Busy pedestrian street, Calle Alcalá, in downtown Oaxaca.

©Kelli Hayden/Shutterstock

Andador Turístico

Oaxaca City


Historic, romantic, dignified and safe, wonderful Calle Alcalá (traffic-free since the 1980s) is what Oaxaca is all about. It runs north from the cathedral to Templo de Santo Domingo and is lined by typical colonial-era stone buildings that are now home to artisan shops, galleries, museums, cafes and bars. Always good for a stroll, it's particularly atmospheric at night.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Oaxaca City attractions

1. Arte de Oaxaca

0.04 MILES

This commercial gallery presents a wide range of quality art, and includes a room devoted to surrealist painter Rodolfo Morales’ work.

2. La Mano Mágica

0.04 MILES

You’ll find art by leading figures such as Tamayo and Morales, plus a fine selection of handicrafts and rugs, at this commercial gallery founded by the…

4. Centro Fotográfico Álvarez Bravo

0.08 MILES

With a taste for provocative social commentary, this contemporary gallery displays weird and wonderful work by local and international photographers.

5. La Máquina

0.1 MILES

At the center of this gallery's workshop is an exceedingly rare 8-ton J Voirin lithography press, which prints both acrylics and woodcuts. Works on…

6. Galería Quetzalli

0.13 MILES

A leading serious commercial gallery, handling some of the biggest names, such as Francisco Toledo and Guillermo Olguín. It has a second exhibition space,…

7. Templo de Santo Domingo

0.14 MILES

Gorgeous Santo Domingo is the most splendid of Oaxaca’s churches, with a finely carved baroque facade and nearly every square centimeter inside decorated…

8. Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

0.16 MILES

Got two hours? You'll need it for the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, housed in the beautiful monastery buildings adjoining the Templo de Santo Domingo. This…