Guidebook for Oaxaca

Zac
Guidebook for Oaxaca

Arts & Culture

Is one of my favourite places and buildings. This place is full of old school elegance and always has a great variety of shows on offer. I recommend popping by the ticket booth and getting some tickets for any show available, even if you don't like whats on the ornate decor and stunning ceilings will impress you.
86 localnici recomandă
Teatrul Macedonio de Alcala
900 Av. de la Independencia
86 localnici recomandă
Is one of my favourite places and buildings. This place is full of old school elegance and always has a great variety of shows on offer. I recommend popping by the ticket booth and getting some tickets for any show available, even if you don't like whats on the ornate decor and stunning ceilings will impress you.
Museo Textil de Oaxaca is free to enter and full of textile history, collections and culture. Oaxaca is famous for it's beautiful textiles and the exhibitions are always beautifully curated. On the way out there is a little shop where you can buy high quality local textiles. This is an easy option to get your hands on a great souvenir if you don't have the time for a Textile tour to local towns
105 localnici recomandă
Muzeul Textil din Oaxaca
917 Miguel Hidalgo
105 localnici recomandă
Museo Textil de Oaxaca is free to enter and full of textile history, collections and culture. Oaxaca is famous for it's beautiful textiles and the exhibitions are always beautifully curated. On the way out there is a little shop where you can buy high quality local textiles. This is an easy option to get your hands on a great souvenir if you don't have the time for a Textile tour to local towns
OaxacaCine, international and local film screenings, they also run workshops for anyone who is interested in the film making process. Check their website for up to date screens and events.
OaxacaCine Alcalá
900 Av. de la Independencia
OaxacaCine, international and local film screenings, they also run workshops for anyone who is interested in the film making process. Check their website for up to date screens and events.
Tingladography, is a gallery and antique photo shop. There are always awesome photos on display here and great prints or originals to purchase. You can buy old, anonymous photos from here too, I love that idea. I have found some really cool old Mexican snaps of life back in the day. I need to get them framed.
Tingladography
213 C/ de la Constitución
Tingladography, is a gallery and antique photo shop. There are always awesome photos on display here and great prints or originals to purchase. You can buy old, anonymous photos from here too, I love that idea. I have found some really cool old Mexican snaps of life back in the day. I need to get them framed.

Sightseeing

The town square or Zócalo is always busy, this area is full on tourist land. Worth a wander but it can get annoying with constantly being asked to buy trinkets or go on tours. There are many restaurants around the Zócalo, but they are overpriced and you will get interrupted a fair bit by people trying to sell you things. As I said, check it out, but don't stick around. There are better restaurants else where.
129 localnici recomandă
Zócalo Oaxaca
Portal del Palacio
129 localnici recomandă
The town square or Zócalo is always busy, this area is full on tourist land. Worth a wander but it can get annoying with constantly being asked to buy trinkets or go on tours. There are many restaurants around the Zócalo, but they are overpriced and you will get interrupted a fair bit by people trying to sell you things. As I said, check it out, but don't stick around. There are better restaurants else where.
Templo de Santo Domingo is a former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. This iglesia (church) is stunning and super old, like built in 1575 old. I am not religious but I admire any kind of intricate historical architecture and this place is full of it. The interior is baroque and dripping with gold of more than 60,000 sheets of 23.5-karat gold leaf, photos really do not do it justice. The rooms that used to house the monastery is now the Cultural Centre of Oaxaca and showcases pre columbine artefacts. The outside plaza is always bustling with people and during festive times of the year this place is a hot spot.
313 localnici recomandă
Templul Santo Domingo de Guzman
s/n C. Macedonio Alcalá
313 localnici recomandă
Templo de Santo Domingo is a former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. This iglesia (church) is stunning and super old, like built in 1575 old. I am not religious but I admire any kind of intricate historical architecture and this place is full of it. The interior is baroque and dripping with gold of more than 60,000 sheets of 23.5-karat gold leaf, photos really do not do it justice. The rooms that used to house the monastery is now the Cultural Centre of Oaxaca and showcases pre columbine artefacts. The outside plaza is always bustling with people and during festive times of the year this place is a hot spot.
Monte Albán, Zapotecan ruins, these ruins are beautiful and really close to the city. I suggest hiring your own car for the day and doing the trip yourself. But there are plenty of tours if you wish to take one. I just prefer doing things my own way and it is super easy to get to Monte Albán by yourself. Once there, find a park, pay your admission and get to exploring the ancient Zapotecan sites. Bring a big bottle of water, some snacks, sunscreen and wear comfortable clothes as you will be climbing big stairs and walking a fair amount. The best time to view the ruins is in the afternoon from 3pm onwards. It is less crowded and the heat will be dying down.
105 localnici recomandă
Monte Albán
105 localnici recomandă
Monte Albán, Zapotecan ruins, these ruins are beautiful and really close to the city. I suggest hiring your own car for the day and doing the trip yourself. But there are plenty of tours if you wish to take one. I just prefer doing things my own way and it is super easy to get to Monte Albán by yourself. Once there, find a park, pay your admission and get to exploring the ancient Zapotecan sites. Bring a big bottle of water, some snacks, sunscreen and wear comfortable clothes as you will be climbing big stairs and walking a fair amount. The best time to view the ruins is in the afternoon from 3pm onwards. It is less crowded and the heat will be dying down.
Hierve El Agua is just a pretty short trip from Oaxaca Centro. It is located right near a little textile town called Mitla. Herve El Agua is a natural wonder, it used to be flowing waterfalls over the Oaxaca Valleys but now due to the high levels of calcium the waterfalls have become petrified. They have infinity like pools on top of the frozen waterfalls that tourists can swim in. But, the views alone of the Oaxaca landscape are just gorgeous. The name Hierve El Agua translates to Boil the Water, but the water is not hot, it is refreshing and on a hot day, really welcome.
195 localnici recomandă
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua
195 localnici recomandă
Hierve El Agua is just a pretty short trip from Oaxaca Centro. It is located right near a little textile town called Mitla. Herve El Agua is a natural wonder, it used to be flowing waterfalls over the Oaxaca Valleys but now due to the high levels of calcium the waterfalls have become petrified. They have infinity like pools on top of the frozen waterfalls that tourists can swim in. But, the views alone of the Oaxaca landscape are just gorgeous. The name Hierve El Agua translates to Boil the Water, but the water is not hot, it is refreshing and on a hot day, really welcome.

Parks & Nature

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, aka The Botanical Gardens are lovely and were the former gardens of the monastery. I suggest this attraction for a lazy day of sight seeing. Grab a nice lunch then take your time strolling through the gardens and finish at a place like Casa Oaxaca or El Olivo with a glass of wine and a plate of nibbles. Only issue that may not suit every traveller is that you can only take a guided tour of the gardens at $100 pesos each. I would rather pay that money to walk around by myself but some people love listening and learning about native flora. So whatever tickles your fancy really. Also, if you are in the midst of learning Spanish, it's a great lesson to go with a Sp
162 localnici recomandă
Grădina Etnobotanică din Oaxaca
Sur n Reforma
162 localnici recomandă
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, aka The Botanical Gardens are lovely and were the former gardens of the monastery. I suggest this attraction for a lazy day of sight seeing. Grab a nice lunch then take your time strolling through the gardens and finish at a place like Casa Oaxaca or El Olivo with a glass of wine and a plate of nibbles. Only issue that may not suit every traveller is that you can only take a guided tour of the gardens at $100 pesos each. I would rather pay that money to walk around by myself but some people love listening and learning about native flora. So whatever tickles your fancy really. Also, if you are in the midst of learning Spanish, it's a great lesson to go with a Sp
El Llano, is a park where in the mornings you will find people running, walking theirs dogs and doing tai chi. Throughout the day families and people pass the time under trees in the shade and on Fridays it turns into a market where you can buy everything from a big lunch, fresh veggies, plants and trinkets. In the mornings there is a great juice cart where you can get a freshly made juice for $16 pesos.
101 localnici recomandă
El Llano
101 localnici recomandă
El Llano, is a park where in the mornings you will find people running, walking theirs dogs and doing tai chi. Throughout the day families and people pass the time under trees in the shade and on Fridays it turns into a market where you can buy everything from a big lunch, fresh veggies, plants and trinkets. In the mornings there is a great juice cart where you can get a freshly made juice for $16 pesos.

Shopping

Los Baúles, if you are wanting to take home some beautifully hand made textiles, this is where you should come. The quality and detail in every piece is stunning and the shop itself is vibrant and full of colour. If you are having trouble finding this place, look for the restaurant 'Las Danzantes' and its just to your right before the entrance to the restaurant, next to the pretty pond.
los baules de juana
403 Macedonio Alcala
Los Baúles, if you are wanting to take home some beautifully hand made textiles, this is where you should come. The quality and detail in every piece is stunning and the shop itself is vibrant and full of colour. If you are having trouble finding this place, look for the restaurant 'Las Danzantes' and its just to your right before the entrance to the restaurant, next to the pretty pond.
101 localnici recomandă
Piața Benito Juarez
S/N Las Casas
101 localnici recomandă

Essentials

A bit more pricey than others, but super close and convenient.
Lavandería García Vigil
A bit more pricey than others, but super close and convenient.
8 localnici recomandă
OXXO
600 Av. José María Morelos
8 localnici recomandă
201 localnici recomandă
Piața 20 Noiembrie
512 20 de Noviembre
201 localnici recomandă

Food Scene

Boulenc Pan Artesinal - Great coffee, fresh bread and a tasty menu. I am here every other morning buying my bread and coffee, they also sell heaps of chutneys, marmalades and other delicious things in jars. My favourite spot for breakfast, but it can get busy!
132 localnici recomandă
Boulenc
207 C. Porfirio Díaz
132 localnici recomandă
Boulenc Pan Artesinal - Great coffee, fresh bread and a tasty menu. I am here every other morning buying my bread and coffee, they also sell heaps of chutneys, marmalades and other delicious things in jars. My favourite spot for breakfast, but it can get busy!
Cafeto & Baristas - Really good salads, sandwiches and very good coffee in all the kinds of contraptions that a coffee drinker could want.
Cafeto & Baristas
407- B Calle de José María Pino Suárez
Cafeto & Baristas - Really good salads, sandwiches and very good coffee in all the kinds of contraptions that a coffee drinker could want.
Café Lavoe - Located next door to Casa Oaxaca, the entrance is it the back of a little shop along Constitución. Walk up the stairs to this cute little eatery and bar. They have a good rang of homemade mezcal, cold beers and tasty bar food. This place is great in the afternoons, but is pretty tiny so may be hard to score a seat!
Cafe Lavoe
108 C. de Gurrión
Café Lavoe - Located next door to Casa Oaxaca, the entrance is it the back of a little shop along Constitución. Walk up the stairs to this cute little eatery and bar. They have a good rang of homemade mezcal, cold beers and tasty bar food. This place is great in the afternoons, but is pretty tiny so may be hard to score a seat!
La Popular - No fuss, grab a beer and eat kind of place. I always get the veggie soup of veggie tlayuda and my partner loves the camarones y arroz. He tells me they are the best prawns he's had in Oaxaca so far. Service can be slow, but there is no rush in Mexico.
60 localnici recomandă
La Popular
204 C. de Manuel García Vigil
60 localnici recomandă
La Popular - No fuss, grab a beer and eat kind of place. I always get the veggie soup of veggie tlayuda and my partner loves the camarones y arroz. He tells me they are the best prawns he's had in Oaxaca so far. Service can be slow, but there is no rush in Mexico.
La Matatena - Delicious thin crust pizza with ingredients like caramelised onions and balsamic glaze to choose from. They cater for everyone including gluten intolerant people, vegans and vegetarians too. They even have delicious locally made natural vegan cheese! The restaurant itself is located in a gorgeous building with beautiful architecture. They even have delicious locally made natural vegan cheese!
La Matatena Pizzeria
212 C. de Manuel García Vigil
La Matatena - Delicious thin crust pizza with ingredients like caramelised onions and balsamic glaze to choose from. They cater for everyone including gluten intolerant people, vegans and vegetarians too. They even have delicious locally made natural vegan cheese! The restaurant itself is located in a gorgeous building with beautiful architecture. They even have delicious locally made natural vegan cheese!
Latitud 17 - Vegan options are abundant here and if you come for lunch you can get the Menu del Día for $80 pesos which includes an entree, main, desert and agua del día. On the normal menu you can find burritos, tlyaudas and other delicious Mexican fair. They serve great coffee here as well.
Cafe Latitud 17
157 Monte Olimpo
Latitud 17 - Vegan options are abundant here and if you come for lunch you can get the Menu del Día for $80 pesos which includes an entree, main, desert and agua del día. On the normal menu you can find burritos, tlyaudas and other delicious Mexican fair. They serve great coffee here as well.
Tastavins - Winos and craft beer lovers will find their little slice of heaven here. Vego options are easy to veganise and meat eaters will love the range of tasty as hell tapas. It is a small place with lots of atmosphere when its full.
16 localnici recomandă
Tastavins
309 Murguía
16 localnici recomandă
Tastavins - Winos and craft beer lovers will find their little slice of heaven here. Vego options are easy to veganise and meat eaters will love the range of tasty as hell tapas. It is a small place with lots of atmosphere when its full.
El Olivo - All things tapas lives here. The only place where I enjoy eating the olives, I would be pretty disappointed if they sucked with the name of this place being "The Olive". They have great wine and a nice rooftop area to spend a lazy afternoon or a candle lit dinner.
22 localnici recomandă
El Olivo Gastrobar
207 C/ de la Constitución
22 localnici recomandă
El Olivo - All things tapas lives here. The only place where I enjoy eating the olives, I would be pretty disappointed if they sucked with the name of this place being "The Olive". They have great wine and a nice rooftop area to spend a lazy afternoon or a candle lit dinner.
Le Campane - Vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters will be satisfied here. Delicious fresh Italian food with a good range of good wines to go with your carbs.
Le Campane
303 Calle de Tinoco y Palacios
Le Campane - Vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters will be satisfied here. Delicious fresh Italian food with a good range of good wines to go with your carbs.
La Jícara - Another good spot for the vegos and meat eaters to fill their tummies together. Not just a restaurant but a bookstore and cultural centre as well. There is normally something happening here, like guest speakers, live music and screenings. Check out their timetable and enjoy the show.
33 localnici recomandă
La Jícara Librespacio Cultural
1105 C. Porfirio Díaz
33 localnici recomandă
La Jícara - Another good spot for the vegos and meat eaters to fill their tummies together. Not just a restaurant but a bookstore and cultural centre as well. There is normally something happening here, like guest speakers, live music and screenings. Check out their timetable and enjoy the show.
El Destilado - A great range of craft beer and yummy cocktails. The food is incredible, the bruschetta alone blows my mind. This is on of my favourites. Beware, the tasting menu and chef's menu you will cost you $1,000 pesos per person and more. If you have the money to blow, then go for it. If you want to try it but don't want the big price tag, visit during happy hour (5-7pm) for cheaper drinks and a la carte menu.
15 localnici recomandă
El Destilado
409 5 de Mayo
15 localnici recomandă
El Destilado - A great range of craft beer and yummy cocktails. The food is incredible, the bruschetta alone blows my mind. This is on of my favourites. Beware, the tasting menu and chef's menu you will cost you $1,000 pesos per person and more. If you have the money to blow, then go for it. If you want to try it but don't want the big price tag, visit during happy hour (5-7pm) for cheaper drinks and a la carte menu.
Casa Estambul - I love this place, I would live here if they let me. Awesome cocktails, delicious food, great vibe. Come here on a weekend and there will be something happening and it will be a good time. The art alone is worth the visit.
16 localnici recomandă
Casa Estambul - Arte•Mezcal•Mixología•Cocina
316 C. de Ignacio Allende
16 localnici recomandă
Casa Estambul - I love this place, I would live here if they let me. Awesome cocktails, delicious food, great vibe. Come here on a weekend and there will be something happening and it will be a good time. The art alone is worth the visit.
Casa Oaxaca - Great rooftop dining area, enjoy a bottle of bubbles under the stars and eat some refined Oaxacan dishes. P.S they make the salsa fresh at your table with a mortar and pestle. Fancy.
149 localnici recomandă
Restaurante Casa Oaxaca
104-A C/ de la Constitución
149 localnici recomandă
Casa Oaxaca - Great rooftop dining area, enjoy a bottle of bubbles under the stars and eat some refined Oaxacan dishes. P.S they make the salsa fresh at your table with a mortar and pestle. Fancy.
Sabina Sabe - Delicious mezcal cocktails are made here. The decor is also beautiful and staff are lovely.
58 localnici recomandă
Sabina Sabe
209 5 de Mayo
58 localnici recomandă
Sabina Sabe - Delicious mezcal cocktails are made here. The decor is also beautiful and staff are lovely.
One of the best food markets in town!
Iglesia de la Merced
Calle de Los Libres
One of the best food markets in town!

Getting Around

Bicicletas Bicimundo
204 Las Casas