There are so many things to see and do in this area. No trip to Mexico would be complete without visiting Oaxaca City. In fact, Oaxaca City is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico for visitors. Theres hip coffee shops with free WiFi, family-run restaurants, quirky bars with live music and unique local shops. Long sleeves or light jacket is plenty. This three-star hotel is one of our best recommendations for where to stay in Oaxaca for families. Pacific Coast. Close, Where to Stay in Oaxaca City (2023 COOLEST Areas!). Apart from that, Jalatlaco is light on attractions, but is a mere 10-15 minute walk from sights in Centro and Santo Domingo. Rooms come complete with all of the essentials, including free wifi and cozy beds. Maybe I was just unlucky? You might also like:When to visit Oaxaca for festivals, food and fun10 things to know before going to Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most intriguing destinationsTop 19 absolutely unmissable experiences in Mexico. Its stunning colourful design matches the Jalatlaco perfectly. Corona Plaza in Queens Is a Haven for Latin American Food Vendors - The That said, opportunistic pickpocketing does happen, so be aware of that while exploring the area around the Zocalo, the markets, etc. Oaxaca Printable Tourist Map | Sygic Travel Make the most of your time in Mexico with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. If you dont have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card. With a whopping 1200 historic monuments and an extraordinary concentration of restaurants, galleries and museums spread out across 247 blocks, the easily walkable downtown has well earned its Unesco World Heritage badge. Day 1: Discover the city's historic center. Wondering, Why is Oaxaca so popular? Jalatlaco is lined with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Head for the verdant foothills of San Agustn Etla, a relaxed suburb of the capital city and a gateway to the beautiful countryside of Oaxaca state. In fact, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico. Oaxaca city is the capital of the homonymous state that is located southwest of Mexico. Rest assured that it's generally considered safe to flag down street cabs in Oaxaca, and with fares ranging between M$40 to M$60 (US$2 to $3) within the central area, it's quite a bargain. Here, you can enjoy a breath of fresh air and a break from the chaos without straying too far from the centre. Shop for local crafts at La Casa de las Artesanas de Oaxaca. Centred around one of the most famous parks in the city, this neighbourhood is one of the quietest in Oaxaca. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Oaxaca Zocalo: Main Square 3. To upvote/downvote tags: tap them and click the thumbs up or down. We have always taken the train. (Read more), Maybe It depends on your company, so check with your provider. I love Laureles which is calmer, lots of tress, great restaurants. Still unsure where to stay in Oaxaca de Jurez? There are loads of vegan restaurants now. Likely Not U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders dont need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The historic center's cobbled streets and narrow sidewalks can be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair at times; however, there are a growing number of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions with ramps and drop-down curbs. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Meanwhile, back in the city, save yourself the headache and let the affordable buses and taxis do the driving. I disagree greatly with Oaxaca not being family friendly in the pros and cons - it's extremely family friendly! 10 Best Places to Visit in Oaxaca, Mexico (with Map) - Touropia At its center is the Parque Jurez El Llano. I can't imagine the heat in May or Summer. If you have money, stay in Lomas. All rights reserved. It is very safe for women. Generally, yes. Neighborhood Map of Oaxaca by locals. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. For a quieter drink, duck into the nearby brewpub Consejo Cervercero to sample some of Oaxacas choicest craft beers. It is walkable, and youll be near the best Oaxaca mezcal bars, top restaurants in Oaxaca, artisan shops, local Oaxaca markets (mercados), art galleries, historic sites, and more. Take a Oaxaca Cooking Class 5. Read our Privacy Policy. If you come across a roadblock, seek an alternative route whenever possible. Touristy circus of a place. More information. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in the capital of the state of Oaxaca: Oaxaca city. Based on Oaxaca's cost of living, here's selected remote jobs that would cover your costs: Definitely a place you can digital nomad at. Enjoy a night of cocktails at Passion Bar. 30 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City Mexico [2023 Update] Each area offers something different, and some are better suited to travellers than others. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! I've been hanging out in Berlin on and off for 30 years. Explore the grounds of the Templo de San Agustin. Centro/Zocalo is a regular grid of narrow streets (some of them pedestrianised), lined with typical, brightly-painted, one- and two-story houses. This is where youll find craft stalls, churches, numerous restaurants, markets and a couple of museums. It might not be your most beloved destination ever, but its surely one to remember. Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Families: Barrio de la Noria, Centro, Barrio de Xochimilco Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico, surrounded by other Mexican states like Chiapas and Puebla. Enable JavaScript to use it. Unsafe Areas of Oaxaca It's cheap, clean, walkable and has quick wifi. Looking for a specific place to stay? I've been an expat in Mexico since 2018, and help travelers like you cross Mexico off your bucket list. Oaxaca Taco Tour 5. For the majority of travelers, yes, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. If you want to stay in the downtown area, but long for a relaxing nights sleep, La Noria is a better option than Santo Domingo which is definitely on the loud side. While none of Oaxacas neighborhoods specialise in family-friendly attractions, Centro is a good bet if youre looking to explore the citys main attractions, and dont want to tire out little feet by having to walk too far. There are a wonderful selection of forests and parks just about everywhere, and the museu. Take it all in on the cantinas patio area, which is decked out with quirky murals. What do I pack for Oaxaca? If you dont mind some rain during the Oaxaca rainy season, you will also get lower prices as this is the slow season. Check out these articles so you know the best Oaxaca tours to book: Though its known as one of the safest places in Mexico, Oaxaca City does have some neighborhoods that are better than others, so stick to the ones listed below. Map of Oaxaca and the surrounding area The central, tourist-oriented part of town is well signposted and easily walkable by foot, although taxis are somewhat plentiful and buses numerous and cheap (M$7). It's a safe area of Mexico, and also even the people who try to sell you crap, 'vendors' is less aggressive here. If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from about late-October for Day of the Dead, through mid-January. There are so many different places such as parks, lakes, hills, mountains, beaches, etc. Centro is the best neighbourhood to stay in Oaxaca city if youre visiting for the first time. When to visit Oaxaca for festivals, food and fun, 10 things to know before going to Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most intriguing destinations, Top 19 absolutely unmissable experiences in Mexico, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The bulk of accommodation options in Oaxaca are concentrated in the downtown area of Oaxaca City, also referred to as the Zocalo or city center. Avoid the tourist traps and navigate Oaxaca's hip and alternative areas. It is much friendlier than it used to be. As you navigate fast-growing Oaxaca, expect a mixed bag of readily available transportation and notoriously frustrating traffic. Want to be featured in our list? Compared to places like Latin America & Africa it's safer, however, there is a lot of pickpocketing and petty theft now. If you want to explore the artisan towns and unique areas surrounding the city, youll want another 1-2 full days. Reviews with URLs or emails are removed. Now a beautiful tree-filled park, it used to serve as the city's zoo, hence the statues of the golden lions that greet you at every corner. Santo Domingo and its attractions are a 15-20 minute walk; you might want to take a taxi. If you're writing about data being wrong, please don't do it here as it'll be removed but leave feedback in the bottom right of the frontpage. Jalatlaco is one of the coolest places to stay in Oaxaca. Sample a variety of drinks and shots at El Cortijo Mezcaleria. Always take good precautions, especially at night. I'm also going to have to agree with the recent reviews. Hoodmaps is a crowdsourced map to navigate cities based on hipsters, tourists, rich, normies, suits and uni areas. Its more trendy than Xochimilco, but also with beautiful, hilly streets, and a good mix of traditional dining and hipster cafes, as well as a proliferation of street art. Its one of the most unique places to stay in Mexico, located in the Central Valleys region in the foothills of the Sierra Madres. For breakfast on day one, treat yourself to a traditional hot chocolate and dunk in hunks of fluffy pan de yema (a sweet bread made using egg yolks) at Mayordomo . The apartment matches the colourful and artistic neighbourhood of Jalatlaco. How many days do you need in Oaxaca City? The best things to do near Oaxaca include exploring Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustn Etla, Teotitln Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, a pueblo magico (magic town) and UNESCO Site. Since it is very touristy it has become quite Westernized in that sense over the years. It is one of the most beautiful areas of the city thanks to its labyrinth of cobblestone streets, buildings with colourful facades and its spectacular heritage sites. Get inspired to travel off the beaten path at these 10 top destinations in North America. That's it. Thats because this lively and vibrant city has so much to offer tourists. Take a day trip to nearby Monte Alban and explore the archaeological site and the ruins of the ancient Zapotec capital. Its just that easy. Oaxaca Centro Historico and Zocalo 4. Once the sun sets, the temp drops and feels amazing outside. But, it's only March 10, and already it's getting hot. Its hard to beat the subtly-lit cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, luxurious boutique hotels and fine dining of Santo Domingo if youre on a romantic vacation with your other half. Avoid the tourist traps and navigate Oaxaca's hip and alternative areas. There are more reasons to visit this beautiful nation than any list can contain but we've gathered togethersome of the best things Mexico has to offer. Oaxaca is also the mezcal center of Mexico try "pechuga" which is distilled across a turkey imparting a distinctive umami flavor. Me Encanta Jalatlaco is my favourite Airbnb in Oaxaca. Learn how to create your own. It is also packed with galleries and coffee shops too. Easily the most overhyped city, particularly for living here. No worries! Oaxaca is one of the most intriguing destinations in Mexico. It's just too overrated and won't meet your expectations. Its a bit off the beaten path for most Oaxaca travelers who prefer being in the city centre but if you want to live like a local, this is one of the best neighborhoods Oaxaca has for that. The other areas of the city which every Samantha, Bryan, and pink-haired person named Leaf have mentioned are all worth visiting and enjoying, but just stay in Lomas. ), and in the summer you frequently can catch a free concert. Whatever happens in Oaxaca City, happens in downtown, so this is THE place to be when you visit Oaxaca. Set in El Llano, this three-star hotel is within walking distance of the city centres quirky bars, family-run restaurants, and a beautiful park. Oaxaca is the largest city and capital of the state of Oaxaca. In every neighborhood of Oaxaca City, youll find lively art, delicious food and mezcal that packs a punch Kelli Hayden / Shutterstock, Our guide to Oaxacas coolest neighborhoods. Hollywood (esp. We have taken 15 trips to Munich and in all 15 trips we have taken a day trip to Saltzburg. Dine on authentic Mexican fare at Caf Blason. North of Santo Domingo and across Hwy 190 is the compact neighborhood of Barrio de Xochimilco, Oaxaca's oldest. There are also three markets taking up several blocks south of the Zocalo: Mercado Benito Jurez is particularly good for cooking ingredients youll want to use at home, such as a bewildering collection of moles, Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a bustling food market selling fresh produce, while the Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca sells a mix of mass-produced souvenirs and some quality regional crafts. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! But, after staying here for a month, I'm ready to move on. West of the city centre is Jalatlaco. Several hip coffee shops are a nod to the neighborhoods recent gentrification, and its a bit of art enclave as well; youll see plenty of colorful street murals. Colectivos, shared taxis that run along fixed routes in and around Oaxaca, are cheaper than regular cabs, but you'll be squeezed into a car with at least three other passengers, so social distancing pretty much goes out the window. Here's what you should know before you go. Here, youll find yourself surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the citys most famous historical attractions and landmarks. It feels like there is a growing nomad community, but it's more of NYC/LA types than down to earth vagabonds. Quiet, less population, no dust, and most importantly, you can avoid the broke Americans from Bushwick or WeHo who eat at Orinoco every night to save money. Santo Domingo is a small neighbourhood north of the city centre that packs a big punch. Enjoy a sweet and refreshing treat from Helado Frito Oaxaca. In Reforma, youll have authentic local restaurants (like the amazing Itanoni), as well as international dining options and boutique hotels. Easy access to beaches in Long Island and New Jersey. Centrally located in Jalatlaco, Oaxacas hippest hood, this hotel has comfortable rooms, modern features, a swimming pool, a sundeck and free wifi. Zocalo is quieter at night than Santo Domingo, and Barrio de la Noria is even better in that respect, and not too far from Centros attractions. This guide is written with you in mind for an unforgettable adventure. The website Accessible Mexico has listings and maps of Oaxaca eating establishments and sights with wheelchair access; for additional information, see Lonely Planet's accessible travel resources. Re: Visiting Salzburg from Munich for the day. The surfing was good but even in August there are a lot of people in this sml but developing town. However, if you use the same travel common sense you would when visiting any new place, you should be just fine in Oaxaca. Take a Oaxaca Cooking Class 3. Its also well-connected to other areas, making it a great base for exploring further afield. The most important thing about any kind of trip is making sure youre safe. Within Oaxaca City itself, you can see the highlights in 2-3 full days. The Jalatlaco Neighborhood. Its also one of its most culturally-rich, famed for lively festivals and yummy food but theres much more to the story. I started wearing a mask outside at day 7 because it was tough to breathe. I stayed in Jalatlaco, a foodie district and I can say that I am blown away by the experience staying in Oaxaca. Oaxaca is a city of arts, in its style, vibe and people it attracts. Next, get cultured at theMuseo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, a first-rate museum housing a treasure trove of ancient Mixtec and Zapotec artifacts. Both are within easy walking distance from Oaxacas many cultural attractions museums, art galleries, markets, etc so you just have to decide whether you want to be closer to the nightlife and upscale restaurants of Santo Domingo, or the more casual dining and quieter streets around Zocalo. The leisurely and highly sociable 90-minute outing covers about 8km (5 miles). It lies at an altitude of 1,555 m, so in winter nights are cold and days are warm. La Noria is our best recommendation for where to stay in Oaxaca with kids. As Mexicos largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. Mundo Ceiba rents bikes and organizes the Paseo Nocturno, a communal nighttime ride traversing the cobbled streets of downtown. Maps of Mexico As the sun sets, the streets of fill with people looking for a good time. Verde means green and it is the color of the quarry used to build the impressive colonial architecture of the time. Despite its small size, deciding where to stay in Oaxaca can be a little tricky. Its okay expensive now even for foreigners. Make the Most of Five Days in Oaxaca City Indulge in fresh, delicious and flavorful Mexican fare at El Bicho Pobre. Join a global community of remote workers living around the world, Tip: Hold CTRL and drag mouse to pan around the map, Where to Stay in San Cristbal de las Casas. Just dont forget to keep your senses open. Its slightly out from the centre and offers cheaper accommodation, while not being too far from all the action. This beautiful Airbnb combines comfort and beauty with a fantastic location in Oaxaca city. If youre considering a Oaxaca Airbnb, also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. West of the city center is Jalatlaco. There's a free children's Museum, a children's library, plenty of indoor play spaces, lovely playgrounds and the culture itself loves kids. The heart of Oaxaca, a.k.a. Stroll the cobblestone streets, enjoy the breathtaking buildings, and see many of the top Oaxaca attractions, like the Santo Domingo Church and Oaxaca Botanical Garden two of the top sites in Downtown Oaxaca City. Its a quiet and low-key neighborhood, with small, wallet-friendly eateries serving traditional fare; you can also buy fried grasshoppers and tamales at the Mercado de Pochote. The compact grid of streets that makes up Barrio de la Noria borders Centro to the southeast, along Calle la Noria, framed by Calle de Armenta y Lpez to the west, Calle Gonzles Ortega to the east, and Hwy 175 to the south. What's the point of rooftop pools at high-rise condos and hotels if there's a persistent haze in the sky and you can't see the sun? Dachau, Bavaria - Wikipedia Sip, sample and learn all about mezcal at. Great restaurants, Broadway plays (! Jalatlaco is our top pick. Last updated: 2023-05-01T05:52:55+00:00. So you can tailor your visit to maximise your experience. Oaxaca is a university town, so there are lot's of young people out on the town late at night. Visit Casa de la Ciudad, a community centre that offers a variety of creative and artistic exhibits. Good midrange and budget options can also be found in the outlying barrios of Xochimilco, Jalatlaco and Noria, on the outskirts of Oaxacas centre. It has a wonderfully peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Ultimate Guide of Where to Stay in Oaxaca Eternal Expat From the avenue outside the 1st-class bus station, "Jurez" buses will take you three blocks east of the Zcalo, while the "Tinoco y Palacios" line plies a route three blocks west of the main square. Its right by the historic center where youll be flooded by mezcal bars, international restaurants, and live music. Rent, Love BCN, if you have a good income, in my opinion overall is the best city to live in. Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Oaxaca city and where to stay. 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. This Airbnb is perfect for a big family, furnished with style and charm. This neighbourhood is the heart, soul and centre of the city. This neighbourhood is the heart and soul of the city and is the best place to be if youre keen to be at the center of the action. Tips for driving in Oaxaca: Should you decide to drive in the congested city center, keep in mind that many downtown streets have no stop signs or traffic lights but most motorists in Oaxaca abide by "uno por uno" etiquette, meaning the first vehicle to arrive at an intersection has the right of way. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. The other half of Centro, Santo Domingo, several blocks north of the Zocalo and north of Calle Independencia, is centred on the imposing Santo Domingo church. If youre looking for hotels within all the best parts of town, check out these guides: When it comes to where to stay in Oaxaca City, you cant go wrong with downtown. While much of the crime in Oaxaca (and Mexico in general) is confined to cartel on cartel violence, occasional violent robberies do take place. Look for the vivid Day of the Deadinspired murals by Bouler; the work of this talented Oaxacan artist also graces the exterior ofCasa Curtidura, a character-filled hotel one block south of the 17th-century Templo de San Matas. Our top pick for where to stay in Oaxaca with kids, this neighbourhood offers a great escape from hustle and bustle while still being within walking distance of the city centre. I generally work from home, but we recently rented a small conference room for a meeting. Final Thoughts: Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City, Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download, Best Memelas Oaxaca: Where to Find Them in 2023, 15 Best Oaxaca Nature Tours for Outdoor Enthusiasts [2023], 11 Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours Youll Want to Take in 2023, 17 Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City in 2023, 11 Best Cooking Classes in Oaxaca Mexico in 2023, Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca: 15 Must-Try Mezcal Bars in 2023. Need a visual to understand where all the best neighborhoods to stay in Oaxaca are located? If you're heading to El Tule, Teotitln del Valle or Mitla, pile into a colectivo waiting on the main road just east of the Vasconcelos baseball stadium. Centro, Oaxacas historical heart is where youll find the overwhelming majority of Oaxacas best hotels in all budget ranges. Many of the best things to do in town can be found here. The best way to secure yourself before your trip is with trusty travel insurance for Mexico. It is like a watered-down version of mexican culture. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. There are some very posh, I spent 4 months working here during summertime. Please suggest the best and easiest way to do this. Oaxaca is full or arts, artisans and creatives. Noreste de la Ciudad, Jalatlaco, Oaxaca, Oax.. 68000. Zocalo, is where all the action is. This hostel is the perfect base for travellers and digital nomads visiting Oaxaca. Youve come to the right place because this article highlights the seven best Oaxaca neighborhoods for tourists, travelers and visitors. If you hate the heat, avoid the hottest months of April to May so you have an enjoyable Oaxaca vacation. Santo Domingo Oaxaca City 4. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Oaxacan companies, so you get the best rates. Based on other reviews, I must be the only person on the planet who thinks Thai street food is just ok. To call it amazing? It tells stories of Mexico, its residents and their struggles. But aside from that, it can get really boring like a mexican suburbia. Centro is also one of the best areas to stay in Oaxaca to soak in the citys glorious atmosphere. The colors and architecture of the buildings really give a European vibe, not to mention the cobblestone roads. If youre doing Oaxaca day trips, a rental car or group tour is your best bet, and I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences. Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license, excluding photos, directions and the map. Now, thats not to say bad things dont happen here; they do. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Xochimilco is the place to go to check out traditional textile workshops, where fine weaving is often practised by many generation of the same family. In my opinion, it has a Chiang Mai vibe except smaller and cleaner. Mexico. Big expat community and a very diverse city. Oaxaca - Google My Maps However, nowhere is totally safe. Where to Stay in Oaxaca (Best Neighborhoods & Places, 2023) City feels super safe, even at nigh! How did SF get scored #98 on Nomad score? While Oaxaca City is a fun, festive place, it is also quite loud. Youre likely to spend most of your time in Oaxacas historical heart a logical and easy-to-navigate grid of streets, lined with centuries-old architecture. What you wont find are luxury hotels with posh rooms; for those, head to downtown. When deciding where to stay, consider this centrally located area one of your best options as its not only jam-packed with sights but also with accommodations for all budgets, including such tasteful B&Bs asCasa de las Bugambilias andLa Betulia. Browse contemporary art at the Museo de Los Pintores Oaxaqueos. Neighborhood Map of Oaxaca by 171 locals. Wondering, Is there an airport in Oaxaca City? 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. If youre wondering about the best area to live in Oaxaca City, this is one of them. This neighbourhood is highly decorated with colour and art, in a stunning Mexican fashion. Antigua is amazing, very safe and lots of amazing food to eat out at. Oaxaca Neighborhood Map Re: Best neighborhood to stay in Oaxaca City. Sip a coffee at Bor Bon Coffee Tea Snack. Centro Historico Oaxaca is the main tourist hub, brimming with activity and history and its actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site!