Ultimate Travel Guide to Oaxaca City, Mexico

Oaxaca City (Oaxaca de Juárez) is the cultural heart of southern Mexico — a place where centuries-old traditions meet colorful streets, incredible cuisine, and some of the best artisanal markets in the Americas. With its year-round festivals, colonial architecture, and world-famous mole, **Oaxaca is a must-visit** for travelers looking for authenticity.

This **ultimate travel guide to Oaxaca City, Mexico** covers the best places to stay, eat, shop, and explore — including day trips, safety tips, and real local gems.

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Where is Oaxaca City?

Located in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, the city sits in a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. It’s about 6–7 hours by bus from Mexico City or a 1-hour flight.

- **Airport**: Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International (OAX)
- **Getting around**: Mostly walkable, with affordable taxis and colectivos (shared vans)

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Where to Stay in Oaxaca City

| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|------|------|----------|
| **Centro Histórico** | Colonial, walkable, vibrant | First-time visitors |
| **Jalatlaco** | Artsy, cobblestone streets | Boutique lovers |
| **Xochimilco** | Quiet, local, colorful | Long stays, digital nomads |

Top Picks:

- **Casa Antonieta** – Boutique charm in Centro
- **Hotel con Corazón** – Eco-hotel with community mission
- **Casa Oaxaca** – High-end and renowned for its food

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Must-Try Foods in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is often called the **food capital of Mexico**, and for good reason.

1. Mole (especially Mole Negro)
Complex sauce with over 20 ingredients, including chocolate.

- **Where to try**: Casa Oaxaca, Los Danzantes

2. Tlayudas
Oaxacan-style giant grilled tortilla topped with beans, meat, cheese.

- **Where to try**: Tlayudas El Negro (a local favorite)

3. Memelas
Thick masa cakes with beans, salsa, and cheese.

- **Where to try**: Mercado de la Merced

4. Chapulines (Grasshoppers)
Crunchy and flavored with chili and lime.

- **Where to try**: Benito Juárez Market

5. Mezcal
Local agave-based spirit, sipped slowly.

- **Best mezcalerías**: Mezcaloteca, Cuish, In Situ

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Best Markets and Shopping

- **Mercado Benito Juárez**: Food, textiles, crafts — perfect intro to Oaxaca
- **Mercado 20 de Noviembre**: Food stalls galore (try the carne asada aisle!)
- **La Casa de las Artesanías**: High-quality crafts from around the state

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Cultural Things to Do

Visit Templo de Santo Domingo
The most iconic church in Oaxaca, with gilded interiors and a botanical garden behind it.

Explore the Museo de las Culturas
Housed inside the Santo Domingo complex, covering Zapotec, Mixtec, and colonial history.

Watch a Guelaguetza Performance
If you're lucky enough to visit in July, don’t miss this cultural festival with music, dance, and costume.

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Day Trips from Oaxaca City

1. Monte Albán
Ancient Zapotec ruins with panoramic views.

- **Distance**: 20 minutes by taxi
- **Entry**: ~90 MXN

2. Hierve el Agua
Mineral springs that look like petrified waterfalls.

- **Getting there**: Colectivo or tour van (2 hours)
- **Tip**: Bring a swimsuit and hiking shoes

3. Teotitlán del Valle
Famous for woven rugs and natural dye workshops.

- **Great for**: Shopping direct from artisans

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Is Oaxaca Safe?

Yes — Oaxaca City is considered one of the **safest cities in Mexico** for travelers.

- **Common precautions**:
- Don’t drink tap water (bottled only)
- Use taxis arranged through your hotel or trusted apps
- Be cautious in markets — pickpocketing can occur

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Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

| Day | Highlights |
|-----|------------|
| 1 | Santo Domingo, Museum, Downtown Markets |
| 2 | Monte Albán, Mezcal tasting, Street Food |
| 3 | Hierve el Agua, Artisans of Teotitlán, Rooftop dinner |

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Final Tips

- Best time to visit: **October–April** (dry season)
- Bring cash — many markets and restaurants are cash-only
- Learn a few Spanish phrases — locals appreciate it

Oaxaca will win you over with its flavors, people, and timeless beauty. Whether you're exploring ruins, sipping mezcal on a rooftop, or shopping for handwoven rugs, you'll quickly see why so many travelers return again and again.