Festive Weeklong Itinerary for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca & Mexico City

Morning/afternoon: Arrive in Oaxaca and check into your hotel in the Centro Histórico area for easy access to events and parades.

Evening: Start with a stroll through the Zócalo and Alameda de León, where decorations and altars start appearing. Local markets like Mercado de Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre are filled with marigolds, sugar skulls and pan de muerto (bread of the dead).

Dinner: Dine at Casa Oaxaca or Origen, both fantastic introductions to Oaxacan cuisine with unique takes on local dishes.

Nightcap: Visit Sabina Sabe, a trendy mezcal bar with a cozy vibe, perfect for a first taste of Oaxacan mezcal.

Morning: Head to Panteón General cemetery to observe early preparations, including the arrangement of flowers and altars honoring the dead.

Afternoon: Take a guided mezcal tour in a nearby town like Santiago Matatlán or Mitla, where you can see the production process firsthand. Many tours offer tastings at family-owned mezcalerías.

Dinner: Los Danzantes Oaxaca offers beautifully plated traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.

Night Out: Check out La Mezcaloteca for a curated mezcal tasting with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the flavors and histories of different mezcal varieties.

Morning: Visit the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures in the ex-convent of Santo Domingo, where you'll find exhibitions on indigenous traditions, including Day of the Dead customs.

Afternoon: Explore Xoxocotlán (a nearby village) for its famous cemeteries, where locals decorate graves and build altars.

Evening: Return to the city center for the lively comparsas (parades) with music, dancing and costumed participants.

Dinner: Dine at El Destilado, an innovative spot known for creative Oaxacan tasting menus.

Nightcap: Visit Mezcalogia, a popular bar for locals and visitors alike, offering a large mezcal selection.

Morning: Join a cooking class to make traditional Oaxacan dishes, like mole negro, at a local cooking school.

Afternoon: Head to Panteón de San Miguel or another cemetery for the Day of the Dead vigil. Here, families gather to remember their loved ones with music, food and candlelit altars.

Dinner: At Criollo, enjoy a tasting menu that celebrates Oaxacan ingredients with a modern approach.

Evening/night: Return to the main square for music and more celebrations.

Morning: Fly to Mexico City and settle in.

Afternoon: Visit the Zócalo in the Centro Histórico, which will have large-scale altars and art installations for Day of the Dead. Walk around the area and visit Templo Mayor or Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Lunch: Tacos de Armando for casual but delicious tacos to fuel your sightseeing.

Dinner: Enjoy an elegant meal at Contramar, known for its seafood specialties, especially the famous tuna tostadas. Pro tip: They only take reservations three weeks in advance and they are always fully booked, so set an alarm!

Evening: Check out Hanky Panky, a speakeasy bar with expertly crafted cocktails.

Morning: Head to Coyoacán to visit Frida Kahlo’s Blue House, and explore local markets and altars in the neighborhood.

Lunch: Maizajo for traditional dishes using indigenous corn varieties, located conveniently in the Coyoacán area.

Afternoon: Continue to Xochimilco for a Day of the Dead boat ride with decorated trajineras (gondola-like boats). This is a festive way to enjoy live mariachi music, food vendors and ofrendas on the canals.

Dinner: Try Suchi inside Casona Roma Norte for Japanese-Mexican fusion or Animal inside the St. Regis.

Evening: Stop by Café Paraíso for great cocktails and a vibrant, trendy atmosphere.

Morning: Visit Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology for a look at Mexican culture and history.

Lunch: Rosetta, in a beautiful mansion, offers Italian-influenced cuisine with a Mexican twist, courtesy of chef Elena Reygadas.

Afternoon: Walk around Polanco and stop by El Panteón de Dolores if you want to see more Day of the Dead displays in a beautiful cemetery.

Dinner: Head to Fonico for a trendy spot with creative Mexican flavors.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed night at Licorería Limantour, one of Mexico City’s best cocktail bars.

Morning: Explore the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, walking along Avenida Álvaro Obregón and stopping in artisan shops and coffee spots.

Lunch: Orinoco for some of the best tacos in town in a casual setting.

Afternoon: Head to Parque México for a relaxing stroll, then explore local galleries and shops in the area.

Dinner: Finish your culinary tour with a meal and cocktails at Taverna en Prim for a cozy yet stylish experience.

Nightcap: End your trip with a reservation at Handshake Speakeasy, voted #1 this year for World's Best Bars. Pro-tip: They take reservations 14 days out, and I highly recommend making one if you don't want to wait hours in line!