Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Oaxaca de Juarez?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Oaxaca de Juarez?
Many visitors spend two to five days in Oaxaca de Juarez during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to spend time at the museums, browse around the old town, sample the delicious cuisine, and find the best deals at the shops.
Oaxaca is the largest city in a state of the same name. It is a city that is rich in history and culture, and it's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many colonial and ancient sites both in town and nearby. The city also has a long culinary tradition with many local flavors.
Do you have one or two days to visit Oaxaca de Juarez? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Oaxaca de Juarez?
Oaxaca de Juarez, a small city brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. One day is probably not enough time here. You might feel rushed to see the main attractions of Oaxaca de Juarez such as the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, the food, and the many shops. To thoroughly enjoy all that the city has to offer, you'll probably want more time. Most travelers schedule two to five days to fully experience the historic city. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.
How to spend a day in Oaxaca de Juarez
Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.
The culinary scene in Oaxaca de Juarez is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.
A few tour suggestions include:
- AUTHENTIC OAXACA CULTURAL FOOD TOUR, eat like a local. ($108)
- Earth, Corn & Fire: Tasting the Roots of Oaxacan Cuisine ($115)
- The Late Shift: Tasting Oaxaca, by Night ($115)
Oaxaca de Juarez is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Oaxaca de Juarez?
Since it's a small city, you'll probably need more than a weekend to take advantage of everything to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Two or three days still gives you a good amount of time to explore, though, as you'll have a chance to experience at least some of the major attractions. In addition to the great museums and landmarks and fun charming old town, visitors can enjoy the shopping, nightlife, and local culture by staying for a weekend.
Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico
How to spend 2 days in Oaxaca de Juarez
If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Oaxaca de Juarez, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Oaxaca city bike ride - History & traditions ($39)
- 5 Hours Guided Day of The Dead Evening Walking Tour in Oaxaca ($109)
- Private Oaxaca Walking Tour: Xoxocotlán Day of the Dead Altars ($185)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Oaxaca Pub Crawl ($17)
The public transit in Oaxaca de Juarez is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Oaxaca de Juarez, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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