Flash Trip: 3 Days in Oaxaca City
- evesymington
- Apr 10
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 17
Is Oaxaca City a great destination for a quick getaway? Absolutely. Look no further for an unforgettable experience in this DELICIOUS city.
Per capita, I am hard-pressed to think of a destination more rich in culinary bounty just a short walk from its lovely city center. From that first bite of a tamale con mole, we fell in love with the city. That's precisely what makes this place the perfect choice for a Flash Trip: 3 Days Oaxaca-style.
The streets of Oaxaca city are lined with bright, colorful buildings, rooftop bars with great views, cobblestone alleys covered in street art, and stunning churches.
You can see the city’s past on full display at the ancient ruins of Monte Albán (a UNESCO site), perfect for a half-day trip.
Oaxaca is also totally baby-and-kid-friendly (though by no means stroller-friendly!); people love kids here! If you have kiddos, you might find yourself eating more memelas and drinking less mezcal, but there’s still plenty to keep you well-fed and well-entertained with little ones in tow.
Don't forget to check out our “eating your way through Oaxaca” guide for all things food and our top food picks in the city.
And if you have more time, explore our full 7-day itinerary!
FLASH TRIP OAXACA INDEX:
When to Go to Oaxaca City (Oaxaca de Juárez)
As we often say at WS&T, there's no bad time to travel. Each season in Oaxaca offers something unique.
October–March: High Season
This is the most popular time to visit, with cooler, dry weather and clear skies. Mornings and evenings are crisp, and days are pleasantly warm. Major festivals like Day of the Dead and Christmas make this a magical (but busier) time of year. Expect more tourists and higher prices.
April–May: Shoulder Season
The hottest and driest months of the year. While it’s not the most scenic time (landscapes are parched), it’s great for travelers looking to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices. Bonus: April’s Traditional Chefs Festival is a must for foodies!
June–October: Rainy Season
Don’t let the rain scare you—showers usually come in the afternoon, leaving mornings free to explore. Everything turns lush and green, and aside from July’s Guelaguetza Festival, it’s generally less crowded. Just pack an umbrella and stay flexible with your plans.
Getting to Oaxaca City
You’ll most likely change planes in Mexico City, hopping on another flight for the last hour to Oaxaca de Juárez. You’ll land at Oaxaca’s Aeropuerto Internacional Xoxocotlán, located a brisk 7km outside the city. It's an adorable airport and they've made safe transport to the city efficient.
Arrival Information
Getting Cash:
Money: We grab some Mexican Pesos from an airport ATM (best rates) or use the currency exchange counter if we’ve brought cash.
WS&T Money Tip: Travel credit card for points. Our rec. And a card w/ fee reimbursement for the ATM. (Some Argentine ATMs charged $6-10 USD, so thank you, Fidelity!)
Getting to Your Hotel:
The trip from the airport to the city center will take about 18-25 minutes, depending on time of day.
Taxi: When you emerge into the arrivals hall, you’ll find a taxi kiosk located right next to the rental car booths. Prices are set and posted for two different zones of the city, depending on exactly where you’re headed. Make sure to have your hotel address handy.
You can choose a private yellow taxi or a cheaper colectivo van, where you’ll share with several other passengers. If you go for a colectivo, make sure you have an available seatbelt to buckle in your car seat. A private taxi ride should cost you about 500 MXP ($24.31 at the time of writing) while a colectivo is about 175 MXP per person ($8.50 at the time of writing). Since colectivos charge per person, depending on how many family members you have it might be worth it to go for the private taxi.
WS&T Money Tip: Find out the price beforehand and ask if they take credit cards. Otherwise, make sure you have enough cash on hand.
Rideshare: Uber is currently (at least officially) banned in Oaxaca City after a protest by the taxi unions. DiDi is another ride share app which is available in Oaxaca City, though more often than not it will just match you with a local taxi. Taxis are the best way to get around, just make sure that if you’re hailing one outside the airport you confirm the price in advance.
Car Rental: If you plan on renting a car, you may want to wait until you’re headed out of Oaxaca City as you really don’t need one to get around the (very walkable!) town. If you would like to rent a car, head to the car rental booths in the arrivals terminal and find your agency. You can also rent a car for a day trip at a rental location in town. We didn’t rent a car during our stay, but we’ve heard good things about Ñuu Kava Renta de Autos and Only Rent A Car on Mariano Matamoros in Centro.
Public Transportation: Oaxaca’s bus system is kinda complicated and not very convenient; the best option on a budget is to book seats on a colectivo.
Where to Stay in Oaxaca City
Wondering which neighborhood to choose in Oaxaca de Juárez? Read on!
ZÓCALO
The Zócalo is the bustling heart of downtown Oaxaca, a lively square shaded by trees and packed with activity day and night. When people refer to the staying in “Zócalo,” they mean the area south of Avenida de la Independencia. Market stalls line its edges, selling all sorts of trinkets, while restaurants spill onto patios with live music. Street food carts and performers keep the energy high, though things quiet down later at night.
Staying here means you’re within a short walk of Oaxaca’s top sights, including the famous Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez. Most hotels and hostels in the area are set in historic colonial buildings, surrounded by landmarks like the former Government Palace and the grand Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. For first-time visitors who want to be in the center of it all, the Zócalo is a great choice!
SANTO DOMINGO
Santo Domingo is the neighborhood just north of Avenida de Independencia in El Centro. It is a lively part of the city, full of art, music, and rooftop restaurants. Named after the beautiful Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, it has colorful colonial streets, local shops, and plenty of places to explore. It’s a bit more expensive than other areas, but with great hotels, good food, and easy access to Oaxaca’s main attractions, it’s a great option!
EL LLANO
El Llano is a quieter neighborhood just northeast of Santo Domingo, centered around the tree-filled Parque Juárez El Llano (which was once a zoo! Check out the golden lion statues in each corner of the park). Here you’ll be close to Centro but farther from the tourist crowds. Mornings and evenings in the park are popular for locals, with families rollerblading, jogging, or grabbing snacks like elotes, nieves, and tacos. This is a more affordable and quieter neighborhood, so it’s a good choice if you’re traveling with kids.
Our Hotel Recommendations in Oaxaca City
Ayook (Zócalo): Beautiful hotel in a very central location. Smallish rooms (as you’ll normally find in Oaxaca), but a nice included breakfast for those kiddos who wake up hungry.
Hotel Dainzu (Zócalo): With a great location and lovely green courtyard, this simple but cozy boutique hotel is a fan favorite.
Hotel Casa del Sótano (Santo Domingo): Simple, welcoming hotel with kind staff and a nice restaurant on the property, as well as a rooftop jacuzzi!
Hotel Casa de la Tía Tere (Santo Domingo): Colorful, pleasant hotel with a great location and lovely outdoor area – and a heated pool. A little more expensive than our other picks.
Eco Hotel Las Mariposas (El Llano): Cozy, family friendly spot with inviting gardens, though they only have twin-bed rooms.
Airbnb: There’s no shortage of well-situated Airbnb options in Oaxaca City, and this might be the best choice for you if you’re traveling with kids. We actually split our time between a cute Airbnb (with a rather rustic bathroom) and a fun hotel near the main food markets.
Where to Eat in Oaxaca City
This is such a food paradise, that we can’t possibly keep our recommendations limited to this article. Check out our deep dive into Oaxacan cuisine along with a ton of restaurant recommendations so you can eat your way through town!
We have articles on best breakfasts and cafés, best street food, lunch and dinner options, and the incredible markets you can explore.
If you have kids in tow, check out this post!
As always, when you find your own delicous restaurant picks, please let us know and we'll add to the list!
Day 1: Explore Oaxaca City
WHAT TO DO IN OAXACA CITY
Wandering through the colorful colonial center of Oaxaca City is a feast for the senses which could easily... eat... up many days. Allow yourself some freedom to just explore and spend time in the central plazas, where there is always something lively going on.
We were lucky enough to spend Christmas in Oaxaca City, which was so warm and festive. Centro becomes an almost nonstop cycle of events, parades, and concerts. Thanks to the sheer preponderance of families, the revelry manages to retain a small city vibe through which you can still navigate the bustle with relative ease.
And keep in mind that the most important thing you can do all day every day in Oaxaca City is eat. You can think of every other activity as a warm-up for your next incredible meal!
Start your tour of the city in the Plaza de la Constitución, a pedestrian-only square surrounded by arcades. You’ll find nonstop vendors, musicians, political rallies, you name it. The Catedral de la Asunción has a beautiful façade and a large (if cavernous) interior, while the Museo del Palacio building is worth a look as well.
We loved the exhibit of contemporary Oaxacan art at the Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños, which is open until 6PM in case you need a pre-dinner activity.
The Teatro Macedonio de Alcalá is a colonial confection, especially if you can sneak inside for a peek at the interior. Then, learn about the region’s gorgeous textiles at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca.
Just north of the city center in Santo Domingo, you’ll find a great mix of local and international contemporary art at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MACO).
The extravagant Mexican Baroque church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán was a highlight too.
The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca just next door has some incredible treasures from the region, especially from the Monte Alban site (which you’ll be visiting later in the itinerary!). Fair warning, they are weirdly strict about how you walk through the museum; you can only travel in one direction, and I got reprimanded for trying to backtrack.
If you’d like to get out of the museums and churches and into nature, definitely hit up the Jardin Etnobotanico – a true breath of fresh air (and weird cacti).
West of the city center, you’ll find the Basilica Menor de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, which contains a nationally revered statue of the Virgin Mary. Nearby, the Museo Rufino Tamayo has some lovely artifacts in a historic building, and you can see a gorgeous Indigenous jewelry collection at the Museo Belber Jiménez.
As we strolled through the city, we stumbled on libraries, art centers, and cultural oases… it’s such a dynamic place!
You can while away hours just wandering through the many markets of Oaxaca, from Benito Juarez to 20 de Noviembre to the massive Mercado de Abastos (we didn’t find the Mercado de Artesanías too exciting). This is also the perfect way to combine sightseeing and eating!
Day 2: Take a Oaxacan Cooking Class or Visit the Monte Alban
On Day 3, start the day off with a market atol, the pancakes at El Tendajon, or one of a million delicious options in the city.
Today, you can choose one of two exciting day-trip options, depending on your preferences!
Option 1: Oaxacan Cooking Class
We signed up for El Sabor Zapotec, a wonderful cooking class run by Reyna, the Indigenous Zapotec chef extraordinaire who lives in a small village just outside the city called Teotitlán del Valle. We met the shuttle bus at a designated pickup spot (easily walkable in town), then drove to Reyna’s lovely home, past arid landscapes and field after field of mezcal, for an introduction to our menu for the day: sopa de frijol, mole amarillo, fried squash blossoms, and a traditional dessert..
After that, Reyna took our small group to the local farmer’s market, where we got to shop for the day’s ingredients (and pick up a few beautiful souvenirs from the people who actually made them). Back at Reyna’s extensive outdoor kitchen, we roasted chiles, fried squash blossoms, and learned how to make mole the old-fashioned way: grinding everything on a metate or grinding stone which was deeply grooved and passed down for generations. We were… not good at it, but it was fun to try!
Afterwards we enjoyed the best part: feasting on our several-course meal, with a side of mezcal to wash it all down.
If you’d like to book this class, check out their site here – we don’t get a kickback, we just loved the experience!
Option 2: Visit Monte Alban
Monte Alban is one of the region’s most exciting ancient Indigenous sites – and a bit of a sleeper hit compared to its very well-known cousins like Chichen Itza.
The Zapotec city of Monte Alban was founded around 500 BCE, and was excavated and restored in the 1930s. It’s located on a gorgeous hilltop where you can take in sweeping views of the valley and admire the sheer scale of structures.
WS&T Tip: The sun can be intense and there’s not much shade, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. In fact, the site is enormous, so you may want to pack a picnic if you plan to explore the whole thing.
When you arrive at Monte Alban, you’ll stand in line for a ticket and then you can climb up to the site to begin your tour. At the entrance, there’s also a souvenir shop and museum, which is small but has some important treasures found during the site’s excavation.
If you’re really interested in the history of the site, you can hire a guide at the entrance. There isn’t much signage once you’re inside.
How do you get to Monte Alban?
Rental Car: If you have a rental car, you can drive right up to the site’s parking lot.
Taxi or Rideshare: Use the rideshare app Didi or hail a local taxi for an easy and inexpensive trip to Monte Alban. They’ll drop you off at the parking lot. Again, if you have a kiddo you’ll need to deal with the car seat situation – and Monte Alban is not stroller-friendly. We haven’t tried this, but you could ask the ticket booth folks to hold onto it, possibly for a fee.
Hire a Driver: Less cost efficient but more convenient, you can book a driver for a half day or a full day (and combine with another site). Leave the car seat and kid supplies in the car while you explore. Ask at your hotel, or check out Turismo El Convento de Oaxaca or Descubre Oaxaca.
How do I get back to Oaxaca City from Monte Alban?
Bus: If you took a taxi or Didi to get to Monte Alban, you can easily return on a public shuttle bus. You buy a paper ticket from a vendor in the parking lot, then chill until the next bus arrives and hop on. They seem to leave every hour, or every 30 mins on weekends.
Walking: If you’re up for an adventure, you can take a 2-hour downhill walk through the outskirts of Oaxaca – passing through some slum areas – back into the city center.
Day 3: A Relaxed Farewell
Before you leave the city, make sure you eat something you haven’t tried yet!
This is your moment for a final garnacha, taco al vapor, or traditional breakfast.
If you're not leaving until later in the day, check out any of the museums or city sites you missed, or just head to the Zócalo and soak in the local festivities. We're sure you'll want to plan a return trip soon!
If you have more time in the area, make sure to check out our guide to the best day trips from Oaxaca City!
Wanna Make Your Flash Trip Even Better? Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children.
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