Shelby & Jose
Things To Do
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
📸 JARDÍN ETNOBONTÁNICO DE OAXACA The stunning Jardín Etnobotánico (Botanic Garden) is located in the city center behind the Church of Santo Domingo. Home to thousands of species of plants native to Oaxaca, this is a lovely place to explore!
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
📸 & 🥐 MERCADO 20 DE NOVIEMBRE / 20TH OF NOVEMBER MARKET One of the most popular markets in Oaxaca. Here, you can wander isles of trinkets, food, clothes, leather goods, pet accessories, etc.
Hierve el Agua
📸 HIERVE EL AGUA / PETRIFIED WATERFALLS Hierve el Agua literally translates to "Boil the Water." Located about 1.5 hours outside of the city lies one of two petrified waterfalls in the world. Here you can wade in the shallow mineral water pools, hike the surrounding valley, or just enjoy the miraculous view. I recommend booking a tour if this is something you'd like to do!
Monte Albán
📸 MONTE ALBÁN Monte Albán is a Mesoamerican archaeological site founded in the 6th Century BC. in. The Zapotec metropolis overlooks the city of Oaxaca and functioned as their capital around 500 BC. You can visit and explore four square miles of architectural remains—terraces, pyramids, and canals. It's located about 30 minutes outside the city. You can book a tour or take the city bus if you're feeling adventurous (Spanish probably helpful for this option).
La Mezcaloteca
🍸 LA MEZCALOTECA Very popular place to sample some mezcals!
Sabina Sabe
🍸 SABINA SABE Cute and trendy hipster-ish craft cocktail bar. You can also get some yummy nibbles here!
Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar
🍸 SELVA One of the 50 Best Bars in North America. Adventurous cocktail bar set in a quaint setting with prohibition/speak-easy vibes. The drinks are STRONG.
Café Brújula Alcalá
☕ CAFÉ BRUJÚLA ALCALÁ Chill spot to grab a coffee. There's an interior patio and many people come here to take a break or work a bit on their laptop.
Boulenc
☕ & 🥐 BOULENC The BEST coffee and pastries in Oaxaca! This places has two doors: the one of the left is for to-go coffee and pastries and the one on the right is to sit down for brunch. You need to come here at least once! (P.S. this is the only place you'll find a latte in Oaxaca). If you're brunching here, be prepared to wait unless you have a reservation.
Tizne
🥐 TIZNE Lovely spot to have breakfast brunch. They have a shaded interior patio tucked away, just off a busy walking street.
Levadura de Olla Restaurante
🍽️ LEVADURA DE OLLA An incredible restaurant that's a great lunch spot. "Levadura de olla" translates too "yeast (clay)pot" which is how the young chef makes much of her cuisine!
Tacos Roy
🌮 TACOS ROY There are a few of these around the city center. They have good, cheap tacos for when the drunchies hit. ;)
Café Caracol Purple
☕ CARACOL PURPURA Save this place to your Google maps. When you're desperate for a coffee, you'll be glad you did.
Cafébre
☕ CAFÉBRE This cafe first originated in Mexico City and then came to Oaxaca. You can get some great coffee here and breakfast nibbles as well.
Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante
🍽️ CASA OAXACA EL ESRESTAURANTE Amazing upscale Oaxacan restaurant with a modern twist. I recommend making reservations (check on OpenTable).
Cozana
🍸 COZANA Boutique rooftop piano bar. Vibes, cocktails, views.
Criollo
🍽️ CRIOLLO If you're a foodie, this place is a must. Opened in 2016 after its sister-restaurant in Mexico City, Chef Enrique Olvera of Pujol and Luis Arellano opened El Criollo in Oaxaca. Housed in a UNESCO heritage house, enjoy a 6-course modern Oaxacan tasting menu. (It's INCREDIBLE!!!) Reservations are required.
Catedral Restaurant
🍽️ RESTAURANTE CATEDRAL Traditional Oaxacan fare in a charming location.