Guidebook for Oaxaca
Lugares Favoritos
A lovely courtyard with great menu for breakfast and the best chocolate croissants ever, together with warm horchata. Enjoy the strong coffee, selection of croissants and scones, and the variety of egg breakfasts. Coffee is very strong in small cups. The pastries are well done, with real apples and a unique nutella scone. Eggs Benedict are very tasty and not drowning in Holland aide sauce. Vegetable omelette is full of spinach and Oaxaca cheese. Highly recommended. Not expensive and great ambiance. Arrive early during the weekends.
45 locals raden deze aan
Pan : am
103 B C. de Mariano AbasoloA lovely courtyard with great menu for breakfast and the best chocolate croissants ever, together with warm horchata. Enjoy the strong coffee, selection of croissants and scones, and the variety of egg breakfasts. Coffee is very strong in small cups. The pastries are well done, with real apples and a unique nutella scone. Eggs Benedict are very tasty and not drowning in Holland aide sauce. Vegetable omelette is full of spinach and Oaxaca cheese. Highly recommended. Not expensive and great ambiance. Arrive early during the weekends.
An obligatory destination in Oaxaca to discover the Mexican gastronomical treasures within an exceptional space in which tradition and contemporary Mexico find each other.
143 locals raden deze aan
Los Danzantes
403 C. Macedonio AlcaláAn obligatory destination in Oaxaca to discover the Mexican gastronomical treasures within an exceptional space in which tradition and contemporary Mexico find each other.
The Isthmus of Tehuantepec has its own take on Oaxacan cuisine based on ingredients like tropical fruits and seafood, with many dishes cooked in banana leaves. Festive Zandunga brings those flavors to Oaxaca and the M$395 botana (a sampler of dishes which easily serves two) is perfect for whiling away a couple of hours with some of its many mezcals.
83 locals raden deze aan
Zandunga
#512 C. de Manuel García VigilThe Isthmus of Tehuantepec has its own take on Oaxacan cuisine based on ingredients like tropical fruits and seafood, with many dishes cooked in banana leaves. Festive Zandunga brings those flavors to Oaxaca and the M$395 botana (a sampler of dishes which easily serves two) is perfect for whiling away a couple of hours with some of its many mezcals.
The seven tables and three or four bar stools tend to fill up quickly, so get there earlyish. Tastavins is super-popular for its combination of tasty Spanish and Italian dishes, excellent fresh salads and good selection of well-priced Mexican, Spanish, Chilean and Argentine wines.
16 locals raden deze aan
Tastavins
309 MurguíaThe seven tables and three or four bar stools tend to fill up quickly, so get there earlyish. Tastavins is super-popular for its combination of tasty Spanish and Italian dishes, excellent fresh salads and good selection of well-priced Mexican, Spanish, Chilean and Argentine wines.
Dozens of good, clean comedores (food stalls) inside this large market serve up tasty, traditional Oaxacan and Mexican staples. The biggest treat for carnivores is the hugely popular Pasillo de Carnes Asadas (Grilled Meat Passage) on the east side, where a dozen stands specialize in grilling tasajo or cecina enchilada (slices of chili-coated pork) over hot coals.
A half-kilogram of tasajo or cecina for M$80 to M$100, with a couple of M$15 sides of grilled onions, guacamole, radishes or nopal (prickly-pear cactus, without the prickles) should more than satisfy two people.
201 locals raden deze aan
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
512 20 de NoviembreDozens of good, clean comedores (food stalls) inside this large market serve up tasty, traditional Oaxacan and Mexican staples. The biggest treat for carnivores is the hugely popular Pasillo de Carnes Asadas (Grilled Meat Passage) on the east side, where a dozen stands specialize in grilling tasajo or cecina enchilada (slices of chili-coated pork) over hot coals.
A half-kilogram of tasajo or cecina for M$80 to M$100, with a couple of M$15 sides of grilled onions, guacamole, radishes or nopal (prickly-pear cactus, without the prickles) should more than satisfy two people.
Like a cross between a deli and a tapas bar, Gourmand does baguettes and deli sandwiches with roast beef or hummus or turkey breast, tablas (boards) of cold meats and cheeses, home-made sausages with mustard, assorted burgers (including veggie) and good breakfast options including eggs Benedict. Plus wine, cocktails and Mexican artisanal beers.
32 locals raden deze aan
Gourmand Delicatessen
410A C. Porfirio DíazLike a cross between a deli and a tapas bar, Gourmand does baguettes and deli sandwiches with roast beef or hummus or turkey breast, tablas (boards) of cold meats and cheeses, home-made sausages with mustard, assorted burgers (including veggie) and good breakfast options including eggs Benedict. Plus wine, cocktails and Mexican artisanal beers.
This semi-rustic eatery is dedicated to exploring the unique tastes of native Mexican corn varieties, and takes the craft of tortillas and antojitos (light tortilla-based dishes) to rare heights. There are plenty of options for vegetarian tetelas (a pre-Hispanic tortilla wrap) and a divine ‘spiritual egg’ dish, which deep-fries a whole egg encased in hoja santa leaves.
35 locals raden deze aan
Itanoni, tortilleria y antojeria
513 Av Belisario DomínguezThis semi-rustic eatery is dedicated to exploring the unique tastes of native Mexican corn varieties, and takes the craft of tortillas and antojitos (light tortilla-based dishes) to rare heights. There are plenty of options for vegetarian tetelas (a pre-Hispanic tortilla wrap) and a divine ‘spiritual egg’ dish, which deep-fries a whole egg encased in hoja santa leaves.
La Jícara is not just a restaurant but also an alternative cultural center, with films, live music and a bookstore selling titles from independent publishers. The courtyard restaurant does well-prepared fare from pepper steak to chicken curry, carrot cake, hummus or goat-cheese salad, with many vegan dishes. Also Mexican craft beers and varied mezcals.
33 locals raden deze aan
La Jícara Librespacio Cultural
1105 C. Porfirio DíazLa Jícara is not just a restaurant but also an alternative cultural center, with films, live music and a bookstore selling titles from independent publishers. The courtyard restaurant does well-prepared fare from pepper steak to chicken curry, carrot cake, hummus or goat-cheese salad, with many vegan dishes. Also Mexican craft beers and varied mezcals.
The food at this courtyard café is traditional—except a few touches here and there that make it seem you've stumbled on some unknown cuisine. There's the standard beef smothered with mole, for example, but this version adds the pungent flavor of goat cheese. And the ice cream for dessert comes in tantalizing flavors, such as mezcal. A retractable screen above the courtyard makes this a great retreat even on a rainy day. The cocktails here are good, too—it's a great place to sample mezcals.
67 locals raden deze aan
La Biznaga
907 Av Benito JuárezThe food at this courtyard café is traditional—except a few touches here and there that make it seem you've stumbled on some unknown cuisine. There's the standard beef smothered with mole, for example, but this version adds the pungent flavor of goat cheese. And the ice cream for dessert comes in tantalizing flavors, such as mezcal. A retractable screen above the courtyard makes this a great retreat even on a rainy day. The cocktails here are good, too—it's a great place to sample mezcals.
The service is a bit distracted at chef Pilar Cabrera's combination gallery-café, so you'll have plenty of time to admire the works by local artists that adorn the walls. The food makes up for any shortcomings, however. Start with the tlayuda azteca, a Mexican-style pizza topped with chicken, avocado, and stringy Oaxacan cheese. The sampler plate includes everything from strips of beef to seasoned pork to chapulines (fried grasshoppers). They also serve a different comida corrida, or prix-fixe menu, every afternoon. Cooking classes are also available.
14 locals raden deze aan
La Olla
402 Reforma
The service is a bit distracted at chef Pilar Cabrera's combination gallery-café, so you'll have plenty of time to admire the works by local artists that adorn the walls. The food makes up for any shortcomings, however. Start with the tlayuda azteca, a Mexican-style pizza topped with chicken, avocado, and stringy Oaxacan cheese. The sampler plate includes everything from strips of beef to seasoned pork to chapulines (fried grasshoppers). They also serve a different comida corrida, or prix-fixe menu, every afternoon. Cooking classes are also available.
Luvina’s aim is to create a range of tastes, smells, and textures prevalent in Oaxaca and transform them into culinary creations. The restaurant, inspired by the works of Juan Rulfo, does just that. The elegant dining space, a few blocks away from the main city-center streets, offers just enough peace and serenity for the restaurant goer to be able to interpret and understand the complex flavors found in the local ingredients. The chef, Carlos Garcia, aims to take each diner on a culinary journey through the real and imaginary worlds of Rulfo’s writings.
Patio Luvina
517 Mártires de TacubayaLuvina’s aim is to create a range of tastes, smells, and textures prevalent in Oaxaca and transform them into culinary creations. The restaurant, inspired by the works of Juan Rulfo, does just that. The elegant dining space, a few blocks away from the main city-center streets, offers just enough peace and serenity for the restaurant goer to be able to interpret and understand the complex flavors found in the local ingredients. The chef, Carlos Garcia, aims to take each diner on a culinary journey through the real and imaginary worlds of Rulfo’s writings.
Origen is one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca. Chef Rodolfo Castellanos is an expert at producing sharp, clean flavors that compliment the dining environment. This city-center town house has been turned into a quick lunch restaurant, a cooking-class workshop space, and a formal evening dining space (on the second floor). The food here is expensive, but it is worth every peso. The service is attentive, and the variety of options on the menu will have your mouth watering from the very moment you step in the door.
45 locals raden deze aan
Origen
820 Miguel Hidalgo
Origen is one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca. Chef Rodolfo Castellanos is an expert at producing sharp, clean flavors that compliment the dining environment. This city-center town house has been turned into a quick lunch restaurant, a cooking-class workshop space, and a formal evening dining space (on the second floor). The food here is expensive, but it is worth every peso. The service is attentive, and the variety of options on the menu will have your mouth watering from the very moment you step in the door.
This culinary laboratory is famed for developing new dishes using both inventive techniques and traditional ingredients. Everything served here is sourced locally and used imaginatively to create a contemporary Oaxacan cuisine. The head chef, Jose Manuel Baños, heads of team of leading culinary talents to prepare the finest and most delicate meals available in city. The beautifully restored restaurant also features a mezcal tasting bar and both indoor and outdoor eating areas. The six- and nine-course tasting menus, showcasing the best of the best in Oaxacan cookery, are highly recommended.
63 locals raden deze aan
Pitiona
114 C. de Ignacio AllendeThis culinary laboratory is famed for developing new dishes using both inventive techniques and traditional ingredients. Everything served here is sourced locally and used imaginatively to create a contemporary Oaxacan cuisine. The head chef, Jose Manuel Baños, heads of team of leading culinary talents to prepare the finest and most delicate meals available in city. The beautifully restored restaurant also features a mezcal tasting bar and both indoor and outdoor eating areas. The six- and nine-course tasting menus, showcasing the best of the best in Oaxacan cookery, are highly recommended.
Sabina Sabe is one of the newest mezcal bar–restaurants in the city, makes it a welcome addition for tourists looking to move away from the traditional tourist dining options. The menu is filled with fresh, locally sourced plates and a wide range of drink options including beers, mezcals, and cocktails. It is the perfect place to while away the late afternoon with a small plate and a drink in hand.
58 locals raden deze aan
Sabina Sabe
209 5 de MayoSabina Sabe is one of the newest mezcal bar–restaurants in the city, makes it a welcome addition for tourists looking to move away from the traditional tourist dining options. The menu is filled with fresh, locally sourced plates and a wide range of drink options including beers, mezcals, and cocktails. It is the perfect place to while away the late afternoon with a small plate and a drink in hand.
Oaxaca’s best bakery comes with an attached hipster cafe next door where the most popular dish is – guess what? – avocado on toast. Guys with beards or girls in doc martens serve you coffee in terracotta mugs and cakes of your choice (peruse the bakery case first) in an intentionally mildewed patio with an assortment of scuffed tables and a scribbled mural.
132 locals raden deze aan
Boulenc
207 C. Porfirio DíazOaxaca’s best bakery comes with an attached hipster cafe next door where the most popular dish is – guess what? – avocado on toast. Guys with beards or girls in doc martens serve you coffee in terracotta mugs and cakes of your choice (peruse the bakery case first) in an intentionally mildewed patio with an assortment of scuffed tables and a scribbled mural.
It’s not easy living up to the mantle of Oaxaca's best restaurant, but this place consistently achieves. A glamorous rooftop terrace, theatrical tableside preparation, a posh cocktail scene, and an array of ravishing dishes – seared tuna, ceviche in pimiento agua, fish stone soup, duck tacos, and octopus among them. Iron your shirt and make a reservation.
23 locals raden deze aan
Hotel Casa Oaxaca
306 C. de Manuel García VigilIt’s not easy living up to the mantle of Oaxaca's best restaurant, but this place consistently achieves. A glamorous rooftop terrace, theatrical tableside preparation, a posh cocktail scene, and an array of ravishing dishes – seared tuna, ceviche in pimiento agua, fish stone soup, duck tacos, and octopus among them. Iron your shirt and make a reservation.
Named after a type of indigenous agave plant, the new and unashamedly hip Tobaziche slams down complimentary mezcals on selective nights and trumpets some skilled live bands improvising jazzy jams. They also do wonderful things with roasted squash and weave even better miracles with chapulines (grasshoppers), which are served unadorned with guacamole.
You should also try the prawn tacos and save at least a little space for some local cheese (quesillo) melted over chorizo and Oaxacan ‘water chilies’. Food presentation is beautiful. So are most of the clientele.
6 locals raden deze aan
Tobaziche
311 5 de MayoNamed after a type of indigenous agave plant, the new and unashamedly hip Tobaziche slams down complimentary mezcals on selective nights and trumpets some skilled live bands improvising jazzy jams. They also do wonderful things with roasted squash and weave even better miracles with chapulines (grasshoppers), which are served unadorned with guacamole.
You should also try the prawn tacos and save at least a little space for some local cheese (quesillo) melted over chorizo and Oaxacan ‘water chilies’. Food presentation is beautiful. So are most of the clientele.
Perhaps Oaxaca’s most refined and romantic eating choice, with sharp but non-showy service on a patio or in a variety of interior rooms. The specialty is roast pork, but there is the usual variety of moles and – highlight – the multifarious if meat-heavy Plato Oaxaqueña, a cocktail of the town’s best food bites with mole, cheese, chorizo, stuffed chilies and cured meat.
Pescatarians can attempt the pulpo a las brasas (barbecued octopus), while veggies can dive figuratively into the mushroom mountain soup.
47 locals raden deze aan
Restaurante Catedral
105 C. de Manuel García VigilPerhaps Oaxaca’s most refined and romantic eating choice, with sharp but non-showy service on a patio or in a variety of interior rooms. The specialty is roast pork, but there is the usual variety of moles and – highlight – the multifarious if meat-heavy Plato Oaxaqueña, a cocktail of the town’s best food bites with mole, cheese, chorizo, stuffed chilies and cured meat.
Pescatarians can attempt the pulpo a las brasas (barbecued octopus), while veggies can dive figuratively into the mushroom mountain soup.
The local's choice. This small indoor food market is where you'll end up shopping when you book a cooking class and go out fishing for ingredients.
Its comedores (food stalls) provide a down-to-earth Oaxacan eating experience: head to the ones toward the west end (where you eat at counters right in front of the cooks), ask for a tamal, memela, or empanada, and practice your Spanish in deciding what you want on or in it.
68 locals raden deze aan
Sanchez Pascuas Markt
719 Calle de Tinoco y PalaciosThe local's choice. This small indoor food market is where you'll end up shopping when you book a cooking class and go out fishing for ingredients.
Its comedores (food stalls) provide a down-to-earth Oaxacan eating experience: head to the ones toward the west end (where you eat at counters right in front of the cooks), ask for a tamal, memela, or empanada, and practice your Spanish in deciding what you want on or in it.
Perched like a theater box overlooking the twilight entertainment in the Zócalo, the Asador Vasco lays on good Oaxacan, international, and – as the name implies – Basque food. Long-standing fans rave about the creamy corn soup, grasshoppers, Spanish cheeses, and sea bream (besugo) in a traditional Basque sauce. Then there's the irresistible dessert trolley which they wheel round afterwards.
17 locals raden deze aan
El Asador Vasco
10-A Portal Las FloresPerched like a theater box overlooking the twilight entertainment in the Zócalo, the Asador Vasco lays on good Oaxacan, international, and – as the name implies – Basque food. Long-standing fans rave about the creamy corn soup, grasshoppers, Spanish cheeses, and sea bream (besugo) in a traditional Basque sauce. Then there's the irresistible dessert trolley which they wheel round afterwards.
Every city needs an Italian restaurant and Oaxaca has several, though few are better than the authentic and casually refined Vieja Lira with its thin-crust pizzas, al dente pastas and inviting interior flecked with memories of Florence. The extensive wine list makes a welcome away day from mezcal and margaritas.
13 locals raden deze aan
Vieja Lira Reforma
100 Calzada de la RepúblicaEvery city needs an Italian restaurant and Oaxaca has several, though few are better than the authentic and casually refined Vieja Lira with its thin-crust pizzas, al dente pastas and inviting interior flecked with memories of Florence. The extensive wine list makes a welcome away day from mezcal and margaritas.
Ancestral Cocina Tradicional is a new Oaxacan gastronomic project that seeks to improve the economy of the families of our state by offering delicious traditional dishes.
41 locals raden deze aan
Ancestral Cocina Tradicional
1347 C. José López AlavezAncestral Cocina Tradicional is a new Oaxacan gastronomic project that seeks to improve the economy of the families of our state by offering delicious traditional dishes.
Everything Else
Restaurante - Mezcalería de la Casa Tradición Chagoya, experimenta platillos de la cocina local y de los mejores mezcales en la ciudad.
61 locals raden deze aan
Expendio Tradición
& MurguíaRestaurante - Mezcalería de la Casa Tradición Chagoya, experimenta platillos de la cocina local y de los mejores mezcales en la ciudad.
Arts & Culture
As of a temporary exhibition organized in 1996 by the Institute of Graphic Arts in Oaxaca about Numismatics and Philately of Oaxaca, the importance of the subject became clear and the positive response among the public gave rise to the creation of the Museum of Philately of Oaxaca.
A space dedicated to this discipline did not exist and the philanthropic interest of Alfredo Harp Helú, added to the fact that he had a complete stamp collection, commemorative envelopes and philatelic sheets from Mexico, among other materials that he donated to the museum to start the permanent exhibition.
75 locals raden deze aan
Museo de Filatelia de Oaxaca, A.C.
201 C/ de la ConstituciónAs of a temporary exhibition organized in 1996 by the Institute of Graphic Arts in Oaxaca about Numismatics and Philately of Oaxaca, the importance of the subject became clear and the positive response among the public gave rise to the creation of the Museum of Philately of Oaxaca.
A space dedicated to this discipline did not exist and the philanthropic interest of Alfredo Harp Helú, added to the fact that he had a complete stamp collection, commemorative envelopes and philatelic sheets from Mexico, among other materials that he donated to the museum to start the permanent exhibition.
The Textile Museum is part of a restored complex that was once a convent. The facade is 17rh century, and inside are a series of modern rooms featuring changing exhibitions.
105 locals raden deze aan
Textielmuseum van Oaxaca
917 Miguel HidalgoThe Textile Museum is part of a restored complex that was once a convent. The facade is 17rh century, and inside are a series of modern rooms featuring changing exhibitions.
With a taste for provocative social commentary, this contemporary gallery displays quality work by international photographers.
19 locals raden deze aan
Centro Fotografico Manuel Alvarez Bravo
104 C. de Manuel BravoWith a taste for provocative social commentary, this contemporary gallery displays quality work by international photographers.
Exhibitions of first-rate contemporary Mexican and international art, in a beautifully revamped colonial house.
64 locals raden deze aan
Museum of Contemporary Art Oaxaca
202 C. Macedonio AlcaláExhibitions of first-rate contemporary Mexican and international art, in a beautifully revamped colonial house.
The French-style, 19th-century Teatro de Macedonio Alcalá, one of the city's most beautiful buildings, hosts concerts. There are no tours, so you'll need to buy a ticket to a show to see the sumptuous interior. Show times and information are posted at the entrance. There are operas, world dance, and art-house film screenings.
86 locals raden deze aan
Teatro Macedonio de Alcala
900 Av. de la IndependenciaThe French-style, 19th-century Teatro de Macedonio Alcalá, one of the city's most beautiful buildings, hosts concerts. There are no tours, so you'll need to buy a ticket to a show to see the sumptuous interior. Show times and information are posted at the entrance. There are operas, world dance, and art-house film screenings.
Parks & Nature
Learn about the many plant species that originated in Oaxaca, many of which are unique to Oaxaca, the making of Mezcal and tequila from the Agave plus other uses
162 locals raden deze aan
Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca
Sur n ReformaLearn about the many plant species that originated in Oaxaca, many of which are unique to Oaxaca, the making of Mezcal and tequila from the Agave plus other uses
Shopping
Very creative and colorful artist gallery. You will find something meaningful to take home from your time in Oaxaca.
Voces de Copal
303 C. Macedonio AlcaláVery creative and colorful artist gallery. You will find something meaningful to take home from your time in Oaxaca.
Probably the best English-language bookstore in the country, stocking almost every in-print English-language title related to Mexico.
Amate Books
307 C. Macedonio AlcaláProbably the best English-language bookstore in the country, stocking almost every in-print English-language title related to Mexico.
Oaxaca is famous for its chocolate—most of all for its hot chocolate. This shop near the market is arguably the best around; it grinds its own chocolate together with the trademark Mexican cinnamon. You can also buy mole here.
10 locals raden deze aan
Chocolate Mayordomo
113 Las CasasOaxaca is famous for its chocolate—most of all for its hot chocolate. This shop near the market is arguably the best around; it grinds its own chocolate together with the trademark Mexican cinnamon. You can also buy mole here.
Close to the zócalo, the daily Mercado Benito Juárez has stalls selling moles, chocolates, fruits and vegetables, and much more. The bulky brick building teems with clothing, arts, and crafts.
101 locals raden deze aan
Benito Juarez Markt
S/N Las CasasClose to the zócalo, the daily Mercado Benito Juárez has stalls selling moles, chocolates, fruits and vegetables, and much more. The bulky brick building teems with clothing, arts, and crafts.
For textiles, don't miss Mercado de Artesanías, a great place to shop for handwoven and embroidered clothing from Oaxaca's seven regions. This is also the place to find the handmade huipiles (short, boxy blouses, often made of velveteen) worn in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
62 locals raden deze aan
Mercado de Artesanías
20 Cam. NacionalFor textiles, don't miss Mercado de Artesanías, a great place to shop for handwoven and embroidered clothing from Oaxaca's seven regions. This is also the place to find the handmade huipiles (short, boxy blouses, often made of velveteen) worn in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Sightseeing
Hiervelagua it's a really magic place. For families, couples or a solo travel, the waterfalls will touch you in the center of your soul. I recomend take the time to see the view from below the watterfalls: it´s amazing and unique.
195 locals raden deze aan
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el AguaHiervelagua it's a really magic place. For families, couples or a solo travel, the waterfalls will touch you in the center of your soul. I recomend take the time to see the view from below the watterfalls: it´s amazing and unique.
Hire a guide to get the most out of your visit here. Extensive historic site with some well preserved/restored pyramids. Some climbing for those who are active, but not too difficult.
105 locals raden deze aan
Monte Albán
Hire a guide to get the most out of your visit here. Extensive historic site with some well preserved/restored pyramids. Some climbing for those who are active, but not too difficult.
Gorgeous Santo Domingo is the most splendid of Oaxaca’s churches, with a finely carved baroque facade and nearly every square inch inside decorated in 3-D relief with intricate gilt designs swirling around a profusion of painted figures. Most elaborate of all is the 18th-century Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario (Rosary Chapel) on the south side. The whole church takes on a magically warm glow during candlelit evening Masses.
313 locals raden deze aan
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman
s/n C. Macedonio AlcaláGorgeous Santo Domingo is the most splendid of Oaxaca’s churches, with a finely carved baroque facade and nearly every square inch inside decorated in 3-D relief with intricate gilt designs swirling around a profusion of painted figures. Most elaborate of all is the 18th-century Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario (Rosary Chapel) on the south side. The whole church takes on a magically warm glow during candlelit evening Masses.
Traffic-free, shaded by tall trees and surrounded by elegant portales (arcades), the Zócalo is the perfect place to start soaking up the Oaxaca atmosphere. It bustles with life by day and night, as marimba ensembles, brass bands and roving buskers float their melodies among the crowds, hawkers try to offload pretty carpets and hideous balloons, and lovers parade in slow rounds under the trees, while anyone and everyone sits, drinks and watches from the sidewalk cafes.
The adjoining Alameda plaza, also traffic-free but without the cafes, is also ripe for people-watching with its trinket-toting vendors, gawking tourists and informal clothes market.
129 locals raden deze aan
Zócalo Oaxaca
Portal del PalacioTraffic-free, shaded by tall trees and surrounded by elegant portales (arcades), the Zócalo is the perfect place to start soaking up the Oaxaca atmosphere. It bustles with life by day and night, as marimba ensembles, brass bands and roving buskers float their melodies among the crowds, hawkers try to offload pretty carpets and hideous balloons, and lovers parade in slow rounds under the trees, while anyone and everyone sits, drinks and watches from the sidewalk cafes.
The adjoining Alameda plaza, also traffic-free but without the cafes, is also ripe for people-watching with its trinket-toting vendors, gawking tourists and informal clothes market.
Housed in the recently restored Ex-Convento de San Pablo (a 16th-century Dominican monastery), the impressive San Pablo center stages concerts, films, exhibitions, classes, presentations and conferences, with an emphasis on promoting and preserving Oaxacan culture, especially its indigenous aspects.
Its research library holds valuable anthropological archives and there's a sound library with recordings of indigenous music.
76 locals raden deze aan
Centro Cultural San Pablo
907 Miguel HidalgoHoused in the recently restored Ex-Convento de San Pablo (a 16th-century Dominican monastery), the impressive San Pablo center stages concerts, films, exhibitions, classes, presentations and conferences, with an emphasis on promoting and preserving Oaxacan culture, especially its indigenous aspects.
Its research library holds valuable anthropological archives and there's a sound library with recordings of indigenous music.
About 14 km (9 miles) east of Oaxaca on Carretera 190, the hamlet of Santa María del Tule is known for El Tule, the huge cypress tree that towers over the lovely colonial-era church behind it. Thought to be more than 2,000 years old, it's one of the world's largest trees, with roots buried more than 60 feet in the ground and a canopy arcing some 140 feet high. It has an estimated weight of nearly 640,000 tons; it would take 35 adults to embrace the trunk. In front of the church is a pleasant garden with animal-shape topiaries. There's a nominal fee to enter the grounds. At informal outdoor eateries in the tree's shadow, local ladies tend large griddles, serving atole (a nutritious drink of ground cornmeal or rice), soups, and snacks.
93 locals raden deze aan
Boom van Tule
2 de AbrilAbout 14 km (9 miles) east of Oaxaca on Carretera 190, the hamlet of Santa María del Tule is known for El Tule, the huge cypress tree that towers over the lovely colonial-era church behind it. Thought to be more than 2,000 years old, it's one of the world's largest trees, with roots buried more than 60 feet in the ground and a canopy arcing some 140 feet high. It has an estimated weight of nearly 640,000 tons; it would take 35 adults to embrace the trunk. In front of the church is a pleasant garden with animal-shape topiaries. There's a nominal fee to enter the grounds. At informal outdoor eateries in the tree's shadow, local ladies tend large griddles, serving atole (a nutritious drink of ground cornmeal or rice), soups, and snacks.
Mitla, 46 km (27 miles) southeast of Oaxaca, expanded and grew in influence as Monte Albán declined. Like its predecessor, Mitla is a complex started by the Zapotec and later taken over by the Mixtec. Unlike Monte Albán, Mitla's attraction lies not in its massive scale, but in its unusual ornamentation; the stonework depicts mesmerizing abstract designs with a powerful harmony. The striking architecture, which dates as late as the 1500s, is almost without equal within Mexico thanks to the exquisite greca workmanship on the fine local volcanic stone, which ranges in hue from pink to yellow.
The first structure you enter is the Grupo del Norte, where the Spanish settlers built Mitla's Catholic cathedral literally on top of the Zapotec structure, integrating the foundation. It's comparable to having the history of Oaxaca laid out before you in one building—truly remarkable. Mitla's name comes from the Nahuatl word mictlan, meaning "place of the dead." Don't expect to see
18 locals raden deze aan
Mitla Archaeological Zone
Camino NacionalMitla, 46 km (27 miles) southeast of Oaxaca, expanded and grew in influence as Monte Albán declined. Like its predecessor, Mitla is a complex started by the Zapotec and later taken over by the Mixtec. Unlike Monte Albán, Mitla's attraction lies not in its massive scale, but in its unusual ornamentation; the stonework depicts mesmerizing abstract designs with a powerful harmony. The striking architecture, which dates as late as the 1500s, is almost without equal within Mexico thanks to the exquisite greca workmanship on the fine local volcanic stone, which ranges in hue from pink to yellow.
The first structure you enter is the Grupo del Norte, where the Spanish settlers built Mitla's Catholic cathedral literally on top of the Zapotec structure, integrating the foundation. It's comparable to having the history of Oaxaca laid out before you in one building—truly remarkable. Mitla's name comes from the Nahuatl word mictlan, meaning "place of the dead." Don't expect to see
Drinks & Nightlife
By day Txalaparta is a quietish multi-room bar with hookahs; around midnight it becomes a place to dance to assorted rhythms from Latin to jazz, world music, trip hop, reggae and more (sometimes with live bands or guest DJs). It gets a good party atmosphere going with a 20-to-35 crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.
78 locals raden deze aan
Txalaparta Bar
208 Mariano MatamorosBy day Txalaparta is a quietish multi-room bar with hookahs; around midnight it becomes a place to dance to assorted rhythms from Latin to jazz, world music, trip hop, reggae and more (sometimes with live bands or guest DJs). It gets a good party atmosphere going with a 20-to-35 crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.
There's live music at 9pm or later almost every night at this tightly squeezed little bar – it could be son (folk), blues, trova (troubadour-type folk), jazz, cumbia (dance)... The atmosphere varies from buzzing to grave-like depending on the night.
25 locals raden deze aan
New Babel
224 C. Porfirio DíazThere's live music at 9pm or later almost every night at this tightly squeezed little bar – it could be son (folk), blues, trova (troubadour-type folk), jazz, cumbia (dance)... The atmosphere varies from buzzing to grave-like depending on the night.
Squeeze into this quirky little tasting room for the perfect mezcal primer. Friendly bar staff will explain all about the three different artisanal mezcals that they give you to taste for M$150.
37 locals raden deze aan
Los Amantes Mezcalería
107 C. de Ignacio AllendeSqueeze into this quirky little tasting room for the perfect mezcal primer. Friendly bar staff will explain all about the three different artisanal mezcals that they give you to taste for M$150.
In the heart of Oaxaca, this bar has not changed for the last 50 years. The owner, El Chato, has seen successive governments come and go (one of his favorite things to talk about) while his bar has continued with its steady service of cocktails and beers, fried potatoes, and fish empanadas. While neither trendy nor classy, the Salon de la Fama offers a glimpse into one what life used to be like in Oaxaca. The silent service given by El Chato and his wife allow the conversation to flow. Although he must have heard millions of stories, El Chato isn’t one for spilling the beans, so he will let you do the talking.
7 locals raden deze aan
Cantina Salón de La Fama
115 C. Porfirio DíazIn the heart of Oaxaca, this bar has not changed for the last 50 years. The owner, El Chato, has seen successive governments come and go (one of his favorite things to talk about) while his bar has continued with its steady service of cocktails and beers, fried potatoes, and fish empanadas. While neither trendy nor classy, the Salon de la Fama offers a glimpse into one what life used to be like in Oaxaca. The silent service given by El Chato and his wife allow the conversation to flow. Although he must have heard millions of stories, El Chato isn’t one for spilling the beans, so he will let you do the talking.
Goodbye Corona, hello Lúpulo (the words means 'hop', as in the plant). Oaxaca's cherished nano-brewery (that's a brewery even smaller than a microbrewery) offers a constantly rotating trio of made-on-site craft beers served in a space barely large enough to swing a small kitten. For full immersion, order the three glass taster board with a burger from deli/bakery Gourmand, next door.
9 locals raden deze aan
La Santísima Flor de Lúpulo
215 C. de Ignacio AllendeGoodbye Corona, hello Lúpulo (the words means 'hop', as in the plant). Oaxaca's cherished nano-brewery (that's a brewery even smaller than a microbrewery) offers a constantly rotating trio of made-on-site craft beers served in a space barely large enough to swing a small kitten. For full immersion, order the three glass taster board with a burger from deli/bakery Gourmand, next door.
Cervecería artesanal oaxaqueña. Dónde exploran nuevos sabores y técnicas para crear cervezas de calidad a pequeña escala. Su especialidad es el estilo India Pale Ale. Se inspiran en los ingredientes y lugares de Oaxaca.
Oaxaca Brewing Company
507a Calle de Tinoco y PalaciosCervecería artesanal oaxaqueña. Dónde exploran nuevos sabores y técnicas para crear cervezas de calidad a pequeña escala. Su especialidad es el estilo India Pale Ale. Se inspiran en los ingredientes y lugares de Oaxaca.
El Olivo Gastrobar
207 C/ de la Constitución