The 17 Best Oaxaca Markets for Shopping, Dining, and Deals
Wondering about the best markets in OAXACA?
Oaxaca is known for many things. It’s one of the most ethnically-diverse states in Mexico, home to some of the best food and mezcal in the country, with stunning natural landscapes and beaches — and the colorful Oaxaca markets.
The mercados in Oaxaca City are ideal for souvenir shopping, but also a place to get an affordable meal and hang out where the locals go. In short, exploring the local markets is a must on your Oaxaca itinerary.
Besides the permanent mercados in Oaxaca, there are tianguis (pronounced tee-ang-geez). These open-air bazaar markets are temporary, and held only on certain days of the week, like the popular Tlacolula Sunday Market.
In both types, you can find a variety of prepared foods, fresh produce and artisan mezcals made on local farms. You can also shop colorful textiles, locally-made handicrafts and more at the Oaxaca mercados.
Ready to dive into this list of this ultimate guide to the best Oaxaca markets? Let’s get to it!
Most Popular Oaxaca Markets
1. Mercado Benito Juarez: Best Oaxaca Market for Shopping
- 📍 Location: Find t on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open daily, 7am-7pm
One of the best things to do in Oaxaca City is stroll the city’s mercados. Of the most-visited, there’s Benito Juarez Market Oaxaca, perfect for shopping and sampling traditional Oaxacan foods and drinks, like aguas casildas.
If you’re looking for a place to buy inexpensive Oaxaca souvenirs, this is it.
Here, you’ll find traditional Oaxacan garments, huarache shoes, floral headbands, artesanias (artisan handicrafts), colorful embroidered purses, leather goods, and much more.
🧉 La Flor de Huayapam
Tejate (pronounced tay-ha-tay) is a pre-hispanic chocolate and corn drink that’s popular throughout Oaxaca. While this combo might not sound appetizing, this centuries-old beverage has stood the test of time.
Inside Mercado Benito Juarez, head to the La Flor de Huayapam stand to try Lucrecia Ruíz’s famous tejate. She makes a special version of tejate that’s prepared with cocoa that’s said to be the best in town.
🍏 Aguas Casilda
Opened in 1926 by the late Casilda Flores Morales, Aguas Casilda in Mercado Benito Juárez Market is where the locals go for their aguas casildas — a local variation of aguas frescas).
Make sure to try the chilacayote, a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations.
Best Oaxaca Markets
2. Mercado 20 de Noviembre: Best Oaxaca Market for Eating
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open daily, 7am-9pm
Much like Benito Juarez Market, this traditional Oaxaca market has large selections for fresh fruits and veggies, arts and crafts vendors, and a food hall.
It’s a popular market with many different stalls so you can try a variety of foods.
💨 Pasillo de Humo (Smoke Alley)
Located inside the Mercado 20 de Noviembre Market, you’ll find Pasillo de Humo AKA Oaxaca Meat Hall or Meat Market Oaxaca. In English, pasillo de humo actually means smoke hall or smoke alley.
Here, there are rows of vendors selling meats and veggies a la carte that you can buy and have cooked al carbon (over charcoal). The smoke imparts a delicious flavor, and the aroma in the air is intoxicating.
If this will be your first visit to the Oaxaca Pasillo de Humo, it can be intimidating — especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
You may want to consider the Eating with a Local at the Markets tour, or watching this YouTube video about the market.
🍞 Comedor María Teresa
Even beyond the Pasillo de Humo, you have plenty of Oaxaca food options in Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
Comedor Maria Teresa is a locals’ favorite, especially for a traditional Oaxacan breakfast to try the pan de yema (egg yolk bread).
Best Oaxaca Markets
3. Mercado Central de Abastos: Largest Market in Oaxaca
- 📍 Location: Find on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open daily, 8am-8pm
Located on the outskirts of town, Mercado Central de Abastos is one of oldest and largest markets in Oaxaca. If you’re looking for anything, you’ll probably find it here, as the market spans more than 800 acres (3.25 km²).
Besides shopping for the best Oaxaca souvenirs, and just enjoying a glimpse into local life, many also visit to try the famous memelas, one of the best Oaxaca foods, and salsa morita handmade by Doña Vale.
Memelas doña Vale (As seen on Netflix)
In Somebody Feed Phil, the host tours the giant Central de Abastos Market. Along with local expert, Omar Alonso AKA Oaxaking, they head straight for Memelas Doña Vale to try her famous memelas.
🌶 Want to sample more of the best memelas in Oaxaca City? Check out Memelas San Agustin and La Guerita in Mercado La Merced Market.
Memelas are slightly thicker than a tortilla and pinched while being cooked to create divots that hold scrumptious toppings.
What makes Dona Vale memelas particularly special is her secret morita chili sauce, which is deliciously mouthwatering. You can find Memelas Doña Vale here.
Best Oaxaca Markets
4. La Casa de las Artesanias de Oaxaca: Best Oaxaca Market for Artisan Goods
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 9am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-8:30pm
La Casa de las Artesanías de Oaxaca is one of the best Oaxacan markets for souvenirs and handicrafts. It has several interconnected rooms with handmade and high-quality artesanías from all over Oaxaca.
Located in the heart of Oaxaca City, this artisan market is owned by a cooperative of 57 indigenous members. They sell goods from all the different regions within the state of Oaxaca, including pottery, textiles, jewelry and alebrijes.
Wondering, What is an alebrije? Head to this blog post, What Are Alebrijes: A Guide to Oaxaca’s Colorful Art, to learn more. Or, just check out the La Casa de las Artesanías Sunday Market Oaxaca to buy some.
🇲🇽 Fair trade products & LOCALLY-MADE GOODS
When buying anything from this market, 100% of the proceeds go right into the hands of artisan groups and communities. The store is a one-stop shop for Oaxacan handicrafts that offers variety, all at a fair price.
La Casa de las Artesanías Oaxaca accepts cash and credit cards — which is rare at most markets in the city of Oaxaca, as they are cash only.
Best Oaxaca Markets
5. Oaxaca Mercado de la Merced
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open daily, 6am-6pm
Specializing in prepared foods, Mercado de la Merced (AKA Mercado Democracia) is the place for Oaxaca foodies. This is the one Oaxacan market you shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for an affordable yet tasty traditional Oaxacan dish.
Although one of the smaller Oaxaca City markets, Mercado de la Merced is a traditional market offering a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as clothing and household goods, which make ideal Oaxaca souvenirs.
It is also the perfect place to try some traditional Oaxaca foods, like mole, empanadas, memelas, tlayudas, tamales, and tejate, the famous chocolate and corn drink. In short: Make sure to come hungry!
Sundays are the Día de Plaza, where even more vendors fill the market to offer a larger variety of products you won’t find any other day of the week. If you’re looking for things to do in Oaxaca on Sunday, this is it.
Best Oaxaca Markets
6. Tlacolula Sunday Market
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: The market in Tlacolula is open daily, but the larger Tianguis de Domingo (Sunday Flea Market) takes place on Sundays only.
Tlacolula Market is the oldest continuously-run local market in Oaxaca — as it has been around for several centuries.
Nowadays, you can buy everything from fresh produce and prepared foods, to locally-made mezcal and handicrafts here.
Every Sunday, thousands of vendors, tourists and locals head to the Tianguis de Domingo Tlacolula, AKA the famous Sunday Tlacolula Market.
⭐️ Tlacolula Sunday Market Tour
It can be chaotic, but in the best way, as you’re enveloped in the colors and sounds of local Oaxaca life. If this sounds intimidating, book this Zapotec Tour with Yeti, and let a local show you around.
No matter how you choose to visit, for an authentic Oaxaca experience, you must include the Mercado de Tlacolula on your Oaxaca itinerary.
🤔 What is a Tianguis?
In Mexico, there are mercados, which are permanent markets, and there are also tianguis (pronounced tee-ang-geez), or temporary markets that come and go.
The indoor mercados are brick and mortar buildings, whereas a tianguis is a temporary market, usually set up only one day per week. The tianguis temporary markets date back to pre-hispanic times.
While there are many Oaxaca tianguis options, nothing beats the outdoor tianguis at Tlacolula Sunday Market.
🚗 How do I get from Oaxaca to Tlacolula Market?
Wondering how to get to Tlacolula Market from Oaxaca City, Mexico? You can use this map for driving directions if you’re renting a car in Oaxaca City. If not, the easiest way is by taxi cab.
The Sunday Market in Tlacolula is the largest market in the Oaxaca City area. It is located in Tlacolula de Matamoros, about 45 minutes to one hour from Downtown Oaxaca City, near the Yagul Ruins.
🌮 What to eat at Tlacolula Sunday Market
Besides shopping for Oaxaca rugs, pottery, textiles and handmade clothes, don’t pass up the chance to eat in the market as well.
In cities throughout Mexico, many enjoy barbacoa (barbecue) on weekends, and there’s an entire aisle in the market for barbacoa.
If you don’t eat meat, go for the tamales oaxaqueños (Oaxacan tamales), pan de cazuela (bread made in a casserole dish) and nieves (sorbet).
There’s also tejate (pronounced tay-ha-tay), a prehispanic chocolate and corn drink from Oaxaca.
Best Oaxaca Markets
7. Mercado Sanchez Pascuas
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 6:30am-5pm; Sunday, 7am-6pm
Small but mighty, Mercado Sanchez Pascuas is one of the least-touristy Oaxacan markets. While it may not be as famous as Mercado Benito Juarez, it is less crowded, and chock full of different food stalls and mini-restaurants
However, if you’re looking for local souvenirs from Oaxaca, this isn’t the place for you. (That would be the La Casa de las Artesanias de Oaxaca, #4 on this list.)
Now, if you want to pick up fresh local ingredients or try some authentic Oaxaca food — Mercado Sanchez Pascuas is one of the top markets for that. There are flower vendors here, but this market mainly specializes in food.
Come hungry and try local dishes like empanadas de flor de calabaza (pumpkin flower empanadas). This traditional Oaxacan market is located near the popular Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, and worth a visit.
Best Oaxaca Markets
8. Oaxaca Mercado IV Centenario
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open daily, 7am-6pm
Oaxaca Mercado IV Centenario, located close to Jardinera IV Centenario, is another one of the Oaxacan markets known for its food offerings. The market also has some non-food-related stalls with vendors selling locally-made crafts.
However, the main draw here is the food. At this mercado, visitors can explore several food stalls selling local ingredients and food, including vegetables, fruits, cheese, chaiulines (grasshoppers), meats and flowers.
If you’re feeling peckish, the market also has mini-restaurant stalls selling traditional Oaxacan foods and drinks, like atole. Make sure to stop by on Sundays when some stalls will be selling carne asada (grilled meats).
Best Oaxaca Markets
9. Oaxaca Mercado Hidalgo
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 6am-6pm; Sunday, 6am-5pm
Opened in 1980, Oaxaca Mercado Hidalgo, is home to generations of merchants selling various practical and gastronomic products. It is located in the upscale Reforma neighborhood, one of the best neighborhoods in Oaxaca.
At Mercado Hidalgo, local vendors specialize in locally-made, fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheese, and a variety of meats. The market is also known for its seasonal products and overall cleanliness.
As you wander through the aisles, you’ll also find rows of spices, grains, seeds, and bouquets of flowers. (Note: Fresh flowers are perfect if you’re looking to quickly spruce up your Oaxaca hotel accommodation.)
If you’re hungry, head to the north entrance of the market. There, you have a buffet-style cocina economica that’s popular with locals. Meaning “economical kitchen,” a cocina economica is ideal for a tasty but cheap meal.
Best Oaxaca Markets
10. Mercado Organico Rayon Pochote
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open daily, 8am-6pm
As the name states, Mercado Organico is all about organic produce. Located in Centro Historico (Downtown Oaxaca City), this market opened in 2016 and has become one of the best places to shop organic in downtown.
Mercado Organico Rayon Pochote is a collective that only sells foods from local producers. For those who are mindful of supporting local and practicing ethical tourism in Mexico, you can’t go wrong here.
If you’re craving healthy food in Oaxaca, including juices, meals, and organic produce, this is the place. It has a relaxed atmosphere, and a sizable selection for vegans, vegetarians and anyone looking for gluten-free options.
Best Oaxaca Markets
11. La Cosecha Organic Market
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am-4:45pm
La Cosecha Oaxaca, located in the Historic City Center, is another Oaxacan market offering artisanal products and organic foods. It is basically a Oaxaca Whole Foods, with a food court, organic produce, artisan soaps, and more.
This open-air market is relatively small. However, it offers a great selection of prepared food, with vendors selling traditional dishes that are made fresh daily. There are always plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Note: This isn’t a local market for daily groceries. Instead, it’s more of an outdoor food hall or food court market. You can get some produce here and a few other things, but the prepared foods are the main draw.
Best Oaxaca Markets
12. Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 12pm-7pm
Located slightly off the beaten path, Mercado de Artesanias is the perfect place to shop for Oaxacan handicrafts, especially textiles. The market is small but well-stocked, with a vast selection of artisanal goods from all over the state.
However, this is not the mercado for you if you are looking for food.
Instead, you’ll find things like Oaxacan black pottery, alebrijes, Oaxacan tapetes (rugs) and textiles. Oaxaca is famous for its textiles, and you’ll see everything from tablecloths and pillow covers, to table runners and Oaxacan rugs.
The Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca is also one of the best Oaxacan markets to visit if you are looking for handmade huipiles. Pronounced wee-peel, these are the traditional garments worn by indigenous Mayan women.
You’ll want to carve out a good chunk of time to explore the different stalls. This is the type of place that requires a bit of digging to find exactly what you need; think of this as a Oaxaca thrift store or antique market.
However, the prices are lower than you’d find in many other places as this is one of the best hidden gems in Oaxaca, perfect for off the beaten track travelers. Note: Basic Spanish will really come in handy here.
Best Oaxaca Markets
Best Markets Near Oaxaca City
If you have more time to explore some areas outside of Oaxaca City, then take some time to explore some of these Oaxacan markets. Note: You will want a Oaxaca rental car when visiting these nearby pueblos.
13. Mercado de Teotitlan del Valle
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open daily, 8am-1:30pm
Teotitlán del Valle is a small village about 15 miles (25 km) southeast of Oaxaca City.
It’s a quiet and picturesque town, surrounded by beautiful nature and renowned for its weaving and mezcal production. In fact, weaving and textile production in Teotitlán del Valle Oaxaca dates back to 500 B.C.
Located in the historic center in downtown, the Mercado de Teotitlan del Valle is filled with brightly colored tapetes (carpets), rebozos (shawls), and sarapes. It is a feast for the eyes!
All the textiles are handmade on massive looms, using ancient techniques and fabric dyed with natural colors. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see the artisans hard at work at their loom, creating their next masterpiece.
Once you buy all your souvenirs, head across the main square to the Municipal Market. Here, you can buy fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats from the region, and enjoy a traditional Oaxaca meal made by local cooks.
Best Oaxaca Markets
14. Mercado de Ocotlan (Mercado Morelos)
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: This market in only open Fridays
The Friday Market in Ocotlan is located in the city of Ocotlán Oaxaca, which is about 40 minutes by rental car from Downtown Oaxaca City. Ocotlán is known for its pottery, and people come from all over to shop here.
On Fridays, the Mercado de Ocotlán (AKA Mercado Morelos) takes over the town. Many of the main streets are blocked as temporary tianguis stalls are set up to sell everything imaginable.
This traditional market is known to attract vendors from nearby villages as well. It is the place to come to shop directly from indigenous Oaxacan artisans selling their handicrafts, including pottery, textiles and leather goods.
🌺 La Cocina de Frida
For a truly unique and delicious experience in Ocotlán Oaxaca, make sure to visit La Cocina de Frida. It is located in the Mercado Morelos, only a few blocks from the Ocotlán Market.
Located in the food aisle of the mercado, chef Beatriz Vásquez was told all her life that she looked like Frida Kahlo. One day, she decided to pay homage to the famous artist, and has never looked back.
Although Beatriz dresses like Frida, the shining star of her puesto (mini-restaurant) is the food. Beatriz has been cooking for more than 30 years, and it shows — her traditional Oaxaca food is delicious.
👨🎨 Oaxacan Painter Rodolfo Morales
Rodolfo Morales, one of the most important Mexican painters of the 20th Century, was born in Ocotlán. He is one of the most famous people from Oaxaca, so don’t miss the Rodolfo Morales Museum when you visit.
Best Oaxaca Markets
15. Mercado de Villa de Etla
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Wednesdays
Located about 10 miles (17 km) from Oaxaca City by rental car, the Villa de Etla Municipality is an artist’s haven. Its Mercado de Villa de Etla is a relatively small, but popular, market located in the center of town.
The main market day is Wednesday. On this day, the market expands to the surrounding streets with vendors selling vegetables, fruits, flowers, cheeses, meats, and other products.
Many vendors also sell traditional Mexican foods and Oaxacan dishes, like molletes and tlayudas. While exploring, try some tejate, a Mesoamerican beverage, and the town’s famous nieves (sorbet).
Finally, if you’re looking for handicrafts, vendors from the surrounding areas of Miahuatlán, Ejutla, and Zimatlán are often at the market selling their goods.
💀 San Agustin Etla for Day of the Dead
Within Etla Oaxaca, the town of San Agustín Etla is one of the best places to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico.
Though the Oaxaca City Day of the Dead celebration is well-known, those really in-the-know go to Etla.
Best Oaxaca Markets
16. Mercado de Artesanias Santa Maria Atzompa
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Tuesdays
Besides the Oaxaca barro negro black pottery, there’s the green pottery of Santa Maria Atzompa. Though famous for vivid green-colored ceramics, you can buy pottery in a variety of colors here, all made by local artisans.
To buy some, head to the Santa Maria Atzompa Mercado de Artesanias (Santa Maria Atzompa Artisan Market), the main mercado in the center of town. Some local artisans also open their homes and workshops to the public.
Besides the pottery, if you’re visiting on the weekends, try a local Oaxaca food delicacy — barbacoa (pronounced bar-bah-coe-uh).
This translates to barbecue, and it’s only eaten on weekends, usually for breakfast or brunch. To try some, head to Barbacoa de Borrego Jardines de Sofía.
🏺 Mercado de Artesanias de La Asuncion
The Mercado de Artesanias de La Asunción is another Oaxacan market in Santa María Atzompa. Like the Mercado de Artesanias Santa Maria Atzompa, La Asunción Market is famous for barro verde, or green clay pottery.
Best Oaxaca Markets
17. Mercado Zaachila
- 📍 Location: Find it on Google Maps
- ⏰ Hours: Open daily, 8am-7pm
Located south of Oaxaca City, the town of Zaachila was the last Zapotec capital in Oaxaca. It is known for its pottery, which you can buy at the Thursday Zaachila Market.
Mercado Zaachila is an open-air market where vendors sell everything from pottery and textiles to fruits, veggies and cheeses; there’s even a livestock market. It is quite extensive, so give yourself time to explore each of the aisles.
Wondering how to get from Oaxaca to Zaachila? You can use this map for driving directions, or just hail a taxi from Oaxaca City.
There are several food stalls serving authentic traditional foods, like tlayudas, the ultimate Oaxaca street food. You’ll also find as well as adult beverages like mezcal and pulque (pronounced pull-kay), a liquor made from agave.
Best Oaxaca Markets
BONUS: A Few More Oaxaca Markets Worth Visiting
Want to check out some additional markets in Oaxaca?
You’re in luck because there are plenty of great mercados just outside of Oaxaca City. The best way to visit is in your rental car, as they are remote and public transportation can take a while.
- Miahuatlán de Porfirio Díaz Market
- Mercado de Ejutla
- Mercado Municipal de Ixtlan de Juarez
- Mercado de Zimatlan de Alvarez
- Mercado Municipal de Santa Ana del Valle
What is the best market in Oaxaca?
If you can only visit one market in Oaxaca City, opt for either the Benito Juarez Oaxaca Market, or the November 20 Oaxaca Market.
They both have a nice mix of souvenir shopping and foods to try, and they are both in Downtown Oaxaca City.
Best Oaxaca Markets: FAQ
Are Oaxaca City markets safe?
Yes — For the vast majority of visitors, the markets in Oaxaca City are safe.
However, they are also usually bustling with activity, so pickpocketing can happen. You’ll want to pay extra attention to your belongings while in the Oaxaca markets.
What are the prices in Oaxaca markets?
Oaxacan markets are where locals shop, so expect lower price tags. Some of the more touristic markets have higher prices, but still, the markets are rather inexpensive.
Food is quite inexpensive in the markets, as it’s where many locals eat. You can usually get a substantial meal for about $5 USD, and some snacks for $2-3 USD.
Souvenirs will cost less here than in the shops, but often, the quality in the shops is better.
What kinds of things can you find in the Oaxaca markets?
Everything — You can buy everything from fresh fruits and veggies, to cooked foods, locally-made mezcal, candies, flowers and more.
There’s also aisles and aisles of clothing, textiles, artisan crafts, home-goods, shoes, purses, leather goods and more.
Can you eat street food in Oaxaca markets?
Yes — Thousands of people eat in the markets everyday, as they are safe. Now, that’s not to say people don’t get sick in Mexico from the food, because that can happen also.
You can use this guide for tips on picking the best street food in Mexico, which include these tips: 1) Look for long lines, and 2) Look for two employees, one who only handles the money and another who cooks the food.
Best Oaxaca Markets
Oaxaca Travel Guide
How do you pronounce Oaxaca?
Wondering about the Oaxaca pronunciation? It’s a common question, so if you are, you’re not alone! The word Oaxaca is pronounced waa-haa-kah.
Where is Oaxaca located?
Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city. It is located about six hours south of Mexico City by car, or one 1.5 hours via direct flights from Mexico City to Oaxaca City.
🗺 Oaxaca Map
Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico, surrounded by the Mexican states of Chiapas, Guerrero and Puebla. To the south, there’s the Pacific Ocean and the best beaches in Oaxaca, like Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Huatulco.
What is the best time to visit Oaxaca Mexico?
The best time to travel to Oaxaca is during the dry season, October to May. This is also the busy season in Oaxaca, so expect crowds to go along with the perfect weather (a fair trade-off).
However, the temperate weather in Oaxaca City means it actually can be a year-round destination. While it will rain during the Oaxaca rainy season, you’ll also get lower prices — as this is the slow season.
☀️ Oaxaca weather
If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from about late-October for Day of the Dead, through mid-January.
Many also visit Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) for the Guelaguetza in July, the second biggest Oaxaca festival.
Oaxaca City has a desert climate, so hot days and cool nights. The temperature in Oaxaca fluctuates a lot, so be mindful and bring layers when packing for Oaxaca. If you hate the heat, avoid the hottest months of April to May.
Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?
For the vast majority of travelers, Oaxaca is safe to visit. In fact, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico.
Oaxaca City is the country’s 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe.
That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do.
However, if you take the same travel precautions you would anywhere else — stay aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings — you’ll be safe traveling to Oaxaca City.
⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?
Best Oaxaca Markets
What are the best places to stay in Oaxaca?
Not sure where to stay in Oaxaca Mexico? That’s understandable as there are a lot of great options at all price points, and options including boutique hotels and also hostels.
Have a look at the options below, and if you need even more suggestions, check out these 17 Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City.
🏆 Best neighborhoods in Oaxaca City
First time visitors will find staying near the Zocalo in Oaxaca Centro (Downtown) very convenient, as it’s walkable.
The colorful and artsy Jalatlaco neighborhood, and Xochimilco, the most historic neighborhood in Oaxaca, are also great options.
🏩 Best HotelS in Oaxaca
- Quinta Real Oaxaca City ($$$$, Centro)
- Pug Seal Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
- Hotel Escondido Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
- City Centro Hotel Oaxaca ($$$, Jalatlaco)
- NaNa Vida Hotel ($$$, Centro)
- Casa de Arte ($$, Xochimilco)
🏨 Best HostelS in Oaxaca
Best Oaxaca Markets
How do you get around Oaxaca City?
Oaxaca City is very walkable. If you’re just staying within the city itself, you can walk and use taxis and public transportation as needed.
If you’re doing any Oaxaca day trips to the archaeological sites and nearby towns, you’ll want a rental car.
If you don’t want to drive, a group tour is your best bet. I recommend booking your Oaxaca tours via Airbnb Experiences and Viator.
Is there Uber in Oaxaca City?
No — There is no Oaxaca Uber service, and no Lyft in Oaxaca either.
They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.
🚕 Are taxis safe in Oaxaca Mexico?
Yes — For the majority of travelers, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca.
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.
How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?
There are a lot of things to do in Oaxaca City, but it’s a smaller-sized city, so you can move around easily. Within Oaxaca City itself, you can see the highlights in 2-3 full days.
For those who want to explore the villages outside town, like Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustín Etla, Teotitlán Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, you’ll want at least 5-6 days on your Oaxaca itinerary.
What is Oaxaca known for?
Wondering, Why is Oaxaca so popular? There are five things Oaxaca is known for — art, culture, the Oaxaca Day of the Dead celebration, mezcal and food.
In fact, Oaxaca is called the Foodie Capital of Mexico. While there, make sure to try the street food in Oaxaca Mexico, the top Oaxaca City restaurants, and even one of these best cooking classes in Oaxaca.
Is Oaxaca City worth visiting?
Yes — Oaxaca is magical; it’s the Mexico people imagine Mexico to be.
There’s everything from rich history, colorful festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made Oaxacan mezcal, beautiful nature, colonial architecture, indigenous artisan communities, and of course, the Oaxacan food.
As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or even a flight and a bus, you might be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it. I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that FU+K YES IT IS!
Final Thoughts: Best Oaxaca Markets
The markets in Oaxaca Mexico are essential to the overall Oaxaca travel experience. They will give you a glimpse into local life and local culture, as mercados are where Oaxaca locals actually shop.
I hope this list was extensive enough that you’re able to plan some epic Oaxaca market days. If you were looking to try local foods and find the best shopping in Oaxaca City, I think it will.
Best Oaxaca Market Tours
Be aware the markets are usually bustling (sometimes even downright hectic), and you’ll likely not encounter vendors who speak any English. If this all sounds a bit intimidating, you can visit with a local guide on a tour.
Here are some of the best tours in Oaxaca to the markets: