Best Attractions in Oaxaca City

We've curated a list of 6 iconic landmarks and must-see sites. To experience them all properly, you'll need about 13 hours of exploration time.

MUST SEE 3h

Church and Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

Step inside the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán and prepare to be completely mesmerised by the sheer scale and intricate detail of its New Spanish Baroque architecture. This monumental complex serves as the beating heart of Oaxaca, offering a serene escape that effortlessly blends centuries of spiritual history with a rich, tangible past. As you wander through the quiet cloisters or admire the ornate gilded interiors, you feel the weight of history that spans from colonial conquests to modern cultural preservation. The site operates as both a place of worship and a vibrant cultural hub, housing the celebrated Regional Museum of Oaxaca and a breathtaking ethnobotanical garden filled with native desert flora. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or simply someone looking for the most photogenic spot in the city, this site is an absolute must. Make sure to visit as the sun begins to set, when the stone facade glows with a warm, golden light that makes the entire square feel magical.

Did you know?

The street leading to the plaza, Macedonio Alcalá, is a pedestrian-friendly cobblestone corridor that connects the church directly to the Zócalo.
view Church and Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán guide
MUST SEE 2h

Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art
Museo de Arte Prehispánico de México Rufino Tamayo

Step into a world where history is viewed through the eyes of an artist, not an archaeologist. The Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art offers a stunning collection of ancient treasures, curated with an emphasis on aesthetic beauty, form, and colour rather than strict timeline sequences. Housed within a beautiful colonial-style mansion, the gallery invites visitors to appreciate the artistry of diverse pre-Columbian cultures that shaped Mexico. It is a deeply personal project by the renowned Zapotec painter Rufino Tamayo, who spent decades salvaging these pieces to protect them from illegal trade and to share their magnificence with his fellow Mexicans. Wandering through these halls, you will find yourself captivated by the expressive power and intimate details of statues and pottery from eras long past. This museum serves as a testament to the continuity of creative spirit, offering a calm and inspiring escape in the heart of Oaxaca.

Did you know?

This is considered one of the finest private collections of pre-Columbian art anywhere in the world.
view Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art guide
MUST SEE 3h

Santo Domingo Cultural Centre
Centro Cultural Santo Domingo

Imagine walking into a place where 17th-century religious devotion meets world-class archaeology. The Santo Domingo Cultural Centre is the beating heart of Oaxaca, housed within a magnificently restored former Dominican convent. You will find yourself mesmerised by the intricate gold-leaf interiors of the adjacent church before stepping into the museum to witness the legendary treasures of Tomb 7. It is a place where history feels alive, from the ancient Zapotec jewels to the rare incunables in the library. Visiting here is an experience that stays with you, serving as a profound journey through the soul of Mexico.

Did you know?

The complex houses the Hemeroteca Néstor Sánchez H., which holds an impressive archive of Oaxacan newspapers dating back to 1864.
view Santo Domingo Cultural Centre guide