Yes Oaxaca ismagical; its the Mexico people imagine Mexico to be. While none of Oaxacas neighborhoods specialise in family-friendly attractions, Centro is a good bet if youre looking to explore the citys main attractions, and dont want to tire out little feet by having to walk too far. 100% YES! The nightlife and specially jazz clubs are amazing! Meanwhile, back in the city, save yourself the headache and let the affordable buses and taxis do the driving. Oaxaca Botanical Gardens 8. The smell from waste + the humidity is also bad in some areas. It is a hip and colourful neighbourhood best known for its quirky cafes and bars. Mundo Ceiba rents bikes and organizes the Paseo Nocturno, a communal nighttime ride traversing the cobbled streets of downtown. Here we have five epic drives to fuel your wanderlust. As youll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or even a flight and a bus, you might still be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it. Outside the historic core, Lisbon is an ugly city. Some stay open until the early hours of the morning. Set south of Centro Oaxaca, La Noria is a calm and peaceful neighbourhood just a stones throw from the Zocalo plaza. Plenty of good transportation in those areas - subway, buses or Uber. (-1 upvotes) airbnb (-1 upvotes) airbnb (-1 upvotes) Oaxaca Zocalo: Main Square 3. It offers a diverse history, unique culture, and plenty of delicious food to eat. Dine on fresh and fried seafood (and everything in between) at Marisquera La Casa del Pirata. In the southern half of downtown, theres Barrio de la Noria, a quiet, residential area lined with colorful, single-story houses, and a few family-run Oaxaca restaurants, like Mlibu 114, a locals favorite. Here, youre still within easy walking distance of downtown, but far enough on the outskirts that you dont feel like youre surrounded by tourists. Its right by the historic center where youll be flooded by mezcal bars, international restaurants, and live music. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. The nomad scene here is also not great either. Reforma is an affluent neighborhood, and though it lacks major attractions, youll find a friendly local scene thats completely un-touristy. Another picturesque enclave known for its exploding urban art scene is the Xochimilco quarter, an important weaving district and one of the citys oldest neighborhoods: it dates all the way back to the 15th century. While Oaxaca City is a fun, festive place, it is also quite loud. I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me, but you can also just hail a cab on the street. (Read more). The local region has lots to do - hikes, lakes, waterfalls, even t. Stayed here for about a month. Situated in the city centre, youll be within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and top attractions. If you have a vehicle, you'll find it far more useful for venturing out to the nearby mountain towns, craft villages and ancient Zapotec ruins, all just short day trips away. In a city with an estimated 20,000 street vendors, the waiting list for a permit is at least 10 to 15 years long, said Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, the deputy director of the Street Vendor Project, a . Thats because this lively and vibrant city has so much to offer tourists. It offers pod-style beds with privacy curtains and modern amenities, so youll be comfortable no matter how long you stay. It also boasts an outdoor terrace and an in-house restaurant. Oaxaca city was once a tiny, barely known town in the centre of Mexicos mountainous region. The Xochimilco Aqueduct was built between 1727 and 1751 to bring fresh drinking water into downtown from the hills of Cerro de San Felipe. Oaxaca Taco Tour 5. Yes, theres Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX), located about 20-30 minutes from downtown. Take a Oaxaca Cooking Class 3. OAXACA QUICK LINKS. Rest assured that it's generally considered safe to flag down street cabs in Oaxaca, and with fares ranging between M$40 to M$60 (US$2 to $3) within the central area, it's quite a bargain. Visit the majestic Templo de San Matias Jalatlaco. Sip, sample and learn all about mezcal at. The northern half of Centro, Santo Domingo is arguably the most beautiful part of Oaxaca, with its cobbled streets and beautiful architecture. And if the structure looks familiar, thats because it served as a location for the 2006 comedy Nacho Libre, starring Jack Black as a festively plump wrestler. Monte Alban Oaxaca Ruins 3. Population: ~ 320,000. Most folks head to Etla to check out the superb exhibits, concerts and dance performances at theCentro de las Artes de San Agustn, a 19th-century textile factory that has been lovingly converted into a modern arts center. Today, it boasts a deep history and diverse culture. When to visit Oaxaca for festivals, food and fun, 10 things to know before going to Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most intriguing destinations, Top 19 absolutely unmissable experiences in Mexico, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. La Noria is our best recommendation for where to stay in Oaxaca with kids. Reviews with URLs or emails are removed. Another great option is City Centro Hotel. I love Laureles which is calmer, lots of tress, great restaurants. In fact, Oaxaca City is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico for visitors. Just dont forget to keep your senses open. Re: Visiting Salzburg from Munich for the day. You might also like: Oaxaca is a delight, so try not to miss anything! It's one of the most unique places to stay in Mexico, located in the Central Valleys region in the foothills of the Sierra Madres. City feels super safe, even at nigh! I've been an expat in Mexico since 2018, and help travelers like you cross Mexico off your bucket list. But dine at a table for the full cafe menu, which includes huevos rancheros served with warm, soupy black beans. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. South of Hwy 190 and Reforma, bordered by the busy Boulevard Eduardo Vasconcelos to the east, and separated from Santo Domingo by the undulating Calzada de la Republica street that follows the dry river bed, Barrio de Jalatlaco is a small, hip and arty neighborhood, with plenty of street murals, good coffee shops, some offbeat restaurants and a good mix of budget and midrange digs. In Barrio de la Noria, youre still within walking distance of the all top Oaxaca attractions, including the Zocalo, which is a 10-15 minute walk. It doesnt have any malls, but this place is highly livable and walkable. Touristy circus of a place. If you hate the heat, avoid the hottest months of April to May so you have an enjoyable Oaxaca vacation. Take it all in on the cantinas patio area, which is decked out with quirky murals. There's multiple options for live music and events every night, and the population is a wonderful mix of nomads, locals and indigenous population. Barrio de la Noriaborders downtown to the southeast, and spans the area along Calle la Noria. Casa Angel is our favorite hostel in Oaxaca. Me Encanta Jalatlaco is my favourite Airbnb in Oaxaca. No matter why you want to visit Oaxaca, youll need to have a place to rest your head each night. Oaxaca City is the countrys 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe. Zocalo is quieter at night than Santo Domingo, and Barrio de la Noria is even better in that respect, and not too far from Centros attractions. Oaxaca. Its stunning colourful design matches the Jalatlaco perfectly. The outdoor swimming pool is a unique feature in Oaxaca city too! Many of the best things to do in town can be found here. West of the city center is Jalatlaco. Hello. One of the coolest places to stay in Oaxaca, Jalatlaco is a hip neighborhood known for its cozy coffee shops, vibrant street art, laid-back atmosphere and some of the best restaurants in Oaxaca for traditional cuisine. City Centro Hotel is my favourite Oaxaca hotel. Theres also a relaxing balcony and free hot breakfast buffet. North of Santo Domingo and across Hwy 190 is the compact neighborhood of Barrio de Xochimilco, Oaxaca's oldest. Internet at the Airbnb was laggy at times, but some places might have better connections. From the avenue outside the 1st-class bus station, "Jurez" buses will take you three blocks east of the Zcalo, while the "Tinoco y Palacios" line plies a route three blocks west of the main square. To pedal around in the countryside, book a tour with Mexican Olympic cyclist Pedro Martnez, who leads groups to a series of caves and a swimmable river in the heart of mezcal country. Unfortunately, you won't find private lift vans for rent, only large passenger vans without platforms or ramps. I have never witnessed racial tension here, and have been pleasantly surprised by the interracial friendliness I have observed. Sip a coffee at Bor Bon Coffee Tea Snack. Rooms are modern, spacious and airy, and each is filled with a range of amenities. Pack a picnic or go for a stroll through leafy and relaxing Parque Juarez El Llano. Then youll want another 3-4 full days. Oaxaca Cityis a fascinating amalgam of vividly enchanting neighborhoods, some with a history older than the town itself and each with its own distinct personality. What's the point of rooftop pools at high-rise condos and hotels if there's a persistent haze in the sky and you can't see the sun? What are the safest areas of Oaxaca City? Yes, it is expensive, but after a while I learned about affordable places to eat and realized I could choose neighborhoods farther from city center, and it would still be nice. We do not represent World Nomads. This lets you stretch your dollars a little bit further. Rent, Love BCN, if you have a good income, in my opinion overall is the best city to live in. The leisurely and highly sociable 90-minute outing covers about 8km (5 miles). The historic center's cobbled streets and narrow sidewalks can be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair at times; however, there are a growing number of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions with ramps and drop-down curbs. Some of Oaxacas best hotels are found here, and visitors are likely to spend much of their time exploring Centro. That's it. When deciding where to stay, consider this centrally located area one of your best options as its not only jam-packed with sights but also with accommodations for all budgets, including such tasteful B&Bs asCasa de las Bugambilias andLa Betulia. You might see this airport called XoxocotlnInternational Airport, but its still OAX. Discover the neighborhoods many charms on foot, or hook up a street-art bike tour with Coyote Adventures, which rolls through Jalatlaco and nearby areas. Enjoy a night of cocktails at Passion Bar. This item: StreetSmart Oaxaca Map by VanDam -- Laminated State, Region and City Map to Oaxaca, Mexico with all attractions, sights, museums, mezcalerias, hotels, . The other areas of the city which every Samantha, Bryan, and pink-haired person named Leaf have mentioned are all worth visiting and enjoying, but just stay in Lomas. How did SF get scored #98 on Nomad score? The square is lined with inexpensive souvenir stalls, though if youre serious about shopping, its worth checking out the three markets a few blocks south of the Zocalo. Here are some of the best neighborhoods to explore on your next visit to Oaxaca. Some visitors prefer staying here, as it minimises culture shock, while others feel that its not real Oaxaca. Its a great tourist city. Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for a Local Vibe: Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de Jalatlaco Pasillo de Humo in Mercado 20 Noviembre Market 9. Everyone is always grateful for this eye-opening experience. The southern edge of the state sits on the Pacific Ocean. Is your phone eSIM ready? Whatever happens in Oaxaca City, happens in downtown, so this is THE place to be when you visit Oaxaca. Santo Domingo Oaxaca City 4. For a taste of Oaxacan life, wander through the nearby barrios of Jalatlaco and Xochimilco, two of Oaxacas oldest quarters, where today street artists have transformed aging buildings into colorful works of art. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. This hostel is the perfect base for travellers and digital nomads visiting Oaxaca. No trip to Mexico would be complete without visiting Oaxaca City. Mexico Oaxaca Best Places to Stay Required fields are marked *. Avoid the tourist traps and navigate Oaxaca's hip and alternative areas. Overall, none of the areas mentioned in this article arent safe. This stylish four-star hotel is conveniently situated a short walk from Centro, while enjoying the quieter surroundings of Santo Domingo. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. So you can tailor your visit to maximise your experience. This awesome hostel in Oaxaca is set in the buzzing Santo Domingo barrio. If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from about late-October for Day of the Dead, through mid-January. 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. Here are the best things to eat and drink on your trip. The air pollution is so bad! Its also full of art galleries, museums, murals, and more. Map of Oaxaca area, showing travelers where the best hotels and attractions are located. Centro is the best neighborhood to hang your hat Oaxaca's heart beats in the Centro. Youre connected. Learn how to create your own. We are staying in Garmisch Patenkirchen for 5 days in early May 2023. But aside from that, it can get really boring like a mexican suburbia. In short: You cant go wrong staying in Oaxaca Downtown. Located just next to Centro and the famous Parque El Llano Park, youll find the colorful Jalatlaco neighborhood (pronounced ha-lat-lack-oh). I was here for a month and the internet was never a problem. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in Mexico through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. Hoodmaps is a crowdsourced map to navigate cities based on hipsters, tourists, rich, normies, suits and uni areas. There are also three markets taking up several blocks south of the Zocalo: Mercado Benito Jurez is particularly good for cooking ingredients youll want to use at home, such as a bewildering collection of moles, Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a bustling food market selling fresh produce, while the Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca sells a mix of mass-produced souvenirs and some quality regional crafts. Maybe I was just unlucky? Dirt-cheap and generally efficient, public buses (M$8/US$.40) go nearly everywhere in the city, while numerous private lines run to Oaxaca's outlying towns with frequent service departing from the 2nd-class bus station and several small terminals on the south end of Bustamante street. Get inspired to travel off the beaten path at these 10 top destinations in North America. Having said that, always watch out for careless drivers. Finally, cap things off with a mezcal-tasting session imparted by the experts atMezcaloteca. In Reforma, youll have authentic local restaurants (like the amazing Itanoni), as well as international dining options and boutique hotels. What you wont find are luxury hotels with posh rooms; for those, head to downtown. Best Things to Do in Downtown Oaxaca 1. It is a nice ride, long enough to be comfortable and restful and short enough to be exciting and filled with . Day 1: Discover the city's historic center. After combing through it, youll know exactly where to stay in Oaxaca City. Mexico. Bordering Xochimilco to the east, across the dry river bed, and also north of Hwy 190 from Centro is Reforma, a large, affluent neighborhood where youll find international dining and boutiques, though little in the way of sights. Its a bit off the beaten path for most Oaxaca travelers who prefer being in the city centre but if you want to live like a local, this is one of the best neighborhoods Oaxaca has for that. Wondering, Is there an airport in Oaxaca City? Oaxaca is one of a kind. In an ongoing push to make Oaxaca more bicycle-friendly, the city is regularly expanding its network of designated bike lanes, which makes for a safer ride as you roll through a downtown area packed with some 1200 historic monuments. Also, you can feel the Californication vibe on every step. Be amazed by the art, architecture and design of the spectacular Temple de Santo Domingo de Guzman. Try a range of local craft beer at the Oaxaca Brewing Company. Head for the verdant foothills of San Agustn Etla, a relaxed suburb of the capital city and a gateway to the beautiful countryside of Oaxaca state. This stunning apartment is ideally located to make the most out of nightlife in Oaxaca city. With a whopping 1200 historic monuments and an extraordinary concentration of restaurants, galleries and museums spread out across 247 blocks, the easily walkable downtown has well earned its Unesco World Heritage badge. Santo Domingo is the northern half of Centro Historico, and considered the nicest part of Downtown Oaxaca. Final Thoughts: Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City, Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download, Best Memelas Oaxaca: Where to Find Them in 2023, 15 Best Oaxaca Nature Tours for Outdoor Enthusiasts [2023], 11 Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours Youll Want to Take in 2023, 17 Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City in 2023, 11 Best Cooking Classes in Oaxaca Mexico in 2023, Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca: 15 Must-Try Mezcal Bars in 2023. If youre discovering Oaxaca city for the first time, Centro is a great place to stay. No There is no Oaxaca Uber service, and no Lyft in Oaxaca either. Good midrange and budget options can also be found in the outlying barrios of Xochimilco, Jalatlaco and Noria, on the outskirts of Oaxacas centre. The Jalatlaco Neighborhood. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This cosy hideaway is the best airbnb in Oaxaca. It is close to popular shopping, sightseeing, and dining areas. Santo Domingo is a small neighbourhood north of the city centre that packs a big punch. This guide is written with you in mind for an unforgettable adventure. This list will quickly tell you everything you need to know about the bet neighborhoods of Oaxaca City. Theres one other major attraction thats outside the city limits; to get out to the major Pre-Columbian archaeological site of Monte Albn, on the outskirts of Oaxaca, join a tour group of a negotiate taxi fares there and back. Oaxaca is a must-see for every traveller in Mexico. See a great collection of contemporary works of art at the Museo de Arte Contemporneo de Oaxaca. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in Mexico through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. Downtown Oaxaca is centered around Zocalo, a large square that houses the massive Oaxaca Cathedral, and many of the best things to see in Oaxaca City. Adding to its appeal, 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. Its an excellent place to explore by day, but Santo Domingo really comes alive at night. When visiting, spend some time strolling the quirky Calle Aldama Street, and dont miss the Templo San Matas Jalatlaco Cathedral. The app-based ride-hailing company Didi provides service in Oaxaca under a partnership with a group of yellow taxis, and it's reasonably priced as well. At night, there are salsa dance class in the neighborhood, coffee culture and did i say arts? It is set at the centre of the city and offers easy access to dining, nightlife, shopping, and sightseeing. Explore Oaxacas Zocalo, a small but bustling square in the heart and centre of the city. Avoid the tourist traps and navigate Oaxaca's hip and alternative areas. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Many also visit Oaxaca de Jurez (Oaxaca City) for the Guelaguetza in July, the second biggest Oaxaca festival. Though it ceased to operate in 1940, some of the arches are still used as entryways into homes. Centro Historico Oaxaca is the main tourist hub, brimming with activity and history and its actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Oaxaca Oaxaca is a . Indulge in fresh, delicious and flavorful Mexican fare at El Bicho Pobre. This three-star hotel is one of our best recommendations for where to stay in Oaxaca for families. Eat incredible local dishes and delicacies at Cocina Econmica El Atrio. It may not always be accurate. In between the Zocalo plaza and Santo Domingo youll find several excellent museums (Museum of Regional Textiles, Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art, Contemporary Art Museum), a handful of small art galleries with local art for purchase, and a range of places to eat, from traditional to distinctly international. Tips for saving dinero on your next trip. Centrally located in Jalatlaco, Oaxacas hippest hood, this hotel has comfortable rooms, modern features, a swimming pool, a sundeck and free wifi. There's a sedate, village-like feel to it, and it's where you'll find textiles workshops, as well as traditional eateries and a handful of accommodations. Also, be aware that protesters regularly stage blockades in Oaxaca. Driving in the capital requires patience, particularly in the busy historic center, where traffic snarls and a lack of street parking can be downright maddening, so simply ditch the car and explore the Centro on foot. Avoid the tourist traps and navigate Oaxaca's hip and alternative areas. Check out these articles so you know the best Oaxaca tours to book: Though its known as one of the safest places in Mexico, Oaxaca City does have some neighborhoods that are better than others, so stick to the ones listed below. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Your email address will not be published. Here's what you should know before you go. Itchingto hit the open road inMexico? Description text is based on the Wikivoyage page . Oaxaca is the fifth largest state in Mexico at 36,820 square miles and inhabits both tropical and subtropical climates. For the majority of travelers, yes, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca. Now, lets take a look at each area in more detail. With a whopping 1200 historic monuments and an extraordinary concentration of restaurants, galleries and museums spread out across 247 blocks, the easily walkable downtown has well earned its Unesco World Heritage badge. It is walkable, and youll be near the best Oaxaca mezcal bars, top restaurants in Oaxaca, artisan shops, local Oaxaca markets (mercados), art galleries, historic sites, top attractions, and more. Its more trendy than Xochimilco, but also with beautiful, hilly streets, and a good mix of traditional dining and hipster cafes, as well as a proliferation of street art. Whats the best way to book places to stay in Oaxaca? Want to visit the best Oaxaca beaches including Puerto Escondido, Zipolite, Huatulco, San Agustinillo and Mazunte? "If Google Maps and Urban Dictionary had a love child". Oaxaca has a relatively low crime rate for a large city, and neighborhoods frequented by visitors, such as Centro, Santo Domingo, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de la Noria, Barrio de Jalatlaco and Reforma are considered generally safe. Compared to places like Latin America & Africa it's safer, however, there is a lot of pickpocketing and petty theft now. I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that FU+K YES IT IS! It lies at an altitude of 1,555 m, so in winter nights are cold and days are warm. I can't imagine the heat in May or Summer. Browse contemporary art at the Museo de Los Pintores Oaxaqueos. The apartment matches the colourful and artistic neighbourhood of Jalatlaco. Need a visual to understand where all the best neighborhoods to stay in Oaxaca are located? Google Trips Alternative Must See Archaeological Sites in Oaxaca Santa Cruz Xoxocotln Printable Tourist Map Puebla Printable Tourist Map Cuernavaca Printable Tourist Map Acapulco Printable Tourist Map Taxco Printable Tourist Map Tlalpan Printable Tourist Map Iztacalco Printable Tourist Map Coyoacn Printable Tourist Map . One of the best climates in al. So buckle up, because were diving deep into Mexicos fabulously loving, cultural heart. If you havent been to the city before, this is the best place to stay in Oaxaca. 7. Take a day trip to nearby Monte Alban and explore the archaeological site and the ruins of the ancient Zapotec capital. North of Santo Domingo and across Hwy 190 is the compact neighborhood of Barrio de Xochimilco, Oaxacas oldest. Help pick the best photos for Oaxaca and improve this page's look by. But, what this trendy neighbourhood lacks in landmarks and attractions, it certainly makes up for in restaurants, cafes and bars. Lots of gold! Located in Southern Mexico, Oaxaca de Juarez (AKA Oaxaca City) is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. Oaxaca Neighbourhood Guide Places to Stay in Oaxaca, Oaxacas 5 Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in, FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Oaxaca, Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Oaxaca. Oaxaca is the most charming underrated city I have ever been in Mexico! Overall, it's a great place to be and I would see myself stay for a long time. Notable sights in Oaxaca with wheelchair access include the Andador Turstico, Monte Albn, the Zcalo and Templo de Santo Domingo. It feels like there is a growing nomad community, but it's more of NYC/LA types than down to earth vagabonds. Reforma has some international stores that you wont find elsewhere in Oaxaca, while around the Zocalo youll find craft stalls selling clothing and souvenirs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Each area offers something different, and some are better suited to travellers than others. Its in the low 80s each day and sunny. Hotel Posada San Rafael is the best place to stay in Oaxaca on a budget. Top things to do in the culturally rich Oaxaca City. Hotel NaNa Vida is one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca. Even though restful San Agustn Etla is not actually within the city limits of Oaxaca, we would be remiss not to include one of the citys top green getaways, only 11 miles northwest of downtown. Youve come to the right place because this article highlights the seven best Oaxaca neighborhoods for tourists, travelers and visitors. Theyre actually a great option for hostels throughout Mexico. Again, thank you! Neighborhood Map of Oaxaca by 171 locals. Hollywood (esp. 45 helpful votes.