Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting? 11 Reasons To Visit This Magical City
Is Oaxaca worth visiting?
Yes! If you have been contemplating taking a Oaxaca vacation, then I’m here to provide all the top reasons why Oaxaca is not only a good place to visit but should be on your bucket list.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Oaxaca a few times and spent a total of four weeks exploring all the best that Oaxaca has to offer.
Oaxaca is a place you can’t help but fall in love with as its charm casts a spell on you from the moment you arrive.
Oaxaca is the culinary capital of the world with vibrant colors everywhere you look, a fascinating indigenous culture, and home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites that should not be missed.
So, if you aren’t convinced yet whether Oaxaca is worth visiting keep reading as I share why you want to start planning your trip to Oaxaca now.
Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting? 11 Reasons It Is!
1. Oaxacan Food Is Incredible
Oaxacan food is by far the most unique style of cuisine in Mexico and from any other country I’ve been to.
Once you have tasted dishes from Oaxaca you get why it consistently ranks as the “gastronomical capital of the world”.
The use of spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits that can only be found in Oaxaca are just some of the reasons why it stands out.
Plus, with generations of perfecting recipes and a love for their heritage really play into the top-notch quality of food here.
As you begin sampling the various foods from Oaxaca, your taste buds won’t know what hit them with an explosion of flavors you can’t get enough of.
And it may be the first time your palette has ever tasted the very distinct ingredients. A few of the traditional Oaxacan foods to try are:
- Mole – 7 official variations but there are numerous variations to try.
- Tlayuda – Commonly referred to as the Mexican pizza but nothing like the Italian version.
- Tamales Oaxaquenos – A delicious Oaxacan style tamale!
- Memelas – A thick blue corn tortilla that is a cross between a tostada and a taco.
- Chapulines – Yes, grasshoppers! They are a tasty, salty snack.
READ MORE: Top Oaxacan Drinks & Foods That You Must Try!
2. Incredible Cultural Experiences
If you enjoy immersing yourself into the culture of a destination, then you will love traveling to Oaxaca.
On the surface level, you might expect the Mexican culture you have experienced in other regions of the country as what you’ll encounter in Oaxaca.
But Oaxaca is a place where you can see a true blend of cultures combining the Mexican and Indigenous traditions to form a rather unique experience.
The two main indigenous people that you will hear a lot about in Oaxaca are the Zapotecs and Mixtecs.
One of the best ways to experience these indigenous cultures are to visit the nearby villages surrounding Oaxaca City.
Each village is know for its specialty such as textile weaving, black pottery, making mezcal, and colorful alebrijes (wooden figurines).
In each of these villages you are able to watch local men and women making the various crafts via manual methods such as using local plants to dye the threads in weaving.
I highly recommend taking a tour out to a few of these villages as the craftsmanship is superb and it is an insightful way to learn about the culture first hand from the people themselves.
If you are short on time, these are the top 3 villages for cultural experiences:
- Teotitlan del Valle (rugs and textile weaving)
- San Bartolo Coyotepec (black pottery)
- San Martin Tilcajete (alebrijes, wooden figurines)
3. The Colonial Architecture
It’s no surprise that Oaxaca City has a very European feel to it as most of the buildings and churches were built when the Spaniards colonized Mexico.
The craftsmanship and intricate details that went into the design of these buildings is quite remarkable.
The Spanish also influenced the style of the homes, with courtyards in the center of every home and now many hotels.
Added touches such as elaborate doorways, wrought iron balconies, and windows, along cobblestone streets really add to the charm of Oaxaca City.
As you are strolling down one of many picturesque streets or squares, you’ll find the city has a very romantic vibe about it.
And I think a lot of that has to do with the iconic colonial architecture that makes the perfect backdrop for any photo.
4. A Rich & Ancient History
Oaxaca’s history goes much further back than before the country officially became Mexico.
Going back a few thousand years ago, the indigenous cultures called the region of Oaxaca home with the two most notable, the Zapotecs and Mixtecs.
They primarily lived in the Valles Centrales or the valleys around Oaxaca City.
But it wasn’t until 1495 when the Aztecs invaded and soon after, the Spanish came in 1519.
The Spanish were the ones that conquered all the people that had lived there prior forcing the Spanish language and Catholic religion upon the indigenous.
Although there has been various power struggles over the years, the region of Oaxaca has held on to their love and pride for their indigenous cultures.
To learn more about the history of Oaxaca, I recommend visiting the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca.
It is the number one museum in Oaxaca that dives deep into its cultural history with several incredible artifacts including those from Tomb #7 (Monte Alban).
Besides taking tours to the villages nearby, my other favorite places to visit in Oaxaca to learn about is history is Monte Alban and the El Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca.
The Museo de las Culturas and El Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca are right next to each other in the historic center of Oaxaca City whereas Monte Alban is a day trip from the city.
5. The Most Welcoming Locals
When you first arrive in Oaxaca, your eyes will quickly be overwhelmed (in a good way) with tons of vibrant color.
For me, I associate these bright colors with happiness, cheerfulness, and hospitality. It’s as if the town is welcoming you with open arms.
But it is the friendliness of the locals that make this town magical. Their warm demeanors and the desire to share their culture with you is priceless.
Oaxacans really do put an emphasis on hospitality and genuinely want to connect with you if you are open to it.
Even if you don’t speak Spanish, make an attempt to learn some basic phrases or use the Google Translate app when you get stuck. Just making the effort goes a long way.
Because the culture is so unique, take the opportunity to learn and ask questions. They will light up and be more than happy to teach you anything about life in Oaxaca.
I found Oaxacans to be very proud of their history and culture but not in an arrogant way which is a bonus.
The top reason it is worth going to Oaxaca, would be for the people. Of course, the food would be a VERY close second!
Tip: In hotels, restaurants, and cafes most locals speak some English but, in the markets or with street vendors don’t expect it.
And when you are in the villages outside of Oaxaca City, many only speak their local indigenous language.
6. Oaxaca Is Very Walkable
When visiting any city, my first question is to figure out how walkable it is and whether I can get around easily.
Thankfully Oaxaca City is a walkable town to get around when you are focusing on the historic city center.
Most of the Oaxaca attractions are in this area so unless you are going on a day trip to the nearby valleys, you’ll have no problem walking around Oaxaca City.
Overall, the city is fairly flat but there is a gradual incline that is quite obvious even though you can barely see it.
You might find yourself out of breath on the upwards incline which has more to do with the altitude than what shape you might be in.
Oaxaca City sits at 5,102 feet (1,555 meters) and can take a day or two for most to acclimate to.
I loved walking out of my hotel with the ability to explore nearby zocalos (squares), churches, museums, restaurants, cafes, and rooftop bars all within a few blocks.
Many afternoons I found myself wandering neighborhoods taking an endless amount of photos and popping into a café in the search of a great coffee.
In the event you would rather not walk, there are taxis everywhere that you can grab if needed.
7. Best Mezcal In The World
Everyone associates great tequila and beer with Mexico, but in the state of Oaxaca mezcal is the spirit of choice.
Without question, Oaxaca makes the best mezcal in the world. So, if you are visiting, doing a mezcal tasting is a must.
I really wasn’t too familiar with mezcal before my first trip to Oaxaca but let’s just say it is now my favorite spirit (tied with Scotch that is).
Mezcal is an alcohol spirit made from various types of agave plants grown in the valleys around Oaxaca City.
Once the agave plant reaches a certain growth or years, the heart of the plant is harvested.
From there, the agave is roasted in the ground, grinded, mashed, and then left to ferment in barrels of copper or clay pots.
Following fermentation, mezcal is distilled twice before it is ready to sip! As the locals taught me, you take tiny sips or little kisses (besos).
The majority of the best mezcal is produced by traditional and manual methods by small family run palenque’s (distillery).
READ: How To Visit A Palenque And Sip The Best Mezcal!
8. Day Of The Dead
Experiencing the Day of the Dead Festival or Dia de los Muertos is the biggest festival in Mexico and a bucket list experience.
For years I had wanted to visit Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead and on my second trip I made it happen.
Oaxaca is also the city in Mexico that has the biggest celebration and really focuses on the meaning and traditions behind the celebration.
Dia de los Muertos is held every year on November 1st and 2nd.
It’s not to be confused with Halloween as it isn’t the same thing contrary to the timing of the holidays.
Festivities for Day of the Dead begin the week leading up to Nov. 1st with it kicking off on the eve of Oct. 31st and continuing through to November 1st and 2nd.
It is a time of the year that locals can remember their loved ones that have passed and celebrate their lives even though they are gone.
Activities involve going to the cemetery, building a beautiful alter, making special foods, and decorating the city unlike anything you have ever seen before.
If you are visiting that week, there are alters all over the squares, courtyards, streets, and decorative doorways getting ready to honor those that have passed.
It is the most colorful sight and a lovely celebration to share in.
Note: I will soon be putting together a detailed guide on attending the Day of the Dead festival in Oaxaca, so sign up for my newsletter below to be the first to get it!
Tip: If you plan to attend, book your hotel a year in advance if you want to stay in the historic center.
9. Oaxaca Is Safe
Many ask after each of my trips whether Oaxaca is safe and without hesitation I say yes.
I have traveled both solo and with others to Oaxaca and I never once felt unsafe or felt nervous of my whereabouts or the people around me.
And I can’t say that about a lot of cities in the world!
That said, I always tell people to use your head and be responsible when traveling to a new city.
Anything can happen anywhere but from my experience, Oaxaca is a very safe city to visit.
As a solo female traveler, I don’t go out late at night unless I am on a tour or close to my hotel but even then, I have never had any issues in Oaxaca.
As you wander the quaint cobblestoned streets of Oaxaca and its popular neighborhoods you can feel comfortable knowing that Oaxaca City is safe for visitors.
Tip: If you have never traveled solo and looking for a destination, Oaxaca is an excellent choice for its safety and all around beauty.
Learn More: Best Travel Tips For Visiting Mexico
10. Spectacular Natural Wonders
I had heard so many amazing things about Oaxaca prior to visiting but the one thing I didn’t fully realize beforehand was the incredible landscape and beauty of the area.
When you are in the city, you’ll see gorgeous green mountains with valleys in between surrounding you.
Within Oaxaca City, I always recommend people visit El Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca as it is a beautiful ethno botanical garden.
Plants and trees here are all from the state of Oaxaca with the cacti garden the highlight to view. And one of the most photographed areas of the city.
One of the best day trips outside of Oaxaca City is the jaw-dropping natural wonder of Hierve el Agua.
From a distance it Hierve el Agua looks like the most beautiful waterfall amidst a dense green jungle.
But as you get closer you realize the “falls” are not flowing water but petrified falls.
As the water cascading over the edge of natural spring pools are rich in calcium carbonate and minerals, it hardens into what looks like a petrified waterfall.
There are several trails to hike around the two main petrified waterfalls with spectacular views of the natural pools and valley below.
As only one of two places in the world where this phenomenon occurs, don’t miss out on visiting when traveling to Oaxaca!
11. Oaxaca Is The Most Unique State
As you have been reading this post, you have likely come to the conclusion that Oaxaca is VERY different from the rest of Mexico.
And if you haven’t traveled a lot throughout the country, take my word for it. In every aspect, the state of Oaxaca couldn’t be more different and in a wonderful way.
Without question, it has the most diverse foods, culture, history, and feeling than other states in Mexico.
It is the one state where culture really shines which is no surprise as there are 16 indigenous cultures within Oaxaca.
Although the Zapotecs and Mixtecs are the most well-known, each community has its own language, traditions, and foods the blend with what we think of as “Mexican”.
The diversity here is quite remarkable and what makes Oaxaca such a special place…
Best Places To Stay In Oaxaca City
All of these hotels listed are in the heart of the historic section and in walking distance to all the top sights except for one which I note below.
You can’t beat their prime location to all the top Oaxaca attractions.
- Hotel Oaxaca Real
- Hotel Marques Del Valle
- Parador de Alcala
- Hotel Los Amantes
- Casa Antonieta
- Casa de Arte – this hotel is a little further outside of the historic area.
Best Oaxaca Tours
There are so many amazing tours in Oaxaca and over a dozen that I have personally done. If you have to narrow it down to only a few, these are ones I loved and very popular.
If you want a detailed break down of all the top tours to go on based on food, culture, and ruins click on my post below!
Monte Alban Half Day Tour – explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Alban with its pyramid structures and fascinating city ruins.
Hierve el Agua, Tule, Mitla, Mezcal – See the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua in addition to the giant Tule tree, the ancient city of Mitla, and sip mezcal at a local distillery.
Authentic Oaxaca Food Tour – Come hungry on this tasty tour as you sample some of the delicious and traditional dishes of Oaxaca!
READ MORE: Best Tours In Oaxaca For Food, Culture, & Fun!
How Many Days In Oaxaca Should You Spend?
If you want to have a full experience of seeing not only the top sights within Oaxaca City and a handful of day trips, then I recommend between 5 to 7 days at minimum.
On each of my trips I spent longer and still wanted more time! But I wouldn’t spend less than 5 days otherwise you will be missing a lot of great activities.
Why Is Oaxaca Famous?
Oaxaca is famous for its very distinctive culture, foods, and history that you won’t find anywhere else in Mexico or even the world.
It is known as the gastronomical capital of the world, producer of the best mezcal, and the most hospitable locals.
So, Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting?
Yes! I hope this post helps you feel more confident on whether or not Oaxaca is worth visiting.
Oaxaca is one of the most unique cities in all of Mexico and the world beyond.
With its abundance of incredible food, architecture, culture, history, and the warmest locals, you can’t help but fall in love with this vibrant city.
It is also the one city that everyone seems to love as I have never heard a bad word about it from anyone, which is a rare thing to encounter with a destination.
But before you go, make sure to discover all the best things to do in Oaxaca for when you are there!
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Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.