Visit Oaxaca: my top 10

This blog post is not going to be very objective. I love Oaxaca. It is my favorite city in Mexico. I fell in love in 2017 with it in only 3 days. For the past few years, I come back again and again, and I don’t get tired of walking its streets. In this blog post, I will guide you to visit Oaxaca.

What to do in Oaxaca? My top 10

Enjoy the colorful streets
Templo de Santo Domingo
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Soledad and Plaza de la Danza
Cathedral
Zócalo
Jalatlaco neighborhood
Xochimilco neighborhood
Visit the museums
Taste the local specialities
Monte Albán

Useful information to visit Oaxaca

What to eat in Oaxaca?
How to go to Oaxaca?
How to move through Oaxaca?
When to visit Oaxaca ?
How many days to visit Oaxaca?
Is it dangerous to visit Oaxaca?
Being a digital nomad in Oaxaca
Travel responsibly in Oaxaca

Oaxaca in a few words

You have to pronounce the name of the city this way, WA-RA-KA. It is the capital of the state that has the same name.

It is located 460 km from México City and, more or less, 300 km from the Pacific coast, which means that it is a city that many visit before heading to the beach.

The city was already populated there is more than 1000 years ago by the pre-Hispanic population that left their tracks still visible in the city and the culture.

Two of the most important presidents of the country are native from here: Benito Juárez, in his honor, the city was named Oaxaca de Juarez, and Porfirio Dias.

For short- or long-term visitors, Oaxaca is a UNESCO heritage city. With a fast walk through the city, you will easily understand why.

With cultural, festive, historical, and gastronomy richness, the city is an unmissable destination for each traveler that explores Mexico.

TOURS TO DISCOVER THE CITY DIFFERENTLY

What to do in Oaxaca?

This list could be longer, but I know you don’t have time to lose.

So I gather 10 places or things you can’t miss if you visit Oaxaca! Perfect for a first time!

1. ENJOY THE COLORFUL STREETS

Upon arriving in the historical center of the city, it’s what will dazzle you. From sky blue to orangish-red, passing through mustard yellow, all the facades of the city offer an explosion of colors.

Of course, it’s impossible not to mention the papel picado floating in many streets, adding an extra touch of cheerfulness!

Aside from the rainbow houses and the stunning graffiti, ensuring successful Instagram shots, you will discover here and there sublime buildings.

Get ready to constantly whip out your smartphone!

2. Templo de Santo Domingo

It’s my favorite monument in Oaxaca, a building that rises from a vast square where agaves grow and where tourists and locals alike gather to enjoy this lively place.

From the outside, the temple is fascinating. And inside, too! You will discover the genealogical tree of Santo Domingo de Guzman, which overlooks visitors’ heads right from the entrance.

Built starting from 1551, this Dominican convent also served as a university. Military forces, under different regimes, also regularly occupied it.

In 1902, it was officially returned to the Church, and it was the Dominicans, returning to the city in 1938, who launched restoration works to enhance this building.

Access to the temple is free, but you have to come at the right time because the doors are unfortunately too often closed.

3. Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Soledad and Plaza de la DaNZA

Another religious monument you can’t lose is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Soledad. The entrance is also free to sit down and admire the place.

On the Plaza de la Danza, very close, you could sit and enjoy the beauty of the place and maybe, participate in one of the numerous events organized there.

Down the Plaza, you will find a small square full of terraces. Sit down to try the nieve, the typical ice cream of Oaxaca.

4. CathEdral

Another major religious monument is the Cathedral. While the exterior is quite splendid, the interior also deserves a quick visit, especially since admission is free.

Its construction began in 1535 and continued for over 200 years, reflecting a fusion of architectural styles ranging from Baroque to Neoclassical.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Oaxaca is an active place of worship and a must-visit for all tourists.

5. Zócalo

It’s impossible to visit Oaxaca without passing through the Zocalo, the bustling center of the city.

This large central square adorned with some green spaces is the meeting place for locals. Street vendors and musicians add to this cheerful crowd.

There’s always something happening on the Zocalo: official events, concerts, demonstrations… This place is never quiet. So, it’s a must-visit to feel the pulse of the city.

6. Jalatlaco

If you want to take Instagram-worthy photos, this is the neighborhood you absolutely must visit.

Colorful facades, grandiose street art, papel picado floating in the wind—everything is combined to make this area located in the northeast of the city sublime.

It’s the perfect neighborhood to wander around, dazzled by the beauty of the place, and to enjoy trying out cafes, each prettier than the last, and designer boutiques.

7. Xochimilco

A colonial village turned neighborhood of Oaxaca, it’s a charming place that always attracts tourists.

Founded in the 15th century by the Aztec emperor Ahuítzotl, the neighborhood is dotted with colorful graffiti, one of Xochimilco’s great assets.

The best time of year to visit is during Dia de Muertos, when houses decorate themselves and compete in talent to catch the eye of passersby. However, the neighborhood is worth visiting at any time.

8. Visit the museumS

Oaxaca City is very rich in a cultural way. Wandering and being amazed by its beauty is good, but it is also nice to learn more about the destination. I introduce you to a few museums that are worth it if you visit Oaxaca.

The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

f you should visit only one museum, it should be this one. More than 10,000 years of history in 14 rooms. You can’t miss the remains found in the famous Tumba 7 in Monte Alban!

The Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños

In Oaxaca, art is everywhere y in different forms. Obviously, painting is one of them. The Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños highlights artists from the city and the area.

The Museo del Textil

It exists an amazing variety of textiles in Mexico. Every area, almost every village, has a savoir-faire and a very different style. You will notice it visiting this museum that showcases Oaxaca and Mexico pieces to highlight the different designs, techniques, and creative processes.

The Museo de la Filatelia

It is a playful museum, perfect for a family visit. It tells the history of stamps and money in the Mexican Republic.

9. Eat

Oaxaca is famous in all the country and outside of it for being the city of Mexican gastronomy. The food is delicious, and the variety of plates is big.

Tlayudas and moles are the 2 specialties that you can’t miss. Actually, you can try 7 different kinds of mole. You have to try them all to discover which one is your favorite. Personally, the mole negro is one of my culinary obsessions.

To taste the Oaxaca food, you can go to restaurants, but I recommend you to go to markets and sit down with the locals. The 20 de Noviembre market is a mandatory visit. You will find many places there to eat.

10. Monte Albán

It is easy to go to Monte Alban from the city center. Anyway, it is a visit that you can’t miss when you visit Oaxaca. The archeological site was the most important city in the Zapotec culture.

It was built on the top of the mountain that the valley. It is why it has been called Monte. I recommend you stay 3–4 hours there.

Bonus: Sunbathing in Puerto Escondido

After a few days or weeks in Oaxaca, you may want to feel closer to nature. There are many options around to lie on the beach or decelerate the rhythm in the mountains.

I propose you sunbathe in Puerto Escondido and enjoy a peaceful life close to the sea, beautiful sunsets, and cocktails with good company.

What to eat en Oaxaca?

I share with you 10 specialities that you should try when you visit Oaxaca : the mole negro, mole verde, mole almendrado, tlayuda, sopa de guías, chiles de agua rellenos, chapulines, chocolate oaxaqueño, tejate, mezcal.

This list is very subjective. The mole negro is certainly the most emblematic plate of the Oaxaca gastronomy. You have to try it!

In Mexico, it is normal to eat insects. If you want to try, chapulines is an easy one to start. You can have them as a snack or inside a tlayudas o tacos. Also, you can’t leave without having a mezcal, the typical alcohol of the area.

How to go to Oaxaca?

Obviously, you can go to Oaxaca by car or bus. You can also go by plane since the city has an airport.

How to go to Oaxaca from Ciudad de México?

It is possible to get on a plane from the Mexican capital. The flight lasts around 2 hours. If you have time, and you prefer to take care of the planet, many buses make the ride.

It lasts 6–7 hours and leaves from 7 different bus stations. I recommend you leave from la TAPO, la Norte, or la Tasqueña. It is possible to buy your tickets online on the ADO webpage.

How to go to Oaxaca from Puebla?

From Puebla, the bus is the best option. It leaves from la CAPU, and the ride last 5 hours.

How to go to Oaxaca from Puerto Escondido?

Again, the bus is the best option. Since recently, you just need 3–4 hours to reach Oaxaca, when you needed 9-10 in the past. ADO offers several buses a day for this ride.

It is possible to go to Oaxaca by colectivo, a kind of van, but it is better to avoid it if you prefer to travel comfortably or if you are sick on the bus. It is also possible to go by plane, but the ride is expensive for such a short distance.

How to move through Oaxaca?

It is easy to discover the center by walking. However, if you stay outside of it or want to explore places a little further, there are different options.

By bus

Many bus lines transport passengers through the city. Nevertheless, if you don’t know the city, it can be pretty tricky to understand where the stops are. It is always better to ask a local to know where they are.

By taxi

There are different companies of taxis seguros, such as the Taxis ADO, You have to call them, and they send a car. Stopping a taxi in the street is also a solution.

When to Go to Oaxaca?

To plan your trip to Oaxaca, keep in mind that the most favorable period generally extends from November to April.

During this time, the weather is mild and dry, with pleasant temperatures during the day. However, nights can be cool, as temperatures can drop to around 10 °C.

Late October and early November are also perfect for experiencing the atmosphere of the Day of the Dead celebrated in every corner of the city.

From May to October, the heat becomes more intense and rainfall increases. Indeed, the rainy season extends from July to September.

How many days to visit Oaxaca?

To discover Oaxaca, all the markets, the restaurants, the boutiques, the galleries, the mezcalerías, etc. You will need several weeks.

Nevertheless, if your time is limited, with 3 days you could know the city. Anyway, I recommend staying for 1 week to really understand it, enjoying the nightlife and visiting touristy spots and villages around

If you are lucky enough to be a digital nomad, you can spend a few weeks here or months. It would be a great opportunity not only to enjoy Oaxaca, but also to explore the area.

Is it dangerous to visit Oaxaca?

The city center is pretty safe. Obviously, like in the rest of the country, it is better not to walk at night, especially on empty streets. Like in other places, don’t walk around with your new iPhone in your hands, or your gold earrings.

So after 10 pm, it is better to use taxis. Anyway, some areas are more dangerous. Don’t go there, especially if you are new to the city.

Always ask locals if it is safe to go to one place or another. Last tip: at night, avoid the Central de Abastos area.

Being a digital nomad in Oaxaca

More and more digital nomads go to Oaxaca. It is pretty normal since the city has many attractive things. Apart from being very pretty, you can do many activities such as cooking or grabado oaxaqueño workshops.

Moreover, the options for accommodation are numerous: cheap hostels and long duration Airbnbs. Wi-Fi is good and stable. It is possible to work in numerous coffee places, and there are a few coworking spaces.

For those who want to get everything in the same place, there are also a few colivings that allow you to be hist and work at the same place. Also, there are great places to meet fellow digital nomads.

The city attracts more tourists and digital nomads, and, as always, like in any other place of the world, it is a risk to the planet and the local communities. So, do not forget to travel sustainably!

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Travel responsibly in Oaxaca

One of the most important issues in Mexico is the lack of water. Oaxaca doesn’t escape to it, either.

So it is necessary that you use water responsibly: avoid long showers, close the faucet when you wash your teeth, use the cooking water to water the plants, etc.

Don’t encourage gentrification!

The arrival of American and European digital nomads that make more money than the locals is a risk for the local communities.

The rent prices increase, obliging locals to move, and traditional bars and restaurants disappear and are replaced by Western types of places where prices are way higher than usual prices, etc. As digital nomads, we have a responsibility for this phenomenon.

So, it is essential to act and spend money correctly for the local populations can enjoy this money and improve their living conditions instead of making them worst. I give you a list of ideas to avoid being a part of gentrification:

Rent rooms and flats at a correct price.
Avoid accommodations that belong to big real estate groups.
Buy in the markets.
Eat in restaurants whose owners are locals.
Avoid food chains.
Do not let the taxi drivers overcharge you.
Work with local craft people.
Meet locals to know more about what is at stake for them with the rise of tourism.

There are many ways to fight gentrification. You just need to get some information.

If you were wondering what to do in Oaxaca, I hope this article will help you to prepare for your next Mexican escape. If you have any doubts or questions, leave me a comment.

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March 13, 2023

Visit Oaxaca: my top 10

Oaxaca in a few words