Jalatlaco offers a colourful glimpse into Oaxaca's colonial past. Cobblestone streets wind past vibrant 16th-century buildings where artisan workshops showcase traditional weaving and pottery. The neighborhood's baroque Templo de San Matías glows amber at sunset. This historic district balances authentic Mexican life with trendy spaces. Small galleries display contemporary Oaxacan art beside centuries-old architectural details. Family-run comedores serve mole negro while boutique cafés offer artisanal pastries. Visitors can easily walk to Oaxaca's zócalo in 20 minutes.
Step into Oaxaca's oldest quarter where colonial heritage comes alive. Barrio de Xochimilco charms visitors with narrow cobblestone lanes and weathered stone churches framing peaceful plazas. Indigenous artisans tap rhythmically in workshops, creating textiles and metalwork using centuries-old techniques. Hidden courtyards reveal ancient murals behind intricately carved wooden doors. Family-run comedores serve traditional mole and tlayudas throughout the day. The neighborhood's earth-toned buildings, wrought-iron balconies, and cascading bougainvillea create a timeless atmosphere for cultural exploration.
Reforma offers an upscale retreat from Oaxaca City's busy historic centre. Tree-lined avenues and elegant homes create a peaceful atmosphere for travellers seeking quiet luxury. This leafy area balances residential charm with refined amenities. Stroll through manicured gardens and discover boutique hotels with premium services. Plaza Mazari and Plaza Parque provide pleasant spots for relaxation or shopping. The 15-minute walk to city centre reveals architectural beauty while maintaining the neighborhood's serene character.
Oaxaca Centro captivates visitors with its golden-stone cathedral and ornate Santo Domingo Church. The tree-lined Zócalo buzzes with mariachi music while cobblestone streets lead to museums showcasing pre-Columbian treasures. This UNESCO World Heritage site blends colonial architecture with rich Zapotec and Mixtec heritage. Markets overflow with handwoven textiles, black pottery, and local delicacies like mole and chapulines. Mezcal bars and cantinas create intimate evening scenes with live music. The compact historic centre rewards explorers with artisan workshops and vibrant murals adorning historic buildings.
Ruta Independencia captures Oaxaca's colonial soul through centuries-old architecture and vibrant cultural traditions. The historic thoroughfare connects magnificent landmarks like the baroque Church of Santo Domingo and the Museum of Oaxacan Culture. Indigenous artisans display colourful textiles while the scent of traditional cuisine fills the air. The neighborhood's cobblestone streets lead to hidden plazas and bustling markets selling authentic crafts. Visit the Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden to discover native plants that have shaped local culture. Most attractions sit within easy walking distance, making this central district perfect for travellers seeking Mexico's rich heritage.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Oaxaca
Zócalo
9.2/10 (4,742 reviews)
The Zócalo pulses with life as Oaxaca City's vibrant heart, where colonial architecture meets UNESCO heritage. Sip mezcal at a plaza-side café while musicians perform beneath the shade of laurel trees.
Auditorio Guelaguetza
9.0/10 (715 reviews)
This open-air amphitheatre crowns Cerro del Fortín, showcasing Oaxaca's indigenous heritage through vibrant performances. During July's Guelaguetza Festival, witness traditional dances amid panoramic city views.
Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán
9.6/10 (3,897 reviews)
This Baroque masterpiece dazzles with ornate gold leaf interiors and houses the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca. Admire pre-Columbian treasures from Monte Albán's Tomb 7 while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Oaxaca Cathedral
9.4/10 (4,024 reviews)
This striking Baroque cathedral stands proudly in Oaxaca's Zócalo, its green cantera stone facade rich with intricate carvings. Inside awaits a neoclassical interior and bronze statue of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Monte Albán
9.6/10 (3,102 reviews)
Perched atop a mountain, Monte Albán's ancient Zapotec pyramids and plazas showcase sophisticated urban planning from 500 BCE. Hire a guide to decode the mysterious carved Danzantes figures and astronomical alignments.
Photo by Sergio Camalich
Open Photo by Sergio Camalich
Santo Domingo Square
9.6/10 (3,062 reviews)
Santo Domingo Square pulses as Oaxaca's cultural heart, anchored by a magnificent Baroque church and museum. Evenings bring the plaza to life with street musicians, artisans, and cafés serving authentic Oaxacan cuisine.
Photo by Paul Westfall
Open Photo by Paul Westfall
Benito Juarez Market
9.2/10 (3,540 reviews)
Mercado Benito Juárez offers a sensory journey through Oaxacan culture with stalls of mole, mezcal, and handcrafted textiles. Arrive in the morning to sample tejate and chat with artisans.
Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden
9.0/10 (1,570 reviews)
Explore over 1,000 native plant species showcasing Oaxaca's rich biodiversity and indigenous heritage. The guided tours reveal botanical treasures amid 16th-century structures in this serene educational sanctuary.
What to do in Oaxaca
Monte Alban, Ancestral Mezcal, Alebrijes and Black Mud Tour
"Staff work very hard here to make guests comfortable. Free breakfast was very tasty. If you come here just make sure it's not earlier than the check in time because we arrived at 2:30 but they wouldn't let us go to our room."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Offering excellent value package deals on Expedia, you'll be thrilled with how little a holiday to Oaxaca costs! Our packages make travel planning easier and save you more.
What are the cheapest months to go to Oaxaca?
If you're hoping to snag a cheap Oaxaca holiday package, consider planning a trip in May, August and September. You're likely to find lower rates on flights and hotels during these quieter months — ideal for travellers wishing to save money.
How many days is enough for Oaxaca?
We'd recommend booking an Oaxaca holiday for a minimum of 3 days. This will allow you enough time to visit major attractions including Museum of Oaxacan Culture and Museum of Oaxacan Painters, and also explore neighbourhoods like Oaxaca Centro and Ruta Independencia. You might even be able to make time for one or two day trips outside of Oaxaca.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Oaxaca?
From cool attractions such as Zócalo and Oaxaca Cathedral to its excellent dining, an Oaxaca holiday guarantees an unforgettable adventure. With so much to do and see, it's time to find out for yourself why Oaxaca is such a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Oaxaca package deals?
Landing a cheap Oaxaca package deal is easy with Expedia. After you've entered your travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, apply a few filters and see what's available. You can fine-tune your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Traveller experience" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most wallet-friendly Oaxaca package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book an Oaxaca holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to make your money go further. Bundle your car rental, hotel and flight into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll usually snag a better deal than booking each component individually. And you'll still get the flexibility to create a customised Oaxaca holiday by choosing your preferred type of stay, airline and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Oaxaca?
If you've got your Oaxaca travel dates confirmed, book as soon as you can to snap up some outstanding deals. With Expedia, you can typically reserve some flights up to one year in advance. Prefer spontaneous getaways? Our last-minute deals are great for jetting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Oaxaca?
Choose when to travel: Check your calendar and get your bags packed. Your preferred time of year and the available activities will also help you decide when to holiday in Oaxaca.
Budget wisely: Besides the cost of your hotel, you'll need to factor in other expenses. These include flights, transportation and food. Also, put aside some extra funds for unexpected expenses that may arise during your trip to Oaxaca.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you're up to speed on Oaxaca, you can work out the right length of your holiday. Pull together a draft itinerary and allocate enough time to cover everything you want to see.
Bundle your hotel and flights: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to choose an Oaxaca holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
Oaxaca is a vibrant destination perfect for culture-themed and family vacations. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities, including theatre performances, music concerts, and traditional dance. Essential experiences include various Mexico tours, tour packages, day trips, and group tours. For those exploring the area, there are also numerous stops for an enriching Oaxaca road trip, ensuring a memorable holiday filled with cultural immersion and local charm.
Shopping
For a delightful shopping experience in Oaxaca, visit Plaza Bella Oaxaca and Santo Domingo Square, both offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring Benito Juarez Market for a taste of local culture and unique souvenirs.
Recreation
Experience the vibrant rhythms at the Auditorio Guelaguetza, where local music fills the air with joy. For a rejuvenating escape, visit the Temazcal Spa Maya, offering traditional body treatments that promote relaxation and wellness. Engage in thrilling sports at the Technological Stadium of Oaxaca, energising your spirit.
Adventure
Pueblos Mancomunados offers an immersive outdoor experience, showcasing the natural beauty of Oaxaca. For a scenic adventure, hike the A Los Pinos Trailhead, where breathtaking views await. Similarly, the Loma del Pelado Trailhead promises an exhilarating trek amidst picturesque landscapes, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Nightlife
Oaxaca's nightlife is vibrant, with bustling streets lined with bars and live music venues. Visit the Zócalo for lively performances, or explore the trendy neighbourhood of Jalatlaco for unique bars. Don't miss Casa Cantana and La Mezcaleria for a taste of local mezcal and a lively atmosphere.
Find the best attractions in Oaxaca
Oaxaca offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and city-themed holidays. Explore its stunning attractions such as the Oaxaca Cathedral, engaging museums, and vibrant art scenes. With a focus on Oaxacan culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities, you'll find plenty to do. Don't miss the top attractions in Oaxaca that highlight the region's unique heritage and charm, making your visit truly memorable.
Monte Albán: Discover the ancient Zapotec capital perched high above the valley. This archaeological site offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Mesoamerican culture, with impressive pyramids and intricate carvings that tell stories of a bygone era.
Oaxaca Cathedral: Located in the heart of the city, this stunning baroque cathedral features exquisite architecture and a rich history. Step inside to admire its ornate interior, and take a moment to appreciate its role in Oaxaca's cultural heritage.
Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden: A tranquil oasis showcasing the region's diverse plant life, this garden is perfect for a romantic stroll or family outing. Explore beautifully curated paths and learn about the traditional uses of native flora in a serene outdoor setting.
Best time to go to Oaxaca
The best time to visit Oaxaca is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Oaxaca
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically June and August to September) for more affordable package holidays to Oaxaca.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.