There are endless historical buildings and architectural wonders to enjoy in Oaxaca and the handicraft shopping is second to none.
Zócalo and El Alameda: Vendors sell T-shirts, tapes, snacks, crafts, souvenirs, and balloons in this shady square.
Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad: This church, built in 1682, houses the statue of the Virgin of Solitude. There is a small museum that displays artifacts left by patrons
Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca: Construction began on this church in 1544 and due to destruction by earthquakes it was not completed until 1733.
Ex-Convento de Santa Catalina: Now the Hotel Camino Real, this building has been named a National Heritage Site.
Iglesia y Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo: This 16th century church is said to be the most spectacularly decorated church in the city. There was a library, a cafe and many botanical gardens added after a two-year renovation in 1997.
Museo de las Culturas: Located in the Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo this museum houses temporary galleries, a gift shop, theme rooms, and administration offices.
Museo Casa de Benito Juarez: This museum, where Benito Juarez once lived as a servant, has been recreated as a 19th century house.
Museo de Arte Prehispanico Rufino Tamayo: In this fully refurbished colonial mansion you will find a collection of pre-Hispanic sculptures and pottery.
Palacio de Gobierno: Murals displaying the history and culture of Oaxaca are located in this 19th century state capitol.
Shopping
Oaxaca and its surrounding villages are rich with markets. Generally, each neighborhood has its own market day but Saturday’s are the best for handicrafts. At these markets one can find rugs, baskets, chocolate, fruits, clothing, textiles, and the black pottery for which Oaxaca is famous.
The Central de Abastos (Supply Center) houses thousands of vendors and shoppers, so many so that it’s easy to get lost inside. Sellers from surrounding villages bring their wares to this market such as shawls, pottery, ceramics, hammocks, shoes, woven baskets, toys and rugs.
Around Oaxaca there are many specialty shops and stores. For fine arts and high quality crafts, with high prices, try La Mano Magica. The Galeria Arte Mexicano sells as well as displays folk art, silver jewelry, and antiques. You will find many good shops selling handicrafts such as the Corazon del Pueblo, a two-story shop selling beadwork, tapestries from Nayarit, Huichol Indian masks, flags and English books. The Artesanias Chimalli has a large collection of alebrijies (carved wooden animals) as well as other crafts from around Mexico.
Bars and Nightclubs
During the week you can find Andean music, live marimba, or nouveau flamenco in one of the open-air cafes located around the Zócalo. Every Friday night, and other days during the high season, the Camino Real Hotel hosts a small version of pre-Hispanic Oaxacan dance. The entrance fee includes a buffet dinner.
El Sol y La Luna is the popular place for live music.
There are endless historical buildings and architectural wonders to enjoy in Oaxaca and the handicraft shopping is second to none.