Heading to Oaxaca and clueless on which neighbourhood to stay in? I’ve been there too and I got you. The good news is that although Oaxaca is a big city with a population of 300,000, the central neighbourhoods where travellers stay are all within walking distance of everything you’ll want to see.
So no matter what neighbourhood you pick below, you’ll be grand, and won’t be missing out on the real Oaxacan experience.
So let’s try and wittle down the best neighbourhood in Oaxaca that most suits you and your needs. Are you after a local, low-key neighbourhood with budget accommodation? Or are you looking to splash the cash and be in the thick of everything? As you read through this article, keep in mind what’s most important to you.
Here’s my low-down on the neighbourhoods of Oaxaca and FAQs to help you decide where to stay.
Centro | close to the action
Perfect for: short stays, first timers, backpackers
Centro is Oaxaca’s historical core, registered as a UNESCO heritage site in 1987; it’s a sweet base for short stays and first-timers in Oaxaca. You’ll find Zócalo here, the pumping heart of Oaxaca, a tree-shaded plaza alongside the Cathedral of Oaxaca. No matter what time of day, this area is a perfect spot for people-watching.
While its close to all the galleries, museums and markets, if you love your sleep and prefer a more local vibe, check out the other neighbourhoods below.
Neighbourhood highlights:
- Mercado Benito Juarez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre
- La Casa del Mezcal: 100 year old mezcal bar
- Muss Cafe: coffee shop
- Tacos Roy : low key local taco joint
Stay at:
- Iguana Hostal Oaxaca ($)
- Tichuchi Hostal ($)
- Co.404 (for digital nomads)
- Ayook ($$)
- Hotel Casa Barrocco ($$)
- Casa de Sierra Azul ($$)
Santo Domingo | stunning architecture and close to the action
Perfect for: first timers, couples, friends, familes
Santo Domingo is located in the northern part of Centro, by this, I mean everything north of Avenida de la Independencia. It’s definitely the most sought neighbourhood to stay in Oaxaca as it’s arguably the most beautiful and Oaxaca’s cultural zone, home to the best bars, coffee shops and restaurants.
It’s the most scenic and preserved area, full of colour and colonial architecture and the best place to stay if you don’t mind splashing the cash.
If you’re looking to party in Oaxaca, you’ll find the best nightlife here. I’m talking rooftop mezcal bars, craft microbreweries and fancy cocktail bars.
Neighbourhood highlights:
- Boulenc: amazing bakery
- El Destilado: delish tasting menu
- La Mezcalerita: rooftop bar
- Tlayudas Las Animas: best tlayudas in a sweet courtyard
- Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Stay at:
- Casa Angel Hostel ($)
- Grana B&B ($$)
- Quinta Real ($$$)
El Llano | local life and home to Parque Juarez
- Tacos Del Llano: street stand MXN 14 tacos
- Typica Coffee
- Hotel Casa Maguey ($)
- Hotel Las Mariposas ($)
Barrio de Jalatlaco | cool, arty neighbourhood
Perfect for: families, couples, travellers looking for local vibes
This proud local neighbourhood is originally a Zapotec village that comes alive on Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Only 10 minutes walk from Centro; it’s a steal if you find a banging accommodation deal in Jalatlaco.
On our first day in Oaxaca, we took a 1hr street art tour with Ricardo, a cool guy offering tours from Iguana Hostel. At the end of the tour, he took a polaroid of us outside our favourite graffiti spot, which was a nice keepsake! I’m not sure if he’s still running tours, but I know Oaxaca by Locals runs a tip-based street tour. Check out more info here.
Everywhere you turn in this neighbourhood, you’ll find stunning murals painted on the side of houses, cafes and restaurants. As you walk around, try to spot the works of Bouler (@bouleroaxaca) and Irving Cano (@irvingcanoart), two residents and renowned graffitist in Jalatlaco.
- Every street because they’re all bloody beautiful
- Templo San Matias of Jalatlaco
- Boulenc pan y cafe: bakery
- Los Pilares ($)
- Paraje La Huerta ($$)
- Hotel Tabáa ($$$)
Barrio de Xochimilco | where history meets modernity
Perfect for: families, couples
If you fancy staying close to the action but away from the downtown bustle, Xochimilco is the best neighbour to stay in Oaxaca. Located only 20 minutes walk from Centro and the oldest neighbourhood in Oaxaca, it’s a real gem.
As well as being home to the 18th-century aqueduct, there’s no shortage of hipster cafes, restaurants and rooftops bars to spend some dreamy hours.
Like Jalatlaco, Xochimilco is also home to the city’s best graffiti murals.
The stroll from Xochimilco is a beaut one. Once you leave the tranquil neighbourhood, cross the busy main road and follow the Viaduct along the cobbled street of Ruffino Tamayo to Centro. You’ll honestly feel like you’re on a film set at times. The beauty doesn’t seem real.
Neighbourhood highlights:
- Cafe El Empedrado
- A.M. Siempre: courtyard brunch
- Antique Cafe: secret garden vibes
- Petit Cafe
Stay at:
Reforma | as local as you're gonna get
Perfect for: travellers looking for local vibes
Reforma is definitely the least touristy place of all the neighbourhoods in Oaxaca as mostly locals living here.
If you intend to stay for an extended period, Reforma is a good option to get a sweet deal on accommodation and be close to authentic restaurants and bars with local prices. That’s what we love right?
- Taco Sireno: get the grilled cheese with shrimp and ceviche – thank me later!
- Cafetería Liboria: breakfast spot
- Ese Lunar Que Tienes Cafe
- Casa los Cantaros Hotel Boutique ($$)
- Check out Airbnb or FB groups for a good long term deal
Barrio de La Noria | low-key base
Neighbourhood highlights:
Stay at:- Azul Cielo Hostel ($)
- Casa El Mundo ($)
Panorámica del Fortín | neighbourhood with a view
- Las Brujas espacio cultural
- Garnachero Impostor: view & tasty tacos
where to stay in Oaxaca?
1. Best area backpackers to stay in Oaxaca?
2. Best hostels for backpackers in Oaxaca?
You’re spoilt for the choice of hostels in Oaxaca because there are some pretty banging hostels. But, of course, they all have different vibes and price ranges. My favourites are:
- Azul Cielo Hostel: For chill, social vibes. It has a beautiful outdoor-esque common space and lots of activities.
- Co.4o4: if you’re a nomad working remotely, Co.404 is, without a doubt, the place you need to stay. The OG one is in San Cristobal and where Marius and I met. It’s the loveliest and homeliest coworking ever, honestly, the best.
- Maka MX: central hostel in the centre with a rooftop pool
- Tichuchi Hostal:party vibes with a pool
3. Best place to stay for couples in Oaxaca?
Santo Domingo is unarguably the most romantic area to stay in Oaxaca. Home to some of the most beautiful hotels, coffee shops, bars and restaurants, the cultural centre of Oaxaca, and UNESCO architecutre makes it a dreamy spot for couples.
But heads up, accommodation is a little more expensive in Santo Domingo than in other neighbourhoods. So if you have a lower budget, I’d consider staying in more local spots: Barrio de Jalatlaco, around El Llano or Barrio de La Noria.
4. Best place to stay for families in Oaxaca?
There is not a family area in Oaxaca per se, but there are neighbourhoods like Barrio de Jalataco or Barrio de Xochimilco, which make a perfect base for families. Both neighbourhoods are out of the chaos of the centre but only 15 minutes from all the hotspots.
They are both home to some beautiful cafes and restaurants and have really affordable accommodation options.
5. Safest neighbourhood to stay in Oaxaca?
Oaxaca generally has a low crime rate in comparison to other cities in Mexico. All the neighbourhoods I mentioned above (Centro, Santo Domingo, El Llano, Barrio de Jalatlaco, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de la Noria, Panorámica del Fortín) are pretty safe.
The area that I’d particularly avoid staying in Oaxaca is around the public bus station. This place gave me the creeps whenever we’d have to catch a local bus to Hiere el Aqua, for example.
6. Is Oaxaca safe?
As I mentioned above, Oaxaca generally has a low crime rate. From experience, I always felt safe walking around Oaxaca. But to be safe, wherever you’re staying, ask the staff or owner of your Airbnb for the latest up-to-date safety advice.
For example, the weeks before I travelled to Oaxaca, I lived in Puerto Escondido and met many backpackers travelling from Oaxaca. They reported that tourists were being targeted and robbed when walking home at night.
When I finally reached the city, the hostel staff told me it was true that in the previous weeks, “tourists were being targeted at random by a particular gang”. They said to be on the safe side: don’t carry around bulks of cash, wear expensive jewellery or wave around a camera or iPhone, avoid poorly-lit streets; take a taxi back to your hotel at night if you feel unsafe.
I always want to keep this blog real, so I’ll never bullshit you. If you use your common sense, take a taxi when your intuition tells you to, and ask the locals for as much advice as possible. Then you’ll be grand.
I hope this guide and FAQs helped you find the perfect neighbourhood to stay in Oaxaca. As always, my inbox is open if you need any further advice!
