There are plenty of things to see and to do in San Cristobal. You can shop at artisan markets, hike to viewpoints above the city, and explore indigenous culture.
If you have time, a visit to the local Templo de Santo Domingo is also a great choice. This historic church is arguably one of the most beautiful in town.
Cathedral
The Cathedral of San Cristobal was built immediately upon the town’s founding, and features elaborate vegetal motifs adorning its front facade. It is considered one of the best-preserved buildings from that period.
The interior is home to the main altarpiece, which is a painting of Our Lady of Remedies. She is also a popular patron saint of the city and of Tenerife, and her feast is celebrated on 8 September.
Another feature of the cathedral is a collection of paintings by local artists, including a number of dated and autographed works by Juan Correa. The church also houses a large canvas of the Souls of Purgatory, as well as a work by the painter Cristobal Hernandez de Quintana.
The cathedral is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere. It’s worth spending two or three days here to see everything.
Templo de Santo Domingo
The Templo de Santo Domingo is a spectacular baroque church that is one of the most prominent symbols of Oaxaca. Built in the 16th century, it is a fine example of Mexican Baroque architecture.
The interior is beautiful, a veritable feast for the eyes, with its profusion of intricate gilt designs swirling around painted figures. The 18th-century Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario (Rosary Chapel) is particularly elaborate, incorporating a statue of the Virgin Mary with two angels in her arms.
The temple was built as part of the Dominican monastery in San Cristobal, with many artisans from Puebla and elsewhere helping to build it. It was a big job and the Templo de Santo Domingo still needs a lot of work, but it is well worth a visit to see its impressive features.
Iglesia de Guadalupe
One of the most popular attractions in San Cristobal is the Iglesia de Guadalupe, perched atop Guadalupe Hill. This tiny church overlooks the entire town and is a great place to get a panoramic view of the whole city.
This historic church and former convent is arguably the most beautiful in San Cristobal. The pink facade, which dates back to the 1700s, is an exquisite sight.
It also contains a museum dedicated to Sergio Castro, an early Mexican national hero. The museum is packed with documents, certificates and photos that provide valuable background information to those wishing to learn more about the local hero's life.
The central pedestrian walkway, Calle Real de Guadalupe, is gloriously car-free and lined with a plethora of restaurants, bars, travel agencies and indie boutiques. Take a stroll down this main street to see the locals and indigenous people selling their handicrafts.
Plaza de la Paz
One of the best things to do in San Cristobal is to take a stroll around Plaza de la Paz, a block wide square kitty-corner to Central Plaza (Zocalo). It’s an area crowded with local vendors selling handmade goods.
A highlight is the San Cristobal Cathedral, which dates back to 1528 and is surrounded by colorful colonial buildings. The interior is decorated with religious art and paintings.
This cathedral is also home to the largest open air crafts market in San Cris. It’s a great place to buy a souvenir, and you can also try the famous micelada beer – it’s brewed here in San Cris and tastes very good!
In the past, this square was a site for a standoff between the Mexican government and indigenous people. In 1994, an armed group called the Zapatistas took over San Cris and fought the government for a week. It was an international cause celebre and a story that captivated the world.
