Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca

Oaxaca's colonial centre is full of colourful streets, markets, mezcal bars and the golden Santo Domingo church.

Oaxaca: Culture, History and Traditions of Oaxaca City
Featured walk: Culture, History and Traditions of Oaxaca City · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Oaxaca is known for its Indigenous cultures, crafts and food, from mole to mezcal. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The centre is laid out on a grid and easy to walk.

What makes Oaxaca distinctive

  • Mole and street food
  • Mezcal
  • Santo Domingo church
  • Day of the Dead

Walking tours in Oaxaca

Hand-picked guided walks in Oaxaca, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 29 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Food tours in Oaxaca · History walks in Oaxaca

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Centro

    The historic centre.

  • Jalatlaco

    Colourful streets.

  • Xochimilco

    A quiet old barrio.

Free self-guided walk

Zócalo to Santo Domingo

A free self-guided walk in Oaxaca, from the Zócalo and the markets along the pedestrian Alcalá to Santo Domingo.

1.3 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Andador Macedonio Alcalá

    A pedestrian street to Santo Domingo.

  2. Jalatlaco

    Murals.

  3. Markets

    Around the Zócalo.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Flat.

  • Altitude

    About 1,550 metres.

  • Sun

    Strong sun.

When to visit

  • October to November

    Day of the Dead.

  • July

    Guelaguetza festival.

  • Spring

    Warm and dry.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Oaxaca Airport is about 20 minutes away.

Local transport

  • On foot

    The centre is walkable.

  • Taxis

    Cheap.

Questions travellers ask about Oaxaca

How many days do I need?

Three days.

When is Day of the Dead?

Around 31 October to 2 November.

Can I visit Monte Albán?

Yes, about 20 minutes away.

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Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.