Oaxaca's colour, folklore, fiestas, indigenous markets and colonial history and culture make it one of the popular cities in Mexico.

Widely seen as the art capital of Mexico, there are several state and private galleries, resident artists, art and jewellery master classes and regular exhibitions, where photographers, painters, fine artists, musicians and writers display their wares.

Oaxaca's fine architecture is best appreciated in the city's Cathedral, the Temple, the former Monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzman and the World Heritage historical centre.

Oaxaca is also known for its cuisine and it is worth visiting to try some famous dishes, such as moles (rich, spicy sauce), chapulines (fried grasshoppers, chocolate, mescal and tejate (a maize flour drink).