Everything You Need to Know About Visiting The Zócalo

Darryl Leniuk / Getty Images

Key Info

Portal del Palacio, Centro
68000 Oaxaca, Oax., Mexico

Details

Sightseeing, Neighborhood/Area Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

5.0

Overall

Scorecard

Value

5.0
Food Scene

5.0
Atmosphere

5.0

Read about how we rank Things to Do.

Oaxaca's main square – formally referred to as the Plaza de la Constitución de Oaxaca, but colloquially called the Zócalo – is a must-see. Skirted by cafes and eateries and bounded by the Palacio de Gobierno (the State Government Palace) on its south side, the Zócalo is a prime spot for people-watching, picking up a souvenir or two and watching day fade into vibrant night. Thanks to its leafy landscaping and many trees, it's also a relaxing place to cool off in the shade. Plus, the Mercado Benito Juárez sits just minutes from the square.

Recent visitors gushed about the Zócalo, saying it's a nice spot for an afternoon coffee or an evening margarita. Others suggested visiting at night when the Zócalo fills with live music. You'll find the Zócalo in the heart of Oaxaca; it is free to enjoy at all hours of the day (though businesses operate on their own hours). For more information, check out Visit Mexico's website.

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#1 The Zocalo Oaxaca's main square – formally referred to as the Plaza de la Constitución de Oaxaca, but colloquially called the Zócalo – is a must-see. Skirted by cafes and eateries and bounded by the Palacio ... Read more » Darryl Leniuk / Getty Images

#2 Templo de Santo Domingo Dating back to 1555, the Templo de Santo Domingo acted as a convent and church before being used as military barracks in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the convent ... Read more » javarman3 / Getty Images

#3 Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca is a regional culture museum that walks visitors chronologically from ancient times all the way to modern-day Oaxaca. Other halls are thematic, featuring ... Read more » NNehring / Getty Images

#4 Monte Alban Monte Albán, literally "White Mountain," contains the preserved ruins of a Zapotec city. Travelers will find pyramids, temples, plazas and more atop this mountain, which rises 1,300 feet above ... Read more » mikeblue / Getty Images

#5 Hierve el Agua Hierve el Agua – Spanish for "the water boils" – are natural mineral springs located on a clifftop, about a 90-minute drive from Oaxaca City. Along with swimming in the warm springs ... Read more » arturogi / Getty Images

Javier Castañón / Flickr

#7 Benito Juarez Market To get a taste of Oaxaca, visitors should head to the Benito Juarez Market (Mercado Benito Juárez). Different stalls purvey everything from crickets and mole to grilled meats and homemade ... Read more » Steve Silverman / Flickr

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The Zocalo is Oaxaca's central plaza, and it serves as a great place to relax at one of the many eateries and cafes. You can also pick up traditional Mexican souvenirs here. Darryl Leniuk / Getty Images

This baroque convent-turned-church is praised for its gilded interior designs and stunning exterior architecture. javarman3 / Getty Images

The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca adjoins the Templo de Santo Domingo and tells the stories of the regional people from ancient times to present day. NNehring / Getty Images

The ruins of this Zapotec city rest 1,300 feet above the floor of the Oaxaca Valley. mikeblue / Getty Images

Although it takes a little effort to reach Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca City, most travelers say the warm mineral pools and the breathtaking views are more than worth the effort. arturogi / Getty Images

This pedestrian-friendly street is the best way to travel from the Zocalo to Santo Domingo. Javier Castañón / Flickr

You can pick up handicrafts, as well as fresh produce, herbs, and even clothing in the stalls at the Benito Juarez Market. Steve Silverman / Flickr