Oaxaca City, Mexico
Oaxaca - Pronounced "wah-HAH-kah"Oaxaca City (located in the state of Oaxaca) is renowned for its colourful beauty, incredible cuisine, rich traditions, and its connection to the surrounding picturesque region. Wandering through its streets, you'll be captivated by the brightly painted colonial buildings in hues of deep reds, yellows, and blues, with stunning murals that tell stories of its indigenous past.
The aromas of street food—like Tlayudas, Mole-covered Tamales, and Chapulines invite you to taste Oaxaca's culinary diversity, which is rooted in both tradition and innovation and made even better by sipping on a smoky glass of mezcal.
One of the most enchanting times to visit is during Día de los Muertos, when the city comes alive with marigold-strewn altars (Ofrendas), candle-lit vigils, and joyful celebrations honouring the departed; Oaxaca's streets become a living work of art with elaborate face paint, vibrant costumes, and a warm, communal spirit.
Beyond the city, the wider Oaxaca region offers charming small towns like Teotitlán del Valle, where artisans weave exquisite textiles, and San Bartolo Coyotepec, famous for its intricate black pottery. The bustling markets are brimming with handicrafts, fresh produce, and local specialties, providing insight into the daily life and traditions of the people.
Surrounded by rugged mountains and scenic valleys, Oaxaca is a true tapestry of culture, community, and nature, offering visitors a deep and colorful experience that lingers long after you leave.
We absolutely loved it here!
Highlights | Guides | Videos
Oaxaca Highlights
Oaxaca is a phenomenal place, and you can spend weeks just walking around, taking in the beauty and eating your way around the city. However, below is a list of our absolute highlights from our time there:
Photography - Oaxac is incredibly picturesque, and if you’re into photography, you can spend hours roaming and taking awesome snaps.
Taking a cooking class with a local - We learned so much about true Mexican cuisine cooking in this amazing outdoor kitchen. This is the class we booked via AirBnb.
Doña Vale in Abasto market - YOU MUST GO HERE for breakfast! The Memelas are incredible. You will have to queue up for a while, but it’s worth it. Featured in Somebody Feed Phil.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre - You will spend a lot of time here eating at the Comedores shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and other tourists. Make sure you have the Tlayudas, Tamales and lots of Mole. Our favourite spot was Chabelita.
In Maercado 20 de Noviembre you will also find "Pasillo de Humo" aka “smoke alley” where you can pick up amazing grilled meats.
If you’re planning your Mexico trip around the start of November, definitely come to Oaxaca during the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos); it is truly insane!
Los Amantes - A tiny mezcal bar with some amazing Mezcal on offer and live music every night. (The live music is a cute Mexican man sat in the corner with his guitar)
Coffee - Oaxaca has plenty of amazing artisan coffee shops and bakeries for you to get your breakfast fix.
