Oaxaca City offers an incredible mix of colorful markets, artisanal crafts, and delicious food—making it a top destination for anyone wanting to experience Mexico’s vibrant local culture. Whether you’re looking to learn how to cook traditional dishes, browse unique textiles, or visit the largest tree in the world, Oaxaca’s shopping and market tours are full of surprises. We particularly enjoyed the Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour, because it combines hands-on culinary skills with a lively market visit, offering a genuine taste of local life. It’s perfect if you want to get your hands dirty and enjoy a meal you made yourself.
For cyclists, the Bike tour to the Tule Tree and the Gastronomic Market stands out as a fun, active way to explore the environs of Oaxaca while seeing one of the largest trees in the world. And if you’re short on time but want an immersive city experience, the Oaxaca City tour – Santo Domingo museum & the colorful market offers a well-rounded peek into the city’s history and culture.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of shopping and market experiences in Oaxaca, from cooking classes and bike tours to market visits and art workshops. Some tours focus on food, such as the Oaxaca Central de Abastos Market Food Tour, while others highlight artisan crafts like ceramics and Alebrijes. There are also specialized experiences, including a Day of the Dead offering workshop and a full-day artisan tour. Read on for detailed reviews to help you pick the perfect match for your interests and schedule.
1. Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour
At number one, this hands-on cooking class offers you a chance to learn how to make authentic Oaxacan dishes without a fixed menu. The experience begins with a guided visit to a lively local market, where your small group will pick fresh ingredients for your culinary adventure. The class focuses on teaching techniques and explaining the origins of each dish, so you’ll leave not just with a full belly but with new skills. The tour ends with a delicious meal of your own creation, paired with complimentary drinks.
One of the tour’s strengths is its intimate setting—a small group with a friendly instructor—making it ideal for food lovers eager to understand Oaxaca’s flavors. Reviewers mention that the food is authentic and filling, and the guide “took us on a great tour of a local market,” which makes this experience stand out. This class is perfect for curious travelers, foodies, or anyone with dietary restrictions who wants a personalized cooking experience.
Bottom line: If you want to cook, eat, and learn about local ingredients in a friendly setting, this tour offers excellent value and authentic flavor.
2. Bike tour to the Tule Tree and the Gastronomic Market
For around $30, the Bike tour to the Tule Tree and the Gastronomic Market combines active exploration with cultural discovery. The route takes you 55 minutes outside Oaxaca along bike-friendly paths to Santa Maria del Tule, home to the world’s widest tree, the mighty Ahuehuete, which is over 2,000 years old. The guide provides insight into the pre-Hispanic and contemporary significance of the area, making the ride both scenic and informative.
After admiring the impressive Tule Tree, you’ll visit the local gastronomic market to sample regional dishes. The ride is well-suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of exercise and want to see both natural and culinary highlights of the region. The reviews highlight the easy pedaling and the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want a mix of nature, culture, and food, all at an accessible price point.
3. Oaxaca City tour – Santo Domingo museum & the colorful market
This 3-hour tour offers a compact introduction to Oaxaca’s highlights. It includes visits to the magnificent Templo de Santo Domingo, where you can appreciate the baroque architecture, and the Teatro Macedonio de Alcala, a cultural landmark since 1909. The tour also stops at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, one of the most iconic religious sites in the city.
The real highlight is exploring the local market, where you can shop for Oaxacan crafts and food, and taste a traditional chocolate drink dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The guide provides insights into the city’s history and culture, making this experience ideal for first-time visitors. Guests appreciate the smooth flow and the opportunity to see key sites without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: A good choice for those new to Oaxaca who want a quick yet rundown of the city’s architecture, markets, and history.
4. Oaxaca Central de Abastos Market Food Tour
For foodies eager to experience everyday Oaxaca, the Oaxaca Central de Abastos Market Food Tour dives deep into local gastronomy. Starting at the bustling market, your guide introduces you to pulque, tepache, and other traditional drinks, along with a variety of authentic snacks. The tour emphasizes respectful engagement with local vendors, offering an immersive look at Oaxaca’s culinary diversity.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides, with some reviews noting the private feel due to fewer travelers. The tour’s emphasis on local culture and authentic flavors makes it a standout for those wanting to see Oaxaca’s everyday food scene. The price reflects a comprehensive 4-hour journey into local markets and cuisine.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting an authentic, in-depth food experience away from touristy spots, showcasing Oaxaca’s true flavors.
5. Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour
This art and chocolate tour offers a creative twist on Oaxaca’s artisan scene. Combining avant-garde art with Oaxacan cocoa traditions, this 2.5-hour experience allows you to visit chocolate shops and art studios. The tour also includes a curated look at Oaxacan cocoa products, where you learn about the region’s traditional chocolate-making techniques.
While small in reviews, the tour’s uniqueness lies in its blend of art and gastronomy, giving you a taste of Oaxaca’s innovative spirit. Visitors often find it engaging and educational, especially if you’re interested in artistic expression and local crafts.
Bottom line: Perfect for art lovers and chocolate enthusiasts who want to explore Oaxaca’s creative and culinary heritage in one go.
6. Brunch and Cocktails at the largest market in Oaxaca
For a relaxed, food-focused experience, the Brunch and Cocktails at the largest market offers a tasty 3-hour window into local flavors. Hosted at Central de Abastos, it includes a delicious brunch and traditional cocktails, with the chance to interact with passionate local vendors.
Reviewers highlight the friendly hosts and the opportunity to try a variety of regional ingredients. It’s ideal if you prefer a casual, social experience with a focus on local food and drink rather than sightseeing.
Bottom line: Great for those who want to enjoy Oaxaca’s culinary culture with a relaxed, social vibe.
7. Tour of the Oaxaca Food Market
This immersive food market tour is perfect for those interested in sampling a wide range of local foods. Starting at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, you’ll walk through the Central de Abastos, trying everything from memelas and antojitos to mezcal tastings. The guide shares stories about the history of each dish and the vendors behind them.
The tour is praised for offering a comprehensive look at Oaxaca’s food scene in just 3 hours. It’s recommended for foodies and culture seekers eager to understand the city’s culinary roots.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a full-flavor experience and to discover Oaxaca’s street food and market culture.
8. Traditional Market, Widest Tree, Artisanal Textiles, Mezcal Magic
This full-day tour offers a leisurely pace through Oaxaca’s most iconic sites, including the Tule Tree, Teotitlán del Valle for textile art, and a mezcal distillery. It’s tailored for travelers wanting to see a broad spectrum of Oaxaca’s craftsmanship and natural wonders. All entrance fees are included, and you’ll enjoy breakfast and drinks along the way.
Guests love the personalized experience and the chance to visit family-run workshops. The tour’s length makes it suitable for those with ample time who want to absorb Oaxaca’s artisan spirit.
Bottom line: Best for curious travelers who want a comprehensive day exploring nature, textiles, and mezcal.
9. Sunday Market Tour in Tlacolula de Matamoros
On Sundays, Tlacolula hosts one of Oaxaca’s largest and oldest markets. This 5-hour tour takes you to see the market’s lively stalls and traditional food vendors. It’s an excellent way to observe local commerce and community at its most authentic.
The tour includes stops at food stalls, where you can try local dishes from different communities. Reviewers mention it’s a cultural treasure that offers genuine insights into Oaxacan life.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers interested in weekly markets and local food customs.
10. Tlacolula, Tlacochahuaya, and Yagul Market Sunday
This shorter, 3.5-hour tour combines visits to historic sites like the San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya church and the Yagul archaeological site with the famous Sunday market. It’s ideal if you want a mix of cultural history and local markets.
Guests appreciate the insights into the architecture and history, as well as the chance to sample local food. It’s suitable for those with limited time but still craving a diverse experience.
Bottom line: A good pick for history lovers who also want a taste of Oaxaca’s market culture.
11. Build a Day of the Dead and Shopping Offering on the market
This interactive 3.5-hour experience invites you to participate in creating a traditional Day of the Dead offering. It’s a deeply cultural activity that explores Mexican traditions and their significance, with your contribution helping to honor loved ones. The tour includes a visit to the Central de Abastos and crafting the offering.
While reviews are mixed, many appreciate the meaningful cultural connection and the chance to engage directly with local traditions. It’s best suited for culturally curious travelers.
Bottom line: For those seeking a personal, cultural experience with a hands-on component.
$55.73 per person
12. Ancestral Mezcal Experience + ceramics + Alebrijes + Market
This full-day tour takes you beyond the city, to meet mezcal masters, visit ceramics workshops, and see colorful Alebrijes. You’ll learn about the ancestral process of mezcal, taste various artisanal varieties, and explore local markets. It’s a comprehensive dive into Oaxaca’s craftsmanship and spirits.
Guests note the depth of the mezcal tasting and the chance to see local artisans at work. It’s suitable for travelers with ample time and an interest in Oaxacan arts and spirits.
Bottom line: Perfect for curious travelers wanting an all-encompassing craft and mezcal tour.
$199.00 per person
13. Shopping Tour in Southern Oaxaca
Finally, the Shopping Tour in Southern Oaxaca offers a full-day trip to visit traditional workshops like the Salgados family jewelry and women-led Alebrije studios. You’ll also learn hat-making in Ocotlán and explore local markets. It’s a cultural shopping adventure emphasizing Oaxacan craftsmanship.
While reviews are currently limited, the itinerary promises an immersive artisan experience, ideal for those interested in authentic crafts and supporting local artisans.
Bottom line: Best for art lovers and craft collectors wanting to support female-led workshops and traditional trades.
$139.07 per person
How to Choose the Right Market Tour
When deciding which Oaxaca shopping or market tour to book, consider your interests and fitness level. For food lovers, the Cooking Class and the Market Food Tour offer immersive flavors, while the Market and Art Tour provides a creative angle. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the bike tour, which combines activity with sightseeing at a reasonable price.
If your schedule allows, the full-day artisan and mezcal experience is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive look at Oaxaca’s crafts. For cultural enthusiasts, the Build a Day of the Dead offering provides a meaningful, hands-on tradition.
Book early, especially for tours with limited reviews or popular times, and consider your physical activity preferences—some tours involve walking or cycling, while others are more leisurely.
Final Thoughts
Oaxaca City’s diverse shopping and market tours mean there’s something for every traveler. Whether it’s learning to cook traditional dishes, supporting local artisans, or exploring historic markets, you’ll find experiences that deepen your connection to this colorful city. For a quick immersive trip, the Santo Domingo Museum & Market Tour offers a well-rounded intro. For those with time and curiosity, the full-day arts and spirits tour promises an unforgettable deep dive.
Whatever your focus, booking these tours in advance will ensure you secure a spot to enjoy Oaxaca’s authentic flavors and crafts.