Travel Guide to Centro Oaxaca, Mexico (Oaxaca Part 2)

Travel Guide to Centro Oaxaca, Mexico - Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Centro Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ka), also known as El Centro Histórico and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to Zapotec and Mixtec Indians and traditional pre-Hispanic culture. Its rich history, colonial architecture, plethora of restaurants, museums, art galleries and bustling markets makes this city a must-see travel destination.

After living in San Sebastián Tutla for a month, I moved to Centro Oaxaca. Two different worlds, 20 minutes apart. The contrast is enjoyable and I had a great experience. With that said, I’ve put together this travel guide for you that provides a complete list of the top things to do in Centro Oaxaca to help you plan your trip to this historical city.

Travel Guide to Centro Oaxaca, Mexico - Inside of Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is the most famous church in Oaxaca and a popular tourist attraction. Once a monastery established by the Dominican Order in the 17th century, is now a beautiful historical baroque complex that is home to the church, Ethnobotanical Garden and Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca.

Travel Guide to Centro Oaxaca, Mexico - Calle Macedonio Alcalá

Calle Macedonio Alcalá

Calle Macedonio Alcalá, also known as Tourist Walkway or Andador Turístico, is the pedestrian-only street that takes you from Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán to Zócalo. It’s an enjoyable stroll lined with artisan shops, cafés, restaurants, museums and art galleries. On this walkway, you’ll find the Contemporary Art Museum and the Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca.

Don’t forget to stop and have a tejate from the Doña in the corridor of Chocolate Mayordomo. It’s a non-alcoholic drink made from maíz and cacao (corn and cacao) and native to Oaxaca. Delicious and perfect for the walk to Zócalo.

Travel Guide to Centro Oaxaca, Mexico - Zócalo de Oaxaca

Zócalo and Alameda de León

Zócalo is the main public square in the heart of Oaxaca City. Formerly the home of government state offices and the site of political protests and rallies, is now a lively place to enjoy a musical performance and its outside restaurants and many vendors.

Located on the north side of the square, is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Oaxaca built in the 16th century. Directly in front of the cathedral is Alameda de León, a park once known for being a pottery market. It, like the Zócalo, is surrounded by vendors and snack stands. All a must when in Oaxaca.

I recommend having a meal or drink at a surrounding café or buying a dessert from Carmelita’s and grabbing a seat on a bench to people watch and take it all in.

Travel Guide to Centro Oaxaca, Mexico - Metropolitan Cathedral of Oaxaca

Travel Guide to Centro Oaxaca, Mexico - Alameda de León

Travel Guide to Centro Oaxaca, Mexico - Inside of Mercado de Artesanías de Oaxaca

Mercados

There are several mercados or markets that you should visit in the area. If this is your first time on this site, welcome, stay awhile, and know that I LOVE A GOOD MARKET! The markets in Oaxaca are fantastic and include a range of produce, meat, food stalls, spices, artisan crafts, clothing, housewares and tons of souvenir options. I recommend the following markets: Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Mercado Benito Juárez, Mercado de Abastos, Mercado de Artesanías de Oaxaca and Mercado de la Merced. Mercado 20 de Noviembre has delicious food options and YOU MUST GO.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit the archaeological site of Monte Albán or the natural rock cascades, Hierve el Agua, since they were closed due to COVID-19, although, I tried, believe me. But they should most definitely be on your To-Do list when in the area.

Travel Guide to Centro Oaxaca, Mexico - Vendors and restaurants sited in the Zócalo de Oaxaca

Now that you’ve learned about all of the exciting things to do and see in Centro Oaxaca, what are you looking forward to experiencing?

Comment below, share with your family and friends and subscribe to be the first to receive the latest content. For Part 1 of the Oaxaca series, please click here. When you’re done, make sure to hit NEXT below to learn more about the other cool Destinations that I’ve visited.

Until the next adventure,

-Natali-

Photos are owned by the author Natali Martinez