This Vibrant Mexican City Is One of the Best Cities in the World for Food Lovers—Here’s How to Plan a Visit

Oaxaca de Juárez is a vibrant city where ancient Zapotec traditions meet contemporary creativity. Travelers often come for the rich cuisine—think mole, tlayudas, and smoky mezcal—but it’s the warmth of its people that makes it unforgettable.

With its ever-expanding food and drink scene, Oaxaca de Juárez has rightfully earned its place as one of the world’s premiere culinary destinations—so much so that it was named the best city in the world in Travel + Leisure’s 2023 World’s Best Awards and one of the top 5 cities in Mexico in 2025. But the southwestern Mexican city offers more than just outstanding cuisine. Often simply referred to as Oaxaca (not to be confused with the surrounding state of the same name), the city enchants with its colorful festivals, artisanal markets, and striking architecture.

“Oaxaca is the heart of Mexico, and we have it all: 570 municipalities, 8 regions and 14 dialects, all the micro climates, and almost all of the ingredients that makes our food unique in the world. We have the mountains, we have the ocean—we have it all,” said Omar Alonso, a Oaxaca native and owner of Live Oaxaca.

Having it all means Oaxaca is a city that offers layers of experiences for all kinds of travelers. “It is a quintessential and magical destination that combines culture, nature, and adventure, with a year-round spring-like climate due to its idyllic location nestled into a fertile valley of the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains,” Zachary Rabinor, a T+L A-list advisor and CEO of Journey Mexico, a luxury travel agency that specializes in trips to Mexico, told T+L. “It offers a charming, pedestrian-friendly UNESCO World Heritage Site city center with impressive architecture, museums, markets, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, while the surrounding valleys harbor incredible Indigenous villages that conserve century-old artisan traditions, dress, language, culture, and lifestyles.”

Best Hotels and Resorts

Oaxaca boasts a diverse array of places to stay, so there’s something for every type of traveler. Below are a few T+L favorites.

Casa Santo Origen

Just 15 minutes from Oaxaca’s historic center, Casa Santo Origen is an elegant eight-room hideaway tucked into the Sierra Norte foothills. Each suite features artisinal details with modern comforts. Some rooms even have private plunge pools and sweeping valley views. Entre Sombras, the on-site restaurant next to the property’s infinity pool, has Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a local twist.

Quinta Real Oaxaca

Set in a restored 15th-century convent in the heart of Oaxaca City, Quinta Real Oaxaca has arched stone corridors, leafy courtyards, and centuries-old frescoes creating a serene backdrop just steps from the city’s cultural landmarks. The 91-room hotel offers a pool, refined Oaxacan dining, and the occasional Guelaguetza performances in its chapel-turned-event space.

Casa Silencio

Tucked in to the serene Valley of Xaaga, about an hour away from Oaxaca City, Casa Silencio is a six-suite design-forward property created by the founders of Mezcal El Silencio. The property blends sustainability with luxury, as each suite channels natural elements—Agua, Tierra, Fuego—through locally crafted textiles and furnishings. Guests can tour the on-site distillery, enjoy mezcal tastings and open-fire dinners, and absorb panoramic views over agave fields and the Sierra Madre.

Flavia Hotel

If you’re looking for a more excluded getaway, Flavia Hotel is nestled in the hills of San Felipe del Agua just 20 minutes outside of downtown. The brutalist building has 11 rooms of varying sizes and views, but one standout suite is the subterranean bunker room with no windows. The hotel’s on-site restaurant has an infinity pool with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect escape for those who want to be away from the action and have a quiet ambiance, but also remain a short drive from the city center.

Best Things to Do

Within Oaxaca, Rabinor recommends setting aside a full day to simply wander and soak in the city’s historic core. “Take your time strolling through the market and be sure to try pan de yema con chocolate,” said Rabinor. “Find a spot in one of the many plazas and enjoy people-watching, as it’s not uncommon to witness a colorful calenda (street procession) happening at any time of the week. These processions are part of the numerous festivals that celebrate various personal and communal events in the lives of the local community.”

The city also offers a wealth of cultural institutions that deepen the experience. The Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, established in 1831, is a must-visit for those interested in the region’s Indigenous roots. Its 14 permanent exhibits span millenia, showcasing everything from ancient arrowheads to insights into contemporary local life. Just a short walk away, the Oaxaca Textile Museum—set in a beautifully restored 19th century mansion—displays an array of vibrant weavings and garments, offering a colorful glimpse into the area’s artisanal traditions.

While there’s no shortage of things to do—garden lovers should stroll the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca; food enthusiasts should take a cooking class at La Cocina de Humo; and art aficionados will find inspiration atthe Centro de las Artes de San Agustín—here are some other standout activities to consider when visiting Oaxaca.

Fundacion en Via Tours

Book an education tour through non-profit Fundacion en Via Tours, which promotes responsible tourism. Its funds give interest-free loans, business training, and education workshops to female entrepreneurs in six Zapotec communities in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. The bilingual tours include round-trip transportation from Oaxaca City, traditional meal shared in one of the women’s homes, and community visits.

“Our programs are primarily funded through our Responsible Tourism initiative, which creates meaningful opportunities for travelers to engage with and directly support the women in our program,” Izmir Luna, a coordinator with Fundación En Vía, told T+L. “Every tour we offer is built around respect for local culture, language, and leadership. When travelers join a tour, they are not only learning from the women entrepreneurs—they are helping to fund interest-free loans and educational programs that support sustainable development in the region.”

Walking Food Tour With Oaxacking

Alonso has been guiding visitors through the Oaxaca food scene for 12 years. “Our food tour is designed to showcase the full spectrum of Oaxacan cuisine in a way that feels both immersive and approachable,” says Alonso. The experience isa four-hour walking tour that typically begins in the morning, though afternoon departures are also available during high season.

Travelers meet in a coffee shop and make their way toward the Mercado de Abastos, the biggest in the state, making stops along the way at restaurants and vendors. The tour ends at a bar where guests can try craft cocktails and Mexican wine. “This food tour was everything I dreamed of and more,” Luis Luna, an Austin native, told T+L. “Our guide was a legend, the food was next-level amazing, the mezcal was always flowing, and somehow I ended up with new friends and a full stomach every five minutes.”

For those more interested in spirits, there’s also a full-day mezcal tour that dives deep into the heart of production. “This one’s for mezcal lovers or anyone interested in learning everything about,” Alonso said of the journey, which visits two different villages to explore both ancestral (distilled in clay pots) and artisanal (distilled in copper) techniques.

Mitla and Hierve el Agua

High in the mountain of Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua is an otherworldly site to see and scenic escape from the city. The petrified waterfalls have turquoise pools perched on cliff edges. Here, visitors can soak in the warm spring waters while enjoying views of the seemingly endless valley. As for the science of how the formation came into existence: the mineral-rich water spilled over the cliffs leaving a calcium residue that hardened, creating the rock formations. Pro-tip: Head directly to Hierve el Agua first thing in the. morning and make your way back to the city with stops in Mitla and Teotitlán del Valle.

Monte Albán

Rising more than 1,300 feet above the Oaxaca Valley, Monte Albán is the second-largest ceremonial site in Central America. This ancient city offers sweeping views and a glimpse into pre-Columbian life, with its terraced pyramid, carved stone monuments, and sacred plazas that are still largely intact. Built by the Zapotecs—an Indigenous civilization believed to have inhabited the region as early as 500 B.C.E—the site is one of the most important archaeological wonders in Mexico. “Monte Albán is not only a treasure of ancient history, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds significant importance in understanding the cultural heritage of Oaxaca and the surrounding region,” Rabinor said.

Mezcal Experiences

Rooted in Indigenous practices dating back 400 years, mezcal was first distilled by Zapotec and Mixtec communities using clay stills and underground ovens. Rabinor notes that these types of activities support local communities that rely on the industry, help people “understand the hard work and history that goes behind producing [mezcal], and let travelers ‘learn and appreciate one of the world’s most complex spirits.'” Today, Oaxaca is the heartland of mezcal production. Some must-visit spots include Mezcalería In Situ, El Distilado, Selva, and Puro Burro, but for a deeper dive, don’t miss out on popping into a palenque (farm distilleries).

Visit the Nearby Towns

Rabinor recommends not skipping the artisan communities outside of town, such as San Martín Tilcajete, San Bartolo Coyotepec, and Teotitlán del Valle. “This is where skilled communities create exquisite works of art, including colorful alebrijes (wooden figurines), intricate black pottery, and vibrant textiles,” Rabinor said. (If you’re looking to create a perfect streamlined day, get a driver or rent a car, and pop into Alfosina for lunch, visit San Bartolo Coyotepac for the black pottery, and then make your way to San Martín Tilcajete for alebrijes. If the timing aligns, go to Almú Tilcajete for dinner before heading back.)

Best Shopping

Oaxaca is filled with small boutique shops selling handmade goods (think sandals, bags, homeware, and other trinkets) for every budget. Alonso’s top shopping spots are Rocinante, Silvia Suarez, Atavío, Cooperativa Familiar, Huizache, and Casa de las Artesanias. (All sales from the latter two go directly to the artisans.) For ceramics, you can pop into Barrios García’s TK, TK, or TK.

Grab a bottle of your favorite mezcal or some local beans as a food souvenir. For perishable treats, visit Suculenta for salsa macha and jams; and Panadería El Nanchalito, a second-generational bakery with traditional sweet breads like conchas, polvorones, and pan de manteca.

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is often lauded for its food scene. Some classic dishes to add to your list, Alonso says, are Oaxacan hot chocolate or chocolate ice cream from El Rito, memelas with morita peppers and green tomatillo with an over easy egg at Doña Vale; Michelada at La Giralda; Chilaquiles with Birria from Xaok; and Chorizo Taco with green salsa from Tacos del Carmen.

First time visitors should consider popping into Mercado 20 de Noviembre, a bustling market famous for vendors that cook your freshly ordered meat right in front of you over open flames. It’s a sensory feast and perfect for a first-time visitor. And for a vegetarian friendly option, head over to Mercado Organico La Cosecha.

• Bakeries: Oaxaca’s pastry scene is blossoming. Bodaega, Boulenc, and Adobe Mestizo. “Surprisingly, the best croissant I’ve had in a while was in Oaxaca,” Hope Willow, a New York City-based chef, told T+L. “Each unassuming bakery offered an Instagram worthy assortment of both local delicacies and traditional French pastries. I expected to be wowed by the tiny food stands littering the streets, but the baked goods were the highlight of my vacation.”
• Tacos: Hit up Chemita, El Lechoncito de Oro, Tacos Del Carmen, and TK.
• Mezcal Bars: Selva Cocktail Bar; Sabina Sabe; Cuish; Endémico; In Situ Mezcaleria; Mezcaloteca
• Coffee Shops: Kiyo Cafe; Cafebre; Muss Cafe; Terno; Yegolè Café; Sagrado Filemón; Pan con Madre; and Nono Café.
• Restaurants: Alonso told T+L that his personal favorites include: Xaok; Levadura de Olla; Terraza Istmo; La Cevicheria; Origen; and Tierra del Sol. Other great restaurants include Alfonsina, Crudo, and Casa Oaxaca.

Best Time to Visit

Alonso says there’s no “best time” to visit Oaxaca: “The beauty of it is in the villages , markets, mezcal distilleries, art galleries, restaurants, bars, streets, and everywhere. We welcome everyone 365 days.” Rabinor echoes that sentiment, adding that the best time to visit Oaxaca depends on your personal preferences for weather, crowds, and cultural events.

Though the city generally enjoys warm, sunny days year-round, the rain seasons runs from May through September. During this time, you can expect occasional showers and higher humidity, but it also “offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors.” July, for example, is a particularly vibrant (and busier) month, as it coincides with Guelaguetza, the Indigenous cultural festival known as Lunes del Cerro or “Mondays on the Hill.”

Early November is another especially popular time to visit. With the dry season just beginning, the weather is pleasantly mild and idea for exploring. It also marks the celebration of Dia de Muertos, when the city and surrounding villages come alive with music, color, and marigold-decked altars, offering a deeply moving and joyful glimpse into one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions.

How to Get There

The best way to visit Oaxaca is by flying into Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Xoxocotlán. Travelers from the U.S. can take advantage of nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) on Volaris, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) on American Airlines, and Houston (IAH) on United Airlines. Alternatively, those arriving from other U.S. cities can connect through Guadalajara (GDL) or Mexico City (MEX), with onward flights Oaxaca offered by domestic carrier such as Aeroméxico or Viva Aerobus.

How to Get Around

While having access to a vehicle would be handy for visiting sites outside the city, Oaxaca is pretty walkable and you can always hire a local car service to drive you to farther destinations. Cabs are readily available for securing transportation within the downtown area, but if you want to hail via smartphone, download DiDi.

To travel to and from the airport, you can take a taxi or bus if you’re not renting a car. The taxi stand at the airport offers fixed rates to different parts of the city depending on whether you’re booking a private cab or a collectivo.

Local Etiquette and Culture

• Be mindful that not everyone will be fluent in English and as a guest in Mexico, consider downloading a translation app to bridge the communication gap if you’re not fluent in Spanish.
• When visiting markets or before photographing vendors, it’s best practice to get consent: “Puedo tomar un photo?” is how to ask “May I take a photo?”
• As for tipping, Alonso said 10-15 percent is standard, while noting that its best to tip in cash.