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About Oaxaca City

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One of Mexico’s multi-faceted travel destinations, Oaxaca City is a melange of cultures, gastronomy and indigenous archeological sites. The city is cradled by the Central Valleys of Oaxaca as it peers over the Sierra Madre mountains.

A good way to begin your adventure in Oaxaca is to explore its famous archeological sites. Head to the UNESCO-listed Monte Alban to see the impressive ruins which belonged to the original Zapotec and Mixtec people. You can make your way to Mitla, one of the most important Mesoamerican sites, to admire the remarkable mosaic fretwork and geometric designs.

The capital of the state of Oaxaca displays a burst of colours with its brightly painted buildings. Amid this vibrancy, you’ll spot a few historical landmarks that are worth a visit, one of them being the Oaxaca Cathedral – the main church of the city. The structure is made of a green volcanic stone with beautiful neoclassical interiors. You can also spend some time at the Templo de Santo Domingo, a baroque church and monastery known for its intricately carved facade.

The local cuisine of Oaxaca City is a major crowd-puller, attracting Mexicans and travellers alike. Some of the dishes you ought to try here include ‘tlayudas’ – a semi-dried tortilla that resembles a pizza, and ‘chapulines’ – fried grasshoppers seasoned with chillies. Before you indulge in a meal, sip on some mezcal. You can also buy some ‘moles’ or sauces made with different ingredients from a local market.

Tonight

From $27 per night

Next weekend

From $45 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency USD
Language Spanish
Average weekend price $73 per night
Average weekday price $80 per night
Average stay 2 nights

Oaxaca City reviews

What other travelers say about Oaxaca City

10

There are too many gems in Oaxaca to count here, and the...

August 8, 2023

There are too many gems in Oaxaca to count here, and the tours are great for getting to see what is around like the ruins, worlds largest tree, Hierve la agua, Mitla, tasting incredible Mole etc etc. Recommend watching a few guide videos on Oaxaca, because there are also plenty of places who sell foods/experiences that might not be so great. Don't forget to explore the beautiful coast! The people are lovely.

ismael & serina
ismael & serina
8.0

Oaxaca City was much busier than on my last visit several...

August 3, 2023

Oaxaca City was much busier than on my last visit several years ago, really many more tourists. There are 2 basic day-long tour packages that are sold. They are worthwhile. The quality of the "artesanía" you see on the tours will vary, but the visit is still educational and interesting. There are people everywhere trying to sell you things or outright begging. When you're eating at an outdoor table you will be approached repeatedly.

Sharon
Sharon Mexico
10

The city is magical of course.

August 1, 2023

The city is magical of course. Have visited it often and recommend highly. Frequent and inexpensive air travel from Mexico City and other locations makes it much more accessible than what used to be the case. Fantastic food (along with Puebla and Mexico City the finest in Mexico). Historic downtown in lively and welcoming. My only concern would be that it is a place to use much common sense in terms of going out into the early hours of the morning from a night of frolicking.

Carlos A
Carlos A United States of America
10

Food!

July 27, 2023

Food!!! that was our goal and it was wonderful. We loved visiting the markets, as many as we could visit. Some food at the markets was not that great (in our opinion) but they were wonderful to get ingredients and crafts, and some snacks. We preferred breakfast and dinner at restaurants and they were great.

Juliana
Juliana Canada
10

Oaxaca City is absolutely impressive and clean.

July 6, 2023

Oaxaca City is absolutely impressive and clean. The natives are kind and friendly. The city is filled with stunning architecture, culture, and traditions. We visited areas around the city and experienced breathtaking moments. I fell in love with Oaxaca and was a bit nostalgic when we left.

Maria
Maria United States of America
10

Oaxaca City is very unique in that the center is small to...

July 4, 2023

Oaxaca City is very unique in that the center is small to walk around and see all of the major historical sights. Restaurants are plentiful with all sorts of extraordinary foods ranging in prices and types.

Ingrid
Ingrid United States of America

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