Oaxaca City is a beautiful and vibrant city located in the southern part of Mexico. It is the capital of the state of Oaxaca and is known for its rich culture, history, and cuisine. The city is surrounded by mountains and is home to many colonial-era buildings, museums, and archaeological sites. I had the pleasure to journey there for a few days and have compiled my favorite experiences and restaurants in the city-center.

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One of the most popular attractions in Oaxaca City is the Santo Domingo de Guzman Church and Museum. This stunning church was built in the 16th century and is known for its intricate Baroque architecture. The museum inside the church houses a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including gold and jade jewelry, pottery, and sculptures. In the evenings there are performers and art exhibits that fill the surrounding streets.

Another must-see attraction in Oaxaca City is the Monte Alban archaeological site. This ancient city was built by the Zapotec civilization around 500 BC and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the ruins of the temples, palaces, and ball courts that once made up this impressive city. Restaurant Pitona serves Mexican-European gastrobar with views of the bell tower which makes a perfect dinner spot.

If you are in the mood for shopping, I recommend a visit to the Mercado Benito Juarez. This is a massive vibrant marketplace filled with prepared foods, handcrafted textiles, art, crafts and items that are perfect to return home with as gifts. 

To familiarize yourself with the city, I recommend a walking tour with Oaxaca Free Walking Tour. While you are not charged for the tour gratuity is expected for this is how the guides make their living. The company also offers a food walking tour which I recommend. 

Another gorgeous place is the Garden Etnobotanico de Oaxaca. Hours are limited so be sure to pay attention when making plans to visit.

Throughout the city  you will find many art stores, handcrafted artisans and regional gifts to take home. I stumbled upon a fantastic doll shop and purchased a Day of The Dead doll form my niece. 

Oaxaca City is also famous for its cuisine, which is a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. Some of the most popular dishes include mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. The city is home to many traditional markets where visitors can sample local foods and buy handmade crafts. The most delicious restaurants 

To sample a host of local bites, shop for produce, beautiful flowers, baked goods and local street foods. I recommend Mercado 20 de Noviembre. 

For desayuno (breakfast), I recommend Las Quince Letras Restaurants with gorgeous breakfast rolls, coffee and cocktails. Another perfect breakfast place is Tizne who has healthy options served in a bright courtyard adjacent to an art gallery.

For a delicious dessert, visit Rito Chocolateria & Tienda for a rich dark chocolate ice cream made from Mexican chocolate and be sure to buy some chocolates to take home. 

Levadura de Olla Restaurante was a highly memorable dining location, picturesque dishes, tomato salads to die for and a delicious variety of mole. 

Oaxaca City is also famous for its cuisine, which is a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. Some of the most popular dishes include mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. The city is home to many traditional markets where visitors can sample local foods and buy handmade crafts. The most delicious restaurants 

To sample a host of local bites, shop for produce, beautiful flowers, baked goods and local street foods. I recommend Mercado 20 de Noviembre. 

For desayuno (breakfast), I recommend Las Quince Letras Restaurants with gorgeous breakfast rolls, coffee and cocktails. Another perfect breakfast place is Tizne who has healthy options served in a bright courtyard adjacent to an art gallery.

For a delicious dessert, visit Rito Chocolateria & Tienda for a rich dark chocolate ice cream made from Mexican chocolate and be sure to buy some chocolates to take home. 

Levadura de Olla Restaurante was a highly memorable dining location, picturesque dishes, tomato salads to die for and a delicious variety of mole.