There are many beautiful places to see within and outside Oaxaca City. Ideas to make itinerary building easier:

Within city limits:

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca - A beautiful botanical garden in the city center. There are guided tours Monday through Friday at 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00 and 17:00.
Plaza de la Danza - There are 10+ ice cream stands within this plaza; it’s a great place to cool down with a sweet, delicious treat.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre - A great place for traditional Oaxacan and street food like tlayudas, chapulines, moles, and local snacks.
Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca - An architectural heritage site, features the state's history from colonial times.

Outside the city:

Monte Albán - A major Zapotec archaeological site overlooking the city. It’s a 30-minute drive outside the city center.
Teotitlán del Valle - A village about an hour outside the city that is famous for its textile history, which dates back thousands of years.
Hierve el Agua - Natural petrified waterfalls and natural pools with nice mountain views. Bring a swimsuit!
Mezcal Lalocura, Mezcal Real Minero, Mal de Amor Mezcal - Visit one of the many mezcal ranches surrounding the city.

You can either DIY these adventures or find tours on TripAdvisor, Airbnb Experiences, or tour groups within the city.

Some of our favorite restaurants from our last visit:

Bars: