How Long to Spend in Oaxaca

Oaxaca overflows with color, history, and culture. It’s been inhabited for thousands of years and has the largest indigenous population in Mexico. It’s where many of the country’s famous artisanal handicrafts are produced and is considered Mexico’s food and graphic art capital. There’s so much to see and do in this incredible place. Here’s how long I recommend spending in Oaxaca City and the neighboring region. Check out more on Oaxaca, including the best time to visit; 10 interesting facts; the best sights, museums, markets, shopping, graphic art galleries, hotels, and day trips; what and where to drink; and safety info.

Oaxaca City’s historic center spans 247 blocks. While relatively small, the streets are filled with 1,200 historic monuments, plus fantastic museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. You need at least two full days there to hit the highlights. Here are the top historic sights listed in walking order for a self-guided tour that passes by atmospheric streets and lively outdoor markets. If you want to spend more time in the city’s excellent museums, explore Oaxaca’s unique graphic art culture, savor the local food and drinks in the markets, restaurants, and bars, or indulge in some of the best shopping in Mexico for traditional arts and crafts, then I recommend spending three to four full days in Oaxaca City. Three full days is probably right for most people, while four days is best for a slower, more relaxing trip.

One of the reasons Oaxaca is such a powerhouse destination is because there’s so much history and culture to explore just a short drive from Oaxaca City. These are the best day trips to take. Nearby is Monte Albán, one of the country’s most important archeological sites, indigenous villages with ancient handicraft traditions, and small, family-run mezcal distilleries where you can learn about artisanal production. Many towns and sights are along the same route, so you can fit in a surprising amount within one day trip, as many organized tours do. If you want to hit some of the highlights around Oaxaca City, add an extra day for that. Plan for two days or longer if you want to do a deeper dive anywhere.