Elena Mallia 
Hop on this guide on where to stay in Oaxaca and get ready to learn all my travel tips and find your dream hotel!
I visited Oaxaca a while back and fell in love! And I also got to know the city pretty well and found its best neighborhoods, which you’ll see right below, along with the top hotels for all budgets.
In short, Centro is the best area to stay in Oaxaca, as that’s where you’ll find countless attractions and some stunning accommodations. But definitely check the other 4 neighborhoods, if you’d prefer a different vibe.
Definitely book your hotels here in advance! This city is super popular with tourists and the good places always sell out first.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the top hotels in Oaxaca, all set in El Centro, for those of you who want to book right away:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Centro – where to stay in Oaxaca for the first time
- 2. Jalatlaco – coolest neighborhood to stay in Oaxaca
- 3. Reforma – where to stay in Oaxaca on a budget
- 4. Barrio de Xochimilco – best for an authentic experience
- 5. Barrio de La Noria – where to stay in Oaxaca with family
- FAQ about where to stay in Oaxaca
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Oaxaca
Here’s a map to help you have a mental image of all the areas that I will be talking about in this post:
- Centro: for first-timers
- Jalatlaco: the coolest neighborhood
- Reforma: on a budget
- Barrio de Xochimilco: for an authentic experience
- Barrio de la Noria: for families
1. Centro – where to stay in Oaxaca for the first time
Centro is Oaxaca’s beating heart and the place where you’ll probably spend a lot of your time!
This busy and bustling neighborhood is the best place to stay if it is your first time in Oaxaca and you want to experience a little of everything: shops, restaurants, bars, and the city’s most famous historical attractions.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Oaxaca’s City Center is characterized by Spanish colonial architecture, narrow streets and colorful houses.
Since the area is pretty big, it can be divided into 2 parts, each with a different vibe. One is the area around the Santo Domingo Cathedral and the other is the one around Zocalo, a city park and square (map).
Below, you’ll find a short description for each of those areas along with a list of hotels for those who’ll want to stay there.
The best way to explore Oaxaca Centro, is to just walk around its streets where you’ll stumble across so many sounds, smells, tastes, and the welcoming spirit of the locals.
And if you’re lucky, while you’re wandering around you could come across a typical Calenda, a popular celebration during which locals go around the city, dressed in colorful clothes, while dancing and singing. My tip? Just follow them and enjoy!
NOTE: Another celebration that you might catch if you’re in Oaxaca between 1st and 2nd Nov is Dias de Los Muertos. This is a huge Mexican holiday when people honor their dead. Families gather, there’s tons of cooking, decorations, flowers everywhere and candles. It’s so amazing to experience it but it can get super busy and crowded during those days.
1.1 Santo Domingo – best area to stay in Oaxaca for nightlife
Centered around the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (map), this smaller area within El Centro is great for those who want to enjoy the city’s nightlife!
This is where I stayed while I was visiting Oaxaca and I loved it firstly because the location was amazing! I was close to everything and it also had a bit of everything, great parties, a rich history, art and cultural spots.
Some amazing attractions that you should check out are the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca (map), Santo Domingo Square (map), Oaxaca Graphic Arts Institute and Museo De La Filatelia.
You’ll also find lots of parks and green areas where you can chill in between visits or in the morning while drinking your coffee. Jardín Conzatti (map) and El Llano (map) are some great spots.
For those who want to enjoy some drinks and dance you can head to Friends (map), a cool karaoke bar, La Mezcalerita (map) and Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar (map).
Now let’s check out the best hotels in Oaxaca City Center:
A fancy swimming pool, spa facilities that you’ll definitely want to use after your flight or a full day of exploring and cozy rooms where you can relax! This hotel seems to have it all, including a great location near all the attractions.
Other accommodation options in Santo Domingo
A boutique hotel with beautiful garden, a sun terrace and a restaurant
Such a great place with a traditional design, a garden and a free breakfast
A fully-equipped house that comes with a kitchen, a private backyard and a kitchen
Things to do in Santo Domingo
- Admire the beautiful Santo Domingo Church
- Check out the Museo De La Filatelia
- See some unique plants at the Botanical Gardens
- Sample and learn all about the true mezcal at La Mezcaloteca (map)
- Enjoy the live music and Latin rhythms at Archivio Maguey (map)
- Grab dinner with a view at La Pitiona (map)
- Visit the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca
1.2 Zocalo – where to stay in Oaxaca for culture
Zocalo is a bustling Spanish-style square in the City Center that’s surrounded by some iconic buildings like the Government Palace (map) and the Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca (map).
Filled with restaurants, mariachi bands, and vendors selling fresh delicious fruit, street food and textiles, this is the perfect place to experience the city’s culture.
If you’re obsessed with markets like me then you should definitely check out Benito Juarez market (map). This chaotic market features various stalls where you’ll find a mix of everything, from traditional mezcal to local food, clothing and craftsmanship.
You’ll definitely want to indulge in all the food here since Oaxaca is considered one of Mexico’s gastronomic capitals.
One of the most typical (and weird) things you can try at the market, as anywhere else in the city, are the “chapulines” which are grasshoppers dried and seasoned to be eaten just like that!
I tried them in a cocktail (they were part of the “decoration”) and they were actually not that bad: they just taste like the seasoning. But the ones I tried were pretty small. Would you dare try one? Let me know in the comments.
I love the simple yet so chic design of this accommodation that has spacious rooms decorated with art and that offer views of the inner courtyard. The hotel also offers an airport shuttle, a delicious breakfast and a bar.
Other accommodation options in Zocalo
Stunning rooms with a private patio in a hotel that has a restaurant and free Wi-Fi
An affordable place that has family rooms, a restaurant and a terrace
This apartment comes with a lounge area, a flat-screen Tv and city views
Things to do in Zocalo
- Wander around the beautiful colonial main square Zocalo
- Check out the various stalls of the colorful Mercado Benito Juárez
- Visit the Museum of Regional Textiles
- Buy some souvenirs from Oaxaca Artisan Market (map)
2. Jalatlaco – coolest neighborhood to stay in Oaxaca
If you’re all about street art, quirky bars, and hip vibes, then Barrio de Jalatlaco will blow your mind… it definitely blew mine!
This colorful neighborhood is located East of Centro, just a 20 min walk away and it’s filled with art galleries, vibrant murals, cozy coffee shops.
PRO TIP: Definitely don’t drink tap water while in Oaxaca as it’s not good. Get bottled water from the stores.
Some iconic attractions that you should check out here are Armadillo Grafico art gallery (map), Cordoba Lab + Gallery (map) and the Temple de San Matías Jalatlaco (map).
You can go for a walk around and explore the charming cobbled streets where you can admire all the colorful single-story houses and try traditional Oaxacan dishes in the numerous family-run restaurants, or the popular taco stands (street food is a must here).
If you’re looking for a cute place to have coffee head to Once in Oaxaca (map), a great spot that serves yummy drinks.
This hotel has such a vibrant design, that is a match to the area’s atmosphere! I hope you like the color pink, because it’s everywhere here! Start your morning by the outdoor pool with a cup of coffee or on the terrace and then head out to explore around.
Other accommodation options in Jalatlaco
Here you’ll find some beautiful rooms with a balcony that overlooks the garden
This hotel comes with family rooms equipped with a flat-screen Tv and free Wi-Fi
Comfy and amazing apartment with a kitchen, a dining area and free street parking
Things to do in Jalatlaco
- Visit the majestic Templo de San Matias Jalatlaco
- Try delicious local dishes at El Son Istmeño (map)
- Discover all the colorful street murals and take some nice pictures
- Eat the best tacos of your life at one of the popular taco street stands
- Check out the art at Cordoba Lab + Gallery
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3. Reforma – where to stay in Oaxaca on a budget
Located Northeast of Centro, just a 30 min walk away, Reforma is a chic and quiet neighborhood where you’ll find boutique shops, international restaurants, wine stores, and unique bars where you can try some of the best mezcal in the region.
Reforma is a great area for those traveling on a budget, as here you’ll find a couple of hotels which are much more affordable (and still, not too far from Oaxaca City Center).
NOTE: You can walk pretty much anywhere in the touristy areas, but there are also buses and taxis if you don’t feel like walking. Just make sure you agree on the price of the trip before getting in the taxi.
This is a residential neighborhood and it’s a bit more quiet than the ones above, so if you were looking for an area that’s a bit more tranquil, then you could book your hotels here.
Although there aren’t lots of attractions in Reforma, you’ll still find some cool spots that you should check out before running to the City Center like Fuente de las 8 Regiones (map), a really amazing fountain and Pabellón Violetas shopping mall (map).
Enjoy your stay in this stunning Oaxaca accommodation that offers different apartments with a great design and is equipped with everything you need. The hotel has an inner courtyard where you can chill and a bar.
Other accommodation options in Reforma
Chill by the outdoor pool or on the terrace of this boutique hotel that has a restaurant
Beautiful spacious rooms with access to an amazing outdoor pool at a great price
Things to do in Reforma
- Try amazing local tacos at the Taquería Los Combinados (map)
- Enjoy a yummy dinner at Casa Oaxaca Reforma (map)
- Grab some cocktails at Coco Beach Reforma (map)
- Check out the boutique shops and the Pabellón Violetas mall
4. Barrio de Xochimilco – best for an authentic experience
Welcome to Oaxaca’s oldest area!
Barrio de Xochimilco is a 30 min walk away from Centro and it’s a great place for those of you who want an authentic experience while visiting the city.
Since it’s such an old area, Barrio de Xochimilco has a village-like vibe and it doesn’t feel as touristy as the other areas that I mentioned.
Here you’ll find lots of small stores selling traditional textiles (which would definitely make some great souvenirs), art galleries and small restaurants where you can indulge in the yummy traditional food.
Make sure you stop by Ancestral Cocina Tradicional (map) where you can enjoy a yummy dinner and also to A.M. Siempre Cafe (map) where you can grab a coffee on the terrace while admiring some incredible views!
These modern rooms will be the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the town. This hotel comes with a restaurant and a bar too, where you can enjoy some drinks at the end of the day.
Other accommodation options in Barrio de Xochimilco
Enjoy the Mexican sun by the outdoor pool of this hotel which has family rooms
A great hotel that comes with a flat-screen Tv in the rooms and a bar
Fully equipped apartment that has a balcony and a kitchen, as well as free parking
Things to do in Barrio de Xochimilco
- Grab a bite at Ancestral Cocina Tradicional (map)
- Check out the Parallel Art Gallery (map)
- Eat and drink some yummy cacao at Corazón de Cacao (map)
- See the historic Aqueduct Arcos De Xochimilco (map)
5. Barrio de La Noria – where to stay in Oaxaca with family
Just South of Centro, there is Barrio de La Noira, a peaceful residential neighborhood that I’d recommend for those of you traveling with kids.
This area is a bit more tranquil and quiet, but still pretty close to some of the city’s main attractions, which is always such a great combo, right?
Here, you can explore the streets and try some of the amazing restaurants like Sabor Antiguo (map) and Oscuro Brebaje La Noria (map).
Another place that you should check out is the famous Mercado de Artesanias, which is super close to Barrio de la Noria, just a 10 min walk away. That’s a great spot to get souvenirs.
This neighborhood is also a great place to stay for those who want to explore some other incredible sites like Monte Alban, an archaeological site (map) where you can explore the Zapotec ruins. You can easily get there by car in 20 min or use the bus system, and get there in 1h 30min.
Relax by the swimming pool of this hotel, which comes with comfortable family rooms that are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The hotel offers a restaurant and free parking.
Other accommodation options in La Noria
A great hotel that comes with family rooms with city views and free Wi-Fi
This super affordable hotel offers a free breakfast and private rooms
Such a nice spot that has room for 2 people, a kitchen and free street parking
Things to do in Barrio de la Noria
- Visit the Ex Convento de los 7 Príncipes (map)
- Try some street food from the many stalls
- Shop for local crafts at the market Mercado de Artesanías (map)
- Try delicious Mexican food at Sabor Antiguo
- Take a day trip to the nearby Monte Alban to explore the archaeological site
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$150 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$80 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$40 |
| 📍 Best area: | El Centro |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Gran Fiesta Americana |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hotel Casa Vertiz |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Las Mariposas Eco |
FAQ about where to stay in Oaxaca
🏙️ Which is the best place where to stay in Oaxaca?
El Centro is one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca, where you’ll find the main attractions and some of the best hotels, like Gran Fiesta Americana.
👪 Where to stay in Oaxaca with family?
The best place to stay in Oaxaca with family is La Noira, a quiet residential neighborhood near the City Center.
👀 What are the best things to do in Oaxaca?
Some of the best things to do in Oaxaca are visiting the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, celebrating the Day of the Dead at the beginning of November, discovering the street art in Barrio de Jalatlaco, and tasting the famous Mezcal!
🟡 Is it safe to stay in Oaxaca?
Oaxaca has a low crime rate for a large Mexican city, and touristy neighborhoods like Centro, La Noria, Jalatlaco, and Reforma are generally safe. Still, make sure you are mindful of your belongings wherever you are.
📅 How many days should I stay in Oaxaca?
I’d recommend staying between 3 to 4 days in Oaxaca, that way you can visit all the main attractions.
🚶♀️ Is Oaxaca a walkable city?
Yes, Oaxaca is a walkable city, and you can get around by walking in the main tourist areas.
☀️ What is the best month to visit Oaxaca?
The best time to visit Oaxaca is October to March, when the weather is perfect.
🚗 Do you need a car in Oaxaca?
Not really, unless you plan to take day trips or visit nearby archeological sites.
💰 Is Oaxaca more expensive than Mexico City?
No, Oaxaca is not more expensive than Mexico City.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Oaxaca
I bet you can’t wait until you arrive in this city! I had such a great time visiting this Mexican town, and I included all my travel lessons in this guide on where to stay in Oaxaca.
I’d highly recommend booking your hotels in advance here since the town is a major tourist destination.
If you’re still not sure which hotel to pick, here are my 2 favorite top-rated ones, both set in El Centro:
- Gran Fiesta Americana – a stylish hotel with an outdoor pool
- Hotel Casa Vertiz – this hotel comes with a garden and a terrace
Have fun exploring this historical and vibrant place, and if you have any questions about Oaxaca, don’t hesitate to drop them below in the comment section.
Have a wonderful trip,
Elena
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