Oaxaca City is a treasure trove of history, art, and flavor, making it an ideal destination for city tours that go beyond the typical sightseeing. Its lively streets, colorful markets, and colonial architecture make exploring on foot or bike particularly rewarding. We especially love tours that combine cultural insights with authentic experiences, like the Culture, History and Food in Oaxaca City tour, which immerses you in the city’s vibrant traditions, or the Private Historic City Tour + Street Food, perfect for personalized sensory adventures. Whether you’re into history, food, or cycling, Oaxaca’s variety of tours ensures there’s something to fit every interest.
Quick Overview
Our list features a mix of walking tours, bike rides, and private excursions. For a comprehensive introduction, the Culture, History and Food tour is perfect for getting your bearings and sampling local flavors. If you’re looking for something more personalized, try the Private Historic City Tour + Street Food, which dives deep into the city’s culinary scene. For active travelers, the Oaxaca City Bike Ride and Street Art & Historic Biking tours combine physical activity with cultural discovery. Budget options include the Private Oaxaca City Tour on a Budget, while those craving exclusive experiences can opt for the City Tour & Art Walk. Below you’ll find detailed descriptions to help you pick the perfect match.
1. Culture, History and Food in Oaxaca City
This tour offers a 3-hour walking journey through Oaxaca’s main sights, perfect for travelers eager to understand the city’s rich traditions. Starting at the Temple of Santo Domingo, you’ll visit markets like Mercado Benito Juarez, where you can see local ingredients and crafts firsthand. The tour includes stops at iconic sites such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and Parque Juarez El Llano, giving you insight into the city’s vibrant daily life. The guide shares stories about local celebrations and introduces you to a traditional Zapotec drink, making this experience both educational and tasty.
Rated 5/5 with glowing reviews, visitors appreciate the depth of knowledge and friendly approach of the guide. It’s ideal for those who want a balanced overview of Oaxaca’s culture, history, and cuisine in a short time. The tour’s value is high considering the inclusion of market visits, cultural insights, and local tastings, making it perfect for first-timers wanting a solid introduction.
Bottom Line: A lively, well-rounded tour for history, food, and cultural lovers that works well for a half-day exploration.
2. Private Historic City Tour + Street Food of Oaxaca – Best Rated
For those who prefer a personalized experience, this private walking tour lasts around 3 hours and focuses on Oaxaca’s historic core and culinary delights. Your guide will meet you wherever you choose—your hotel or a central location—and lead you through cobblestone streets filled with stories. The tour includes visits to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Teatro Macedonio Alcalá, and Mercado 20 De Noviembre, where you’ll sample local dishes while learning about their origins. The guide’s storytelling brings the city’s art, architecture, and food culture vividly to life.
Rated 5/5, guests love the tailored approach and the knowledgeable guides who share personal insights. Food lovers especially enjoy the market tastings, which include explanations of each dish’s preparation and significance. The price reflects a high-quality, intimate experience that’s suitable for couples or families wanting a deeper connection with Oaxaca.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for travelers seeking a flexible, private tour with authentic tastings and detailed stories.
3. Oaxaca city bike ride – History & traditions
If you’re comfortable on two wheels, this 2.5-hour bike tour is a fantastic way to cover more ground and see Oaxaca’s 7 iconic sites. The professional guides will lead you through neighborhoods like Xochimilco with its ancient aqueduct, and Jalatlaco, famed for Día de Muertos art. You’ll stop at Parque Juarez El Llano for traditional nieves (ice treats) and learn about the city’s colonial past and local traditions.
Rated 5/5, riders appreciate the relaxed pace and the guide’s deep knowledge of local history. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with exercise. The tour’s highlights include impressive murals, historic churches, and the city’s lively streets, all seen from a local’s perspective. The main drawback is that it requires some comfort with cycling.
Bottom Line: A fun, energetic way to explore Oaxaca, ideal for those comfortable on a bike and looking for a physical yet cultural experience.
4. Oaxaca City Walking Tour – Markets, Textile Museum & Lunch
Spanning around 7 hours, this comprehensive tour dives into Oaxaca’s markets, architecture, and crafts. Starting in the Zocalo, you’ll explore the markets, visit the Textile Museum, and enjoy a light lunch at La Cosecha Market. The route takes you through historic plazas, colonial buildings, and artisan neighborhoods. The highlight is the opportunity to learn about traditional textiles and sample local foods, including memelas de Oaxaca and other regional specialties.
Rated 5/5, travelers praise the guide’s enthusiasm and the mix of cultural, culinary, and craft insights. It’s ideal for those wanting an in-depth, full-day experience that combines walking, shopping, and tasting. The tour works well for art and food lovers wanting to understand Oaxaca’s craftsmanship and culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: A thorough, engaging way to spend a day exploring both the city’s markets and museums with a friendly guide.
5. Oaxaca City Bicycle Tour Explore Iconic Barrios
This 2-hour bicycle tour takes you through Oaxaca’s most colorful neighborhoods—Xochimilco, Jalatlaco, and Trinidad de las Huertas. You’ll see murals, visit historic aqueducts, and stop at La Fuente de las 8 regiones, learning about each neighborhood’s unique character. The guide shares stories about local art, architecture, and traditions while you pedal between sites.
Rated 5/5, participants commend the guide’s friendliness and the relaxed pace. It’s particularly suited for those who want a quick yet rundown of the city’s diverse districts. The tour offers a lively and memorable way to experience Oaxaca’s urban charm without the fatigue of walking.
Bottom Line: A short, active tour that delivers a vivid sense of Oaxaca’s neighborhoods and their stories.
6. Private Oaxaca City Tour on a budget – Best Rated
This 2-hour private tour offers a cost-effective way to get a personalized introduction to Oaxaca. Your guide will cover key sites like the Cathedral, Teatro Macedonio, and Santo Domingo, with plenty of time for questions. The focus is on the city’s architecture, landmarks, and local stories.
Rated 5/5, guests appreciate the affordability combined with a tailored experience. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see main sights with a private guide. The tour doesn’t include food or deep cultural activities but provides a solid overview.
Bottom Line: An economical, flexible way to see Oaxaca’s highlights in a short amount of time.
7. Private Oaxaca City Tour on a Guide
For those wanting maximum flexibility, this 6-hour private vehicle tour allows you to craft an itinerary with a dedicated guide. Whether it’s visiting archaeological sites, markets, or mezcal bars, you decide what interests you most.
Rated 5/5, travelers love the customization and comfort of this tour. The private vehicle ensures you can explore further outside the city or focus on specific interests. It’s best suited for groups seeking a tailored, hassle-free experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want to customize their day and see Oaxaca at their own pace.
8. Oaxaca City tour – Santo Domingo museum & the colorful market
This 3-hour tour explores Oaxaca’s Santo Domingo church, the Macedonio Alcalá Theater, and local markets. You’ll learn about the city’s art, architecture, and cultural traditions from a knowledgeable guide. The highlight is the market visit, where you can shop for local crafts and taste regional snacks.
Rated 5/5, visitors praise the guide’s storytelling and the mix of historical and culinary insights. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a short, enriching introduction to Oaxaca’s vibrant life and art. The tour’s practical pace makes it accessible for most fitness levels.
Bottom Line: An engaging, informative tour for those short on time but eager to get a taste of Oaxaca’s culture and markets.
9. Oaxaca City tour – Santo Domingo museum & the colorful market
This 3-hour experience highlights Santo Domingo’s architecture, the Macedonio Alcala Theater, and the city’s lively markets. It offers a balanced mix of history, art, and shopping, perfect for a quick deep dive into Oaxaca’s cultural heart.
Rated 5/5, reviews mention the guide’s deep knowledge and ability to answer questions. It’s suitable for travelers who want a short but comprehensive look at Oaxaca’s artistic and historic spots.
Bottom Line: A concise, well-rounded tour for anyone curious about Oaxaca’s cultural scene.
10. Oaxaca City Photo Session
Capture your memories with this private photo session around Oaxaca’s most photogenic spots. The photographer knows the city’s best hours and angles, ensuring you get high-quality, high-resolution pictures in about an hour. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want professional photos of their trip.
Rated 5/5, previous clients praise the photographer’s patience and the quality of the images. This tour suits anyone who wants to preserve their trip with stunning photos and doesn’t mind a short, relaxed session.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to get professional-quality pictures and take home tangible memories of Oaxaca.
11. Transfer in private service from Oaxaca to Huatulco
This private transfer is a comfortable, reliable way to travel between Oaxaca and Huatulco, with about 5-6 hours of door-to-door service. Your driver provides a safe, personalized experience, and the rate includes a friendly local driver and flexible scheduling.
Rated 5/5, travelers value the punctuality and driver’s knowledge about the region. It’s suited for those who want a stress-free, private journey without the hassle of buses or shared shuttles.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for travelers prioritizing comfort and convenience on their transfer.
12. Oaxaca Airport (OAX) Private Transfer to Oaxaca City
A quick 30-minute ride, this private airport transfer guarantees a smooth start or end to your trip. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the driver is professional and punctual, offering a stress-free arrival or departure.
Rated 5/5, reviewers mention the driver’s attentiveness and helpfulness, especially if traveling alone or with luggage. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a hassle-free airport transfer.
Bottom Line: Reliable, comfortable, and efficient—ideal for smooth arrivals and departures.
13. Private Transfer Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido or vice versa
Traveling between Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido? This private transfer takes around 4-5 hours, offering a personalized, comfortable ride. The drivers are knowledgeable, ensuring you see scenic spots and learn about local points of interest along the way.
Rated 4.5/5, reviewers highlight the professionalism and safety of the service. It’s a good choice for those who want a customized journey without relying on public transport.
Bottom Line: A reliable, private transport option for a stress-free trip between Oaxaca and the coast.
14. Street Art and Historic City Biking Tour
This 2.5-hour ride takes you through Oaxaca’s street art and historic districts, including the Templo de San Matias Jalatlaco and the Jardín Conzatti. The tour supports a social cause, as rental fees benefit local community projects, adding an ethical dimension to your activity.
Rated 5/5, reviewers enjoy the informative guide and the chance to see parts of the city difficult to reach on foot. It’s excellent for those who want a mix of culture, community, and physical activity.
Bottom Line: Short, socially conscious ride for active travelers interested in art and local initiatives.
$45.00 per person
15. City Tour and Art Walk in Oaxaca
This 4-hour tour combines walking through Oaxaca’s art-filled streets with visits to murals and local studios. You’ll explore Cerro del Fuerte, the Andador de Macedonia Alcala, and Benito Juarez Market, getting insights into the city’s artistic traditions and culinary scenes.
Rated 5/5, participants praise the guide’s storytelling and the mix of visual and cultural discovery. It suits art lovers who want to see Oaxaca’s street murals and interact with local artists.
Bottom Line: A detailed, visually rich tour recommended for those passionate about Oaxaca’s art scene.
$170.00 per person
How to Choose the Perfect Oaxaca City Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and fitness level. For a quick cultural overview with local tastings, the Culture, History and Food tour offers great value. If you prefer a private, tailored experience, the Private Historic City Tour + Street Food might be better. For those wanting an active adventure, consider the Bike Ride or the Street Art Bike Tour, which combine sightseeing with physical activity.
Budget travelers will appreciate the Private Oaxaca City Tour on a Budget, while art and photography enthusiasts might go for the Photo Session. For transportation, the Private Transfers and airport shuttles offer hassle-free options, especially if you’re tight on time or traveling with luggage.
Final Thoughts
Oaxaca offers a rich selection of city tours, from cultural walks and bike rides to private excursions and art walks. If you want a comprehensive introduction, the Culture, History and Food tour is hard to beat. For a more personalized experience, the Private Historic City Tour provides tailored insights and tastings. Active travelers will love the Bike Ride, while art lovers can indulge in the Art & City Walk.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you secure your preferred date and time. No matter which tour you pick, Oaxaca’s authentic charm and colorful streets will leave you with memorable stories and plenty of photos.