City Essentials: First Day • 2 hours 5
(75)

Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

Start strong with a local host who helps you settle in with practical tips, local stories, and streets that reveal Oaxaca’s rhythm.

What makes this experience special

Your host plans a calm, two-hour walk that suits your preferred pace of exploration, offering orientation, insight, and flexibility from the outset.

Key highlights

  • Your host shapes the walk around your interests and questions
  • Get personalized tips on how to move easily through Oaxaca
  • Visit key streets and markets at your own pace
  • Learn how locals live, shop, and navigate daily life
  • Enjoy stories and small details that bring the city to life
  • Discover how to balance famous sights with quieter corners

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

2 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses
Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, C. Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, C. Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

A Local Start by Santo Domingo

Begin calmly at the city’s most iconic landmark.

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Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

You might start outside Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, where your host explains the city’s rhythm and neighborhoods. Some guests linger for photos and stories, while others prefer to step straight into the surrounding streets to start exploring.

Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

Strolling Down Alcalá Street

Everyday life unfolds between churches and shops.

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Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

Walk along Calle Macedonio Alcalá, where locals mingle and musicians play. Your host could share quick tips about directions, shops, and safety. Some guests stop to browse; others enjoy the flow toward the markets.

Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

Life Inside the Markets

See how Oaxaqueños shop, eat, and connect.

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Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

At Mercado de Benito Juárez or Mercado 20 de Noviembre, your host might introduce stalls and explain local foods. You might taste a snack or watch daily life unfold around you.

Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

Courtyards and Local Corners

Find calm in the backstreets and shaded squares.

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Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

Step into a quieter lane near the Zócalo to notice murals, courtyards, and colonial architecture. Your host could share how locals use public spaces or offer tips on where to return later for coffee, crafts, or people-watching.

Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

Optional Close: Oaxaca’s Zócalo

End at the city’s lively heart with new confidence.

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Your Perfect First Day in Oaxaca: Streets, Stories & Everyday Life

The walk closes at the Zócalo, Oaxaca’s central plaza. Some guests pause here and converse. Others use this as a springboard for further exploring, already feeling oriented and at ease in the city.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Exploring History Under the Mexican Sun

Exploring History Under the Mexican Sun

Flavors of Mexico: A Feast for the Curious Palate

Flavors of Mexico: A Feast for the Curious Palate

A Warm Welcome to Vibrant Mexico

A Warm Welcome to Vibrant Mexico

Timeless Elegance and Mexican Heritage

Timeless Elegance and Mexican Heritage

Connecting Through Art and Architecture

Connecting Through Art and Architecture

Cultural Encounters in Mexico’s Sacred Spaces

Cultural Encounters in Mexico’s Sacred Spaces

Discovering Local Life and Hidden Streets

Discovering Local Life and Hidden Streets

Night Lights and Lively Mexican Spirit

Night Lights and Lively Mexican Spirit

Stories and Smiles Beneath Stained Glass Beauty

Stories and Smiles Beneath Stained Glass Beauty

Treasures of Mexican Artistry and Color

Treasures of Mexican Artistry and Color

Sharing Stories on the Move

Sharing Stories on the Move

Cheers to Culture and Conversation

Cheers to Culture and Conversation

Tasting Tradition, One Taco at a Time

Tasting Tradition, One Taco at a Time

Sweet Moments and Local Charm

Sweet Moments and Local Charm

Making New Friends in Mexico

Making New Friends in Mexico

Exploring With Joy and Curiosity

Exploring With Joy and Curiosity

Discovering Heritage and Craftsmanship

Discovering Heritage and Craftsmanship

History and Heart in Every Corner

History and Heart in Every Corner

A Journey Into Ancient Wonders

A Journey Into Ancient Wonders

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of our Mexico experiences

Paige Oct 2025

Our guide was Marisol and she was a DELIGHT! She was so knowledgeable, she real-time tailored our tour to our interests, she was engaging, and even took us to her favorite taquerias in the city when we mentioned my husband is a chef. She even sent us links to restaurants, cafes, and day trip travel plan ideas after the tour was finished. This was by FAR one of the best tour experiences my husband and I have had!

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Rommel Sep 2025

I like that Nic is very knowledgeable on the areas we visited.

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Marcela Sep 2025

Nick was a wonderful guide with excellent knowledge of Mexico’s history. He curated a perfect tour taking in mind what we had already seen and also our limited time. He also recommended a couple of restaurants which were delicious.

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Arlene Sep 2025

Our tour guide was Ernesto, and he was great. He was very patient and informative. He talked about the history points and answered all our questions. I highly recommend.

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Arlene Sep 2025

Ernesto was great! An awesome experience. He was very knowledgeable and patient. I would highly recommend.

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Maryrose Sep 2025

This is a fabulous tour and Lando was an amazing guide! Highly recommended to anyone interested in learning more about the city!

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Yes! You can blend food, culture, history, neighborhoods, or even a bit of nightlife if time allows. Just share your interests in the questionnaire, and your host will build the day around them.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Absolutely. Your host can adjust the itinerary on the day based on your pace, energy, or any new ideas you have. It’s a flexible experience from start to finish.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.