10 Amazing Sites to See in Oaxaca

The city of Oaxaca in Mexico is full of majestic history and tradition. Considered the fifth largest state in the country, Oaxaca (pronounced wah-hah-ka) is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and countryside. But what is there to see and do upon arrival in the actual city of Oaxaca?

10. Iglesia de Santo Domingo

In the center of Oaxaca City you’ll find the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. The gorgeous baroque style church features two prominent bell towers, a dome decorated with medallions representing more than 100 martyrs. When you walk in the front door and look up you’ll see a large depiction of the Santo Domingo family tree. The building is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing in the city.

9. Museo de las Culturas

Just the design of the Museo de las Culturas, laid out around a series of labyrinths known as the Ex-Convento de Santo domingo, is unique. Inside you’ll find a series of galleries and exhibits featuring antique books, indigenous artifacts, and the history of Oaxacan music. Most of the signs in the museum are written in Spanish but you can get an English audio tour.

8. Zocalo

Zocalo is one of the most heavily trafficked squares in Oaxaca City. The quaint, traditional square is well loved – so much so that the public revolt over McDonald’s bid to build a store there brought their plans to a grinding halt back in 2002. Walk through the square, lounge on its gorgeous wrought-iron benches, take in some of the evening mariachi bands, or simply people watch.

7. Palacio de Gobierno

The Palacio de Gobierno was built during the 19^th century on the south side of the Zocalo square. Around the government building you’ll find a varying collection of painters, fruit merchants, and musicians. There are, unfortunately, a number of protests staged in front of the Palacio de Gobierno on a regular basis and if there is one in progress you won’t be able to go inside.

6. Termazcalli

All work and no play doesn’t exactly make for a great vacation. If you’d like to spend a day relaxing in style, venture out of Oaxaca City and head towards Puerto Escondido for a day in the spa at Termazcalli. The treatments combine wood, rock, fire, and old cultural pre-Columbian medicinal and herbal techniques to cleanse and pamper the body and soul.

5. Bahia Chahue

If you’d like to spend a day lounging on the beach in Oaxaca you’ll need to head out of Oaxaca City and venture towards Bahia Chahue in Huatulco. Once there you can lie out on the white sandy beaches, explore the 88-slip marina, or swim in the public pool. The area around Bahia Chahue is still under development so you won’t find a ton of modern amenities but you’ll still enjoy the blue waters and cool breeze.

4. Architos de Xochimilco

At Architos de Xochimilco, in Oaxaca City itself, you’ll find three stone arches that were built during the 18^th century. During that time the arches were part of the aqueduct system that brought water to city’s inhabitants. Today you can walk through the plazas and streets surrounding the arches, considered some of the prettiest neighborhoods in Oaxaca.

3. Casa Juarez

Benito Juarez, one of the Mexican presidents, moved to Oaxaca City when he was 12. He had been orphaned and when he went to Oaxaca he was taken in by Antonio Salanueva, a book binder. The home where Juarez lived with Salanueva is now a museum filled with artifacts and information about the president and life in the 19^th century.

2. Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca

The Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca is another stunning religious site you won’t want to miss. Legend has it that a wild mule found its way into a mule train on its way to Guatemala. The mule died in front of the site where the cathedral was built and inside its pack was found a statue of the Virgin of Solitude. Because the Virgin of Solitude is Oaxaca’s patron saint, the people considered it a miracle and built the church in 1682 in order to honor their healing saint.

1. Instituto de Artes Graficas de Oaxaca

The Instituto de Artes Graficas de Oaxaca is a prominent gallery found in the center of the city. The gallery is small but regularly features a variety of different graphic art and design exhibits, from both national and international artists and designers.

Oaxaca City, and the state of Oaxaca itself, is brimming with cultural, historic, and artistic attractions. Spend a few days or stay for a week – either way, you’re bound to be captivated by all the area has to offer.