“Best of Oaxaca City” Self-Guided Walking Tour

If you’re heading to Oaxaca City and want to soak up the culture at your own pace, the best way to do that is by foot. You could take a tour (and I’ll give you some of my favorite recommendations for those), but my “Best of Oaxaca City” self-guided walking tour covers some of the very best things to do in Oaxaca City and will get you to some of my favorite spots. 

I spent a month wandering these Mexican streets daily—trying different routes, getting lost (in a good way), and discovering the perfect mix of history, art, shops, and restaurants. And now I want to share it with you. 

If you are looking for a guided walking tour instead, check out my top picks:

• Oaxaca City Walking Tour – Markets, Textile museum & Lunch
• 2-Hour Historic Walking Tour in Oaxaca
• Free Jalatlaco Street Art Walking Tour

Want Quick Details? Here’s a snapshot of the stops:

• Barrio de Jalatlaco
• Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca 10:30
• Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
• Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo
• Photographic Center Manuel Álvarez Bravo
• Brunch at Boulenc 
• Centro Cultural San Pablo
• Mercado Benito Juárez
• Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Route: See on Google Maps
Distance: 3.3 km
Walking Time: 45 minutes
Total Duration: 6-8 hours  

9 Stops on the Free Self-Guided Walking Tour 

Barrio de Jalatlaco Street Art

Jalatlaco is a colorful little neighborhood on the outskirts of the city center, and what makes it extra special is the street art. I’m talking about dozens of murals—some bold and political, others playful and whimsical—painted across walls, garages, doorways, and even sidewalks. 

You could just wander aimlessly and still stumble on a ton of them, but if you want to see the highest concentration, I recommend just walking down Calle Aldama and taking your time weaving through the little side streets. 

PS: If you need a coffee to start your day, pop into Once In Oaxaca.

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca

Okay, first things first—don’t judge this place by the tiny peek you get from the sidewalk. Inside, it’s a whole world of native Oaxacan plants—cactus, agave, and all sorts of lush greenery that play a big role in the region’s history. But here’s the catch: you can only enter Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca with a guided tour (it’s around 50 pesos), and most are in Spanish. If you don’t speak it well, don’t stress—someone in the group usually helps translate, or you’ll pick up more than you think. 

Note: No reservations are needed, but check the tour times before going (posted on their website and at the front gate to the gardens).

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

There are plenty of beautiful churches around town, but if you only visit one, let it be Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán—it’s basically the crown jewel of Oaxaca’s historic center. With its dramatic baroque details, marble columns, and ornate ceilings, it feels more like a palace than a church. 

And if you visit at just the right time of year, the sunlight hits the golden altar in a way that makes the whole space shimmer—that time happened to be at 4pm when I was there in February. 

Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca

Right next door to Santo Domingo is one of my favorite museums in the city, and it’s housed inside an old monastery—so the building itself is a stunner. Inside the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, you’ll find everything from ancient Mixtec artifacts (like Monte Albán gold!) to thoughtful exhibits about Oaxaca’s complex cultural layers. Don’t skip the upper floors—the view from the windows alone is worth the visit. 

Photographic Center Manuel Álvarez Bravo

The next stop on this walking tour is a place that even non-photography lovers will appreciate. The Centro Fotográfico Manuel Álvarez Bravo is tucked inside a peaceful colonial building and features rotating exhibits from both Mexican and international artists. 

It’s not a big or overly popular place, I wandered through one afternoon and had most of the space to myself—just me, powerful photo stories, and a beautiful little courtyard to pause in. 

Grab Lunch at Boulenc

By this point in the walk, you’re probably ready for a lunch break—and Boulenc is the spot I ate at the most during my month in Oaxaca City (which says a lot!). It’s connected to their artisan bakery next door—the one that basically started the city’s sourdough scene—and the menu is packed with fresh, flavorful options.

They serve breakfast all day, plus salads, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and great drinks. I loved the croissant de jamón y quesillo with a poached egg, and the mushroom-spinach-cheese combo on their focaccia.

Note: If there’s a wait for a table at Boulenc (there usually is!) pop into Suculenta Productos Caseros to see their hand-crafted condiments, groceries and kitchen goods.

Centro Cultural San Pablo

You know that perfect blend of old-world charm and modern creativity? That’s Centro Cultural San Pablo. It’s housed inside a former Dominican convent from the 1500s that’s been beautifully renovated with airy glass walkways and sleek modern touches. I loved the contrast—it feels deeply historical and totally current. They host exhibitions, concerts, workshops, films, and lectures, many focused on preserving and celebrating indigenous languages and traditions. Best of all? It’s free.

Mercado Benito Juárez

Right across the street from the more famous 20 de Noviembre Market, Mercado Benito Juárez is part souvenir hunt, part snack stop. Think handwoven totes, embroidered bags, salsa bowls, keychains—you name it. And don’t skip trying the nieve (Oaxacan-style ice cream). My favorite place to sample it was at Chagüita inside Benito Juárez Market (stall #27), where locals line up for flavors like tuna (prickly pear), donají (lime & mezcal), and beso oaxaqueño (a tropical fruit mix).

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Okay, carnivores—this one’s for you. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is famous for its Pasillo de Humo (aka “Smoke Hall”), where vendors grill up sizzling tasajo (beef), chorizo, and other local meats right in front of you. 

I honestly didn’t find it quite as smoky as the name suggests (Central de Abastos is way more dramatic in that sense), but it’s still the place to go for bold Oaxacan flavors. Grab a seat at one of the grill stations, order your meats, and let them pile on the grilled onions, salsas, and warm tortillas. 

Note: if you’d prefer to eat at a traditional Oaxacan restaurant, then I definitely recommend Casa Mook nearby.

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