Oaxaca is a beautiful city located in the south of Mexico, the city is recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage. This place possesses both natural and artificial beauty, worthy of being the most famous tourist destination in Mexico.
Oaxaca’s strengths include low-cost accommodation and affordable street food, making it an attractive destination for those on a budget. On top of that, Oaxaca also has plenty of free attractions, from colorful streets to cultural and historical sites. All of these factors combine to create a city that is not only beautiful but also incredibly friendly.
Oaxaca is the capital and largest city of the state of the same name in Mexico.
There are plenty of cultural activities to do in Oaxaca, many of which won’t cost you a peso. Many of the free museums, galleries, and workshops showcase locally made arts and crafts, such as intricately designed black pottery, handwoven Zapotec rugs, and surreal sculptures of mythical animals.
Oaxaca also attracts budget travelers with its walkability, ubiquitous street art, stunning baroque architecture, and public squares filled with music and dance.
Here are some great experiences to have in Oaxaca:
Discover vibrant urban art on cobblestone streets
Local artists have transformed the streets of Oaxaca into open-air galleries, with vibrant murals and satirical paintings adorning the walls of the historic districts of Jalatlaco, Xochimilco, and Centro. Each of these areas has its own artistic flair, creating a colorful and vibrant overall picture.
Colorful walls attract tourists
The peaceful yet charming setting of this city
All three areas are located next to each other on one street, making it easy to explore them on foot. What’s even better is that you can enjoy the whole experience without spending any money.
Feast your eyes on these captivating photos at Centro Fotográfico Álvarez Bravo
Named after revered Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo, the former residence of Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo features free exhibitions of strange yet wonderful images taken by contemporary talent from Mexico and abroad.
Renowned Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo
Occasionally, it also exhibits works from its permanent collection of around 100,000 photographs, including those by Álvarez Bravo, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Graciela Iturbide, Mary Ellen Mark and other influential figures in photography.
Renowned Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo founded the Manuel Álvarez Bravo Photography Center in Oaxaca City, Mexico. The Institute of Graphic Arts of Oaxaca (MAO) is located next to the Manuel Álvarez Bravo Fotográfico Center. MAO also hosts free exhibitions, as well as workshops, classes, and other events.
Visit enchanting galleries and craft shops
Oaxaca is famous for producing some of the highest quality folk art in the country, so even if you don't intend to buy anything, you should definitely check out these beautiful pieces.
Handicrafts are displayed everywhere.
Shops and galleries, many along Centro's Calle Alcalá, sell everything from barro negro (glossy black pottery) and alebrijes (brightly painted mythical animal sculptures) to handmade textiles and baskets made from palm leaves.
The streets of Oaxaca are covered in color thanks to these items
Intricately designed copal wood carvings of mythical animals are on display at Voces de Copal, while nearby gallery Mano Mágica features handwoven Zapotec rugs and artwork by Oaxacan masters such as Toledo, Tamayo and Morales.
Learn about Oaxaca's world-famous textile traditions at the Museo de Textil
With over 10,000 Oaxacan and international textiles, many of which are over 100 years old, the Museo de Textil is a must-see for anyone interested in textile art and culture. Admission is free and features a wide range of traditional garments and other hand-woven objects. Through various exhibitions, workshops, and an extensive library, visitors can learn more about textile techniques and history. It is truly a treasure trove of knowledge and art, offering visitors a unique and inspiring experience without having to pay a single penny.
The people's costumes reflect the city's style.
To delve deeper into Oaxaca's colorful world of textiles, a craft that has flourished in the region since 500 BC, head to the famous weaving town of Teotitlán del Valle, where Zapotec-run workshops create colorful rugs and carpets on old-fashioned treadle looms.
Enjoy Zócalo's live entertainment
For hours of free fun, head to the tree-lined Zócalo and enjoy performances by street performers and marimba musicians performing to crowds on the city's iconic main square.
This area, along with the adjacent Alameda de León, is a popular destination for visitors looking to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Oaxaca. It also features the striking 16th-century Metropolitan Cathedral and the State Government Palace with its unique murals, creating a rich historical and artistic scene.
The vast square is overwhelming.
These plazas really come alive when brass bands play or couples dance to elegant danzón music. These are great times to experience Oaxaca's vibrant culture and pace of life.
Admire the majestic architecture
With a whopping 1,200 historical monuments, Centro has rightfully earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Notable sights include several iconic baroque buildings: the 16th-century Templo de Santo Domingo, the adjacent former Dominican convent (now home to the Oaxaca Cultural Museum), and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad – known for its glittering, ornate, gold-tinged interior and cantera façade dating from 1690.
Templo de Santo Domingo is known as the representative architecture of Mexico.
Another iconic landmark is the Xochimilco Aqueduct, built in the 1700s to bring clean drinking water to the city center. Although it was decommissioned in 1940, some of the arches along Calle Rufino Tamayo are still used as entrances to homes.
Unique three-story aqueduct of ancient Romans in Mexico
Floating on the canals of Mexico's "Venice"
Wander through markets filled with local flavors
No trip to Oaxaca would be complete without a visit to the vibrant old markets, where you'll not only find some of the most affordable eats in town, but also a tantalizing mix of uniquely Oaxacan dishes.
Eye-catching colors in the markets of this city
Along the aisles of shopping malls like 20 de Noviembre and Mercado de la Merced, you’ll find the filming location of the movie “Day of the Dead,” or items with a strong local imprint such as huipiles (embroidered long dresses), crispy chapulines (grilled grasshoppers for you to enjoy as a snack) and a host of other local dishes that might pique your curiosity.
