Oaxaca Botanical Garden
A former army base, converted to a large botanical garden in 1993. The garden, designed by Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo who led the project to create it, has the largest collection of living cacti and agave plants in Oaxaca. Paths take visitors though the constantly growing collections that show the rich biodiversity of Oaxacan plant life. Entrance to the garden is through guided tours only, limited to 30 people, and no reservations are accepted. Spanish tours are one hour long, and English tours are two hours.
English tours: Mon-Sat 11:00; Spanish tours: Mon-Sat 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, Mon-Fri also at 17:00·Spanish tours $50, English tours $100
If you're looking to splurge on a meal that you won't be able to find in other restaurants in Oaxaca, Casa Oaxaca fits the bill. Ask for a rooftop table and enjoy the 5-course tasting menu for US$32/person. Treat yourself to corn mushroom soup, fresh fish with tomato marmalade and succulent sorbets. The wine list is decent with some excellent Spanish wines and good local options. There is another Casa Oaxaca restaurant, in the same location as Casa Oaxaca Hotel.
Mon-Sat 13:00-23:00, Sun 13:00-21:00
Centro Cultural Santo Domingo, Ex Convento de Santo Domingo
This is a museum of regional history and culture, with exhibits on Zapotec, Mixtec, and Olmec civilizations, as well as colonial and revolutionary era history. The highlight is the collection of treasure excavated from Tomb 7 at Monte Albán by archaeologist Alfonso Caso in the 1930s. The Museo occupies most rooms of the Convent of Santo Domingo, so it is huge and impressive: you will need a few hours to visit it! It also offers nice views over the plaza and the botanical garden.
Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·M$210 (M$105 Mexican residents, Free for Mexicans under 13 and seniors); M$63 video and tripod permit
A spectacular church built from 1570-1608, with subsequent Baroque renovations. It has been restored. Particularly noteworthy on the south side is the elaborate Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario, as well as the Capilla de la Cruz de Huatulco, which contains the legendary pre-Hispanic cross of Huatulco. The ornate golden interior decoration make this the most popular wedding spot in Oaxaca, so expect to see such celebrations on weekends.
Daily 07:00-13:00, 16:00-20:00·Free