. The Rufino Tamayo Museum| A Present by Mexican Artist Tamayo

It is among the best Oaxaca tourist attractions for art lovers. The Ruffino Tamayo Museum is a gift from the famous Mexican artist Tamayo. If you are looking for amazing exhibits and artworks from different eras, this is where you want to be.

Things to Explore: Archaeological elements from different Indian cultures from across Mexico, 1000 historical artefacts covering the lifeline of Tamayo, an exhibit of Pre-Columbian art, Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca established by Francisco Toledo
Address: Av Morelos 503, Centro, 68000, nearby Zocalo (main square in Oaxaca)

7. Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden| A Green Adventure

Oaxaca tourists looking for a family outing, some relaxed time with nature, and unwinding away from the chaos of cities should take their green adventure at Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden. Spread over 2.5 acres, the garden lies near the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman and opened to the public in 1998 with much fanfare. Take your kids for some fun activities while you click some beautiful moments.

Things to Explore: The garden was created by local artists of Oaxaca, influenced by the culture and history of the city, evident across the Garden area. Other highlights include a rescue zone, an extensive variety of native species, medicinal plants, and more.
Address: Reforma Sur n, Ruta Independencia, Centro 68000

8. Hierve El Agua| A Stunning Natural Surprise

Oaxaca offers something for everyone from art lovers to history buffs to adventure seekers in the lap of nature. Visiting Hierve El Agua, a geographical wonder, is one of the best things to do in Oaxaca. It is a historical, geographical site including two rock formations-natural springs and a petrified waterfall.

Hierve El Agua literally means Boiling Water. It is one of the most visited Oaxaca tourist attractions and should be on the top of your itinerary list.

Things to Explore: Two yellowish mineral pools on the top of the falls, an ancient place of Zapotecs, natural travertine rock formations, jungle-covered mountains
Address: 45 Km East of Oaxaca City

9. Playa La Entrega| A Beautiful Beach Near Oaxaca

The coastline of Oaxaca is dotted with multiple beautiful beaches. Playa La Entrega is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca for quality family time or unwind on the beach sand. It is a 300m beach that offers delectable seafood palapas. You can indulge in water sports, including snorkelling. Gear is available at Renta de Snorkel Vicente, which lies on the north end of the beach.

There is an exciting story about the ‘La Entrega’, which means ‘The Delivery.’ Genoese Sea Captain handed over Vicente Guerrero, a Mexican Independence hero, to his political enemies. Late he was shot at Cuilapan near Oaxaca.

Things to Explore: Seafood, Water Sports, and more
Address: lies at the outer edge of Bahia de Santa Cruz and a 2.5 Km drive along a curvy road from Santa Cruz

10. San Jeronimo and Santa Maria del Tule| A 2000 Years Old Cypress and More

Visiting San Jeronimo and Santa Maria del Tule are the top things to do in the Oaxaca city vicinity. These are popular for colonial charm, churches, artwork and more.

Things to Explore: Tree of Tule, an ancient 2000 years old Cypress tree in Santa Maria del Tule, an ancient 16th Century San Jeronimo Church in the town of Tlacochahuaya. The Church is known for its colourful paintings and decorated interiors by local Indian artists.

Address:

San Jeronimo lies around 3.1 Km from Oaxaca City
Santa Maria del Tule is around 11.8 Km from Oaxaca City

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