The Santo Domingo area of Oaxaca is where you will find the highest concentration of cultural delights, from museums and theatres to galleries and traditional locales. It is definitely the spot where all you culture vultures out there should dedicate a good chunk of time to exploring and enjoying.

Culture Hotspots in Santo Domingo Oaxaca

OAXACA MUSEUMS

• Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
  The most highly rated museum in the city can be found just behind the Santo Domingo church. Displaying artefacts and information on Oaxacan culture from pre-colombian times until modern day, this museum is proof of the exciting and diverse influences which form the cultural melting pot that is Oaxaca. Amongst other things you can see some beautiful artefacts excavated from nearby sites like Monte Albán and Mitla and a detailed history of the city. The museum is housed in the old Dominican monastery, a beautiful sixteenth century building with stunning stone arches surrounding a courtyard.
  
• Philatelic Museum
  A prime choice for all those interested in stamp collecting, the museum has a good collection and is the only one of its kind in the country.
  
• Casa de Juárez
  A pretty blue and red painted house, very traditional of Oaxaca's Santo Domingo and the historic centre of the city. Benito Juárez began his professional life here working as a bookbinders assistant. You can see some of his possessions and witness the humble place where he spent his early years.

OAXACA ART GALLERIES

• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Oaxaca
  On Calle Alcalá you will find a wonderfully well maintained seventeenth century colonial house in which the Oaxaca Contemporary Art museum is housed. Opened in 1992, the museum pays special attention to regional artists and embracing indigenous culture and its representation through art, as well as housing an interesting collection of National pieces.
  
• Instituto de Artes Gráficos
  An attractive colonial house now used as a space for temporary exhibits by national artists with a top notch art library.

OAXACA THEATRES

• Central Cultural Ricardo Flores
  Check out the cultural program for this centre in Santo Domingo where you will find eclectic shows ranging from theatre and live music to dance.
  
• Casa de Cantera
  Nightly Guelaguetza shows in the atmospheric locale every night from 8.30pm.

EATING AND DRINKING OAXACA-STYLE

Oaxaca's Santo Domingo area is the best in the city for eating, drinking and generally being merry. You can find traditional restaurants and cool bars hidden away in the little streets and it is often best just to follow your instincts and see what the locals are doing. For information on where to dance the night away in Oaxaca's Santo Domingo, check out our Oaxaca Nightlife page.