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The 14 Best Hotels in Oaxaca, Mexico (2023)

Ready to find the best hotel in Oaxaca for your stay? This list of hotels will help you find the right place for your stay.

A booming design scene, colonial architecture, exquisite moles, and mezcals. These are just a few of the things that make Oaxaca special. And the best part? You’re likely to find at least some of these features represented at your hotel in the city.

Whether you’re looking for modern design or old-world charm—multiple properties on this list are housed within renovated convents dating back to the 1500s—you’ll find it in Oaxaca. The common thread is attention to detail and staff members that exude the friendliness Oaxaca is known for.

Pick from the bustling, historical El Centro neighborhood or the trendy, tree-lined Reforma. Or consider the quaint and colorful Jalatlaco and Barrio de Xochimilco. Check out the list below for the best boutique hotels Oaxaca has to offer.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Oaxaca:

• Pug Seal , for the best design hotel
• Grana B&B , for the best design for dollar hotel
• Hotel Escondido , for the best luxury hotel

The 14 Best Hotels in Oaxaca, Mexico

1. pug seal.

Design is at the forefront of the experience at Pug Seal , aiming to take guests on a journey through Zapotec culture. Legends, stories, symbols, and values are all woven into the architectural canvas, and brass inlays in the walls display Zapotec motifs. Each of the hotel’s 20 rooms boasts its own unique design, and the walls throughout the property are painted with vibrant colors. Book the best rates here .

Address: C. Porfirio Díaz 212, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

2. Grana B&B

Set in an 18th-century mansion, Grana is a beautiful B&B set in the heart of Oaxaca. The property characterizes its hospitality as uncomplicated and personalized and aims to make travelers feel comfortable and carefree. Its charming breakfast room, inner courtyard—complete with fountain and hammocks—and multipurpose room provide plenty of communal space to relax and enjoy the scenery. Book the best rates here .

Address: Labastida 118, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

3. Hotel Escondido

A member of Design Hotels, the Hotel Escondido is a design-lover’s dream. It combines pre-Hispanic elements of its original structure with a new build in the Brutalist style, effortlessly bridging old and new. Interiors, meanwhile, are warm and welcoming, with custom local touches throughout including handmade wood furniture to hand-woven tapestries. A library, pool, and top-floor bar are standout features. Book the best rates here .

Address: Av. José María Morelos 401, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

4. Quinta Real

Journey back in time to Quinta Real , originally built as a convent in 1576. Today, it’s a beautifully restored colonial property brimming with history, boasting both old-world charm and modern-day luxury. Guests can enjoy cocktails at the courtyard pool, look out over the fountains from one of 91 suites, try traditional cuisine at one of four restaurants and bars, or enjoy the courtyard patio.  Book the best rates here .

Address: 5 de Mayo 300, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

5. Casa Antoineta

Set inside one of the very first buildings in Oaxaca that dates back to the 1500s and was originally part of a convent, Casa Antoineta has been lovingly restored and converted into a chic and tranquil boutique hotel. Its gorgeous central patio, surrounded by columns, is a peaceful place to enjoy a cup of coffee or relax after a day of exploring. Furnishings are stylish and minimal. Book the best rates here .

Address: Miguel Hidalgo 911, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

6. City Centro

Expect to find bright colors (think pink with pops of yellow), bold patterns, and modern décor at City Centro , which is part of Marriott’s portfolio. It’s located in the Jalatlaco neighborhood, which is walking distance from the city center but avoids the hustle and bustle. A rooftop terrace (featuring a small pool) and gym are both available for guest use. Book the best rates here .

Address: Niños Heroes de Chapultepec 300, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

7. Hotel Con Corazon

For conscious travelers looking to give back with their stay, the Hotel Con Corazon is the perfect option. It invests profits in local education and operates as sustainably as possible. Its 17 comfortable rooms and multiple common spaces provide plenty of space to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Oaxaca, and the city center is in easy walking distance. Book the best rates here .

Address: División Ote. 129, Santa María del Marquesado, Centro, 68030 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Originally serving as an 18th-century house, the building that is now AYOOK has been preserved and updated with modern comforts. Today, the aim of the hotel—whose name means “People with the language of the mountains”—is to promote a cultural exchange that enriches the local community. Its 12 rooms are small but comfortable and clad in décor made by local artisans. Book the best rates here .

Address: Francisco I. Madero 112, Santa María del Marquesado, Centro Histórico, 68034 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

9. El Callejón Hotel Boutique

Modern architecture and adobe walls mingle at El Callejón Boutique Hotel , and airy, open spaces feature regional details and Oaxacan handicrafts. Lush foliage contributes to a sense of calm and provides a respite from the heat during the warmer months. El Callejón is part of Oaxaca’s Xochimilco neighborhood, a charming, colorful and quiet alternative to El Centro.  Book the best rates here .

Address: Callejon, Av. José María Morelos 103, Barrio de Xochimilco, 68040 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

10. Hotel Casa Santo Origen

Eight suites make up Hotel Casa Santo Origen , each named after a region in Oaxaca and displaying local art. The hotel offers private tours to help immerse guests in Oaxaca’s art, culture, and cuisine. Guests can enjoy food from the hotel’s on-site Mediterranean restaurant in their room, on their terrace, or at the pool. Book the best rates here .

Address: Calle, Loma de Guajal 100, Agencia Municipal de San Felipe del Agua, 68020 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

11. Hotel Los Amantes

Three restored houses in a classic contemporary style make up Hotel Los Amante , whose rooms have been curated by artists. The hotel’s central location is hard to beat at just a five-minute walk from the main square, the Zócalo, and the hotel terrace offers panoramic views of the city’s historic center, including the Baroque Santo Domingo de Guzmán church and the Guelaguetza Auditorium. Book the best rates here .

Address: C. de Ignacio Allende 108, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

12. Hotel Azul

Local art is on display at Hotel Azul , whose rooms and suites were designed by various Oaxacan artists. This boutique option also has some unique amenities, including an audiovisual lounge for up to six people, a chapel, and an art gallery. Bikes are available for guests at no charge, and a rooftop terrace offers spectacular views of downtown.  Book the best rates here .

Address: C. de Mariano Abasolo 313, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

13. Casas de las Bugambilias

Converted from a family home into a B&B in 1992, Casas de las Bugambilias is still a family-run business today. Aside from comfortable rooms and two-course Mexican gourmet breakfasts, Las Bugambilias also offers an indigenous steam bath—called a temazcal—and traditional Oaxacan cooking classes, helping guests experience authentic culture as part of their stay. Book the best rates here .

Address: Reforma 402, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

14. Casa de Arte

A boutique option in the trendy Reforma neighborhood, Casa de Arte is a gallery hotel that’s chock full of art throughout. Common areas are decked out with contemporary art, and the property’s seven rooms—each named after a regional tree—display the work of different artists. All furniture and décor were designed and produced locally, preserving traditional techniques with a focus on sustainability. Book the best rates here .

Address: Calz. Porfirio Díaz #221, Reforma, 68050 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Oaxaca?

If you want to be close to the action, Oaxaca’s central neighborhood—aptly called El Centro—is the place to be. A stay here will put you within easy walking distance of the city’s main sights, including churches, museums, and handicraft markets, as well as many of its top eateries. Casa Antoineta and Pug Seal are two great hotel options in this area.

Barrio De Xochimilco

Barrio de Xochimilco is Oaxaca’s oldest neighborhood, and with its cobblestone streets, weaving studios selling textiles, and tucked-away eateries, it’s heavy on charm. It has a residential feel that can be appealing for those looking for a respite from the city center. If that’s you, check out El Callejón Hotel Boutique for lodging.

A local favorite, Reforma’s wide, tree-lined avenues provide a respite from the city’s crowded historic center. It’s a coveted area for living, chock full of restaurants, bars, and shops, and it’s very safe, too. Casa de Arte is a great pick for lodging in this area, and it’s less than 10 minutes from the city center by car.

This neighborhood is one of the oldest in Oaxaca and somewhat of a hidden gem. It’s charming, colorful, and quieter than the city center, though only a 10-minute walk away. A stay at City Centro will put you within its boundaries, where you can spend time wandering its streets or popping into local coffee shops.

FAQ: Traveling to Oaxaca

How many days in oaxaca is enough.

You can see the main sights in Oaxaca city in three days, but that won’t leave you as much time for day trips—like to the iconic Hierve de Agua, Oaxaca’s calcified mineral waterfalls. In my mind, five days is a much more relaxed pace that will allow you to take in additional cultural experiences.

Is Oaxaca Good for Tourists?

Oaxaca is a great place for tourists. It’s one of the safer destinations in Mexico, there’s plenty to do and see, and the locals are known for their friendliness. I highly recommend visiting!

What are the Best Luxury Hotels in Oaxaca?

When prioritizing luxury, I would definitely call out a couple from the list above. Escondido Hotel and Quinta Real Oaxaca are two of the best Oaxaca hotels. They’re completely different when it comes to design, with Escondido boasting more modern elements and Quinta Real paying homage to the century it dates back to. But both provide a considered and comfortable experience.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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The Urbanist’s Guide to Oaxaca

Zapotec rap, blue-corn tetelas, petrified waterfalls..

Oaxaca has always been a destination for Mexican travelers and foreigners seeking a quieter, preserved version of the country’s indigenous and colonial history. But there’s been a spike in tourism (foreign visits increased ​22 percent in 2017 over the previous year), which makes sense considering the near-peak levels of popularity that Mexico City — just an hour flight away — has seen. In Oaxaca, the weather is always agreeable; open-air markets and sun-faded cantinas line cobblestoned streets; the local cuisine is wildly varied; and, in the past few years, the food and mezcal scenes in particular have really taken off. The latter is in large part owed to an exportation boom of the rural-village-derived liquor (between 2011 and ’17, local production quintupled; 63 percent went straight to the U.S.). Meanwhile, new restaurants like Criollo — opened in 2016 by Mexican chef Enrique Olvera of Mexico City’s famed Pujol and New York’s Cosme — are now on most travelers’ must-visit lists. And a few foreign-backed artist residencies, like Pocoapoco and Arquetopia , have popped up in town, joining longtime local counterparts. But this surge in tourists and expats has meant that newly priced-out locals can hardly afford to live downtown anymore. And the area is not without occasional violence: Countrywide, 175 politicians seeking to eradicate corruption, including a mayor in Oaxaca, have been killed, presumably by organized crime. Still, Oaxaca’s capital city offers a much more mellow experience than bustling CDMX, and locals and visitors alike are cautiously holding out hope that it stays that way.

1. Oaxaca by the Hour

When documentary photographer Freyna Lucero gets a day off, he spends it wandering from the crumbling cantinas to the underground galleries.

9 a.m. I’ll start the morning at Casa de la Chef (Calz. de las República 302) in Centro, a little tucked-away spot. They have amazing chilaquiles with chile pasilla as well as delicious postres (pastries) and fruit water.

10 a.m. I’ll go to Hierba Dulce (Calle Porfirio Díaz 311), a woman-owned vegan restaurant, to sip a couple mezcals to help with digestion.

11 a.m. Hilo de Nube (Calle Amapolas 619A) is a shop in Reforma that sells hand-embroidered huipiles (traditional dresses or shirts) from a Mixe village called San Juan Guichicovi. The shop works directly with the makers, ensuring a fair price for them.

Noon Taller-Galería Código Tonal (Av. Benito Juárez 107) , an underground gallery and workspace founded in 2016 and run by printmaker Issvan Duarte, is usually on my itinerary. There’s a big communal table where local artists work.

1 p.m. From there, I’ll head down to Ollin Café (Calle Melchor Ocampo 710) . It’s a little coffee shop within a language school — they offer Spanish classes and art-history courses. The pour-over coffee and espresso are made with beans from the southern part of Oaxaca.

2 p.m. Centro Fotográfico Manuel Álvarez Bravo (Calle de Manuel Bravo 116) would be my next stop, to take in the work of other local photographers. The gallery space, right in the heart of town, has a small, plant-lined interior courtyard with a reflection pool.

3 p.m. Next, a stopover at Salón de la Fama (Calle Porfirio Díaz 115) , a classic Mexican bar, a bit worn and not fancy. I’ll have a beer or maybe some brandy and wait until I get hungry.

4 p.m. We eat lunch late here. I’ll grab something at the veggie-focused Boulenc (Calle Porfirio Díaz 207) ; their prices are super-accessible. The eggplant pizza and homemade bread are fantastic.

5 p.m. When I have the time, I’ll take the 45-minute trip by taxi to the little town of San Agustín Etla, where there are lots of galleries. At Centro de las Artes de San Agustín (Av. Independencia) , there’s Oaxacan oil and watercolor paintings, screen printing, audiovisual work, and documentary photography, but also work from foreign artists who have spent time here. There’s a little forest on a hill, ideal for watching the sunset.

7 p.m. Once back in the city, I’ll swing by Pollos Bar (Calle José López Alavez 1321) , one of the most traditional cantinas in the city, and listen to the jukebox, which has a lot of cumbia. I like to put on Super Grupo Juárez and La Furia Oaxaqueña. I’ll always run into some friends there.

2. Chef-Approved Chicharrón

From the markets and street-corner stands to the city’s new wave of fusion restaurants.

Breakfast Quick : “There’s a little stall with empanadas in the Mercado de la Merced ( Nicolás del Puerto at Murguía ) called La Güera, where the tortillas are very thin and filled with things like flor de calabaza (squash flower), beef tongue, and salsas. It’s a quick breakfast option. They cook it all on a comal, a large iron skillet over an open fire.”

Sit-Down : “Go to Itanoni ( Av. Belisario Domínguez 513 ), a restaurant started by Amado Ramírez that only serves things made with corn. They have various comales , where they cook up blue and yellow corn tetelas, triangular pockets of masa filled with beans, in a stunning outdoor space with communal seating.” —Celia Florían (Las Quince Letras)

Lunch Quick : “Usually my family and I go to the markets in the surrounding pueblos, but if we stay local, we head to Mercado 20 de Noviembre​ for tasajo (grilled smoked beef) or chorizo. It’s also known as the mercado de las carnes (‘the meat market’); each stall is so good. Go in the Calle Aldama entrance and pull up a plastic chair where you can.”

Sit-Down : “For a special occasion, we’ll go to Pitiona ( Calle de Ignacio Allende 114 ), where the staff pairs mezcal with dishes like the rib-eye chicharrón memela (a tortilla mixed with fried pork skin) or the peanut mole. Eat on the terrace, which overlooks the Santo Domingo church and the mountains.” —Deyanira Aquino Pineda (La Teca)

Dinner Quick : “If I go to eat by myself, I go for tlayudas (giant tortillas topped with cheese, meat, and coleslaw and folded in half) at Tlayudas Doña Flavia ( Av. Belisario Domínguez 915-A ). It’s 25 minutes from downtown by car, on Highway 190 on the way to Santa María del Tule — but the staff is friendly and the quality is consistently great.”

Sit-Down : “If I’m with my wife, we’ll go to Criollo ( Francisco I. Madero 129 ). They change the menu daily. On different occasions, the huachinango (snapper) with mole and soft-shell-crab tacos have been phenomenal. The indoor-outdoor seating and the chiminea outside make for a very romantic setting.” —José Manuel Baños (Pitiona)

Plus some late-night suckling pig: “When you talk late-night, you’re really talking about eating in the street. Lechoncito de Oro ( Calle de los Libres at Murguía ) is a food truck that opens at 8 p.m. and is always packed. They only serve one thing: lechón (suckling pig) with crispy chicharrones (fried pork rinds) and a very spicy, delicious green salsa. You order it as either tacos, torta, or tostada.” —Pilar Cabrera (La Olla) 

3. Want to Rile a Oaxacan?

Broach one of these hot topics.

Appropriation of indigenous designs Officials at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca note about one case of plagiarism per year in the state and more nationwide. French designer Isabel Marant allegedly copied the Tlahuitoltepec blouse; Spanish company Intropia’s “embroidered Aztec” minidresses use a motif similar to an ancestral design of the Chinantec village of Tlacoatzintepec (not related to the Aztecs). Villages have had mixed luck in court; in some cases, the designs were ruled to be in the public domain.

Tulumification ( see here ) The tourism boom Oaxaca (population 260,000) has experienced in the past few years has caused rent and restaurant prices to soar, especially downtown. Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism reported that travel to the state capital brought in over $21 million in 2017. As retired gringos and digital nomads move in, locals have been pushed out of the costlier historic neighborhoods of the Centro, Jalatlaco, and Xochimilco.

Teacher protests Oaxaca’s teachers union, Section 22, which happens to be majority indigenous, has a history of protests — an effort to bring more resources to local schools. The biggest, most violent wave occurred in 2006 (the military got involved; 17 died). Things have settled down, but last June the union set up a blockade outside the airport.

4. Where the Locals Would Stay

If they weren’t locals.

$ $ $ El Callejón , hotelelcallejon.com , from $170 “This is one of the newer hotels in the city — not that many people know about it. It’s tucked away in Xochimilco, one of the oldest neighborhoods in town. There are just a few rooms; the architect-owner used traditional materials like adobe, clay, and stone.” —Héctor Audiffred, bar owner (La Popular and La Otra)

$ $ Hotel Azul , hotelazuloaxaca.com , from $142 “It used to be a huge private home. There’s a terrace that overlooks the city, and the interior courtyard, which is lined with organ-pipe cacti, is great for relaxing. The service is top-notch, and the staff is always ready with a local recommendation.” —Eva Lépiz, photographer and location scout

$ La Calera , lacalera.org , from $40 “It’s kind of a hipster place, a little away from the center, in the Santa María neighborhood. Housed in a former lime factory, it has high, lofted ceilings. Oaxaca-based painter Willy Olguín helped design some of the white-walled, poured-concrete-floor rooms, so you’ll see his artwork around.” —Lila Downs, singer and musician

5. A Mezcaleria for Every Kind of Sipper

Héctor Audiffred (he runs La Popular and La Otra, two bars along Calle de Manuel García Vigil) remembers when you had to travel into the villages to get great mezcal. No longer: Now it’s easy to find rare Tepextate in the city.

The worth-sitting-next-to-tourists one “ Los Amantes (Calle de Ignacio Allende 107) opened about ten years ago downtown, specifically as a tasting room. Before then, you could find mezcal in bars and cantinas and, of course, throughout the state, but the idea of ​sampling and ​explaining the different styles started there. Sidle up to the bar, where the décor is kind of retro thanks to its black-and-white tile floors and tchotchke-packed shelves.”

​The divey, locals-preferred one​ “ Unión de Palenqueros de Oaxaca (Calle de Mariano Abasolo 510) is the definition of a crumbling cantina. You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the faded, hand-painted façade out front. This tiny spot gets quality mezcal direct from the producers in Matatlán, considered the ​hometown of mezcal. It’s pretty tight quarters, and empty barrels line the walls, so go during the day, when it’s less crowded.”

​ The leave-with-a-souvenir one “ Mezcaloteca ( Reforma 506) ​ has upwards of 100 different types of mezcal​, many of which you can take home​​. The vibe here is almost more library than bar; clear mezcal bottles occupy the dark wooden shelves, and green-hued banker’s lamps light the long, L-shaped bar. Note: Reservations are required to attend a tasting at this ​intimate little place.”

​The run-by-an-agave-connoisseur one “ In Situ (Av. Morelos 511) ​is owned by Ulises Torrentera, a guy with a ​tremendous amount ​of mezcal knowledge. The bar has a wide variety of agaves, from espadín to more rare types, such as jabalí. ​And they also stock a decent selection of locally made craft beer.”​

6. “It’s Like Swimming on Top of the World”

Javier Salazar, founder of Oaxaca Bike Expeditions, on the best day trips, plus a longer extended stay.

Roam the ruins at Monte Albán 25 minutes from the city center by taxi or bus.

“This ancient Zapotec city, founded around 500 B.C., is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Mexico, consisting of several pyramids and tombs that are in beautiful condition. Spend a morning here before the day gets too hot. Take a taxi or buy a round-trip bus ticket from a ticket office at the corner of Díaz Ordaz and Francisco Javier Mina.”

Soak at Hierve el Agua 1.5 hours by car or by van from Oaxaca’s second-class bus terminal, located eight blocks west of the city center.

“There’s a mineral deposit that has slowly solidified into a petrified waterfall, which you can see while relaxing in a thermal mineral pool. It’s like swimming on top of the world. But the best view of the waterfall is from the hiking trails beneath it. There are little food stands at the entrance, where you can get a quick quesadilla, too.”

Sunbathe in the nude in Zipolite A 45-minute flight from Oaxaca, then a one-hour bus ride from the main bus terminal in Puerto Escondido, or hire a taxi at the airport.

“Zipolite is a small, secluded beach town where the jungle-thick mountains meet the sea. Stay at El Alquimista, a hotel whose restaurant offers locally grown coffee, tropical fruits, and fresh-caught dorado; there are also daily yoga classes. Zipolite is a nude beach, but just a ten-minute taxi ride away is neighboring beach Playa Mazunt​e and its Punta Cometa, a cliff that juts into the Pacific​. The sunsets are amazing.”

7. Cumbia and Beyond

At night, the city’s bars, galleries, and cafés shape-shift into live-performance venues. Here, a tour through Oaxaca’s eclectic music scene.

For cumbia “ Txalaparta (Calle Matamoros 206) , with its old-license-plate kind of décor, is big with local bands and national artists like ​Tijuana’s DJ Chucuchu. Cool off on the roof on stickier nights.” —Alfonso Barrera, guitarist of La China Sonidera

For hip-hop “During the day, El Laberinto (Calle Porfirio Díaz 310) — a stucco-walled, terra-cotta-tiled art gallery, work space, and vegetarian café — doesn’t give off the vibe that it gets packed and sweaty by night. It hosts regular film nights as well as a rotation of local Zapotec rap acts, like the group Mixe Represent (Mixe-language rap) and battle-rappers One Bomber Crew.” —Toni G. Sánchez ruiz, rapper in the Zapotec-language rap trio Juchirap

For traditional folk “A stage in a coffee shop, El Venadito (Panorámica del Fortín 530) supports traditional musicians like Costa Mía Orquesta, a band with coastal influences. It fills up fast with locals; it’s near Cerro del Fortín, not exactly downtown.” —Lila Downs, singer-musician

For electronica “ Mezcalina (Av. Morelos 701) specializes in mezcal cocktails and artisanal beers (from a rapidly growing craft-beer scene) as well as a solid lineup of electronic and Latin-rhythm sets from local DJs. The space is open enough to move around a bit yet intimate enough to chat up the bartenders and whoever is playing that night.” —DJ Oliver del Valle of La Furia con Lujuria Sonidera

*This article appears in the February 18, 2019, issue of  New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!

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10 things to know before going to Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most intriguing destinations

Jan 24, 2024 • 6 min read

From booking ahead to what to pack, plan your trip to Oaxaca with this know-before-you-go info © Monica Rodriguez / Getty Images

Cultural capital Oaxaca 's combo of authentic regional flavor and big-city grit makes it one of the most intriguing destinations in Mexico .

So whether you're hanging in atmospheric mezcal bars or embracing soulful Day of the Dead festivities, these top tips should serve you well.

Here are 10 things you should know when planning your trip to Oaxaca City.

1. Book ahead for Día de Muertos and Guelaguetza

Reserve accommodations months in advance if you plan on visiting in November for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) or in July for the Guelaguetza Festival (a renowned cultural event showcasing Oaxaca's folkloric dance and music).

Sure, room rates are pricier this time of year, but the city’s impressive array of lodging options caters to all budgets, from affordable hostels and guesthouses in spacious old homes to brilliant B&Bs and non-franchise boutique hotels in the heart of the historic center.

2. Safety: don't let the headlines spook you

Despite the much-publicized news about Mexico's drug-related violence, Oaxaca remains a relatively safe place to visit.

Of course it's wise to take common-sense safety precautions, as you would anywhere else, but in general, tourists in Mexico rarely get caught up in disputes between rival drug gangs and that's especially true for Oaxaca, a state that has been mostly spared from the violence. 

The US State Department currently has no travel restrictions in place for Oaxaca City, and surrounding areas such as weaving village Teotitlán del Valle , the remote mountain towns of the Sierra Norte and most of the coastal region are considered safe for travelers. 

3. Don't drive in Oaxaca's historic center

Driving in Oaxaca City requires patience, particularly in the hectic historic center, where traffic snarls and a lack of street parking can make life miserable.

You'll be much better off on foot when exploring the Centro's noteworthy sights such as the world-class Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca .

Many downtown streets do not have stop signs or traffic lights but most drivers abide by uno por uno  etiquette, meaning the first vehicle to arrive at an intersection has the right of way.

Beyond city limits, traffic is usually light but expect a fair share of poorly maintained roads with a slew of potholes and unmarked speed bumps.

Also, be aware that protesters regularly stage blockades in Oaxaca. If you come across a roadblock, seek an alternative route or you may find yourself stuck for hours.

When renting a vehicle, always take out liability insurance, known in Spanish as daños a terceros . Walk-in car rentals in Oaxaca start at about M$800 per day with liability coverage included, but you can often find better deals online. Most major credit cards provide free collision coverage for auto rentals.

4. Sip, don't shoot mezcal

When bellying up to a mezcal bar, keep in mind that the distilled agave drink packs quite a punch (usually 45% to 50% alcohol content) and it's best sipped slowly to fully appreciate its distinctive aromatic taste.

Duck into a classic mezcalería such as In Situ to savor the flavor of artisanal mezcals. 

For day trips out to mezcal country in nearby Santiago Matatlán, consider booking a tour with the experts at Experience Agave . Alternatively, if you foresee a boozy DIY romp, you can always leave the driving to a taxi for about M$500 each way. Salud!

5. Take day trips to explore beyond Oaxaca City

With all its museums, art galleries, uniquely savory cuisine and intoxicating nightlife, you may never want to leave the city, but trust us when we say day trips enrich the overall experience.

For a taste of traditional Oaxaca, venture out to the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán or head south to visit artisan workshops for an up-close look at how iconic crafts are made, such as alebrijes (surreal wood sculptures based on mythological animals).

6. What to pack: keep it casual and comfy

Even though you'll see fewer people wearing shorts and tank tops in non-beach towns such as Oaxaca City, casual dress is the norm. Don't forget to pack a long-sleeve shirt and long pants for protection against mosquitoes and the sun.

A light jacket is always useful for cool evenings and air-conditioned buses. If you're heading for Oaxaca's sublime tropical coast , take a swimsuit, flip-flops, loose-fitting clothes and insect repellent. For ecotourism outings in the nearby Sierra Norte mountains, bring a heavy jacket.

7. Take your essentials and always carry cash

You'll need a passport for international travel, a driver's license if you're renting a car and credit or debit cards (but always carry cash as some businesses do not accept plastic).

ATMs dispense Mexican pesos and there's usually a 3% international transaction fee tacked on.

You can exchange foreign currency at Oaxaca's international airport or at money exchange offices clustered around the Zócalo , the main square. Most international flights connect through Mexico City.

8. Etiquette: slow down and do the right thing

Oaxacans typically are not sticklers about etiquette but there are several things to be mindful of when interacting with locals. First, remember that life moves at a leisurely pace in this corner of Mexico, so try not to get upset if someone shows up late or if service is slow in a restaurant.

Also, whenever possible, tip generously in restaurants and hotels as gratuities are crucial to the livelihood of workers in Oaxaca, one of the poorest states in Mexico.

Tip 10–15% in restaurants, 5–10% of room costs in a hotel and M$5–10 for parking lot and gas station attendants. Taxi drivers usually do not expect tips, but always welcome them.

When shopping in Oaxaca , prices are fixed in most stores. It's okay to do some friendly haggling with market vendors, but keep a sense of perspective about the amounts you're bargaining over as most folks are just trying to make a living.

9. Don't drink the water, but do eat the street food

Do not drink water from the tap. Instead, purchase bottled water in supermarkets or convenience stores. Most restaurants and hotels serve purified water.

When it comes to street food, it would be a missed opportunity not to take a few risks in a culinary hot spot like Oaxaca. Look no further than the delectable mole tamales at Tamales de San Agustín Yatareni , or the tender pork tacos at the wildly popular Lechoncito de Oro .

You can lessen the chances of getting sick by carrying hand sanitizer and choosing a place to eat that appears to have good hygiene practices.

If you do get a stomach bug,  Hospital Reforma is a decent option with 24-hour medical attention. Call 911 for emergencies.

10. Stay calm: there are frequent earthquakes in Oaxaca 

Oaxaca is located in one of Mexico's most seismically active regions and is prone to frequent (and occasionally strong) earthquakes, but rest assured that most come and go doing little harm.

If you hear the seismic alert system sound, remain calm and move to an open space away from buildings and power lines.

Should a quake hit while you're on the coast, head inland to reach higher ground. 

This article was first published March 2022 and updated January 2024

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2024 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

Hotels ranked on industry awards, guest reviews and hotel class ratings

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Quinta Real Oaxaca

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• # 10 in Best Cheap Mexico Vacations

Oaxaca – pronounced wa-HAH-ka – is both the name of this Mexican state and its capital city. Here, you'll find colonial streets lined with shade trees, vibrant markets filled with artisans and mouthwatering aromas drifting from market food stalls and trendy eateries. These days, many claim that Oaxaca is Mexico's newest culinary capital. But that's not to say the city has forgotten its rich history, which dates back to the ancient Zapotecs that once occupied the now preserved ruins at Monte Albán . In fact, many of the handicrafts and recipes, which make Oaxaca such a unique place to visit and shop, have been carried down from generation to generation. 

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A New Oaxacan Retreat, Where the Jungle Meets the Beach

Plus: a collection of vibrant still lifes, high-tech humidifiers and more recommendations from T Magazine.

Welcome to the T List, a newsletter from the editors of T Magazine. Each week, we share things we’re eating, wearing, listening to or coveting now. Sign up here to find us in your inbox every Wednesday. And you can always reach us at [email protected] .

A Solar-Powered Escape in the Oaxacan Jungle

By Kurt Soller

There are two ways to relax at a nice hotel: by being lavishly cared for or by retreating deeper into yourself — reading old novels, staring out at a sedate landscape, sitting in a steam room for longer than is probably advisable. All of this is available at Terrestre, a new solar-powered retreat by Mexico’s Grupo Habita that’s set on a quiet cactus-heavy stretch — where the jungle meets the beach — just west of Puerto Escondido, the Oaxacan surfer’s enclave that has become a chic getaway among city dwellers. Designed by the rustically minded, minimalist Mexican architect Alberto Kalach and his firm, Taller de Arquitectura X (TAX), the property is hardly more than 14 connected villas in concrete, brick and wood that rise from the arid “Dune”-esque terrain like some kind of Brutalist encampment; the suites — each of which includes a private soaking pool, a hammock and walls and ceilings that can be left open to the sun and stars — encourage both outdoor exploration and calm introspection. If and when you feel like talking to others, you can head to the Mediterranean-inflected al fresco restaurant, any of the various plunge pools scattered throughout the hotel’s sandy pathways or down the dirt road to Casa Wabi, an arts residency created by Bosco Sodi and designed by the Japanese legend Tadao Ando, among others, the architecture of which is unforgettable. Rooms from $350, terrestrehotel.com .

Still Lifes and Landscapes That Capture Sunny Los Angeles

By Adriane Quinlan

In 2012, after a stint making digital collages, Hilary Pecis found herself at home with a newborn, and started sketching still lifes of her own house. Soon after, she turned to painting them in acrylic, and expanded her view to include the cluttered California interiors of friends — tables set with stacks of art books, say, or corners of rooms stuffed with souvenirs. Like Becky Suss or Jonas Wood, she seems interested in building a record of how her generation lives, with its many markers of identity and taste, from Fiji water bottles to Dusen Dusen pillows and Ottolenghi cookbooks. These objects are presented with a slight wink, perhaps, but ultimately Pecis isn’t judgmental about them. “I don’t paint things I don’t like,” she says. Instead, her canvases are infused with joy. It’s no surprise, then, that her new show at Rachel Uffner Gallery in New York is titled “Warmly,” and there’s a suggestion that what some call clutter goes a long way to making a cold world feel more hospitable. In addition to scenes of cozy interiors, the show includes paintings of the nature preserves she’s spent the past few years jogging through, as well as one that’s almost a blend of both — a record of outdoor dining that depicts the remains of a picnic set between potted cactuses. If you can’t make it to the show, advance copies of Pecis’s first monograph, which comes out May 3, are available through the gallery. “Warmly” is on view from Mar. 12 through May 7 at Rachel Uffner Gallery, racheluffnergallery.com .

Sculptural and Sustainable Metal Objects for the Home

By Samuel Rutter

Founded in New York City in 2019 by Alix Freireich and David Lê, Maiden Name is an online concept store with an in-house women’s wear line. Each season, Lê curates a collection of stylish, sustainably minded objects from around the world. “So much in design right now is just mindless consumerism using really expensive materials,” says Lê. By contrast, he and Freireich recently released a series of zero-waste metal objects for the home. There’s an end table and a bowl, both largely consisting of a single curved, laser-cut piece of steel supported by its own tension, by the artist Paul Coenen, who is based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and into these curved pieces he’s inserted smaller, flat sheets resembling fins. Tim Teven, who shares a studio with Coenen, has created a vase made of chrome with a molten, folded base, along with a gracefully curved metal table with indentations that make its surface look quilted. And then there are gleaming and hefty ashtrays made from cans of beer that were drunk and melted down by Christoph Meier, Ute Müller, Robert Schwarz and Lukas Stopczynski, a collective of European artists who displayed the ashtrays inside a vending machine in “Relax,” a recent exhibition at the MAK Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna. But wouldn’t it be nice to put one to use in your home, where, unlike the museum, you can actually smoke? From $200, maiden-name.com .

High-Tech Humidifiers

By Caitie Kelly

The little machine puffing away in the corner of the room doesn’t just save your throat and sinuses. “A humidifier can change your entire skin-care game,” says Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of New York’s Idriss Dermatology. “Since heaters suck the humidity out of the air, using a humidifier will redeliver hydration and change the way your skin responds to the environment.” Cindy Kang, the co-founder of the Los Angeles-based company Hey Dewy, was working on marketing Barbie dolls at Mattel and looking for an alternative to her huge, clunky humidifier when she gave up and decided to develop her own. The resulting facial humidifier, as she calls it, which has since been made wireless, provides eight hours of mist from a full tank of 12.4 ounces of water and is petite enough to sit unobtrusively on a shelf or desk or move around with you throughout the day. What’s more, while older humidifier models were difficult to clean and thus breeding grounds for mold, some newer ones can detect remaining water and use internal UV LED lights to kill any growth. The dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman recommends the dishwasher-safe Canopy humidifier, which does just that. And since we’re all more familiar with air filter terminology than we once were, it’s worth mentioning that Dyson’s Purifier Humidify + Cool machine also has a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter, as well as interwoven silver strands that inhibit bacteria growth inside the evaporator.

A New Multipurpose Art Space in TriBeCa

By John Wogan

When he created the design studio and curatorial platform Trnk NYC in 2013, Tariq Dixon’s intent was to push the boundaries of the typical showroom by producing exhibitions and collaborations that interrogated cultural bias within the art and design worlds. After the pandemic hit, he closed Trnk’s SoHo showroom but kept the enterprise going digitally and delved into projects touching on social justice and identity. In November 2020, for instance, he collaborated with the London-based designer Evan Jerry of Studio Anansi on a collection of furniture inspired by the entangled relationship between African aesthetics and Western Modernism. Now, Dixon is opening a new brick-and-mortar space on the ground floor of a 1920s building in TriBeCa. It’s divided into five separate chambers, and he hopes visitors will “meander and sit with each of the vignettes we’ve created.” One area will function more like a traditional white box gallery and show a rotation of work by different artists — Studio Anansi is up first — while another is set up like a bedroom appointed with a low-slung bed and a velvet sofa from Trnk’s house line. Elsewhere, a stairway leading to nowhere showcases ceramics by artists including AnnaLeaClelia Tunesi and Disciplina Studio. Dixon hopes, too, that the space will function as an incubator of talent and ideas. “As we discover new artists, make new friends and explore more conversations,” he says, “it’ll be great to have a home where all of our many seemingly disparate ideas become a cohesive vision.” trnk-nyc.com .

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An earlier version of this article misstated which Maiden Name founder curates their collection of objects; it is David Lê, not both Lê and Alix Freireich. (Freireich designs the store’s women’s wear line.) The article also misspelled the given name of an artist; he is Lukas Stopczynski, not Lucas.

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The Best Hotels to Book in Oaxaca, Mexico

Elegant stone courtyard gardens and guestrooms decorated with traditional textiles await you at these stylish hotels in Oaxaca.

Colourful cobblestone streets and pre-Hispanic ruins lure travelers to Oaxaca City , the capital of the southern Mexican state of the same name. Next-level gastronomy (try the seven regional mole sauces and the agave liquor known as mezcal) and plenty of artisanal shops add to the appeal. When it comes to where to stay in Oaxaca the excellent hotel scene doesn’t disappoint and encompasses an ecohotel, a former 18th-century mansion and a budget-friendly break outside the city center.

1. Casa de las Bugambilias

Hotel, Independent Hotel

A truly family affair, Casa de las Bugambilias is run by various members of the Cabrera-Arroyo family. Just one block from the famed Templo de Santa Domingo de Guzmán, it’s one of three guesthouses the family runs in Oaxaca. Each of its 10 rooms is spacious and dotted with traditional Mexican arts and crafts. Breakfast is included here, which you can enjoy while reading any one of the 500 books it has on offer in its library.

2. Casa Oaxaca Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Pubs with Rooms

This intimate spot shares a name with the famed Casa Oaxaca restaurant – one of the best restaurants in Latin America – but it doesn’t live in its shadow of excellence. This cute Oaxaca hotel has a quirky heart-shaped pool and simple, modern rooms with whitewashed walls, tiled floors and colorful quilts. Take advantage of the kitchen and squeeze in a cooking class with the Casa Oaxaca chef or one of his associates. If cooking doesn’t take your fancy, try a temazcal cleansing session, or read a book in the library.

4. El Diablo y La Sandia

5. Casa de Sierra Azul Hotel

6. Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles

Escape from the center of Oaxaca and check into the Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles. It’s only a few minutes from the city center but sits pretty on an expansive plot of land with lush gardens and views of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain range. The building itself is an 18th-century colonial-style hacienda. Each of the 23 rooms and suites is spacious and has wooden and wrought-iron elements, while the common areas feature antiques and colorful alebrijes (folk art sculptures).

7. Quinta Real Oaxaca

Boutique Hotel

8. Hotel La Casona de Tita

9. Hotel Parador de Alcalá Oaxaca

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

In the heart of the historic center, this 18th-century mansion has 21 comfortable rooms and suites centered around an open-air patio with semicircular stone arches. It also houses an onsite gym and a restaurant, but the ultimate treasure is the rooftop swimming pool and solarium, where you can take in sweeping views of the city and surrounding Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains.

10. El Callejón Hotel Boutique

El Callejón has 12 apartment-like rooms spread across an avant-garde property built from natural materials such as adobe and live edge wood. Each room at this Oaxaca hotel features a modern interior with full-width glass doors that open to a private terrace; each suite also has a sleek kitchenette with wooden cabinetry and furniture. In Xochimilco, the oldest neighborhood in the city, this ecohotel includes a palm-tree-strewn central courtyard, along with a bar and a restaurant where you can taste regional mezcals each night.

11. Marialicia Suites

Seven blocks from the main square, or Zócalo, and even closer to other city attractions, such as the Museo Textil de Oaxaca, Marialicia Suites has 10 spacious rooms designed for convenience. Many of the modern suites have kitchenettes, living rooms and private terraces, and some even have multiple bedrooms or floors. After a full day exploring the vibrant streets of Oaxaca, relax in the peaceful, open-air courtyard – designed to remind you of a Zen garden.

12. Los Pilares Hotel

White walls with painted motifs and ornate, carved wooden bed frames mark the guestrooms at this colonial-style Oaxacan guesthouse in the Barrio de Jalatlaco. A greenery-filled atrium on the first floor features an old-fashioned bar that serves local mezcals and other cocktails. A sunny rooftop terrace offers a small pool and jacuzzi; head there for a delicious Oaxacan breakfast before exploring nearby attractions, including the Oaxaca Cathedral and Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán.

13. Hotel Casa Santo Origen

In San Felipe del Agua (roughly 15 minutes from the historic center), Hotel Casa Santo Origen features eight exquisite suites named after different regions within Oaxaca. The property blends Oaxacan and Tuscan architectural influences through brick-and-adobe terraces and a courtyard decorated with palm trees and cacti. You can lounge on outdoor furniture by the swimming pool, accessible through open-air corridors that connect to each guestroom. Don’t miss the Entre Sombras restaurant, which serves delectable Mediterranean-style dishes, including paella.

Sarah Buder contributed additional reporting to this article . Looking for a unique stay in Oaxaca? Check out our guide to where to stay in Oaxaca, Mexico, for a local experience, bookable with Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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23 Nov Travel Guide to Oaxaca City by a Solo Traveler

Ask anyone, tourists or locals alike, where is the best place to visit in Mexico? Chances are high they’ll say the state of Oaxaca. It’s the most ethnically diverse states in Mexico which means a variety of cultures contribute to the traditions, the food, and more. As a tourist there’s loads to do in Oaxaca state: you can experience the culturally rich capital, escape to the wilderness such as San Jose del Pacifico to try magic shrooms, or enjoy the beautiful coastline like in Puerto Escondido .

When traveling though Oaxaca state, you’ll likely begin in Oaxaca City otherwise known as Oaxaca de Juárez. But more than a stopover, this city is a must-visit. 

The birthplace of mole and mezcal, Oaxaca is the gastronomical capital of Mexico where you can try creations well-beyond tacos both in local markets and in 5 star restaurants and then finish with a stunning cocktail at a rooftop bar. 

In Oaxaca, you can  safely explore the aloe decorated cobble stoned streets, and find a mix of local markets, stylish shops, and historical architecture with modern twists. There’s also a number of day trips to mezcal tastings, textile towns, and cliffside mineral pools.

Sold yet? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

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Solo Travel in Oaxaca

How to get to oaxaca, getting around the city, where to stay , things to do in oaxaca .

• Templo de Santo Domingo
• Free walking tour
• Botanical gardens
• Cooking class
• Cerro del Fortin viewpoint
• Local markets
• Memelas at Doña Vale’s food stall
• Mezcalerias & rooftop bars
• Renting a bike and visiting Árbol del Tule

Where to Eat in Oaxaca

Day trips & weekend trips from oaxaca, more resources for your trip to mexico.

*This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself.

Solo travel In Oaxaca City

Before jumping in to this guide, I want to offer my perspective on visiting Oaxaca as a solo female traveler myself. This way if you also travel alone, you can better have an idea of what to expect.

First, Oaxaca is a great place for solo travelers. Not only is it safe, but it’s also very easy to explore on your own. Additionally, because the city attracts so many international tourists and nomads, it’s not difficult to meet other travelers to share experiences.

As a solo traveler myself, I stayed in Oaxaca  for nearly two weeks and felt at home here. I met tons of friends to explore the city with as well as future travels. Because most people use Oaxaca City as a stopover before moving on to the coast or elsewhere, it’s the perfect place to make connections for upcoming destinations.

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How to get to Oaxaca City

Getting to Oaxaca City is relatively easy and there are a few options:

If you’re traveling to Oaxaca from outside of Mexico, you can fly into Xoxocotlán International Airport which is 25 minutes driving from the city center. Read more below about how to get to the center.

→ search for cheap flights here

If you’re traveling to Oaxaca domestically from within Mexico , you can also fly to Xoxocotlán International Airport or take a bus.

Buses in Mexico are most easily booked and cheapest on BusBud . You can choose between a few companies and compare prices on the platform, but my most preferred bus companies are typically ADO and Primera Plus. 

To reach your final destination, most bus stations will be a short taxi ride or walk away from the Centro.

→ search for buses to Oaxaca here

If you’re flying to Oaxaca either domestically or internationally, from the airport, to get to Oaxaca city you must take a shared taxi. After collecting any luggage, head to the arrivals exit and go up to the only counter labeled “TAXI.” Tell them where the place you’re staying is located (best to have the address ready on your phone either in your notes or as a screenshot) and they’ll check which zone it falls into. 

Depending on the zone, you’ll pay a certain fee – anywhere in the Centro should be 100 pesos or so – and then you’ll be given a receipt. Take this outside to where the vans are and hand it to the drivers who will assign you a van with other passengers going to the same area. After waiting your turn for your stop, the driver will drop you off  directly at your accommodation. It’s that simple!

How to get Around in Oaxaca

Overall, Oaxaca is a very walkable city, otherwise there are public buses and taxis (no Uber here).  To navigate using the public transport, I recommend talking to your accommodation hosts or using Google Maps. 

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

Staying anywhere in the historic center of Oaxaca is the most ideal. You’ll be close to all the action and almost everything I mention will be in walking distance.

What to expect from accommodation prices: Hostels in Oaxaca range from about $7-20 per night. Airbnb as always really depends; you can find some for as low as $18 a night and many for much more. On average, there’s some great finds for $25-50 a night.

My most recommended hostel: Casa Angel . This is where I stayed for my first week and the vibes were immaculate. I met some amazing people, partook in many fun and free activities, breakfast is included and the staff is great. I highly recommend it! Dorm beds are $16-20 a night. Check availability for Casa Angel here .

Best hostel for digital nomads: Selina . I stayed here for my second week in Oaxaca because I needed to focus on work. It was much  quieter and less social than Casa Angel but the wifi was great and I really liked the co-working space. Dorm beds are $18-25 a night. This is pricier than most hostels which is why I really only recommend it to those who are working and traveling. Check availability for Selina here .

→ Search for hotels in Oaxaca  here

All female guesthouse : I didn’t stay here but as a solo female traveler it did draw my attention on Airbnb. This would be a great stay if you’re looking for a community of women and want your privacy in a comfortable room.

→ Search for Hostels in Oaxaca here

THINGS TO DO IN OAXACA CITY

1. visit templo de santo domingo de guzmán (santo domingo church).

Located in the heart of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo looks like a pretty basic church as far as they go in Mexico (although I LOVE the agave plants displayed in front). However, when you enter inside, you’ll be surprised to see intricate decorations including more than 60,000 plates of gold. 

2. Take a walking tour

Participating in a walking tour is always one of the best ways to spend your early days in a new city. I took my free walking tour through Casa Angel , the hostel where I stayed and not only did I learn so much about the history and culture, but also grasped the layout of the city, tried multiple kinds of food, and pinned tons of locations to return to later. I even met friends to hang out with later! The tour really made all the difference during my stay in Oaxaca.

If you’re not staying at Casa Angel, you can also take other free walking tours available such as this one .

3. Explore the Botanical Garden

While in Oaxaca, I never visited Jardin Ethnobotanico de Oaxaca, and I really regret it. This 2.3 acre garden is adjacent to Santo Domingo and a picturesque park full of cacti – the perfect place for your next Instagram photo.

Learn more about visiting here .

This is my favorite thing to do in Oaxaca. I’ll get into the list of a few places I really enjoyed below , but my biggest piece of advice would be to go for street food, local markets, and try everything – especially the mole!

5. Take a cooking class

Forget just trying food, why not learn how to make it too. They call it Oaxacan gastronomy and it’s a renowned art. When taking a cooking class, you’ll learn all about local ingredients and hopefully have some new recipes to take home with you.

Cooking classes are available through   Get Your Guide or Airbnb experiences.

6. View the city from the Cerro del Fortin viewpoint

Make your way uphill to the stadium where you can take in a panoramic view of Oaxaca city. Be sure to bring some water, it’s not too long of a walk up, but it was enough to take my breath away 😅

7. Experience local markets

If you’re looking for a culture kick, stroll through one or many colorful local markets in Oaxaca city. Markets are full of assortments from spices and meat, to leather shoes and textiles, to artisanal products perfect as souvenirs. Don’t forget to be a little adventurous too and try some local snacks and fruits – my favorite part!

There are many markets in Oaxaca, the most noteworthy in the city for tourists are Mercado Benito Juárez, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, and the Tlacolula Sunday Market. The Tlacolula market is especially famous but unfortunately 45 minutes outside of Oaxaca City. If you want an easy way to visit, consider taking a tour .

8. Try memelas at Doña Vale’s food stall

If you’re as big a fan of local food around the world as I am, you’ve probably seen Netflix’s special ‘Street Food.’ In the Latin America season, there’s a whole episode dedicated to Oaxaca, Mexico and one of the featured chefs is the renowned Doña Vale famous for her memalas – thicker, fried tortillas topped with different salsas and Oaxacan cheese.

After visiting her food stall, I can confirm that the show was not overhyping her “simple” snack. So if you’re ready to have your mind blown by her genius recipes, head over to Mercado de Abastos where you can find her kitchen.

9. Wander the streets and plazas

Beyond the free walking tour, I also encourage you to explore the city on your own. Relish in your free time and take the opportunity to admire places you like and capture photographs. I recommend wandering where feels right, but definitely don’t miss the Centro Historico Plaza.

→ Go on a bicycle graffiti tour of Oaxaca

10. Indulge yourself at Mezcalerias and rooftop bars

If you aren’t aware yet, Oaxaca is home to mezcal, a popular alcoholic drink that comes from agave. Many would argue it’s much better than tequila, but I’ll let you be the judge of that.

 In the city you can find this smokey drink almost anywhere but a popular place for cocktails and tasting is La Mezcalerita . There are also a number of rooftop bars throughout the center. Most are prone to overpriced cocktails, but their ambiance is worth it for at least a one time experience. Los Amantes Mezcaleria and Grupo Amantes Boutique hotel both offer delicious cocktails and stunning views of Santo Domingo Church.

Try a Mezcal Mixology experience in Oaxaca

11. rent a bike and take a trip to árbol del tule.

Árbol del Tule or The Tree of Tule is known to be the stoutest tree in the world – its thick trunk has a circumference of 42 meters! The tree is located 20 minute drive from the center of Oaxaca city, so you might as well make a fun trip out of it. Instead of merely reaching your destination by taxi, rent some bikes and take in the scenery along the way. 

Bicycles can be rented at a few places such as Bicibella Oaxaca and Pedro Martinez Oaxaca . You can also book an Airbnb experience .

places to eat in oaxaca

Oaxaca de Juárez is full of impecable food. There’s so many places to try, I absolutely recommend doing some exploring of your own. However, a few that I enjoyed that are worth checking out were:

Mercado Orgánico la Cosecha – A small organic market of several different vendors serving a variety of traditional food. Out of everywhere in Oaxaca city, I probably ate here the most and highly recommend it!

Boulenc – If you’re looking for some delicious sandwiches, salads or pizza then this is the place for you. They also have vegan and vegetarian options.

Magnolia Rooftop – incredible burgers with a view of Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

La Popular – A delicious restaurant serving traditional food at affordable prices.

El Escapulario – A cozy, homey restaurant with delicious mole and tlayudas.

DAY trips & WEEKEND TRIPS FROM OAXACA CITY

1. sierra norte.

Some key info: Sierra Norte is perfect for hiking and giving back to the local community. It’s 2 hours outside of Oaxaca city. Tours are available on Viator an d at many hostels/hotels in Oaxaca city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manuel Santos 🇲🇽 (@manuel_santosm)

2. Hierve Agua

Some key info: Hierve Agua is such a unique location with hot springs and rock formations that resemble a cascading waterfall. It’s 1.5 hours outside of Oaxaca City. Many tours are available online , some hostels/hotels in Oaxaca City may offer them, or you can go on your own.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarita 🍃 (@sairahfs)

Some tours to Heirve Agua:

3. san jose del pacifico.

Some key info: San Jose del Pacifico is a small town in the mountain known for its magic shrooms and views above the clouds. It’s about a 3 hours bus ride from Oaxaca City. You can take a bus here and stay overnight or take a day trip .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAROLINE ROSE | SOLO TRAVEL (@carolinerosetravel)

4. Teotitlan del Valle

Some key info: Teotitlan del Valle is the textile town of Oaxaca where you can learn how Mexico’s vibrant pieces are created. It’s about 45 minutes from Oaxaca City so you can take a day tour here or go on your own by taxi. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Teotitlán del Valle (@teotitlandvalle)

5. Santiago Matalan

Some key info: Santiago Matlan is the World Capital of Mezcal! It’s about an hour outside of Oaxaca City so you can either take a tour or get a taxi there and walk through the town doing taste testing on your own.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lupe Lopez (@loopadoop)

6. Monte Alaban ruins

Some key info: Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán are ancient ruins from 500 B.C. They are about 30 minutes outside of Oaxaca City and can be visited either in a tour or on your own. To go on your own, you can take a taxi or a bus and then pay the 70 pesos entrance fee. Tours are available online on Viator and GetYourGuide

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cesar Fernandez (@soychicharo)

7. Mercado de Tlacolula

Some key info: A Sunday market, one of the oldest in Oaxaca and a culture hub of many indegenous communities. It is 45 minutes outside of Oaxaca City and can be reached by bus, taxi or through a tour .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Food Feels (@food_feels)

final thoughts & recommend time to stay

Oaxaca city is a destination of its own – one that shouldn’t be missed. You could spend 3 days here, but also easily spend a week (or if you’re like me 2 weeks!).

But however much time you have, come with an empty belly, a ready camera, and an open heart to the Oaxacan spirit that is sure to enchant you.

More Resources for Your Trip to Mexico

Planning your own trip? Here’s some resources I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through Mexico along with some recommendations:

If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others,  Hostelworld is the best place to search. Below are some of my recommendations, click to search for availability ! 

• Mexico City:  Casa Pepe
• Tulum: Che Tulum Hostel & Bar   OR Mayan Monkey
• Valladolid: Hostel La Candelaria
• San Cristobal:  Posada del Abuelito OR Puerto Vieja
• Puerto Escondido:  Hostal Akumal La Punta
• Oaxaca City: Casa Angel  
• Guanajuato:  Corral d Comedias Hostel
• Guadalajara:  Hostel Hospedarte Guadalajara Centro
• Cabo San Lucas: Mayan Monkey

Booking.com is the way to go when search for hotels in Mexico because they typically offer free cancellation with plenty of affordable to more luxurious stays.

Flights to Mexico are typically cheapest to Mexico City, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Monterrey and San Jose del Cabo. Domestic flights within Mexico also tend to be pretty affordable especially if traveling light. To find the best deal & prices I recommend using Skyscanner . 

The easiest way to search for and book buses in Mexico is with BusBud where you can easily compare options and use a platform in English. Check it out here . My most used and favorite bus companies tended to be ADO (and their partner OCC) and Primera Plus.

Travel insurance is a must for every trip to make sure you’re covered in unexpected situations. My go to is always WorldNomads which has a generous coverage and is made for backpackers. You can search for coverage here . However if you’re looking for a cheaper option for only travel medical emergency insurance, I suggest Safety Wing . 

Tours & Experiences

There’s a lot of free thing to do in Mexico or experiences you can do on your own. I always recommend checking blog posts for inspiration. If you’re interested in tours though like visiting Chichén Itzá , taking a hot air balloon over Teotihuacan , snorkeling in Cancun , and more then I suggest checking on GetYourGuide & Viator . Airbnb Experiences also offer some options.

Know Before You Go

Check out my Mexico Destination Page here for information on visas, health requirements, currency, outlets, and more.

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Oaxaca Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

From the moment I arrived, I knew Oaxaca was a special place. The city’s energy and mine just synched. We were a pair. My eyes constantly shifted to every shade of color, every movement, as if I had an insatiable hunger to take in everything.

That love has only grown deeper with each subsequent visit (and there have been many).

Oaxaca is a city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, street art, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and picturesque parks. It’s also one of the gastronomic centers of Mexico and a hub for making mezcal in the country.

Located in a valley surrounded by craggy mountains in southwestern Mexico , Oaxaca and its surrounds have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. Today, Oaxaca is a center for heritage tourism, owing to the many historical attractions (including Monte Albán, a UNESCO Heritage Site; and Mitla, a Zapotec archeological site) in the city and surrounding area.

With mouth-watering food, the best mezcal in the world, and tons of history, it’s no surprise I fell in love with Oaxaca. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love it. All the hype you hear about it is true.

This travel guide to Oaxaca will help you see all the sites, save money, and fall in love with it too.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Oaxaca

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Oaxaca

1. Wander the historic downtown

The entire downtown of Oaxaca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. There are over 1,200 historic buildings here, most of which are hundreds of years old. Historical downtown Oaxaca is the perfect place to explore iconic landmarks like the Zocalo courtyard (the courtyard in front of the National Palace), the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, and the Santa Domingo Cultural Center. Spend some time wandering to take in their vibrant colors and historic architecture, and stop in for a Mezcal cocktail at any of the lively downtown bars.

2. Explore Mercado 20 de Noviembre

This covered market is home to all kinds of delicious street food as well as fresh, local produce. Construction on the market began in 1862 but wasn’t finalized until 1882, and was later named after the start date of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. It has remained one of Oaxaca’s culinary and cultural hubs for over a hundred years. Be sure to try some of the amazing grilled meats as they are a local favorite! Definitely eat here at least once. It’s open daily from 7am-9pm.

3. See Monte Albán

This pre-Columbian archeological site is located just 15 minutes outside the city. Founded in the 6th century BCE, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of ancient Zapotec pyramids, terraces, and canals that span several miles. Admission is 70 MXN while full-day tours (that include other stops) are 724 MXN.

4. Explore Mitla

This pre-Columbian UNESCO site was built in 850 CE and was mostly destroyed by the Spanish when they arrived in the mid-16th century. However, some buildings were left intact, which you can get up close and explore (some of which date as far back as 400 CE). Mitla was one of the main religious and spiritual hubs for the indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec people, and was used as a sacred burial site. Admission is 75 MXN while skip-the-line tickets are 160 MXN.

5. Try a street-stall hamberguesa

Other things to see and do in oaxaca, 1. learn about mezcal.

I love mezcal (which is one of the reasons why I love Oaxaca). This is the birthplace of mezcal, a spirit distilled from agave. Unlike tequila, which is also made from agave, when making mezcal, the heart of the plant is cooked in a pit in the ground before it is crushed. Then water is added, and it’s allowed to ferment. Since the plant is cooked, mezcal has a much smokier flavor than tequila.

If you want to learn more about this popular (and delicious) spirit, Rambling Spirits runs the best mezcal tours in Oaxaca. Go with them if you want to learn more. Their guides have incredible knowledge and can take you to places the bigger tours can’t. I learned a ton on this tour and highly recommend it! Most tours leave after lunch so it’s a perfect way to spend the remainder of your day.

2. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do when I visit a new city is take a free walking tour. They’re the best way to see the main sights, get introduced to the city and culture, and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Oaxaca Free Walking Tour offers free daily tours that show you the hidden gems of the city and what life is like for the locals who live here. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!

3. See the Templo de Santo Domingo

This Baroque Roman Catholic church was started in 1572, though it wasn’t completed until 1731. It was originally used as a Dominican church and monastery. During Mexico’s revolutionary war (1910-1920), the church was annexed and used as a barracks and military building. It was transformed into a museum in the 1970s and is now home to all kinds of religious and pre-Columbian artifacts. The interior is incredibly ornate, with intricate carvings on the walls. Admission is free. Be sure to dress respectfully.

4. Wander the Botanical Garden

These gardens span over two acres and are located near the Church of Santo Domingo. The gardens feature different plants from across the state (Oaxaca is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the country). In addition to the flowers, trees, and cacti that dot the garden, there are also sculptures and works of art too. Self-guided tours are not allowed so you’ll need to go with a guide. One-hour tours are offered Monday through Saturday. There is only one English tour available per day, however. Admission (including the tour) is 50 MXN for Spanish tours and 100 MXN for tours in English.

5. Visit Puerto Escondido

Located on the Pacific Coast 6 hours away by car, Puerto Escondido is famous for its stunning beaches and rambunctious nightlife. If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Oaxaca, head here to lounge away the days and party all night. Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito are the best beaches for swimming and lounging while Playa Zicatela is great for surfing. Avoid staying in the middle of Zicatela as it’s boring. If you’re backpacking, stay at the very south where all the hostels are. It’s a lively area.

6. Take a food tour

If you’re a foodie like me, one of the best ways to get a sense of the local food scene is to take a guided food tour. I highly recommend doing one here since Oaxaca is such a center for gastronomy. Oaxaca has some of the most diverse selections of dishes in Mexico. Oaxaca Eats runs several tours, most of which last around 4 hours. You’ll get to sample 20+ dishes. Tour prices vary but expect to spend 2,000 MXN.

7. Wander the Sunday market

Mercado Tlacolula is one of the most popular markets in the region. It’s essentially been in operation for centuries and is a good place to buy local crafts, produce, food, and everything in between. It’s located 45-minutes outside the city so you’ll need to drive there or take the bus, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. There are thousands of people here and tons of amazing food to try. Don’t miss barbacoa (stewed meat) and chicharrón (fried pork rinds).

8. Try a cooking class

If you want to learn how to make some of the amazing dishes you’ve eaten here, take a cooking class . Most classes take you to the market so you can buy fresh ingredients before you start cooking. Classes last around 5 hours and are hands-on and fully immersive. Usually, you’ll make one appetizer, some salsa, a main mole dish (mole is a specific sauce and one of the region’s specialties), and a dessert. Expect to spend around 1,900 MXN for a class.

9. Go hiking in Sierra Norte

Sierra Norte offers visitors over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of hiking trails spanning over 40 different trails. Located just two hours by car from Oaxaca, you’ll also see a handful of Zapotec villages (Pueblos Mancomunados) along the way that offer village-to-village treks and homestays. At Sierra Nore, keep in mind that trails are not well-marked so you’ll need to hire a guide (going solo is possible but not recommended). Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and can point out wildlife (there are pumas, bobcats, armadillos, and more here), identify plants, and ensure you don’t get lost (plus, hiring a guide helps support the local economy). Multi-day tours (which trek from village to village) cost around 3,600 MXN per person for a 3-day tour.

10. Experience a Temazcal

Temazcal (meaning “house of heat”) is a traditional Zapotec sweat lodge. You’ll sit in a small domed hut that becomes increasingly warmer. You’ll rub everything from clay to fresh fruit juices and peels on your skin as you heat up, cooling down by dunking yourself in cold water. It’s a very meditative, spiritual experience with numerous health benefits. Visits usually last an hour and cost around 600 MXN.

11. Celebrate Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) is one of the biggest celebrations/festivals in all of Mexico. It occurs between October 31st and November 2nd and is a time meant for remembering loved ones who have passed. Locals paint their faces, visit cemeteries, and give offerings. There are all kinds of celebrations and parades too. Oaxaca hosts one of the biggest festivals in all of Mexico. It’s one of the best (and busiest) times to visit Oaxaca. Be sure to book your accommodation early as hotels and hostels sell out months in advance. If you want a local guide during the Day of the Dead , expect to pay around 1,250 MXN.

  If you’re visiting other cities in Mexico, check out these guides:

• Cancun Travel Guide
• Mexico City Travel Guide

Oaxaca Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in dorm costs between 250-450 MXN per night regardless of how big the dorm is. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast. Most have self-catering facilities too. Private rooms cost 600-1,500 MXN per night.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic plot for two people without electricity can be found outside the city for around 200 MXN per night. The campgrounds are 20 minutes outside the city by car.

Budget hotels – Budget two-star hotels with ensuite bathrooms start at 700 MXN per night. These include basic amenities like TV, AC, and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is also available here, with private rooms starting at 200 MXN per night (though they average closer to 950 MXN). Entire homes/apartments cost at least 400 MXN (but average double or even triple that price). Be sure to book early for the best deals.

Food – Oaxaca is a gastronomical hub in Mexico and is known for unique dishes such as tlayudas (a tortilla filled with beans, lettuce, cheese, and your protein of choice, grilled to be crispy on the outside), memelas, and mole (a sauce with lots of ingredients, sometimes including chocolate, and served with rice and tortillas).

Street stalls and markets are your best choice for authentic and inexpensive food. Tacos, quesadillas, sopas, tortas, and other street foods are generally 15-45 MXN. Sometimes, you’ll find tacos for as cheap as 10 MXN. In Oaxaca, street food is the best — and most affordable — option.

Be sure to hit the markets here too. At the Mercado Sanchez Pascua, there is a tamale lady in the back who has some of the most delicious tamales in Oaxaca (try the salsa verde!). She is so popular that she’s often sold out by 10am. In the most famous market, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, there is a section full of BBQ stalls where you can order a plate full of meat and some veggies on the side, cooked right in front of you. Don’t miss out.

Surprisingly, there are not as many taco stands around the city center but if you make your way up to the ADO bus station and look across the street, there is a long line of taco stalls set up. Most of them have the exact same fare — tacos al pastor, for 10 MXN each. At the far end, you will see one with pots full of bubbling stews of meat — tacos casuales — and they go for 15 MXN each.

A meal at a local Mexican restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 80-200 MXN. Look for the ones filled with locals as that is generally a sign that the food is really good. For comparison, a combo meal at McDonald’s costs around 110 MXN.

A national beer is around 30 MXN while a latte/cappuccino is 45 MXN. Bottled water is 10 MXN. A glass of mezcal will cost between 80-240 MXN depending on what kind you get.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico. Bring a portable water purifier ( LifeStraw makes a good one) to save money and reduce your reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

If you plan to cook your meals, expect to pay between 500-575 MXN per week for basic staples like rice, beans, veggies, and some meat.

Some of my favorite restaurants are Boulenc, Los Danzantes, La Mezcaloteca, Tlayudas El Negro, Cactus Loncheria, Lechoncito de Oro, Santo Sabor Restaurante, Tastavins, Casa Taviche, Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante, and Praga Coffee Bar.

Backpacking Oaxaca Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Oaxaca, expect to spend 800 MXN per day. This budget gets you a hostel dorm, street food and self-cooked meals, public transportation, and a few cheap attractions, such as a visit to Monte Albán and a free walking tour. If you plan on eating out more or drinking lots of mezcal, add another 60-150 MXN per day.

On a mid-range budget of 1,750 MXN per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat at restaurants serving cheap traditional cuisine for every meal, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like cooking classes or museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,400 MXN or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, have plenty of drinks, take taxis everywhere or rent a car, and do some guided food or mezcal tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MXN.

Oaxaca Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Like the rest of Mexico, Oaxaca is super affordable. However, with so many tempting eateries and mezcalerias, it’s easy to go overboard and spend too much (that’s what happened to me and my entire group of friends). Lucky, there’s plenty of ways to cut your costs. Here are some tips to help you save money in Oaxaca:

• Shop at the markets for food – Oaxaca’s markets are a great place to eat inexpensively and stock up on food for day trips. Binge on fresh fruit, tacos, and grilled meat — it’s all super cheap!
• Eat street food – Street food is the best food in the city — and the cheapest. Stick to street stalls to save money and enjoy the country’s best eats. Most meals won’t be more than 30 MXN.
• Take a free walking tour – A free walking tour is the best way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide. Oaxaca Free Walking Tour offers daily tours that give you a solid intro to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to connect with locals and find free accommodation. If you send your request in advance, you can likely find a host who can share their insider tips and knowledge with you.
• Drink less – Alcohol is cheap in Mexico, but it’s definitely more expensive at bars and clubs. Try to buy your alcohol from a local store instead of drinking at the bar if you’re on a budget.
• Skip the taxis – Oaxaca is easy to explore on foot and the bus goes pretty much everywhere you need it. Skip the taxis!
• Being a water filter – Since the tap water here isn’t safe to drink and single-use plastic is bad for the environment, bring a water filter. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has plenty of affordable hostels. Here are some suggested places to stay if you’re on a budget:

• Hostel Central
• El Cielo Oaxaca
• Iguana Hostel Oaxaca
• Azul Cielo Oaxaca

How to Get Around Oaxaca

On foot – Oaxaca is super pedestrian-friendly. Unless you’re heading out to the nearby ruins, you can just walk everywhere in the downtown area.

Bus – Collectivos (shared taxis that drive set routes) are available around the city and usually cost around 15 MXN.

Taxi – Taxis start at 55 MXN and go up by region traveled. For example, anywhere in the historic center costs 55 MXN, even if you only travel 1 block or 10. If you want to go to the neighboring region of La Reforma from the historic center, it costs 70 MXN, and so on. A taxi to the airport should be about 150-200 MXN, depending on which region you’re staying in (and what time of day/night it is, with nighttime being a bit higher). While affordable, they add up quickly so skip the taxis if you can.

Though Uber is not in Oaxaca, you can use a similar app called Didi. International credit cards don’t seem to work with the app, so make sure you have close to the right amount of change as the suggested fare cost (taxi drivers don’t usually have a lot of change). Rides with this app exclusively use taxis.

Bicycle – Bike rentals can be found for around 100 MXN for a half-day rental. For a guided mountain bike trip, expect to spend around 1,300 MXN for a half-day excursion.

Car rental – Car rentals cost around 650 MXN per day. Unless you’re going to do some day trips (or multi-day trips) outside the city (such as a trip to Puerto Escondido) then you likely don’t need a car. Renters must be 21 years of age and have had their license for at least two years.

Some companies require renters to be over 25. Deposits on car rentals can also be quite steep, with some companies asking for $1,000 USD as a deposit

When to Go to Oaxaca

Oaxaca’s elevation offers a relatively pleasant climate year-round. The most popular time to visit is December-January when many Canadian and American tourists flock south to avoid the winter. This is when the city is busiest and prices are highest. Daily highs are comfortable and not too hot, hovering around 25°C (77°F).

Expect crowds around the Day of the Dead (late October/early November). If you’re visiting then, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

The summer sees more rain, though the weather is still warm and sunny. Expect daily averages around 26°C (79°F).

How to Stay Safe in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is generally one of the safest cities in Mexico. You don’t find the kind of drug or tourist-related violence and thefts you find elsewhere. That being said, it is still always best to practice personal safety and never stop being aware of your surroundings.

Be sure to take a taxi home after a night out just to be safe. Also, don’t carry all your valuables with you everywhere you go (unless it’s to or from the airport). Leave your passport at your accommodation and only take enough money with you for what you feel you need to do.

When possible, it’s always best to walk with a friend or a small group. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and waving around lots of money or high-end electronics (both during the day and at night). There’s been a rise in late-night petty theft since COVID so it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are coming around major festivals.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, even walking alone. However, the standard precautions always apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs about the city.

If you rent a vehicle, never leave any valuables in it overnight.

If an emergency occurs, dial 911. If that doesn’t work (since 911 isn’t available everywhere), dial 066. Overall, dangerous crimes against tourists are very uncommon here. The people who do tend to be involved in incidents are usually doing drugs or taking part in sex tourism. Avoid all of that and you’ll greatly reduce your risks here. I never feel unsafe here and neither do my friends that live here, even the women.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Oaxaca Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Oaxaca Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Mexico and continue planning your trip:

The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

The 5 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

Where to Stay in Oaxaca: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 5 Days in Oaxaca

The 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

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This Mexico Hot Spot Was Just Named the Best City in the World by T+L Readers — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Oaxaca is the No. 1 city in the world, according to T+L readers. Here is a rundown of the best things to do.

The Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best shopping, best restaurants, best times to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Boasting an endless supply of mezcal and mole, Oaxaca de Juárez is undoubtedly one of the ultimate food and drink destinations on the planet. So, it's perhaps no surprise that in Travel + Leisure's 2023 World's Best Awards , it was named the best city in the world . (The city is commonly referred to as Oaxaca, but shouldn't be confused with the eponymous state it's a part of.)

This dynamic city in southwestern Mexico is home to vibrant culture, beautiful weather, and some of the country's most iconic architecture. "The most remarkable thing about Oaxaca is the deep presence of this pre-Colombian culture in all aspects of contemporary life — the mingling and mixing of Indigenous, Spanish, and contemporary Mexican influences are unique and unforgettable," said Zachary Rabinor , a member of T+L's A-List of travel advisors and the CEO of Journey Mexico .

You could spend several weeks here and not even scratch the surface — if you weren't planning correctly, that is. "Oaxaca is a quintessential and magical destination that combines culture, nature, and adventure, with a year-round spring-like climate due to its idyllic location nestled into a fertile valley of the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains," Rabinor said. "It offers a charming, pedestrian-friendly UNESCO World Heritage Site City Center with impressive architecture, museums, markets, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, while the surrounding valleys harbor incredible Indigenous villages that conserve century-old artisan traditions, dress, language, culture, and lifestyles."

To that end, we've compiled a list of the best things to do, see, and sip while exploring this exciting part of the world.

Oaxaca features all manner of lodging, ranging from unassuming bed-and-breakfasts to historic converted convents, all the way up to the most opulent and palatial of modern luxury. You'll find a little bit of each in this city.

Hotel Casa Santo Origen

If you're not afraid to spend a few hundred per night, you can enjoy the modern boutique beauty of Hotel Casa Santo Origen . Just 15 minutes from the city center, each of the eight suites in this small hotel is named after a unique region of the state of Oaxaca, and decorated with local art.

Book Now: Hotels.com | Expedia | Trip Advisor

Quinta Real Oaxaca

If you want something more old-fashioned, check in at Quinta Real Oaxaca — a 16th-century nunnery retaining a thorough throwback charm without sacrificing modern amenities. The property boasts views of courtyards and the streets of Oaxaca and even has an idyllic garden pool.

Casa Silencio

If you'd prefer to stay in the heart of mezcal country, you'll want to book your stay at the stunning Casa Silencio , which is about an hour outside of Oaxaca. This upscale shrine to agave features multilevel guest rooms, a spa, and Michelin-caliber cuisine and mixology. And, oh yes, a working distillery pumping out the native liquid.

Downtown Oaxaca

Within Oaxaca, Rabinor said taking a day to leisurely explore the city center and downtown is the way to go. "Take your time strolling through the market and be sure to try  pan de yema con chocolate ," Rabinor said. "Find a spot in one of the many plazas and enjoy people-watching, as it's not uncommon to witness a colorful calenda (street procession) happening at any time of the week. These processions are part of the numerous festivals that celebrate various personal and communal events in the lives of the local community."

Hierve el Agua

When it's time for sightseeing beyond the city, one of the top natural wonders to explore is Hierve el Agua . These calcareous rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas look as if a waterfall has been frozen to the side of a cliff. Established hiking paths bring you right up to the cascade's edge. If you're looking to take a dip in the human-made pools, aim to get there early to avoid crowds.

Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure

Monte Albán

Perched atop a 1,300-foot tall plateau, Monte Albán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing a well-preserved terraced pyramid and other pre-Columbian cultural artifacts. Much of what you'll explore here was built by the Zapotecs, an Indigenous people who are thought to have settled in the region as early as 800 B.C.E. It is the second-largest ceremonial site in all of Central America. "Monte Albán is not only a treasure of ancient history, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds significant importance in understanding the cultural heritage of Oaxaca and the surrounding region," Rabinor told T+L.

Mezcal Experiences

Mezcal is a distilled agave spirit traditional to the Oaxacan region. It has been made here for centuries using techniques that have largely resisted the prying hands of modern machination. Whether you drink or don't, a mezcal experience is an enriching experience. Rabinor noted that it supports local communities that rely on the industry, helps people "understand the hard work and history that goes behind producing [mezcal], and lets travelers 'learn and appreciate one of the world’s most complex spirits.'" Running down the many palenques — farm distilleries — where it is made and the enchanting sipping parlors where it is served would require an entirely separate article. ( In fact, this is a good one right here. ) But assuming you're starting your liquid journey in the city of Oaxaca, these are four tasting opportunities you should not skip over: Mezcalería In Situ for a broad collection of bottles and emphasis on education; El Distilado to enjoy how mezcal pairs with the local cuisine; and Selva Oaxaca to see how it mixes into artisanal cocktails. For a sip with a view, take your thirst to the rooftop of Puro Burro , a hip watering hole founded by native agave impresario, Asis Cortes — the man behind Mezcal Dixeebe .

Oaxacan Beaches

The state of Oaxaca is home to over 300 miles of coastline, so there are plenty of beaches to explore on a weekend getaway. Puerto Escondido , for example, is amassing a lot of tourist attention from beachgoers these days. (A flight from OAX to Puerto Escondido — PXM — is about 45 minutes.)

There's also Mazunte, with its cerulean surf crashing into the jagged shore. (Check out the Mexican Turtle Center in town, dedicated to the preservation of everyone's favorite slow-moving reptile.) And if you want to speed things up a bit, head several miles east along the coast to the town of Zipolite . There are powerful waves pummeling this sand, popular with surfers. Though others opt to simply lay and tan, enjoying the sunset over surrounding cliffs. Or you can snorkel the protected coral reefs of neighboring Huatulco National Park.

Oaxaca is filled with small boutiques with handmade goods for every budget. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a market with goods like sandals, bags, homeware, and more.

Rabinor recommended not skipping the artisan communities outside of town, such as San Martín Tilcajete, San Bartolo Coyotepec, and Teotitlan del Valle. "[This is] where skilled communities create exquisite works of art, including colorful alebrijes (wooden figurines), intricate black pottery, and vibrant textiles," he said.

For food, consider stopping by Mercado de Abastos. You can book a tour of the market through the area's most popular guide: Omar Alonso . "This is where locals go to buy everything," Alonso told T+L. "During holidays, it's particularly packed as we gather the ingredients we'll need to offer to our guests that come during the festivities." And for mezcal, visit Mezcaleria Cuish for both a drink and some bottles to-go.

You'll want to savor the world-class cuisine offered throughout Oaxaca and you'll have no trouble finding it when you're strolling the streets.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

The hub's bustling market scene is a great place to absorb a bit of everything. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is famous for its variety of food stalls featuring everything from baked goods and pastries to an entire aisle of roasted proteins: "El Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas." Here, you can order trays of meat that get cooked fresh in front of you. For something smaller and more vegetarian-friendly, explore Mercado Organico La Cosecha .

Cesar Rodriguez/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Restaurante Casa Oaxaca

If you're craving more of a sit-down experience, make a reservation at Casa Oaxaca's restaurant from chef Alejandro Ruiz. Absolutely order the tableside guacamole and explore Oaxacan cuisine with dishes like mole negro , and coloradito .

One of the top-rated restaurants in the city is Origen , helmed by 2016  Top Chef  winner Rodolfo Castellanos. Pro tip: try the grilled octopus and chicharrones.

El Lechoncito de Oro

Be sure to save room for El Lechoncito de Oro , which is open nightly from 8 p.m. until … whenever. This unassuming tented stall is an after-hours institution. They specialize in mouth-watering seared pork tacos covered in crispy pork rinds and spicy salsa verde.

Bar La Giralda

"Every time I'm [in Oaxaca], I must stop into Bar La Giralda for my favorite michelada on the planet," author Javier Cabral, who co-wrote "Oaxaca: Home Cooking From The Heart Of Mexico," told T+L . "They use pasilla chiles in the base. The more you drink, the more  botanas  [snacks] arrive."

Read More : Where to Eat and Drink in Oaxaca, According to People Who Are Obsessed With Eating and Drinking in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a big state — a little larger than the state of Indiana — occupying several tropical and subtropical climates. The temperature can vary wildly depending on where you're visiting and when. "The best time to visit Oaxaca depends on your preferences for weather, cultural events, and crowd levels," Rabinor said.

The good news is that it's almost always pleasantly warm and abundantly sunny. The one exception is the rainy season, which extends from May into September. Rabinor said that while the rainy season "brings occasional showers and higher humidity" it also "offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors.

July is a popular month, according to Rabinor, that can be crowded since it overlaps with the cultural festival of Guelaguetza , also called the Lunes del Cerro or "Mondays on the Hill."

Gabriel Perez/Getty Images

Early November is also a perennially popular time to visit. The weather is dependably inviting, as it's the start of the dry season, which extends through April. You'll also experience Día de los Muertos celebrations, bringing mirth, marigold, and mesmerizing pageantry into the streets of cities and villages throughout the country. Even if you miss these particular festivities, arrive sometime between fall and spring break, and you'll leave with little to no regrets.

Read More : The Best Time to Visit Mexico for Good Weather and Affordable Prices

Oaxaca is most easily reached through Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) — a smaller-sized airport. Direct service from the United States arrives by way of Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston. One way to snag a bargain fare is to fly into Guadalajara (GDL) or Mexico City (MEX), and then take a domestic carrier to OAX.

Oaxaca is a walkable city so you don't need to rent a car. While a vehicle is helpful when visiting sites outside of the city, like Hierve el Agua, you can opt for a local car service to drive you to farther destinations. Should you want transportation from point A to point B within the downtown, cabs are readily available. To get to and from the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or rental car.

INCREDIBLE SIGHTS AND GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS

• Sightseeing

INSIDER’S TIP: A CULINARY ADVENTURE AT ORIGEN

• Restaurants

INSIDER’S TIP: MERCADO DE ABASTOS WITH A LOCAL CELEBRITY

Shop for artisan souvenirs in oaxaca’s central valley, discover archaeological wonders at monte albán.

• Historic Sites

INSIDER’S TIP: DINE WITH THE LOCALS AT EL LECHONCITO DE ORO

Insider’s tip: ancient carpet-weaving in teotitlán del valle, learn to cook traditional oaxacan cuisine.

• Cooking Classes

INSIDER’S TIP: VISIT THE TEMPLO DE SANTO DOMINGO DE GUZMÁN

Explore iconic street art on a bicycle sightseeing tour, insider’s tip: mexican fusion at los danzantes oaxaca, sample mezcal from the source in a zapotec village, insider’s tip: embrace the mezcal vibe at in situ mezcalería, insider’s tip: experience the heart of oaxaca at the zócalo, accommodation options.

HOTEL ESCONDIDO OAXACA

OAXACA, MEXICO

QUINTA REAL OAXACA

STAY INSPIRED

The Top 5 Cities in Mexico

20 Top Things to Do in Oaxaca

Where to Eat and Drink in Oaxaca, According to People Who Are Obsessed With Eating and Drinking in Oaxaca

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19 Useful Things to Know Before Travelling to Oaxaca, Mexico

First time travelling to Oaxaca? Here are some handy Oaxaca travel tips to help you prepare!

It’s no secret that I have a huge crush on Oaxaca , Mexico. This city has stolen my heart twice, for its history, beauty, friendliness and deliciousness (the food in Oaxaca is the BEST!).

After two trips to this wonderful city, I’ve put together this guide on a few things I wish I’d known before travelling to Oaxaca . I’m hoping this helps you get ready to visit Oaxaca or even inspires you to put the city on your bucket list.

And if you need help planning your visit to Oaxaca, check out my Oaxaca itinerary . It’s an overview of the best things to do in Oaxaca in four days, and can be adapted if you have more or less time in Oaxaca.

So, without further ado, here’s my Oaxaca travel guide with some handy travel tips !

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

1. The pronunciation can be tricky

You’ve probably seen the word “Oaxaca” on paper or a computer screen and gone, “huh?”.

Why so many vowels?! And what’s with that “x”?!

To help alleviate your confusion, it’s pronounced wa-HAH-kah. Rolls off the tongue once you know how to say it.

2. Oaxaca is both a state and a city

While Oaxaca is both a state and city , in this article I’m talking specifically about Oaxaca city , or Oaxaca de Juárez if you want to get formal.

Oaxaca state is the 10th largest in Mexico, with a population of almost 4 million. It’s in the southwest of the country.

While the state’s mountainous and rugged terrain does make journeys through Oaxaca a little longer and more challenging, it’s also been a contributing factor to the survival of many indigenous peoples and cultures (although of course the picture’s not all rosy). Traditions remain strong in Oaxaca, something that you’ll see throughout Oaxaca city.

Oaxaca city is the capital of the state and has a population of just over 300,000 people. Despite its size, it’s got a wonderful small-town vibe.

3. Plan on travelling to Oaxaca for 3 days  at a minimum

To truly experience everything that Oaxaca City and the surrounding region has to offer, plan to visit Oaxaca for  at least three days  – but you could easily spend a week here. Any less than that and you won’t get to enjoy the food and culture that make this city one of my favourites.

There really are an incredible amount of things to do in Oaxaca , and I don’t want you to miss out on any of it!

We spent 4 days in Oaxaca and it was perfect – enough time to see everything we needed to see (and eat!) but also plenty of time for relaxing in the zocalo and people-watching.

But, to be honest, I could easily spend a month in this city. (It’s on my cities-to-live-in-one-day list.)

4. Come hungry

If you’ve heard anything at all about Oaxaca, I bet it’s about the  food scene . Plan to visit with an empty stomach and an open mind because you need to try everything.

You can’t visit Oaxaca without trying ALL the food, so to start you off drooling, here are a few recommendations for  what to eat in Oaxaca :

• Tlayudas  – often called Oaxacan pizza, these crispy tortillas are topped with beans, tomato, lettuce, meat (usually pork or thin beef) and stringy  quesillo . They’re best shared with someone as they’re pretty big and messy to eat!
• Mole  – Oaxaca is known as the land of seven moles and you should try them all. If you’ve never heard of mole (pronounced MOH-lay) then you’re in for a treat. Mole is a traditional sauce that’s earthy and rich. In some moles, chocolate is a key ingredient, but not all. Mole is labour-intensive and some varieties can contain more than 30 or 40 individual ingredients. Make sure to try a Oaxaca mole when you visit (and you can even buy the paste to take home with you).
• Memelitas  – the perfect snack, these are fried or toasted rounds of  masa  (corn dough) topped with beans,  cotija  cheese and some kind of protein.
• Atole  – this hot, thick drink is made from masa mixed with water, cinnamon (and often other spices), vanilla and sugar, and it’s great for breakfast.
• Tostadas  – another great snack, these are tortillas that are toasted until crunchy and then topped with other ingredients.
• Pan de yema  – light bread that you dip into hot chocolate (sounds strange but it’s so, so good!).
• Tascalate  – another drink that’s made from roasted corn, chocolate, nuts, vanilla, sugar and achiote. You can drink it hot or cold, or with milk or water (I like it cold with milk!).

This list barely touches the surface of all the amazing  Oaxaca food  – there are so many more delicious things that you should try (including  chapulines  – fried grasshoppers – for the brave!).

Exploring the markets and street food carts are a good place to start trying Oaxacan food. Just follow the crowds and order what everyone else is eating and you’ll end up with something that makes your taste buds dance.

But, if it’s all too overwhelming and you’d like a local to show you what, where and how to eat, then  book a food tour  with Omar of  Oaxacking .

We spent four hours eating with him and it was just like hanging out with a mate who wants to show you around their home city. I’ve seriously never eaten so much food in four hours (a siesta was needed afterwards) but it was a great introduction to the tastes of Oaxaca.

Guided option:  Omar’s food tour of Oaxaca is on the higher end (but totally worth it!), so  this affordable option  takes guests to other markets in Oaxaca.  This tour  focuses on Oaxaca’s famous corn and mole dishes.

I’m putting together a post on where to eat in Oaxaca, but in the meantime here are some restaurant recommendations.

Where to eat breakfast in Oaxaca

The most important meal of the day! We loved starting the day off at these cafés:

• PAN:AM  – order the  chilaquiles  and a fresh juice, and don’t forget to get a  pain au chocolat  from the bread basket that the staff bring around.  Several locations around Oaxaca
• Itanoni  – famed for its focus on corn, everything in this family-run restaurant is made from the grain. The  tascalate  is delicious (I bought some to take home with me), as are the  tamales  and  tetelas . Go with a group and order one of everything so you can try it all! This was my favourite Oaxaca restaurant.  Av Belisario Domínguez 513
• Fonda Florecita  – a little further away from the Centro, this stall is inside the Mercado de la Merced. There’s no handwritten menu so ask the staff to speak slowly and tell you what they’re serving up that day. The  pan de yema  is particularly good.

Casual restaurants in Oaxaca

There are so many great restaurants in Oaxaca for lunch or dinner it can be hard to decide – believe me, I had a lot of FOMO during our time in Oaxaca. Here are a few recommendations to help you narrow down your choices:

• Cabuche  – the  enmoladas  (tortillas rolled up in mole) are mouthwatering. The tostadas change regularly so check the board for the day’s offering.  Miguel Hidalgo 1017
• Boulenc  – this bakery slash café sells sandwiches on bread baked in-house. If you can, take some of the homemade jams and pickled vegetables home with you.  Calle Porfirio Díaz 207
• Coronita  – go here for a sampler of 7 moles.  D íaz Ordaz 208

Fine dining restaurants in Oaxaca

One of the great things about a Oaxaca vacation is its affordability, so you can eat out at award-winning restaurants for a fraction of the price that you’d pay in other cities. Here are a few that we visited on our trip, all of which celebrate Oaxacan flavours and ingredients. I’d go back to any of these in a heartbeat:

• Criollo  – part-owned by Enrique Olvera, the man behind Pujol in Mexico City (currently number 12 of the 50 best restaurants in the world), the multi-course tasting menu will introduce you to quality Oaxacan ingredients and flavours. Make a reservation in advance.  Francisco I. Madero 129
• Casa Oaxaca  – overlooking the Templo de Santo Domingo, sitting out on the patio on an evening just adds to the delicious food. Reserve a table well ahead.  Calle de La Constitución 104A
• El Destilado  – owned by three Americans who fell in love with Oaxacan cuisine. Great vibe and service.  5 de Mayo 409

5. Days start slow

There’s really no need to get up early in Oaxaca, as there’s not a whole lot going on in the city before 9 or 10am. Some coffee shops and cafes don’t even open until 8am.

So, unless you’re starting out early on a long day trip, enjoy that sleep-in!

6. Oaxaca is affordable

When I visited Oaxaca, I constantly had to check my currency converter app to make sure I wasn’t miscalculating the price of food, drinks and goods. Depending on your exchange rate, many foreigners will find Oaxaca to be  very affordable .

However, I have noticed prices going up as more tourists visit and foreigners move to Oaxaca. I’m doing research for an upcoming return trip to Oaxaca and have seen prices jump.

Vendors in markets are usually willing to negotiate, but just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Pay the price that’s asked and what’s fair, as people are usually just trying to make a living.

7. Oaxaca is safe – even for solo female travellers

Mexico gets such a bad rap when it comes to safety, and it’s not always warranted. So it’s no surprise that a lot of people thinking about visiting Oaxaca ask an obvious question:  is Oaxaca safe to visit ?

The answer: yes,  I  felt very safe in Oaxaca.

On my first visit to Oaxaca I travelled solo, and my second time was with my husband. Both times I  never had any issues  and I  always felt safe , even when we walked around the city at nighttime (granted, we were only walking in the main touristy neighbourhoods).

Of course there’s crime in Oaxaca like in every part of the world. So, as always, it pays to  be aware of your surroundings  and  follow basic safety measures  when travelling to Oaxaca:

• Come armed with some basic Spanish
• Don’t wander around alone at night
• Only bring what you need – leave the valuables in your hotel room
• Don’t flash around your expensive camera and phones
• If something does happen, don’t fight back! Valuables can be replaced, your life cannot

8. Oaxaca is high up!

Oaxaca sits at 1,555 metres (5,102 feet) above sea level, so don’t be surprised to find yourself out of breath every so often (at least, that was my excuse!).

Some people who are prone to  altitude  sickness do have issues in Oaxaca, but for most people it won’t be an issue.

To avoid Oaxaca altitude sickness, take it easy and don’t go rushing around the city. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

9. The city is so clean

I found the streets of Oaxaca to be so clean and well-maintained – more so than big cities around the world (here’s looking at you, New York City!). Do your part and keep it clean, too.

10. Mezcal is the drink of choice

While Mexico may be known for tequila, in Oaxaca, it’s  mezcal  that’s the drink of choice. This liquor is also made of agave but it’s far more complex, with a smoky flavour (read more in this article about what is mezcal ). Most mezcal is made in Oaxaca state.

Mezcal seems to be the trendy drink of choice of late, and I’ve seen mezcal bars popping up in cities around the world.

If you don’t know much about mezcal, then I recommend starting out at  La Mezcaloteca   (Reforma 506)  for a tasting. We let the staff know what flavours we liked and they customised the tasting to our preferences. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance.

There are also plenty of  mezcal tours  where you can visit a  palenque  (mezcal distillery) and learn about the production process. Omar of  Oaxacking  has tours that visit small-batch, family-owned  palenques , as does  Las Bugambilias , the tour company we signed up with. We did a full-day tour and visited three different producers on the outskirts of the city.

You’ll find that the cheaper tours are more focused on larger production facilities and are more about the drinking rather than the learning process, so choosing a tour really depends on your budget and what you’re looking to get out of the experience.

11. Oaxaca is centuries old

Like all of Mexico, Oaxaca’s  fascinating and tumultuous history  stretches back thousands and thousands of years.

While you’re in Oaxaca, make sure to learn more about this history. A good place to start is the  Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca  (Oaxaca Culture Museum). Housed in a former monastery, the corridors are filled with exhibits that trace the beginnings of Oaxaca through to modern times.

Spend half a day at  Monte Albán , which dates back to 500BC. This was the most important Zapotec site for more than a thousand years. There’s little signage throughout the site, unfortunately, so see if you can download some information to your phone, find a good guidebook or even hire a guide to show you around . In my opinion, you can’t miss this site on your Oaxaca trip.

Another interesting ruins site nearby Oaxaca is  Mitla . Around 45 kilometres from Oaxaca, it’s another easy day trip from Oaxaca.

12. Do your research to find the best Oaxaca tours

There are plenty of tours to surrounding areas of Oaxaca, but make sure to do your research as many of them are rushed.

On my first trip to Oaxaca I did a day trip to  Hierve el Agua , the incredible petrified waterfalls surrounded by mineral pools that you can swim in. It’s one of the  prettiest places to visit in Oaxaca , but when I went, I made the mistake of booking a cheap day trip and was rewarded with some low-quality mezcal tastings and only a short time at the actual waterfalls.

Find tours that are run by Oaxacans and that support local Oaxacan businesses and people. Tours that actually want to teach you about the area, culture and customs rather than rushing you through a tight itinerary. GuateGo  has a tour that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, mezcal tasting, a visit to see stunning weavings, and – of course! – the chance to wander the pools of Hierve el Agua.

13. Oaxacans love to celebrate

Like all Mexican cities and towns,  Oaxacan celebrations  are wild and a time when the whole  community  comes together.

Some of the  best festivals in Oaxaca  to plan your Oaxaca travel plans around are:

• Guelaguetza  – people from all across Oaxaca province swarm on Oaxaca City in a huge celebration of Oaxacan culture. There’s dancing, there’s music, there’s food (of course!) all in a huge spectacle over two consecutive Mondays at the end of July.
• Día de los Muertos  – despite what you’ve heard, this  isn’t  Mexican Halloween. During Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), people come together to celebrate their deceased loved ones and make offerings. Día de los Muertos is late October/early November each year and the celebration goes over two days.
• Noche de Rábanos  – if you have any idea what rábanos means in English then you may be a little confused right now… a celebration of  radishes ? Yep, why not! This unusual festival has its origins in colonial times, and today you’ll see hundreds of displays of intricately carved radishes. An interesting one to add to your Mexico bucket list!

A dream of mine is to visit Oaxaca during Día de los Muertos. It’s been on my bucket list for a long time but I’m yet to make it a reality!

14. Pack a spare bag

Even if you’re not a fan of shopping, I  dare  you not to buy anything in Oaxaca.

I rarely buy souvenirs when I travel, but I just couldn’t help myself in Oaxaca, and ended up stuffing hand-stitched tops, a small rug, pottery, a straw handbag, books, cushion covers, too many bottles of mezcal and powdered hot chocolate into my suitcase.

The markets are a great place to check out for a huge range of items:

• Mercado 20 de Noviembre  and  Mercado Benito Juárez  are in the centre of town. While quite touristy, there’s also a huge variety on offer. Talk to the stallholders to find out which goods are made locally.
• The  Mercado de Artesanías ,  Huizache  and  La Casa de las Artesanías  are three good craft markets to explore. These complexes are good because you can do all your shopping in one place. Most also have information on where goods have come from and even who made it.

Sometimes you don’t even need to step into a shop to make a purchase – there are vendors right on the street waiting to sell you beautifully hand-stitched cushion covers and clothing.

15. The beaches are far away

The only downside to travelling to Oaxaca is that if you’re planning to combine a beach holiday with your city trip, think again. The beaches are quite a drive away.

They look deceptively close on a map, but in reality, because of the winding roads through the mountains, it’s a 3- to 4-hour journey by car or bus.

Having said that, if you’ve got the time, tack on a few days at the beach to your Oaxaca itinerary. I’ve spent quite a bit of time at Puerto Escondido, and you should also consider Huatulco, Puerto Ángel, Zipolite, Bahia de Tembo or Mazunte for some beach time. Check GuateGo for transfer options from Oaxaca to these beach towns.

16. There’s no bad time for travelling to Oaxaca

I don’t think there’s any  bad  time to visit, but the  best time to visit Oaxaca  is October to February when the weather is milder. April and May are the hottest months of the year.

The summer months (June to September) bring lots of rain, but it also means lush, green landscapes.

The busiest times of year are around the festivals and celebrations I’ve mentioned above, and the week of Easter. If you do plan a trip around one of these festivals, make sure to book well in advance as Oaxaca hotels do fill up quickly!

17. Travelling to Oaxaca is easy

Depending where you’re coming from, getting to Oaxaca is fairly easy.

Oaxaca has an international airport, Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX). Direct flights land here from the U.S. and countries in Central and South America.

CHECK FLIGHTS TO OAXACA ONLINE HERE

For most international visitors planning Oaxaca travel, you’ll need to transit through Mexico City first. You could even stop in Mexico City for a few days (check out my  guide to Mexico City here ).

From the airport, it’s only a 25-minute drive to downtown. Book a shared taxi (van) at the airport. These drop passengers off at their hotels around the area (which means it can take a little longer than 25 minutes). Alternatively,  GuateGo  offers private transfers direct to your hotel, which will save you a tonne of time.

There are plenty of buses and domestic flights to Oaxaca from Mexico City and other major cities around Mexico.

18. Where to stay in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has a booming tourism industry, so there are plenty of hotels in the city. Here are a few recommendations for visiting Oaxaca:

• Hotel Siglo XVII  – this is where we stayed when we were last in Oaxaca. It’s in the city centre so it’s close to the main Oaxaca attractions. The staff are friendly and the on-site breakfast is great.  Check the latest rates and book your stay with Booking.com or Expedia
• Flavia Hotel – luxury hotel with spa services and an infinity pool overlooking the city. Check rates and availability online with Expedia
• Casa Antonieta  – this boutique hotel has only six, minimalist-styled rooms. Each room has a small patio attached and there’s a coffee shop that adjoins the hotel so you can start your day with caffeine.  Check the latest rates on  Booking.com   or   Expedia
• Hotel Dainzu  – a woman we met on our trip stayed at this delightful budget hotel and said it was one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca. It has a pretty courtyard and decent-sized rooms. It’s also in a great location in the centre of town.  Check rates on Booking.com  |  Read reviews on TripAdvisor

19. Pack travel insurance

Oaxaca is pretty safe, but if I’m travelling internationally, I always arrange travel insurance. Start your search for travel insurance providers on Travel Insurance Master , where you can compare providers and policies.

Wrap up: Oaxaca travel tips

Oaxaca is one of my absolute favourite cities in the entire world. It has a beautiful blend of culture, food and nature and is so easy to visit. Hopefully these Oaxaca travel tips have helped you plan your first – but probably not last! – visit here.

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Are you planning on traveling to Oaxaca? Is there anything else you need to know before you visit? Drop your questions in the comments section below.

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these Mexico travel articles.

• 4 Days in Oaxaca Itinerary: 25+ Best Things To Do
• 3 Days in Mexico City: 20 Things to See, Do and Eat
• The Best Things To Do in Cancun, Mexico: An Insider’s Guide

MEXICO TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book flights to and around Mexico online with Skyscanner . I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
• Find great hotels across Mexico. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Mexico on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to Mexico will be handy.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

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About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

6 thoughts on “19 Useful Things to Know Before Travelling to Oaxaca, Mexico”

Hi Rebecca,

We are wanting to travel from uk to oaxaca, spend 3/4 days.. but we do wish to travel to the coast line to stay for 4/5 days.. really have no idea how we piece that together, or where on the coast line would be the absolute best ?

Thank you! I am thinking of solo traveling this Oct/Nov. Your blog is super helpful.

Enjoy!! It’s such an amazing city, and I always felt very safe. If you have any more questions, just let me know.

Hi Rebecca! Thank you for this post/blog…I am planning to visit Oaxaca next winter and explore if this could be a destination I could enjoy going back to escape from my Montreal winter each year. I want to go for one month for now and am a woman alone. Any suggestion for long term stay?

Oh Claudette, I’m jealous! I’d love to spend a month in Oaxaca. I don’t have any recommendations for a long-term stay, but I’d start with Airbnb or VRBO and see what properties they have there and how long you can rent for. Having travelled there as a solo female before (my first trip to Oaxaca), I felt very safe. Enjoy!!

I’m from Oaxaca. I’m willing to help if you need any advise. You can find me in IG Leticia.djarquin

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Travel To Oaxaca

Your ultimate guide to oaxaca, mexico.

Welcome, I’m Shelley …

I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and visited 19 out of 32 states so far (many as a solo female traveler). At this point, you might say I’m a Mexpert!

Today, I use my knowledge & insider tips to help travelers just like you plan the Mexico trip of your dreams, travel to Mexico confidently & safely, and cross Mexico off your bucket list.

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Visit Oaxaca, Mexico

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One of Mexico’s most delightful and popular cities, easily reached by plane from Mexico City, Oaxaca lies in a high valley in the south of the country and is surrounded by fascinating Zapotec ruins and traditional villages.

Founded by the Spanish in 1521 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it has managed to retain many of its native roots among the ornate colonial architecture of its beautiful city centre.

For those interested in exploring the surrounding area we can arrange day trips to the nearby Zapotecan archaeological site of Monte Albán, spectacularly perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the valley below, or touring the many fascinating little Indian villages, each famous for particular skills in weaving, pottery or rug making.

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• San Cristóbal de las Casas 272 miles away
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