The Casa Texaqueña Guide to Oaxaca
Neighborhoods
Xochimilco is a beloved neighborhood that offers the best of both worlds: quiet and safe, in the heart of Oaxaca. You’ll be surrounded by colorful murals as you walk to markets, shops, and the city’s best cafes. Just around the corner, Biblioteca Infantil is a beautifully designed library that makes for a great remote work location, when you need a change of scenery. Be sure to stop by the nearby Xochimilco aqueduct (built in the 1700s), for historic architecture and a lovely view of the mountains.
65 locals recommend
Barrio de Xochimilco
Xochimilco is a beloved neighborhood that offers the best of both worlds: quiet and safe, in the heart of Oaxaca. You’ll be surrounded by colorful murals as you walk to markets, shops, and the city’s best cafes. Just around the corner, Biblioteca Infantil is a beautifully designed library that makes for a great remote work location, when you need a change of scenery. Be sure to stop by the nearby Xochimilco aqueduct (built in the 1700s), for historic architecture and a lovely view of the mountains.
Food scene
Levadura de Olla offers authentic, delicious Oaxacan dishes in a lovely downtown setting. Definitely try the Tamal de Requeson con Mole—it’s the dish that made me fall in love with tamales and mole at the same time.
16 locals recommend
Levadura de Olla Restaurante
304 Calle de Manuel García VigilLevadura de Olla offers authentic, delicious Oaxacan dishes in a lovely downtown setting. Definitely try the Tamal de Requeson con Mole—it’s the dish that made me fall in love with tamales and mole at the same time.
Chepiche Cafe
6 A Genaro VásquezEveryone’s favorite breakfast spot
Mercado Benito Juarez has it all—fruit, veggies, meat, cheese, artisan made items, coffee, chocolate, mole, mezcal, and more
101 locals recommend
Benito Juarez Market
S/N Las CasasMercado Benito Juarez has it all—fruit, veggies, meat, cheese, artisan made items, coffee, chocolate, mole, mezcal, and more
Filemón | Coffee Producers
218 C. José López AlavezGreat coffee and pastries enjoyed with a lovely view of Xochimilco
Selva is an upscale cocktail bar with interesting concoctions and stunning interior design
22 locals recommend
Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar
#403 C. Macedonio AlcaláSelva is an upscale cocktail bar with interesting concoctions and stunning interior design
Origen
820 Miguel HidalgoUpscale and creative dishes. Great for a date night.
Adamá
101 AldamaQuality Mediterranean food hidden in an alley
The best chocolate in Oaxaca! It’s one of the few places that uses cocoa butter, giving the chocolate a smoother texture. Their bars make great gifts to take home.
Mamá Pacha - Chocolate Artesanal
311 C. Porfirio DíazThe best chocolate in Oaxaca! It’s one of the few places that uses cocoa butter, giving the chocolate a smoother texture. Their bars make great gifts to take home.
Sightseeing
Built in the 1700s, the aqueduct is a must-see piece of history with a great view of the mountains
Aqueduct Arcos De Xochimilco
1416 Calle José López AlavezBuilt in the 1700s, the aqueduct is a must-see piece of history with a great view of the mountains
Santo Domingo church is considered the heart of downtown Oaxaca City
313 locals recommend
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman
s/n C. Macedonio AlcaláSanto Domingo church is considered the heart of downtown Oaxaca City
Located just over an hour from Oaxaca City, Hierve el Agua is a natural swimming hole and petrified waterfall well worth the trip
195 locals recommend
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el AguaLocated just over an hour from Oaxaca City, Hierve el Agua is a natural swimming hole and petrified waterfall well worth the trip
This historic textile factory was converted into a contemporary art museum by Francisco Toledo. Both the architecture and rotating exhibit are worth seeing
95 locals recommend
Arts Center of St. Augustine
s/n Av. IndependenciaThis historic textile factory was converted into a contemporary art museum by Francisco Toledo. Both the architecture and rotating exhibit are worth seeing
City/town information
Located an hour from Oaxaca City, this small town is known for its ancient Zapotec ruins
57 locals recommend
Mitla
Located an hour from Oaxaca City, this small town is known for its ancient Zapotec ruins
Shopping
A collective that weaves stunning rugs and other linens by hand. Ask them about their process and they’ll show you what plants and other materials they use to dye their threads—highly recommend!
El Arte Zapoteco Textiles
A collective that weaves stunning rugs and other linens by hand. Ask them about their process and they’ll show you what plants and other materials they use to dye their threads—highly recommend!
Traveler advice
Customs and culture
It’s common to greet each other on the street
Based on the time of day, you’ll likely be greeted with “buenos días” (good morning), “buenas tardes” (good afternoon), or “buenas noches” (good evening) as you pass people on the street.
Getting around
Taxis and walking are your best bet
There’s no Uber, but taxis are everywhere and can be called in advance through Whatsapp. This city is very walkable and sometimes walking is faster than driving!
What to pack
Bring comfortable shoes + layers
You’ll want shoes you can walk in and clothes that you can layer. It tends to be warm during the day and can get chilly at night.