Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

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.

A smaller venue which hosts rotating exhibits of work by national and international artists.

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.

Historic childhood home of former Mexican President Benito Juarez. It's an unassuming home fitting for a man of humble roots.

Established by Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo and housed in a beautifully-restored colonial building, this center hosts changing exhibits of work by Mexican and international photographers.

Housed in a building known as the Casa de Cortés, this museum hosts exhibits of local and nationally recognized modern artists.