Travel Guide
Your ultimate introduction to the Mexican city's bustling streets, hidden gems and unforgettable eats — everything you need to plan your perfect itinerary.
Concrete Playground
December 18, 2024
Travel Guide: Oaxaca City

Welcome to Mexico's colourful hub of culture and culinary delights.

Epic food, stellar spirits, rich cultural heritage and knowing how to throw one heck of party – Mexico has a lot going for it. And much of it’s appeal as a winning holiday spot can be found in the southern state of Oaxaca (pronounced wah-hah-kah).

At the literal and symbolic centre of this sprawling region is Oaxaca de Juárez aka Oaxaca City, one of Mexico’s most ethnically diverse areas – the unique blend of colonial and traditional influences is evident in the architecture, art and, most importantly, the food. With Michelin-rated restaurants and humble street food stalls plating up some of the most complex flavours you’ll ever taste, Oaxaca City is a bonafide food mecca.

In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to the city so you can start planning your itinerary.

Welcome to Mexico's colourful hub of culture and culinary delights.

Planning Ahead

Before you launch into weeks of responsibility-free fun in Mexico, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way, like sorting out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can spend fee-free around the world everywhere Visa is accepted*.

Getting Around

The historic city centre is made up of cobblestoned streets and colourful buildings meaning you can – and will want to – get around on foot. To venture further, order a yellow taxi via DiDi, jump in a colectivo (shared taxis that run fixed routes to the outer villages) outside Mercado de Abastos or catch a bus.

Locals Love

It should come as no surprise that Oaxacans love to party – after all, they’re responsible for introducing mezcal to the world. The calendar is jam-packed with major events but one of the biggest is Guelaguetza, an Indigenous event that takes place every July. The streets come alive with colourful parades, traditional dance performances and markets.

Don’t Miss

With a high (and diverse) Indigenous population, Oaxaca is the best place to visit for a taste of truly authentic Mexican cuisine – and it all starts with mole. This region is famous for its seven styles of this rich and complex sauce that is cooked for hours (or sometimes days). Most restaurants will serve a selection but you’re guaranteed a good version at Tika’aya, an Indigenous restaurant serving a seven-course tasting menu crafted with local, seasonal ingredients.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Restaurants

These five heavy hitters are proof positive that Oaxaca is the culinary capital of Mexico.

Quick Bites

Some of the most memorable meals of your trip – or perhaps your life – will only set you back a few dozen pesos.

Bars

This region is not only land of mezcal but also has a booming natural wine scene. Here's where to sip the best of both.

Cultural Sites

Immerse yourself in Oaxaca's unique cultural heritage, a rich tapestry of Indigenous, colonial and contemporary Mexican influences.

Shopping

Find fresh exotic fruits, hand woven textiles, jewellery and more in these bustling markets and locally run stores.

Eco-Friendly Stays

Oaxaca may be rooted in centuries of tradition but an influx of boutique stays is bringing a contemporary spin to the city.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Explore Oaxaca City Your Way

Dive into Oaxaca City with our interactive map. Save must-see attractions, plan your route, and build your dream itinerary — all in one place. Whether it’s buzzing streets or serene escapes, this is your ultimate tool to navigate the city with the help of your HSBC Everyday Global Account.

 

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      Further Afield

      If you've got a little extra time, here are five day trips you should plan from Oaxaca City.

      • Hierve el Agua

        Hierve el Agua

        Venture 70 kilometres south from the city to check out a geological marvel, a series of calcified waterfalls that spill over the edge of a mountain and mineral pools that you can take a dip in.
      • Sierra Norte

        Sierra Norte

        A stunning region two hours from the city known as an outdoor playground. There are 100 kilometres of hiking trails through lush forest, plus mountain biking, horse riding and zip lining adventures.
      • Puerto Escondido

        Puerto Escondido

        Stunning beaches stud the Oaxaca coastline but this tiny fishing village is increasingly becoming the go-to for Mexicans and tourists, thanks to its excellent surfing conditions and stylish hotels.
      • Casa Silencio

        Casa Silencio

        This sleek boutique stay, comprised of just six moody guest suites, is based on the 16-acre property also home to El Silencio mezcal distillery. Here, you can gain deeper insight into the production process and sample special edition tipples paired with flavoured gummies — think cacao ganache, orange with worm chile or pumpkin seed paste.
      • San Jose Del Pacifico

        San Jose Del Pacifico

        Known as the 'town in the clouds', this rural Indigenous town about halfway between the city and coast is a great place to unwind. Explore the mist-shrouded forest, buy handmade wares for the street stalls and visit a temazcal (sweat lodge). The spot is also famous for a recreational pastime that we'll leave for you to Google...

      Get Started

      Ready to start planning? We've found five experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.

      • Night Street Food Tour

        Night Street Food Tour

        Hit the pavement accompanied by a local food expert to sample authentic bites, such as garnachas (fried corn tortillas topped with beef or refried beans). Book here.
      • Street Art Tour

        Street Art Tour

        Oaxaca City is like one giant openair museum with colourful murals and graffiti adorning the buildings. This half-day tour will take you to some of the best examples of creativity as well as a wood carving workshop.
      • Wool Textiles Experience

        Wool Textiles Experience

        Experience the creativity of the locals manifest in another way during a private textile tour. You'll learn all about traditional textiles and wool weaving techniques from a local family and even get to try it out for yourself.
      • Cooking class at La Cocina de Humo

        Cooking class at La Cocina de Humo

        Learn how to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes like moles and tamales during a 2.5-hour workshop in a rustic 'smoke kitchen'.
      • Real Minero Distillery Tour

        Real Minero Distillery Tour

        If you want to further immerse yourself into the world of mezcal, Real Minero, considered one of the world's finest producers of the spirit, runs a three-day experience at its estate. It includes guided tours of the palenque and nearby attractions, hands-on experiences in the nursery and, of course, tastings. Book now.

      Where to eat and drink

      From world-class mezcal distilleries to award-winning restaurants and street snacks, there's no doubting Oaxaca is the culinary capital of Mexico.

      What to do

      Immerse yourself in Oaxaca's unique cultural heritage, a rich tapestry of Indigenous, colonial and contemporary Mexican influences.

      Where to shop

      Find fresh exotic fruits, hand woven textiles, jewellery and more in these bustling markets and locally run stores.
      • Mercado de Abastos
        Shop

        Mercado de Abastos

        This market was initially built to lessen traffic at the other Oaxacan markets — but has become a worthy stop in its own right.

      • Mercado Benito Juarez
        Shop

        Mercado Benito Juarez

        One of the oldest trading centres in Oaxaca.

      • Marchanta
        Shop

        Marchanta

        This upscale boutique sells clothes, accessories, textiles and pottery from all over Mexico.

      • LIA Cafe
        Shop

        LIA Cafe

        This cafe and homewares boutique sells pottery made by local artisans.

      Where to stay

      Oaxaca may be rooted in centuries of tradition but an influx of boutique stays is bringing a contemporary spin to the city.

      Be prepared for your Mexico adventure by opening an HSBC Everyday Global Account. For more information, head to the website.

      This is a sponsored post in partnership with HSBC. Other banking services fees and charges may apply. Issued by HSBC Bank Australia Limited ABN 48 006 434 162. AFSL 232595. This advertisement provides general advice only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the product terms and conditions before acquiring the product, available at www.hsbc.com.au.

      Illustration: Haylee Poppi
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