City Essentials: First Day

5 (75)

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

2 hours English

5 (75) 100% Personalized

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

Angel

Jocy

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

2 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Transport Mode:

Walking experience (may use public transport for long distances)

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’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 Excluded:

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

What makes it 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 travelers think of our Mexico experiences

Paige 1 October 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!

Rommel 1 September 2025

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

Marcela 1 September 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.

Arlene 1 September 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.

Arlene 1 September 2025

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

Maryrose 1 September 2025

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

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

A Local Start by Santo Domingo

Begin calmly at the city’s most iconic landmark.

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.

Strolling Down Alcalá Street

Everyday life unfolds between churches and shops.

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.

Life Inside the Markets

See how Oaxaqueños shop, eat, and connect.

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.

Courtyards and Local Corners

Find calm in the backstreets and shaded squares.

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.

Optional Close: Oaxaca’s Zócalo

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

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.

What you’ll do

Real Stories, Real Connections

Exploring History Under the Mexican Sun

Flavors of Mexico: A Feast for the Curious Palate

A Warm Welcome to Vibrant Mexico

Timeless Elegance and Mexican Heritage

Connecting Through Art and Architecture

Cultural Encounters in Mexico’s Sacred Spaces

Discovering Local Life and Hidden Streets

Night Lights and Lively Mexican Spirit

Stories and Smiles Beneath Stained Glass Beauty

Treasures of Mexican Artistry and Color

Sharing Stories on the Move

Cheers to Culture and Conversation

Tasting Tradition, One Taco at a Time

Sweet Moments and Local Charm

Making New Friends in Mexico

Exploring With Joy and Curiosity

Discovering Heritage and Craftsmanship

History and Heart in Every Corner

A Journey Into Ancient Wonders

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.

See what a personalized experience feels like!

Start Booking with us

★★★★★

Michael

Dec 2025

Anna was fantastic, we could have spent many more hours with her. Extremely knowledgeable of Munich. Great tour.

Jon

Maria went out of her way to talk to all of us (we are a family of 6 with 4 teenagers) and she was just perfect for our experience. We couldn’t speak more highly of her and thoroughly recommend her for anyone wanting a really special family experience.

Peter

I cannot say enough good things about our full day tour of Hong Kong with Benny of City Unscripted. First, the booking process included a detailed questionnaire regarding our interests, and everything we considered a “must see” or “could do without”. For us, it was History? Check. Architecture? Check. Markets? Sure, but we’ll skip the live chickens at the wet market. Public transportation or Uber? The former, and lots of it. And so on….. Then, we were able to choose our guide, based upon his or her background and reviews. This was definitely a first for us with a tour company. Once we decided on Benny, we immediately heard from him by email with follow up questions, and after some discussion we decided on an itinerary that felt fully customized. The tour itself (8 hours) was everything we asked for. We covered several areas of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, a perfect mix of tourist highlights and off the beaten path sights. We threw questions at Benny all day, which he was able to answer thanks to an obviously deep knowledge - and love - of his native city. And let’s not forget the delicious dim sum lunch and teahouse! We certainly got our steps in, but we always felt Benny was keeping a watchful eye on whether we were flagging a bit. It was a perfect day of touring, and we feel comfortable enough on the Metro and ferry to go out and do some more on our own. In sum, Benny and City Unscripted are highly recommended.