Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting? An Honest Opinion! (2023)
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Is Oaxaca worth visiting? This is a question I often search for when I’m visiting a new place, but with Oaxaca City, I didn’t need to. The amount of praise I heard about this city before even stepping foot in Mexico was unbelievable.
Known as the culinary and cultural capital of Mexico, Oaxaca City is not a place you want to miss. Home to the biggest Day of the Dead celebrations in the country, it’s a city full of colour, life, vibrancy and happiness.
After spending extended periods of time in Oaxaca as a backpacker, there are a number of reasons why Oaxaca is almost definitely worth visiting.
So, let’s discuss why Oaxaca is worth visiting, and the things you cannot miss when you arrive.
Other Oaxaca posts:
- Renting a Car in Oaxaca as a UK Resident: FULL Guide (2023)
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead: Insider Guide + Tips For 2023!
- Is There Uber In Oaxaca? How To Get Around On A Budget (2023)
How do I pronounce ‘Oaxaca’?!
The number of wrong ways I’ve heard Oaxaca pronounced whilst in Mexico is endless. Don’t be one of these people! Oaxaca is pronounced ‘wa-ha-ca’. If you’re from the UK, you can remember it is the same as the Mexican food restaurant ‘Wahaca’.
Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting? A Summary
In summary, yes, Oaxaca is worth visiting! It is unlike many other cities in the world and has a unique charm and sense of character. The people are friendly and welcoming, the food is some of the best in the entire country, and the mood of Oaxaca is fun, vibrant and joyful.
You’ll find people dancing, singing and enjoying life in Oaxaca. The rainbow-colour architecture and buildings add to the uplifting and charismatic atmosphere. It’s also entirely walkable, so you’ll be able to explore on foot, without having to worry about paying for taxis or using public transport.
If you’re looking for rich culture and history, Oaxaca is often regarded as the cultural capital of Mexico. It also has a more ‘authentic’ feel to it, with less tourists and more locals, different to the bustle of Yucutan and Quintana Roo.
11 EPIC Reasons Why Oaxaca Is Worth Visiting
Is Oaxaca worth visiting? Let’s discuss!
1. It hosts some of the biggest Day of the Dead celebrations in the country
If you’re in Mexico in late October/early November, you have to make sure you’re in Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead festival. We celebrated Day of the Dead in Oaxaca in 2022, and it was one of the best travel experiences we have ever had!
Oaxaca City is known to have one of the biggest Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Head to Oaxaca a few days before the festivities begin (29th or 30th October) to immerse yourself in the celebrations right from the beginning!
If you’re not quite sure what the Day of the Dead is, what you actually do there or how to make the most of your time in Oaxaca, start planning your 2023 trip by using my post: Oaxaca Day of the Dead: Insider Guide + Tips For 2023!
Expect parades, fireworks, late-night parties, performances, street artists, dancing, shots of Mezcal, giant puppets, face painting, family dinners, cemetery gatherings and talented brass bands! It’s NOT to be missed if you’re in Oaxaca around this time!
2. The street food is some of the best in Mexico
After backpacking Mexico for a few months, we can confirm that the best food we had was in Oaxaca. It’s actually known as a the culinary capital of the country, so it’s no surprise that its tacos, mole, street food and tyaludas are some of the best we’ve ever tasted.
If you’re visiting Oaxaca for the first time, I highly recommend trying:
- Mole: Oaxaca is one of the most famous places to eat mole. A whole heap of ingredients are mixed together to make a creamy, delicious sauce that comes in different varieties, such as rojo, amarillo, verde, negro, and chichilo. Mexican’s state mole should be treated as the main part of a meal, rather than a side sauce or extra. It’s absolutely delicious!
- Tacos al pastor: A traditional Mexican dish is tacos al pastor (directly translated as ‘Shepherd’s Style’). This taco is chopped up kebab-like seasoned pork, which is spit-grilled and marinated. The taco will then be filled with cilantro, onion, tomato and even pineapple to give it that fresh and juicy taste.
- Tlayudas: A tlayuda is a homemade traditional Oaxacan street food, so you’ll find them served in most Mexican restaurants in Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido. They’re a large, thin, crunchy tortilla, filled with an ingredient of your choice (meat, beans, vegetables, cheese), and of course salsas, pico de Gallo and everything else you’d like. They’re then folded over to be toasted on a fire, or fried.
- Hamburguesas: Cheap, tasty and reliable burgers that are sold on almost every street corner in Oaxaca! They are perfect for a quick, easy and cheap meal.
Be warned if you go into a restaurant and they serve ‘chapulines’, these are grasshoppers! If you’re a foodie, these aren’t to be missed – but if you’re more like me and a tad squeamish, you’ll want to avoid them!
3. There’s a LOT to do, even for budget backpackers
Even on a budget, you will never be bored in Oaxaca. There is just so much to see and do, it’s a constant sensory overload!
You can wake up in the morning and decide not to spend more than £10, and you’ll still have an epic day in Oaxaca. Just walking the streets is an activity in itself – there’s always something happening.
If you’re looking for some great budget activities in Oaxaca, I recommend:
- Joining a free walking tour
- Walk around the city yourself. Make sure you visit the main Zocalo (Centro Historico), Jalatlaco, the city’s most colourful neighbourhood, and Barrio de Xochimilco, the city’s oldest neighbourhood.
- Visit the local churches and the Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca, the Oaxaca Cathedral.
- Watch the local street performers and buskers in the Zocalo, Jalatlaco and Barrio de Xochimilco
- Walk through the bustling markets, especially Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
- Take photos of the colourful architecture and buildings, combined with cobbled streets and potted plants.
- Sit in a rooftop bar overlooking the city with a beer (less than £3 a drink) and dine on street food (less than £3 per meal).
- Mingle and talk to the locals on the street stalls and markets.
4. It’s cheaper than many other backpacker locations in Mexico
Supporting my last point, Oaxaca is one of the cheapest backpacker destinations in Mexico. Dorm rooms start at just £3 ($5) a night and average at around £11 ($13).
Even private rooms are affordable in Oaxaca for budget backpackers, with some as low as £30 per night (depending on the time of year).
You can find out more about the best budget hostels in Oaxaca in my post: BEST Hostels in Oaxaca for Backpackers! (2023 Guide).
5. Oaxaca is known for its strong Mezcal…
Mezcal is a spirit made from agave, a recognisable plant of Mexico. It’s one of the country’s most popular drinks, and backpackers tend to drink more Mezcal in Oaxaca than anywhere else!
Oaxaca is where most of the country’s Mezcal is made, so not only is it a drink, but it’s part of their identity and community. The local Oaxacans are proud of their Mezcal, and they’ll enjoy drinking it with you.
It’s not the cheapest drink in Oaxaca, but you won’t need much of it. Just one or two shots of Mezcal in Oaxaca will make you feel a little tipsy, so don’t overdo it!
6. You’ll be surrounded by more locals than tourists
One of the best things about Oaxaca is the ratio of tourists to locals. Even when we were in Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead festival, there were more Mexicans than tourists. Of course, some of these Mexicans were tourists from other states in Mexico, but it was so refreshing to see locals enjoying their own culture without being in a tourist trap.
I know, I’m a tourist myself. But places like Oaxaca are what travel is all about – meeting Oaxacan people who proudly hold their traditions and cultures close to them.
Expect people interested in the arts, music, food, people and culture. It’s a world away from the streets of Cancun and Tulum!
7. You’ll meet some of the kindest, and most welcoming people in Mexico
Adding on to my previous point, Oaxacans are some of the kindest and friendliest people you will ever meet. Regardless of where we were in Oaxaca, what we were doing or how much we were paying, everyone welcomed us with open arms.
Oaxacans are proud of their culture and tradition and are open to talking about their history with you. Even the street food vendors are up for a conversation!
8. You can change up your entire wardrobe for a low price
There’s a certain ‘Oaxaca’ style with the women in the city (both tourists and locals), and it’s one I loved. As a backpacker with clothes I wear hundreds of times, I wanted to treat myself to a new dress – and Oaxaca is the perfect place to do this!
Of course, you don’t need to do this, but some of the boutiques are beautiful, and the market stalls sell high-quality clothes at a reasonable price.
9. You can learn about other indigenous cultures
Oaxaca is known for its diversity, and even today it is expected that at least half of the Oaxacan population still speaks an indigenous dialect. There are 16 unique indigenous groups in Oaxaca, which show their culture through language, customs, foods, rituals, art, and more.
Two of the largest indigenous groups are the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs. You will more than likely hear the indigenous languages as you walk through the city, and you can even book a tour to learn more about the groups and their history.
It’s one of the most special things about Oaxaca!
10. No matter the time of year, there is always something going on
Whether you’re in Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead or not, there will always be something happening when you visit.
We also spent some time in Oaxaca in December 2022, and the streets were full of Christmas decorations, singing, music playing, performers and Christmas trees!
Even after an event has finished in Oaxaca, there will be something happening in the city. From parades and local events, the evenings are full of life.
We often saw locals setting up new, large stages with big speakers and lights, and saw performers rehearsing for the parades in the small squares and streets.
After the sun sets, you won’t have to walk around Oaxaca for long before seeing something. This is great for budget backpackers, as it’s totally free entertainment! (Well, just have some small change to tip!)
11. There are many day trip options
If you’re staying in Oaxaca for an extended period of time, heading out of the city is a great idea. From touring Mezcal distilleries to heading to the Hierve el Agua frozen waterfall, there is something for everyone and every budget.
Some of the best day trips from Oaxaca City include:
- Monte Alban Ruins
- Hierve el Agua frozen waterfall
- Santiago Matatlan (the “Capital of Mezcal”
- El Tule, the oldest tree in the world
- Yagul Archaeological site
- Local cooking classes
Want to book a tour in Oaxaca? Check out the full list here: Oaxaca Day Trips.
12. The markets are an adventure in themselves!
Strolling around Oaxaca’s bustling markets is a fun and cheap budget backpacker activity. It’s one thing that we loved about the city!
The markets are colourful, vibrant places, where you can buy everything from fresh food to handcrafted handbags and jewellery. They’re also a great place to eat lunch, as they’re cheap, delicious and homemade!
Oaxacan markets are large, and it’s easy to get lost in them. Budget a few hours to spend walking around the markets just enjoying the different smells, tastes and cultures.
If you’re in Oaxaca for the first time, be sure to check out the following markets.
- Mercado Benito Juárez – a huge market in the centre of the city, with everything from handbags to purses, meat and fruit, rugs, pet care, clothing, crafts and more.
- Mercado 20 de Noviembre – famous for its food, and being in the middle of Oaxaca
- Central de Abastos de Oaxaca – a little further out of the city, but has incredible food stalls!
- Oaxaca Artisan Market – for handcrafted artwork and souvenirs.
13. You can visit on your way to Puerto Escondido!
Ok, I might be biased towards Puerto Escondido, as it’s one of my favourite places in the whole of Mexico. But if you’re travelling from Mexico City, you can easily make a stop off in Oaxaca City before heading to the coastline to live your best life with a coconut in hand.
You can view all of my detailed Puerto Escondido guides here, or these are some of my favourites:
- Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido For Backpackers (2023 Guide)
- Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide (2023)
- Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide (2023)
- La Punta Puerto Escondido: ULTIMATE Guide! (2023)
- Renting a Car in Puerto Escondido (Mexico) as a UK Resident (2023)
Where to stay in Oaxaca as a backpacker
If you’re going to be in Oaxaca City as a backpacker, I recommend the following places to stay:
- El Cielo Oaxaca: backpackers and couples who want to be in the centre of Oaxaca, with a low-key socialising option as well as party vibes.
- Casa Angel Hostel: young backpackers who want to socialise, party and meet new people to explore with.
- Hostal Central: digital nomads in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca is one of the cheapest locations in Mexico for backpackers. Dorm rooms start at just £3 ($5) a night, and average at around £11 ($13).
Even private rooms are affordable in Oaxaca for budget backpackers, with some as low as £30 per night (depending on the time of year).
So. if you’re on a budget and wondering ‘is Oaxaca worth visiting?’, if you’re reading this and need to save some pennies, it is!
HEADS UP! If you want an in-depth guide about the best hostels in Oaxaca, check out my post: BEST Hostels in Oaxaca for Backpackers! (2023 Guide).
How do you pronounce Oaxaca?
Oaxaca is pronounced ‘wa-ha-ca’. The number of wrong ways I’ve heard Oaxaca pronounced whilst in Mexico is endless. Don’t be one of these people! If you’re from the UK, you can remember it is the same as the Mexican food restaurant ‘Wahaca’.
Is Oaxaca safe?
According to Lonely Planet, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico to visit. Throughout our time in Oaxaca City, I felt safe. This includes walking around by myself at night and during the day.
In general, yes Oaxaca is safe for solo female travellers and backpackers. But like anywhere else in the world, you need to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
Overall, we found the people of Oaxaca to be friendly, kind and welcoming. The city is full of life, colour and happiness, and even at night, I felt extremely safe.
If you’re a solo female traveller in Oaxaca, I recommend staying in a hostel when you first arrive. Even if you want to get your own space after, a hostel means you can meet other people and get to know the different areas first.
Want to know more safety tips about backpacking in Oaxaca? Check out my post: Is Puerto Escondido Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice (2023)
Where is Oaxaca? (+ Map)
Oaxaca is a state in southwestern Mexico. It is around a 6-7 hour ADO bus journey from Mexico City. It is bordered by Guerrero on the west, and Chiapas on the east.
Most backpackers visit Oaxaca for authentic Mexican cuisine, local traditions and late-night parties (it is the home of Mezcal after all – which, if you’re wondering, is incredibly strong in Oaxaca!). We were in Oaxaca City for Day of the Dead festival, and it was one of the craziest and most fun festivals we’ve ever been to!
How to get to Oaxaca
This all depends on where you are coming from.
- If you’re coming from Mexico City, there is a 6-7 hour ADO bus which is perfect for budget backpackers.
- From Cancun, your best option is to fly. It’s quite the distance, so if you’re getting the bus, you’ll need to make several stops en route. You can check out rates and flight times here.
- If you’re coming from Puerto Escondido, you can either fly (the most expensive option) or get the bus (the cheapest, but longest). Find out more information about these options here.
If you need more information, I recommend checking out my in-depth travel to Oaxaca posts below.
- How To Get From Oaxaca To Mexico City (2023 Guide)
- How To Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (2023 Guide)
Where should I go after Oaxaca?
Ever heard of Puerto Escondido? Puerto Escondido is the perfect place to visit after Oaxaca City.
In fact, most backpackers do this! When we were in Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead in 2022, our bus after the event was full of backpackers travelling south to Puerto Escondido’s coast.
It’s one of the liveliest and best places to visit in Mexico and is perfect for solo backpackers and digital nomads.
We loved Puerto Escondido so much that we lived there for nearly two months! This blog is packed full of Puerto Escondido information, so be sure to check it out!
You might like…
- Renting a Car in Puerto Escondido (Mexico) as a UK Resident (2023)
- Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide (2023)
- Is Puerto Escondido A Party Town? EPIC Party Tips! (2023)
- Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido For Backpackers (2023 Guide)
Best travel insurance for backpackers in Mexico
If you’re visiting Mexico as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Mexico, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Mexico. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting?: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about Oaxaca, and hopefully if it is worth visiting or not (it so, so is).
When you’re planning a trip to Mexico, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Mexico posts:
- Renting a Car in Oaxaca as a UK Resident: FULL Guide (2023)
- Is There Uber In Oaxaca? How To Get Around On A Budget (2023)
- Can You Drink The Water In Oaxaca? 2023 Updates
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead: Insider Guide + Tips For 2023!
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
