Oaxaca City Walking Tour - Markets, Textile museum & Lunch

Oaxaca City , Mexico

Oaxaca City Walking Tour - Markets, Textile museum & Lunch

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About this experience

All conversations about Oaxaca revolve around 3 things: culture, crafts and food. Join us on an exploration of vibrant Oaxaca through the streets, markets and celebrated landmarks of the city center. Taking in plazas, historic buildings, local legends, exquisite architecture and of course the fascinating world of Oaxaca’s markets, this tour will give you an excellent intro to life in the city as well as help you navigate the downtown area during your stay.

HIGHLIGHTS
- City Markets
- Santo Domingo Church
- Zocalo (Main Square)
- Textile Museum
- Botanical Gardens (7hours option)
- Delicious Lunch (7hours option)

Available options

2hours Oaxaca City Guided Tour

Duration: 2 hours: Explore Oaxaca in a 2-hour walking tour, discovering its vibrant markets, delicious chocolate, and stunning architecture.

7hours Oaxaca City Guided Tour

Duration: 7 hours: An excellent introduction about this beautiful city, including food tasting, botanical garden entrance fee & lunch !

What's included

Bottled water

All Fees and Taxes

7 hours option

Detailed itinerary

The tour will begin in the main square or Zocalo, exploring the modern foundations of the city, the cathedral and its colonial past. From here we will move onto the markets before they get too busy. An integral part of life in Mexico, we will explore both the Benito Juarez food market and the Mercado 20 de Noviembre craft market, where you can find all manner of produce and wares. We will sample some typical food & drinks, have a look at how chocolate is made, visit a Mezcal superstore, checkout the world famous ‘pasillo de humo’ (corridor of smoke) as well as help you understand the layout of the markets for future reference and shopping. Believe us, you can get lost among the plethora of textiles, leather goods, shoemakers, ceramics, fried crickets & foodstalls!

A tour of the market is a must on any trip to Mexico for both the local insight and tips on where to eat & acquire interesting local crafts & souvenirs.

After the bustle of the market you will be delighted to enter the oasis of calm and biodiversity that is the Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca. Considered a gem among botanical gardens, although relatively small in size it houses a huge variety of cacti & agave, amny among them endemic to the region. This is an eye opening walk among the representative vegetation of the state and an amazing spot for photo opportunities.

Next up, a welcome break for refreshments and light lunch at La Cosecha Market. This market is relatively small, open air and very clean and as opposed to the main city markets and was setup to showcase the food from different regions of the state, which you can choose from the different vendors that surround a common eating area. A very pleasant & necessary break en route to our next stop.

We finish our afternoon by heading down to Santo Domingo Church and then the Textile museum, a beautifully restored colonial mansion that houses a fascinating collection of Textiles from around the state. Oaxaca is known specifically for its textiles and this museum is a hidden gem

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

11 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The meeting point for our Oaxaca City tour is in front of Café Bien Oaxaca.
We do not pick up clients in front of their hotel.

About Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City, the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant indigenous cultures, and rich culinary traditions. It offers a unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Mexico.

Top Attractions

Zócalo

The main square of Oaxaca City, surrounded by colonial buildings, cafes, and shops. It's a hub of activity and a great place to people-watch.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

A stunning 16th-century Baroque church and former monastery, now home to the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures.

Historical 1-2 hours MXN 60 (museum entry)

Monte Albán

An ancient Zapotec archaeological site with impressive ruins, temples, and pyramids. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

Historical Half day MXN 80

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, crafts, and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience Oaxacan culture and cuisine.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for food and souvenirs

Ethnobotanical Garden

A beautiful garden showcasing the diverse flora of Oaxaca, with a focus on medicinal and culinary plants. It's a peaceful retreat in the city.

Nature 1-2 hours MXN 30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mole

A complex and flavorful sauce made with chilies, chocolate, and spices. Oaxaca is famous for its seven traditional moles.

Sauce (served with meat or chicken) Contains chocolate and various spices, may contain meat.

Tlayudas

A large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa. It's often referred to as 'Oaxacan pizza.'

Street food Vegetarian options available, but typically contains meat.

Chapulines

Toasted grasshoppers seasoned with lime, garlic, and chili. A popular and protein-rich snack in Oaxaca.

Snack Contains insects, not suitable for those with entomophobia.

Mezcal

A traditional Mexican spirit made from the agave plant. Oaxaca is the heart of mezcal production, offering a wide variety of flavors and brands.

Drink Alcoholic beverage, not suitable for those avoiding alcohol.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Sierra Norte Zip-lining in San José del Pacífico Exploring Monte Albán Soaking in Hierve el Agua Enjoying mezcal tastings Strolling through the Ethnobotanical Garden Visiting local markets Attending cultural festivals

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This period offers the best weather with sunny days and cool nights. It's ideal for exploring the city and attending major festivals like Day of the Dead (early November).

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Oaxaca City is generally safe for tourists, but common sense and precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Xoxocotlán International Airport • 10 km from city center

By bus

ADO Oaxaca Central de Autobuses

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most areas. Buses are color-coded based on their routes. Taxis are also widely available and relatively inexpensive.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Histórico (Historic Center) Jalatlaco Reforma

Day trips

Hierve el Agua

35 km from Oaxaca City • Half day

A stunning natural site featuring petrified waterfalls, mineral pools, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. It's a popular spot for swimming and hiking.

Teotitlán del Valle

30 km from Oaxaca City • Half day

A traditional Zapotec village known for its vibrant textiles, weaving workshops, and cultural heritage. It's a great place to learn about Oaxacan craft traditions.

San José del Pacífico

60 km from Oaxaca City • Full day

A mountain village surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for hiking, zip-lining, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Festivals

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) • Early November (October 31 to November 2) Guelaguetza Festival • Last two Mondays of July Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) • December 23

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local language and culture
Visit local markets for authentic souvenirs and support local artisans
Try local street food for a unique and affordable culinary experience
Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the city's history and culture
Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere