First Day in Oaxaca – Guided Walking Tour

Discover Oaxaca with your personal guide! Join a small-group walking tour that turns the city into a living story. We’ll wander the UNESCO! Listed historic center, taking in colonial facades, sun-dappled plazas and winding alleys while I share the stories behind each corner and point out the best photo spots to capture unforgettable memories. This tour is more than sightseeing — it’s a personal orientation: insider tips on where to eat, drink, and explore next; and a handful of tucked-away gems only a local would know. Small group size ensures a relaxed, personalized pace and plenty of time to ask questions and connect with fellow travelers. Perfect for your first day in town (or anytime you want to fall in love with Oaxaca), this experience blends history, food, photos and all delivered with warmth and enthusiasm!

1. 1

   Mercado 20 De Noviembre

   20 min

   Discover the flavors and traditions of Oaxaca at the famous Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Stroll through colorful aisles filled with aromas of freshly grilled meats in the iconic “Pasillo del Humo,” where tasajo, cecina, and chorizo are cooked over hot coals and served with handmade tortillas and salsas. More than a market, this 19th-century landmark is a living piece of history and one of the best places to experience the authentic soul of Oaxaca.

2. 2

   Mercado Benito Juarez

   20 min

   Experience the vibrant heart of Oaxaca at Mercado Benito Juárez, just steps from the Zócalo. This historic covered market—opened in 1894—buzzes with energy as locals and travelers mingle among stalls brimming with fresh produce, spices, chocolate, mole pastes, cheeses, mezcal, and chapulines (fried grasshoppers). This market isn’t just a stop—it’s an immersive dive into flavor, tradition, and Oaxacan life.

3. 3

   Zocalo

   20 min

   Experience the vibrant heartbeat of Oaxaca at the historic Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución). Flanked by elegant colonial arcades, the grand Cathedral of Santo Domingo and the Government Palace provide a stunning architectural backdrop. Stroll through the shaded square beneath ancient laurel trees and let the lively melodies of marimba bands and street performers set the mood. The Zócalo is the perfect place to soak in the culture, flavor, and spirit of Oaxaca.

4. 4

   Teatro Macedonio de Alcala

   20 min

   Discover one of Oaxaca’s most iconic cultural landmarks: the Teatro Macedonio Alcalá. Built in 1909 in elegant Art Nouveau and French-influenced style, this architectural gem features a striking green-and-rose cantera façade and a grand Louis XV vestibule with marble stairs and ornate ceilings illuminated by gilded cherubs and allegorical art. Originally a casino and opera house. Today, it hosts world-class performances and honors ethnic and artistic heritage as a vibrant symbol of Oaxaca’s soul.

5. 5

   Museo de Filatelia de Oaxaca, A.C.

   20 min

   Here we’ll visit the Museum of Philately (Stamp Museum), a unique place dedicated to the art and history of stamps. We’ll take a short walk inside to explore its beautiful collection, including the very first stamp ever issued in the world.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.