A Celebration Craft and Cuisine
Oaxaca is a brilliant place, with a depth & history that may surprise those unfamiliar. The central valley of present-day Oaxaca rivals Mesopotamia as an epicenter of early human development — most notably in food and art. Corn (maíz) was invented here. The region is notable for the diversity and vibrancy of its indigenous cultures, and while spread out across the various geographic regions of the state, elements of their unique cultural contributions reveal themselves in the capital city: Oaxaca de Juárez.
We began visiting Oaxaca prior to sourcing coffee from here. While the area and villages around the city offer lots to explore in the way of markets and makers, we’ve enjoyed walking and exploring the city itself, and we’ve built this guide based primarily on our favorite finds therein.
There’s much to discover and experience. But if it’s your first visit, you can’t go wrong starting in the city. If you’re like us, you’ll find yourself yearning to come back for more.
Book “The Experience” at La Cocina de Humo for an unforgettable night in Oaxaca. Here a multi-course family style meal cooked on a tableside comal using only local and seasonal ingredients.
Located on the rooftop of Antonieta, this bar and serves natural wine, cocktails, coffee, and small plates.
This easy-going cafe served one of the best cups of coffee we’ve had in Oaxaca!
Our favorite spot for dinner. Rooted in the cooking style of San Mateo Yucutindoo, a remote village in the mountains west of Oaxaca City.
La Cocina De Marito Y Moglie
Levadura de Olla
Amá Terraza
This bustling pastry shop makes world-class sourdough and croissants.
This experimental cocktail bar is consistently voted one of the best bars in the world. Their terrace has one of the best views of the city.
This experimental cocktail bar is consistently voted one of the best bars in the world. Their terrace has one of the best views of the city.
This airy cafe-bakery is always one of our first stops in Oaxaca. Delicious pastries baked in house pair with delicious coffee and tea.
A spot favorited by locals — The rooftop at El Destilado is the perfect spot for snacking on taco and tostadas while enjoying an aged mezcal cocktail.
Known for their fermented food and drinks is this restaurant is where Japanese and Oaxacan traditional foods unite.
Order an espresso at the bar and relax for a bit! The café’s shop is also a great place to shop for special mementos from the trip.
Boulenc Bakery
Adamá
This restaurant serves fresh, middle-eastern food. Perfect for when you need a temporary taco break.
Known for their fermented food and drinks is this restaurant is where Japanese and Oaxacan traditional foods unite.
The dishes at Itanoni are based entirely around Mexican and indigenous corn (maiz criollo).
This 2 acre botanical garden is located right in the heart of the city and exhibits hundreds of live plant species, all native to Oaxaca.
Approachable in size, this light-filled museum showcases a variety of mediums — all by Mexican artists.
This textile museum promotes Oaxaca’s traditional textile crafts through exhibitions, workshops, films, presentations and a library.
This bustling ceramics store is also a non-
profit working to keep the local pottery tradition alive.
Just one block south of Oaxaca city's main plaza, the Benito Juarez market takes up a full city block and sells food, spices, textiles and toys.
Marchanta is a high-end boutique that stocks clothes, accessories, and homewares all from Latin American designers.
Marchanta
This 2 acre botanical garden is located right in the heart of the city and exhibits hundreds of live plant species, all native to Oaxaca.
This locally based design studio uses traditional techniques to make bold and modern objects for the home.
This gallery / shop sells intricately designed candles and clay objects made in collaborations with local designers.
We rented this Airbnb when part of the Canyon team visited Oaxaca. Located in the heart of the city, we felt right at home in this beautifully designed space.
The three open bedrooms each have their own bathroom and patio. A courtyard pool and outdoor dining room made it hard to leave!
Our favorite part was enjoying a homemade breakfast cooked on the comal each morning.
Casa Ya'xe
An intimate bed and breakfast owned and operated by the team at Boulenc.
This airy boutique hotel is close to everything in Oaxaca's center city.
Every detail was considered while designing this property to give it a modern, yet warm feel.
Boulenc Bed & Bread
