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Bucketlist Bri

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Where to Stay in Oaxaca City in 2023 (Best Neighborhoods)

Last Updated: February 10, 2023 · Oaxaca

Like all cities of the world, Oaxaca City is divided into several neighborhoods, some of which make fantastic places to stay for first-time trips to Oaxaca.

But Oaxaca City is no ordinary city!

This sprawling capital of the state with the same name (Oaxaca) has pristinely preserved centuries-old colonial architecture, ancient Zapotec ruins, fine art, and world-renown cuisine.

Blonde female digital nomad posing for photo in front of pink wall with a sign that reads, "Oaxaca Te Amo" in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Woman standing overlooking the Zapotec archaeological ruins of Monte Albán near Oaxaca Mexico.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

And Oaxaca’s neighborhoods? Those aren’t your ordinary suburbs, either.

The neighborhoods of Oaxaca have been transformed over the years, but they have very much kept their traditional roots.

If you’re looking for a memorable experience, then you might stay in its old-world historic center, classed a World Heritage Site.

Or maybe if you’re an art lover, you can wander into the old Zapotec neighborhood of Jalatlaco and stay in this neighborhood teeming with colorful street art.

No matter your preference, there’s a perfect place to stay in Oaxaca City just for you!

Oaxaca’s famous Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (Photo Credit: Ryan Doyle)

That said, these areas and places to stay in Oaxaca mentioned below are ideal for a 2-day Oaxaca itinerary or for spending 4–5 days in Oaxaca.

And if you’re looking for where to live in Oaxaca as a nomad or new resident/ex-pat, this neighborhood guide to Oaxaca City will clue you in on the best places to stay as well.

Read more below to discover the quirky, fun, and historic neighborhoods of Oaxaca de Juárez!

Table of Contents show
Best Neighborhoods & Places to Stay in Oaxaca City, Mexico
Oaxaca Centro Histórico & Zócalo
Jalatlaco
Xochimilco
La Reforma
La Noria

Best Neighborhoods & Places to Stay in Oaxaca City, Mexico

Save this graphic on where to stay in Oaxaca to Pinterest!
Female traveler standing in plaza in the heart of Oaxaca City, Mexico, looking at street lined with colorful buildings.
Red wall with green cacti plants.
Colorful hostels, restaurants, and buildings line cobbled street in Oaxaca City Historic Center.

Oaxaca Centro Histórico & Zócalo

If it is your first time visiting Oaxaca City, then a stay in the historic center is ideal.

This is because you will be within easy reach of all the top attractions to visit in the Centro Histórico which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The best boutique hotels in Oaxaca tend to congregate in the center (though, not all) as well, which is why you will be spoiled for choice with accommodation options.

My top recommendation for where to stay in Oaxaca Centro is below!

Casa Antonieta ($$+) — Click here to check rates/availability

Credit: Casa Antonieta

I used to work on my laptop on the rooftop of Casa Antonieta multiple times a week while living in Oaxaca as a digital nomad.

(Side note, if you are a nomad searching for apartments in Oaxaca, then Centro is going to be extra expensive. Check my guide for renting an apartment abroad for more tips on finding local accommodation.)

Back to Casa Antonieta, the atmosphere of this boho-chic boutique hotel combines the charm of Oaxacan hospitality with design-forward amenities. For that reason, it has earned several press mentions for being a top design hotel in Oaxaca, as named by Forbes, Food & Wine, and Sunset Magazine.

Casa Antonieta’s prime location on Calle Miguel Hidalgo is perfect for stays in Oaxaca, especially for first-timers.

The historic, family-owned building in which it is set has an unassuming ground-floor cafe which works out great if you need your morning (and afternoon) coffee. (They also make the absolute best caesar salads! 🥗)

In short, Casa Antonieta has everything you could need for a comfortable, cozy stay in the heart of Centro. With only a handful of rooms available, it’s wise to reserve your room today.

More reasons to stay in the Oaxaca Centro neighborhood:

  • Must-see attractions are close by such as the Zócalo, Templo de Santo Domingo de Gúzman, Anador Turístico, museums, and the Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca.
  • Some of the city’s top restaurants, bars, and cafés are within walking distance from Centro.
  • It’s easy to hail a taxi or get a DiDi ride from the city center (albeit, pricier).
  • You can walk home at night as Centro is one of the safest areas in Oaxaca.

The only possible cons, or downsides, to staying in Oaxaca Centro could be:

  1. The cost/prices — You will certainly pay more to be in the city center. I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you are on a tight accommodation budget. However, there are just a couple of very central hostels in Oaxaca that are ideal for balancing location/convenience and budget.
  2. The noise/traffic — Oaxaca sees many weddings and wedding parties, so noise from celebrations or festivals might be more likely in the city center.

👉 In summary, Oaxaca Centro is an ideal place to stay in Oaxaca for first-timers to the city. Everything is within walking distance, but you will pay higher prices for the location. The chic boutique hotel, Casa Antonieta, is a top-rated choice for short stays.

Jalatlaco

The next best place to stay in Oaxaca is arguably the neighborhood of Jalatlaco, located just a 10-minute walk east of the Santo Domingo Temple.

If you love neighborhoods that feel more like a village than a cookie-cutter district inside a city, then stay here.

Jalatlaco is brimming with colorful, symbolic street art. You will see murals on nearly every corner, wall, and building.

The neighborhood of Jalatlaco in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Colorful boutique stores in the heart of Jalatlaco neighborhood in Oaxaca.

Despite its increase in popularity in becoming a “trendy” spot for tourists and artists—who have converted many of the old buildings into independent art studios, galleries, and cafes—Jalatlaco remains very down-to-earth and local at heart.

There aren’t many hotels here like there are in Centro, but there are a couple that offers simple budget-friendly accommodation and others that offer a more luxurious stay.

  • El City Centro (4-star hotel) is idyllically located on the corner of Calle Aldama in the heart of Jalatlaco.
  • Casa Grana Cochinilla is a modern and cozy boutique hotel ideal for short stays in Jalatlaco.
  • Paraje La Huerta is a quaint family-owned hotel that offers an authentic, comfortable stay in the heart of the neighborhood.
  • Hotel Tabáa is another top-rated 4-star hotel in Jalatlaco that oozes a rustic yet luxurious atmosphere.

Things to do if you stay in the Jalatlaco neighborhood:

  • Take a guided street art tour of Jalatlaco and Oaxaca
    • By bike
    • On foot
  • Wander south to explore the sprawling Mercado de la Merced.
  • Step into the many galleries, cafes, and down-home eateries.
  • Head north to catch a Guerreros Baseball game (or catch the bus to go on a day trip from Oaxaca).

Don’t forget, Jalatlaco is only a 10-minute walk from the Santo Domingo de Gúzman cathedral so it still makes for a great home base from which to explore Oaxaca.

Xochimilco

Xochimilco is perhaps Oaxaca’s most well-known neighborhood.

Indeed, it is quintessentially Oaxacan. They say it was founded as early as 1486, making it Oaxaca’s oldest neighborhood.

Xochimilco, like Jalatlaco, is alive with color. Its pastel homes are iconic of Oaxaca, as are its traditional stone and brick arches.

The Arches (Arcos, Arquitos, or Aqueducts) of Xochimilco are not to miss when staying in this neighborhood (not that you could).

Barrio de Xochimilco, Oaxaca (Photo Credit: Iamblukas)

These 18th-century arches are what carried vital water to the city from the now-suburb of San Felipe del Agua. You will see the arches along the typical Rufinto Tamayo street.

As Xochimilco is still quite residential, there aren’t that many commercial boutiques or hotels.

Here are the best places to stay in the Barrio de Xochimilco:

La Betulia Bed & Breakfast ($$+) — The locally-owned B&B of La Betulia is a little hidden gem poised perfectly near Xochimilco, just a 10-minute walk from Santo Domingo church. It’s quiet, colorful, and very Oaxaqueño. Rooms start at $90 USD+. Check rates/availability here.

La Casa Carlota ($$) — For a personable, intimate experience when staying in Xochimilco, look no further than Casa Carlota. With only five rooms, the attention to detail and service here is exceptional. Rooms from just $60 USD. Book it here.

Things to do nearby the Xochimilco neighborhood:

  • Visit the house-museum of indigenous president Benito Juárez
  • Stroll around the local Mercado Sánchez Pascuas (featured on Netflix)
  • Arquitos de Xochimilco
  • Grab a drink at the Zapotec Mixology Bar
  • Shop inside the Instituto Oaxaqueño de las Artesanias
  • Wander down the colorful Calle Macedonio Alcalá
  • Visit the Parroquia de Santo Tomás Xochilmilco (Parish)
  • Hike up to the Cerro del Fortín

If you are looking for even more areas and neighborhoods to stay in Oaxaca, keep reading!

La Reforma

If you were to continue northeast on foot from Xochimilco, you would end up in the La Reforma neighborhood of Oaxaca.

You won’t find the historic sites and museums here as you will in Centro, but what you will find is a handful of understated cafes, bars, and restaurants such as the popular Casa Oaxaca Cafe with Oaxacan Chef Alejandro Ruíz.

This unassuming neighborhood north of Oaxaca Centro is not exactly quick to reach on foot. It takes 30 minutes to walk there or 5-10 minutes by Didi/taxi ($40-50 pesos).

That said, Colonia La Reforma is a great base from which to explore not just Oaxaca Centro, but beyond it.

If you have your own vehicle or plan on taking public transport, La Reforma is ideal for day trips to Monte Albán, Hierve El Agua, etc., as traffic isn’t as congested as it will be if you try to get into the heart of Oaxaca City.

Where to stay in La Reforma:

Casa de Arte ($$+) — This beautiful boutique hotel in La Reforma has a lovely outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and features boho-chic, minimal décor. Check rates here.

Santa Cecilia Hotel ($+) — Economic doesn’t have to mean dull and boring. At Santa Cecilia, experience an authentic, colorful, and comfortable hotel stay on the edge of La Reforma. Check rates here.

La Noria

Finally, if you are familiar with Oaxaca City already then a neighborhood you might not yet have discovered is La Noria.

This neighborhood rarely gets seen by tourists because it sits to the southeast of Centro.

But if unfussy accommodation outside of the busy (and expensive) historic center is just what you’re looking for, then La Noria is a great area to be in.

While it doesn’t offer much in the way of activities (except for the local markets in Oaxaca), it does offer a more peaceful, local, and quiet place to stay in Oaxaca.

Inside the Noviembre 23 Mercado de Oaxaca

A few of the markets nearby are the 20 de Noviembre, Benito Juárez, and Mercado de Artesanías markets.

Here are your best options for stays in the La Noria neighborhood.

  • Mid-Range ($$): Hotel Hacienda, Hostal Xitla
  • Budget-Friendly ($+): Hostal Chocolate, Azul Cielo Hostal
  • Luxe / Vacation Rental ($$$): Villa Noria La Casa del Barro Verde (Vacation Rental)

If you are on a budget, traveling with a large group/family, or prefer to stay in a more local residential neighborhood in Oaxaca, then La Noria is a good choice.

Also, for long-term travelers, nomads, or ex-pats, La Noria will have more affordable accommodation. The studio we found was just a few blocks west of here.

If you have any questions about your stay in Oaxaca, please drop me a comment or reach out on socials!

Pin this Oaxaca Neighborhood Guide for later!

By: Bri · In: Oaxaca

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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Traveling solo in Nepal has awakened in me a confi Traveling solo in Nepal has awakened in me a confidence & sense of self (at the risk of sounding cliché), of “my essence” and inner Knowing, and where my compassion and passions mingle and thrive. I was reading some of your comments on my recent Reel about solo travel and how I put myself at great risk/in danger. But as I was telling my Tibetan friend, Sonam, tonight (yes, the new one I made last week!), I inform my decisions mostly by 1. Asking myself, “Would this make a good story?” and 2. Listening to my body and emotions. Yes, it’s risky to travel solo, to be a female in a male-dominated culture, to go out after hours with people you just met, etc. But doing that — and all the magic that followed by “allowing” — reminded me exactly of who I am at my core: Curious and open to the world, willing to get uncomfortable for the sake of finding magic and serendipity. Some of you said, “I’m too scared to do this, how do you overcome that fear of personal safety?” And to this I say, I don’t! Fear accompanies me along the journey. Living life is one big risk. It’s uncomfortable to be open, vulnerable, and unsure. But once you accept that and once you begin to let compassion and curiosity guide you rather than your fear, the real magic starts to happen in all areas of life, not just travel. I find these moments most in travel though, when I’m confronted with contrast and am left vulnerable to the world and the kindness of my fellow humans. My Reels are not meant to romanticize or gloss over very real risks/threats in life, but rather to share a real account of what’s possible (adventure, connections, love, etc) when you worry less about societal norms and what’s “safe not safe” “right not right” and allow your over-active fears to take a backseat. 
This is your reminder to trust your inner compass to guide you in writing your epic life story. ✨✨

To sum it up: 

1. Choose a life of adventure 
2. Stay curious
3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable (otherwise said, seek discomfort)
4. Let love and light flow in and out 
5. Change is the only constant 

#solotravel #nepaltravel #solofemaletraveler #soloadventure #localtravel #trekkingnepal #adventurethatislife
The strength of women 💛 These ladies were lau The strength of women 💛 

These ladies were laughing so sweetly while filling up their water jugs at the Manga Hiti fountain in Patan. I watched them for a while and then plucked up the courage to ask if I could take their photos, which only made them giggle more. 

I've always felt that not being able to communicate in the same language makes for even more interesting encounters. Without words, we have to touch each other's humanity with eyes and gestures, and most of the time it leads to unspoken mutual understanding, acceptance, and love. We three walked away with the biggest smiles on our faces. I yelled out "Dhayabad!" (Thank you!) as they hoisted their jugs up the stairs, laughing all the way. I won't forget this shared moment between us 🙏 

Check stories for the landscape orientation for some of these photos ✨ 

#nepal #nepalnow #nepalphotography #nepaliculture #nepalisbeautiful #natgeoyourshot #patan #kathmanduvalley #lifetimeexperiences #photonepal #nepaltravel
Did you feel it? Nepal’s ancient wisdom, its swi Did you feel it? Nepal’s ancient wisdom, its swirling spirituality, its raw humanity? ✨🇳🇵❤️

#nepal #visitnepal #nepalnow #travelstories #localtravel #mindfultravel #slowtravel #natgeotravel
When you say “yes” as a solo traveler and stay When you say “yes” as a solo traveler and stay open to the randomness of life and the kindness of strangers, really wonderful memories can be made. Thank you Lama family and my new Tibetan friends for such a fun and insightful sequence of experiences 🙏 💛

#solotravel #localtravel #nepaltravel #nepaldiaries #nepali #solofemaletravel #kathmandunepal #thamel #tibetanfood #solotraveldiaries
My first week back in the chaos of Kathmandu, 💛 My first week back in the chaos of Kathmandu, 💛 

Being back after 7 long years away has jolted my body, brain, and spirit. At first, I felt overwhelmed with the recurring thought of, "I don't know what to do with myself." It was only when acceptance knocked on my door, and I finally decided to let it in, that things began to shift and flow.
 
In Nepal, particularly Kathmandu, everything around me swarms like a hive. I have nowhere else to go but inside myself. I've discovered through years of slow traveling (and solo travel) that peace awaits me there -- a sense of independence, power, and knowing that is still, comforting, and safe. And I can tap into it whenever I need to.

Chaos and peace reside in all of us, and Nepal has a cosmic, ancient way of reminding you of just that. 

📍 Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur

#nepaltravel #patan #durbarsquare #nepalphotography #slowtravel #nepal #solotravel #lalitpur
They ask, “Why?” I was 29 when I embarked on They ask, “Why?” 

I was 29 when I embarked on the plane on the 21st, and 30 when I disembarked on the 23rd. How fitting. I spent all of my 20s abroad (except for my two final semesters in undergrad), and moved to Nepal when I was 21. 

What better way to say goodbye to my twenties than by returning to the start? I felt the desperate urge to start my 30s this way—alone on a one-way ticket with no concrete plans. I have both feared and longed to come back all these years. You see, I had made a promise to one of my closest Nepali friends that I’d see her again, but the reality is that I no longer can. 

She, along with another dear friend, passed away from cancer a couple of years back. The thought of returning to my old life here without my friends made me, well, incredibly sad. I had thought that, upon landing in Kathmandu—or taking a bite of my first momo—after so long, I’d find myself bursting into tears of both grief and gratitude. But I didn’t. Instead, I found familiarity in the chaos and chaos in the strangeness. 

Just being here—and the decisions and actions it took to get here—has reminded me of the preciousness of this one very short life. And that, by choosing to celebrate mine—at the exciting turn of a decade no less—by coming back to Nepal on a solo trip that would force me into daring discomfort when I could instead retreat to the comforts of family or my partner, is how I want to live it.

Truth is, a couple of months ago the thought of Nepal felt out of reach. It felt risky, unattainable. But the idea itself pushed open, just a crack at first, a door that had been otherwise closed. I could have more easily ignored my “what if?” daydreams—calling them off as too hard, too uncomfortable, or too far-fetched to actually pursue—and kept it shut.
But sometime in mid-July, I decided to look at flights. And I found one (truly, just one) option that could work. And it just so happened that it would fall on my birthday, or rather bridge my birthday. The idea of getting on a plane at 29 and getting off it at 30—back in Nepal—sold me. I fell in love with the story, the adventure, the unknowingness of it all. 

So, yeah. That’s why. Or as I prefer, “Why not?”
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