Oaxaca City is a fascinating amalgam of vividly enchanting neighborhoods, some with a history older than the town itself and each with its own distinct personality.
Most visitors gravitate toward the Centro, the city’s busy historic center, famous for its striking colonial architecture, absorbing museums, exquisite arts and crafts, uniquely rich culinary scene, and mezcal galore.
For a taste of Oaxacan life, wander through the nearby barrios of Jalatlaco and Xochimilco, two of Oaxaca’s oldest quarters, where today street artists have transformed aging buildings into colorful works of art.
Need a break from the city? Head for the verdant foothills of San Agustín Etla, a relaxed suburb of the capital city and a gateway to the beautiful countryside of Oaxaca state.
Centro is the Best Neighborhood to Hang Your Hat
Oaxaca’s heart beats in the Centro. With over 1,200 historic monuments and an extraordinary concentration of restaurants, galleries, and museums spread across 247 blocks, the easily walkable downtown has well earned its UNESCO World Heritage badge. Many of the best attractions can be found here.
For the classic Oaxaca market food experience, greet the new day with a rich chocolate atole (a sweet corn-based drink) and salsa de queso (cheese bathed in spicy red salsa) in the Mercado de la Merced’s Fonda Florecita.
After breakfast, relax at the Andador Turístico, a traffic-free pedestrian corridor where galleries and craft stores sell high-quality paintings, alebrijes (colorful wooden animal figurines), and hand-woven Zapotec rugs. Next, get cultured at the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, a first-rate museum housing a treasure trove of ancient Mixtec and Zapotec artifacts. Finally, cap things off with a mezcal-tasting session imparted by the experts at Mezcaloteca.
When deciding where to stay, consider this centrally located area one of your best options as it’s not only jam-packed with sights but also with accommodations for all budgets, including tasteful B&Bs.
Discover Fabulous Street Art in Jalatlaco
The alluring Jalatlaco barrio is just a short distance from the downtown historic center – yet its quiet cobbled streets, quaint sidewalk cafes, and unhurried pace give it the feel of a laid-back village.
Local street artists have transformed the community into an outdoor gallery of sorts, with brilliantly painted murals adorning walls along the streets of Aldama, 5 de Mayo, and Miguel Hidalgo. Look for the vivid Day of the Dead-inspired murals by Bouler; the work of this talented Oaxacan artist also graces the exterior of Casa Curtiduría, a character-filled hotel one block south of the 17th-century Templo de San Matías.
Discover the neighborhood’s many charms on foot or explore via a mural bike tour.
Soak Up Traditional Flavors in Xochimilco
Another picturesque enclave known for its vibrant urban art scene is Xochimilco, an important weaving district dating back to the 15th century. In the heart of Xochimilco (the area just north of Hwy 190), you’ll find cobblestone streets dotted with century-old textile workshops, small craft shops, and restaurants specializing in regional Oaxacan cuisine.
South of the highway, an iconic arched aqueduct runs along Callejón Rufino Tamayo amid the area’s growing number of upscale hotels, including the elegant colonial-style Casona de Tita.
The Xochimilco Aqueduct, built between 1727 and 1751, was designed to bring fresh drinking water into downtown from the hills of Cerro de San Felipe. Although it ceased operation in 1940, some arches still serve as entryways into homes.
Live Like a Local in Reforma
What the middle-class Colonia Reforma neighborhood lacks in sights, it makes up for in convivial restaurants and bars. To connect with the local vibe, enjoy drinks at the perennially packed Cantina El Otro Mundo, where each round of drinks comes with a complimentary snack, enjoyed on the cantina’s patio decorated with quirky murals. For a quieter drink, visit a nearby brewpub to sample some of Oaxaca’s finest craft beers.
Reforma also stands out for its family-run restaurants, specializing in traditional Oaxacan fare. La Teca prepares excellent regional cuisine such as garnachas istmeñas (fried tortilla snacks) while slow-food eateries pride themselves on locally sourced corn-based appetizers.
San Agustín Etla is the Best Area for Getting Away from It All
Even though scenic San Agustín Etla is not actually within the city limits of Oaxaca, it is one of the city’s top green getaways, only 11 miles northwest of downtown.
Most visit Etla to enjoy superb exhibits, concerts, and dance performances at the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín, a 19th-century textile factory converted into a modern arts center. However, the low-key community in the Sierra Madre foothills also spoils visitors with its verdant gardens, cascading waterfalls, soulful Day of the Dead festivities, and an open-air Sunday food market.
If you decide to stay overnight, consider Casa Maria’s well-appointed adobe rooms for a comfortable, affordable stay. Additionally, if you’re up for a short hike after breakfast, hit the nearby Aqueduct Trail for expansive mountain views.
