The Excellent 3-day Itinerary for Oaxaca Metropolis, Mexico

In the event you’re dreaming of colourful streets, unimaginable meals, and that excellent mix of tradition and allure, Mexico’s Oaxaca Metropolis must be in your record. I spent weeks wandering its markets, tasting my method via each mole I may discover, and absorbing its artistic power—and let’s simply say, I fully fell for it.

This 3-day itinerary brings collectively my favourite experiences—what to see, do, and naturally, eat—so you may get an actual really feel for the town, even should you’re quick on time. It’s the right mixture of tradition, journey, and taste (with slightly mezcal sprinkled in, naturally!).

➞ For much more information in regards to the metropolis, try my Final Oaxaca Metropolis Journey Information and my picks for the 14 Finest Issues to Do in Oaxaca Metropolis, Mexico.

Day 1

Breakfast at Boulenc (Centro Location)

Boulenc is the spot to go for breakfast. It’s considered one of Oaxaca Metropolis’s hottest cafés, and for good purpose. They’ve obtained two places plus a bakery proper subsequent door to the one within the middle of city (and sure, I attempted all of them—within the identify of analysis, in fact!).

Their menu has one thing for everybody: all-day breakfasts, contemporary salads, hearty sandwiches, and extra pastries than you may depend. My favorites? A mushroom, spinach and cheese focaccia, and a colourful yogurt bowl loaded with contemporary fruit. 

It’s simply top-of-the-line breakfasts (or lunches!) on the town. Simply you should definitely go early—the place fills up quick.

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

In the event you solely go to one church in Oaxaca, make it Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán—it’s the town’s crown jewel. With its ornate Baroque design, marble columns, and gold-covered altar, it’s completely breathtaking (and truthfully feels extra like a palace than a church).

Take the Jardin Etnobotanico Tour

Don’t let the small peek you get from the road idiot you—Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca is large and completely gorgeous. It’s crammed with native Oaxacan vegetation, from spiky agave and towering cacti to uncommon bushes you received’t see wherever else. The one solution to go to is on a guided tour (about 50 pesos), and most are in Spanish—however don’t let that cease you! Even should you don’t perceive each phrase, the great thing about the backyard speaks for itself, and there’s often somebody close by comfortable to translate just a few key particulars. 

Excursions run a number of instances a day, so simply verify the schedule on the entrance gate earlier than you go.

Go to the Museum of Cultures

Proper subsequent to Santo Domingo sits considered one of my favourite spots within the metropolis—the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca. It’s housed inside a former monastery, so even earlier than you step inside, the structure alone is value admiring. Inside, you’ll discover every thing from Mixtec treasures (together with gold from Monte Albán!) to reveals that superbly inform the story of Oaxaca’s deep cultural roots. 

Don’t skip the higher flooring—the views from the home windows are completely breathtaking.

Lunch at Tacos Chemita

For a fast, no-fuss lunch in Oaxaca, Tacos Chemita is an area favourite. Only a few minutes stroll from the Museum of Cultures, this taqueria is all about high quality—particularly their al pastor tacos, cooked to perfection on a rotating spit proper in entrance of you. 

In addition they serve suadero, tripa, and steak tacos, plus the hearty chemita alambres, loaded with pastor, chile de agua, avocado, onions, peppers, bacon, and cheese. The vibe is informal—plastic chairs and checkered tablecloths—however don’t let that idiot you; the flavors are next-level.

Store Benito Juarez Market

Mercado Benito Juárez is a mixture of souvenirs and snacks. You’ll discover handwoven totes, embroidered baggage, salsa bowls, keychains, and sure—even reside animals! Don’t miss the nieve (Oaxacan-style ice cream); my favourite spot was Chagüita (stall #27), the place locals line up for flavors like tuna (prickly pear), donají (lime & mezcal), and beso oaxaqueño (a tropical fruit combine). I additionally scored a cute woven tote for $10, handmade salsa bowls for $2 every, and a small fragrance for simply $7 an oz..

Cocktails at La Cueva

Simply steps from the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Defensa, La Cueva lives as much as its identify—a moody, cave-like bar excellent for a pre-dinner drink (or two). We ended up lingering due to the comfy ambiance, reside music, and expertly crafted cocktails. 

Their mezcal choice is great, craft beers are strong, and there are even just a few nice wines if that’s extra your model (that’s what i had!). The employees are pleasant and educated, comfortable to advocate one thing new, and the intimate, low-lit house appears like a hidden gem away from the town buzz.

Dinner at Casa Mook

We stumbled upon Casa Mook on a mission for the very best pozole in Oaxaca—and it did not disappoint. The normal pozole was so good, I even went again for a second serving to earlier than leaving city! However truthfully, we got here for the pozole and stayed for every thing else. 

The memelas with asiento, beans, and cheese had been easy but filled with taste, and the remainder of the menu is stuffed with Oaxacan staples—huitlacoche, squash blossoms, contemporary herbs—and loads of house-made tortillas to scoop all of it up. The house itself is attractive, half restaurant, half artwork gallery, with touches that remember Oaxaca’s wealthy meals tradition.

Day 2

Pastries & Espresso at Bodaega

Bodaega is my favourite pastry store in all of Oaxaca Metropolis—no contest (and belief me, I did the analysis!). The pastries are nearly too fairly to eat… nearly. You’ve gotta attempt the morning bun with jamón serrano—savory, buttery perfection—and in the event that they’ve obtained the rhubarb compote Danish with hibiscus, don’t even hesitate. This isn’t the place for eggs and toast—it’s the place for a killer cappuccino and a pastry that’ll make your complete morning.

See the Avenue Artwork in Barrio de Jalatlaco

Barrio de Jalatlaco is a captivating little neighborhood that feels such as you’ve stepped right into a dwelling artwork gallery—murals cowl nearly each inch, from the perimeters of properties to storage doorways and even the occasional sidewalk. Some are daring and political, others are candy and kooky, however all of them inform a narrative about Oaxaca’s tradition and soul.

I took a free strolling tour with Oaxaca by Locals, and it made such a distinction realizing the that means behind the artwork (extremely advocate!). However truthfully, you can simply stroll down Calle Aldama and its facet streets and nonetheless see tons of unimaginable items. Convey your digicam—you’ll need to cease each few toes.

Oh, and should you want slightly caffeine kick earlier than or after your stroll, seize a espresso at As soon as In Oaxaca—it’s considered one of my favourite cozy cafés within the space.

➞ Bonus tip: If in case you have further time throughout your 3-day itinerary, try the road artwork in Xochimilco too. It’s one other artistic neighborhood value exploring!

Take a Cooking Class Dos Corazones

This was hands-down top-of-the-line experiences we had in Oaxaca. Chef Aubrey welcomed us into her residence like outdated associates—heat hugs, mezcal in hand, and the sweetest tales about her grandmother’s recipes which have been handed down for generations.

We kicked issues off with a cup of wealthy Oaxacan sizzling chocolate and a tasting of native fruits like zapote negro and pineapple mango (Aubrey even confirmed us methods to squish the mango good earlier than biting the highest and sipping out the juice—it was so enjoyable and so messy!). After just a few snacks of roasted nuts and plantains, we tied on conventional aprons and obtained cooking.

Our group of seven made chileajo, chile relleno filled with rooster picadillo, and two sorts of salsa. We chopped, stirred, laughed, and sipped mezcal the entire method via. Aubrey and her husband made us really feel like a part of their household—and by the tip of the evening, it actually felt like we had been. Each single individual in our class stated this was the spotlight of their journey… and I couldn’t agree extra.

➞ You possibly can e-book the precise class I took right here: Conventional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma’s Recipes

Take a Wooden Engraving Workshop 

In the event you’ve ever admired these placing black-and-white posters plastered round Oaxaca, you’ve seen the town’s wooden engraving artwork in motion—and sure, you may truly attempt it your self! I took a 3-hour class at Galería 20-20, and it ended up being considered one of my favourite artistic experiences on the town.

We began by studying primary engraving methods, practiced on a check board (which made me understand this artwork kind takes persistence!), after which created our personal design to print and take residence.

Tip: Come ready with a design concept—it’s surprisingly arduous to give you one thing on the spot. And since your print wants about 8 hours to dry, plan to swing again later to select it up. I booked my class simply by messaging them on Instagram.

Cocktails at Sabina Sabe

In the event you’re into cocktails, Sabina Sabe is a should. It’s even made the record of the World’s High 50 Bars—and when you sip considered one of their creations, you’ll completely get why. The place is small and classy (so count on slightly wait), however the vibe is value each minute.

I ordered the Paloma Margarita, a scrumptious twist with Espolón blanco, Campari, Aperol, citrus, and grapefruit—it was perfection in a glass. The Guayabo Verde is one other standout: gentle, natural, and refreshingly distinctive with mezcal, guava, basil, and tonic.

Additionally, there’s this one piece of artwork on the wall that I couldn’t cease observing. In the event you go, inform me if it catches your eye too—I must know if it’s simply me!

Dinner at Las Quince Letras

For an genuine Oaxacan dinner, Las Quince Letras is the spot. Their shaded terrace feels relaxed and native, however the true star right here is the mole—particularly the smoky, wealthy mole negro that’s so flavorful it virtually stands by itself.

Begin with the molotes de plátano—crispy fried plantains filled with savory meat and topped with candy pink mole (they’re addictive!). Then transfer on to the garnachas istmeñas, piled excessive with shredded beef and pickled cabbage, or the comforting sopa de guías, a conventional squash vine soup served with tlayuda and tasajo.

In the event you’re hungry, go large with the tasajo a la oaxaqueña—it comes with mole enchiladas and melted quesillo. 

Day 3

Pan Con Madre 

In the event you love good bread (and who doesn’t?), Pan Con Madre is slightly piece of heaven. This all-sourdough bakery is the place I had considered one of my favourite breakfasts in Oaxaca. The yogurt bowl is my go-to—it’s piled excessive with contemporary fruit, crunchy granola, and cacao nibs, the right mixture of wholesome and indulgent.

In fact, you have to attempt their pastries too. The croissants are flakey perfection, and the savory scones and focaccia? Unreal. In the event you time it proper, you’ll catch that fresh-baked bread aroma wafting via the air—it’s mainly unattainable to withstand strolling in.

The Mezcal Journey 

Certain, you may sip mezcal at considered one of Oaxaca Metropolis’s stylish bars—however should you actually need to perceive it, you’ve obtained to see the place the magic occurs. I joined The Mezcal Journey tour, and it was a captivating expertise.

We watched each step of the method—from roasting agave hearts in underground pits to crushing them with a horse-drawn stone wheel and distilling by hand. It gave me a complete new appreciation for a way a lot custom and craftsmanship goes into each bottle!

We even stopped at an agave subject to take a shot straight from the leaves earlier than heading again for a full tasting—practically a dozen mezcals in complete (and sure, I used to be maintaining depend… for analysis, in fact).

➞ Tip: You possibly can e-book the identical tour as me right here: The Mezcal Journey

Lucha Libre at Area Oaxaca (Sundays solely)

In the event you’re in Oaxaca on a Sunday evening, don’t miss add this to your itinerary. At 6:30 PM, Area Oaxaca turns right into a whirlwind of acrobatics, drama, and pure enjoyable with Lucha Libre—Mexico’s beloved (and completely over-the-top) wrestling spectacle.

You’ll see the Rudos (dangerous guys) battle the Técnicos (good guys) in 5 matches of three rounds every, and belief me—they get higher and crazier because the evening goes on. Sit within the entrance row should you can for the total expertise, however heads up: wrestlers do typically go flying into the group (I positively needed to duck greater than as soon as).

When the ultimate match ends and the group goes wild, it’s custom to toss cash—and even paper pesos—onto the mat to point out your love. In the event you’ve obtained a much bigger invoice, maintain it close to the ring and a wrestler may come seize it personally (that’s what I did, and it was a complete spotlight!).

Cocktails at Selva Cocktail Bar

If you would like a cocktail with a view, head to Selva, perched on the second ground overlooking Santo Domingo. It’s obtained that excellent mixture of mid-century cool and Oaxacan soul—assume lush greenery, heat lighting, and simply the correct quantity of buzz within the air.

The cocktails are as stunning as they’re artistic, all impressed by native components and flavors. I ordered their signature Selva (mezcal, hoja santa, chile liqueur, basil, and extra), and truthfully, it tasted like Oaxaca in a glass. It’s the right pre-dinner cease—particularly should you’ve obtained reservations at Los Danzantes, conveniently proper downstairs.

Dinner at Zandunga

Zandunga is correct within the coronary heart of Centro, only a fast five-minute stroll from the Zócalo, and the setting is totally stunning—an open-air courtyard with an enormous tree within the center, comfortable lighting, and that excellent mix of contemporary and comfy.

We began with the contemporary pico de gallo with shrimp and a tlayuda piled excessive with all the great things. The ceviche was vibrant and zesty, and the tamal de mole negro? Yummy. Mole is an enormous deal in Oaxaca—every area has its personal model—however the mole negro is the one everybody talks about. It’s wealthy, smoky, and layered with taste, and at Zandunga, it’s performed so effectively.

Truthful warning: the parts are beneficiant, so sharing is certainly a great transfer right here.

➞ If in case you have some further time listed below are the 5 Finest Oaxaca Metropolis Excursions You Shouldn’t Miss!

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