The Perfect 3-day Itinerary for Oaxaca City, Mexico

If you’re dreaming of colorful streets, incredible food, and that perfect blend of culture and charm, Mexico’s Oaxaca City needs to be on your list. I spent weeks wandering its markets, tasting my way through every mole I could find, and soaking up its creative energy—and let’s just say, I completely fell for it.

This 3-day itinerary brings together my favorite experiences—what to see, do, and of course, eat—so you can get a real feel for the city, even if you’re short on time. It’s the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and flavor (with a little mezcal sprinkled in, naturally!).

➞ For even more info about the city, check out my Ultimate Oaxaca City Travel Guide and my picks for the 14 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City, Mexico.

Day 1

Breakfast at Boulenc (Centro Location)

Boulenc is the spot to go for breakfast. It’s one of Oaxaca City’s most popular cafés, and for good reason. They’ve got two locations plus a bakery right next door to the one in the center of town (and yes, I tried them all—in the name of research, of course!).

Their menu has something for everyone: all-day breakfasts, fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and more pastries than you can count. My favorites? A mushroom, spinach and cheese focaccia, and a colorful yogurt bowl loaded with fresh fruit. 

It’s easily one of the best breakfasts (or lunches!) in town. Just be sure to go early—the place fills up fast.

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

If you only visit one church in Oaxaca, make it Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán—it’s the city’s crown jewel. With its ornate Baroque design, marble columns, and gold-covered altar, it’s absolutely breathtaking (and honestly feels more like a palace than a church).

Take the Jardin Etnobotanico Tour

Don’t let the small peek you get from the street fool you—Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca is huge and absolutely stunning. It’s filled with native Oaxacan plants, from spiky agave and towering cacti to rare trees you won’t see anywhere else. The only way to visit is on a guided tour (about 50 pesos), and most are in Spanish—but don’t let that stop you! Even if you don’t understand every word, the beauty of the garden speaks for itself, and there’s usually someone nearby happy to translate a few key details. 

Tours run several times a day, so just check the schedule at the front gate before you go.

Visit the Museum of Cultures

Right next to Santo Domingo sits one of my favorite spots in the city—the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca. It’s housed inside a former monastery, so even before you step inside, the architecture alone is worth admiring. Inside, you’ll find everything from Mixtec treasures (including gold from Monte Albán!) to exhibits that beautifully tell the story of Oaxaca’s deep cultural roots. 

Don’t skip the upper floors—the views from the windows are absolutely breathtaking.

Lunch at Tacos Chemita

For a quick, no-fuss lunch in Oaxaca, Tacos Chemita is a local favorite. Just a few minutes walk from the Museum of Cultures, this taqueria is all about quality—especially their al pastor tacos, cooked to perfection on a rotating spit right in front of you. 

They also serve suadero, tripa, and steak tacos, plus the hearty chemita alambres, loaded with pastor, chile de agua, avocado, onions, peppers, bacon, and cheese. The vibe is casual—plastic chairs and checkered tablecloths—but don’t let that fool you; the flavors are next-level.

Shop Benito Juarez Market

Mercado Benito Juárez is a mix of souvenirs and snacks. You’ll find handwoven totes, embroidered bags, salsa bowls, keychains, and yes—even live animals! Don’t miss the nieve (Oaxacan-style ice cream); my favorite spot was Chagüita (stall #27), where locals line up for flavors like tuna (prickly pear), donají (lime & mezcal), and beso oaxaqueño (a tropical fruit mix). I also scored a cute woven tote for $10, handmade salsa bowls for $2 each, and a small perfume for just $7 an ounce.

Cocktails at La Cueva

Just steps from the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Defensa, La Cueva lives up to its name—a moody, cave-like bar perfect for a pre-dinner drink (or two). We ended up lingering thanks to the cozy atmosphere, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails. 

Their mezcal selection is superb, craft beers are solid, and there are even a few great wines if that’s more your style (that’s what i had!). The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to recommend something new, and the intimate, low-lit space feels like a hidden gem away from the city buzz.

Dinner at Casa Mook

We stumbled upon Casa Mook on a mission for the best pozole in Oaxaca—and it did not disappoint. The traditional pozole was so good, I even went back for a second helping before leaving town! But honestly, we came for the pozole and stayed for everything else. 

The memelas with asiento, beans, and cheese were simple yet packed with flavor, and the rest of the menu is full of Oaxacan staples—huitlacoche, squash blossoms, fresh herbs—and plenty of house-made tortillas to scoop it all up. The space itself is gorgeous, part restaurant, part art gallery, with touches that celebrate Oaxaca’s rich food culture.

Day 2

Pastries & Coffee at Bodaega

Bodaega is my favorite pastry shop in all of Oaxaca City—no contest (and trust me, I did the research!). The pastries are almost too pretty to eat… almost. You’ve gotta try the morning bun with jamón serrano—savory, buttery perfection—and if they’ve got the rhubarb compote Danish with hibiscus, don’t even hesitate. This isn’t the place for eggs and toast—it’s the place for a killer cappuccino and a pastry that’ll make your whole morning.

See the Street Art in Barrio de Jalatlaco

Barrio de Jalatlaco is a charming little neighborhood that feels like you’ve stepped into a living art gallery—murals cover almost every inch, from the sides of homes to garage doors and even the occasional sidewalk. Some are bold and political, others are sweet and whimsical, but all of them tell a story about Oaxaca’s culture and soul.

I took a free walking tour with Oaxaca by Locals, and it made such a difference knowing the meaning behind the art (highly recommend!). But honestly, you could just stroll down Calle Aldama and its side streets and still see tons of incredible pieces. Bring your camera—you’ll want to stop every few feet.

Oh, and if you need a little caffeine kick before or after your walk, grab a coffee at Once In Oaxaca—it’s one of my favorite cozy cafés in the area.

➞ Bonus tip: If you have extra time during your 3-day itinerary, check out the street art in Xochimilco too. It’s another creative neighborhood worth exploring!

Take a Cooking Class Dos Corazones

This was hands-down one of the best experiences we had in Oaxaca. Chef Aubrey welcomed us into her home like old friends—warm hugs, mezcal in hand, and the sweetest stories about her grandmother’s recipes that have been passed down for generations.

We kicked things off with a cup of rich Oaxacan hot chocolate and a tasting of local fruits like zapote negro and pineapple mango (Aubrey even showed us how to squish the mango just right before biting the top and sipping out the juice—it was so fun and so messy!). After a few snacks of roasted nuts and plantains, we tied on traditional aprons and got cooking.

Our group of seven made chileajo, chile relleno stuffed with chicken picadillo, and two kinds of salsa. We chopped, stirred, laughed, and sipped mezcal the whole way through. Aubrey and her husband made us feel like part of their family—and by the end of the night, it truly felt like we were. Every single person in our class said this was the highlight of their trip… and I couldn’t agree more.

➞ You can book the exact class I took here: Traditional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma’s Recipes

Take a Wood Engraving Workshop 

If you’ve ever admired those striking black-and-white posters plastered around Oaxaca, you’ve seen the city’s wood engraving art in action—and yes, you can actually try it yourself! I took a 3-hour class at Galería 20-20, and it ended up being one of my favorite creative experiences in town.

We started by learning basic engraving techniques, practiced on a test board (which made me realize this art form takes patience!), and then created our own design to print and take home.

Tip: Come prepared with a design idea—it’s surprisingly hard to come up with something on the spot. And since your print needs about 8 hours to dry, plan to swing back later to pick it up. I booked my class easily by messaging them on Instagram.

Cocktails at Sabina Sabe

If you’re into cocktails, Sabina Sabe is a must. It’s even made the list of the World’s Top 50 Bars—and once you sip one of their creations, you’ll totally get why. The place is small and stylish (so expect a little wait), but the vibe is worth every minute.

I ordered the Paloma Margarita, a delicious twist with Espolón blanco, Campari, Aperol, citrus, and grapefruit—it was perfection in a glass. The Guayabo Verde is another standout: light, herbal, and refreshingly unique with mezcal, guava, basil, and tonic.

Also, there’s this one piece of art on the wall that I couldn’t stop staring at. If you go, tell me if it catches your eye too—I need to know if it’s just me!

Dinner at Las Quince Letras

For an authentic Oaxacan dinner, Las Quince Letras is the spot. Their shaded terrace feels relaxed and local, but the real star here is the mole—especially the smoky, rich mole negro that’s so flavorful it practically stands on its own.

Start with the molotes de plátano—crispy fried plantains stuffed with savory meat and topped with sweet red mole (they’re addictive!). Then move on to the garnachas istmeñas, piled high with shredded beef and pickled cabbage, or the comforting sopa de guías, a traditional squash vine soup served with tlayuda and tasajo.

If you’re hungry, go big with the tasajo a la oaxaqueña—it comes with mole enchiladas and melted quesillo. 

Day 3

Pan Con Madre 

If you love good bread (and who doesn’t?), Pan Con Madre is a little piece of heaven. This all-sourdough bakery is where I had one of my favorite breakfasts in Oaxaca. The yogurt bowl is my go-to—it’s piled high with fresh fruit, crunchy granola, and cacao nibs, the perfect mix of healthy and indulgent.

Of course, you have to try their pastries too. The croissants are flakey perfection, and the savory scones and focaccia? Unreal. If you time it right, you’ll catch that fresh-baked bread aroma wafting through the air—it’s basically impossible to resist walking in.

The Mezcal Journey 

Sure, you can sip mezcal at one of Oaxaca City’s trendy bars—but if you really want to understand it, you’ve got to see where the magic happens. I joined The Mezcal Journey tour, and it was a fascinating experience.

We watched every step of the process—from roasting agave hearts in underground pits to crushing them with a horse-drawn stone wheel and distilling by hand. It gave me a whole new appreciation for how much tradition and craftsmanship goes into every bottle!

We even stopped at an agave field to take a shot straight from the leaves before heading back for a full tasting—nearly a dozen mezcals in total (and yes, I was keeping count… for research, of course).

➞ Tip: You can book the same tour as me here: The Mezcal Journey

Lucha Libre at Arena Oaxaca (Sundays only)

If you’re in Oaxaca on a Sunday night, don’t miss add this to your itinerary. At 6:30 PM, Arena Oaxaca turns into a whirlwind of acrobatics, drama, and pure fun with Lucha Libre—Mexico’s beloved (and totally over-the-top) wrestling spectacle.

You’ll see the Rudos (bad guys) battle the Técnicos (good guys) in five matches of three rounds each, and trust me—they get better and crazier as the night goes on. Sit in the front row if you can for the full experience, but heads up: wrestlers do sometimes go flying into the crowd (I definitely had to duck more than once).

When the final match ends and the crowd goes wild, it’s tradition to toss coins—or even paper pesos—onto the mat to show your love. If you’ve got a bigger bill, hold it near the ring and a wrestler might come grab it personally (that’s what I did, and it was a total highlight!).

Cocktails at Selva Cocktail Bar

If you want a cocktail with a view, head to Selva, perched on the second floor overlooking Santo Domingo. It’s got that perfect mix of mid-century cool and Oaxacan soul—think lush greenery, warm lighting, and just the right amount of buzz in the air.

The cocktails are as beautiful as they are creative, all inspired by local ingredients and flavors. I ordered their signature Selva (mezcal, hoja santa, chile liqueur, basil, and more), and honestly, it tasted like Oaxaca in a glass. It’s the perfect pre-dinner stop—especially if you’ve got reservations at Los Danzantes, conveniently right downstairs.

Dinner at Zandunga

Zandunga is right in the heart of Centro, just a quick five-minute walk from the Zócalo, and the setting is absolutely beautiful—an open-air courtyard with a huge tree in the middle, soft lighting, and that perfect blend of modern and cozy.

We started with the fresh pico de gallo with shrimp and a tlayuda piled high with all the good stuff. The ceviche was bright and zesty, and the tamal de mole negro? Yummy. Mole is a big deal in Oaxaca—each region has its own version—but the mole negro is the one everyone talks about. It’s rich, smoky, and layered with flavor, and at Zandunga, it’s done so well.

Fair warning: the portions are generous, so sharing is definitely a good move here.

➞ If you have some extra time here are the 5 Best Oaxaca City Tours You Shouldn’t Miss!

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