Where to stay in Oaxaca City – A guide to this Charming Mexican City
Oaxaca de Juarez, also known as Oaxaca City, is the capital city of the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. Located at the foothills of the Sierra Madre in the south of the country, Oaxaca City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its colorful colonial architecture and archeological sites. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
The main attractions in Oaxaca City’s Center include the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, the historic Zócalo square, Benito Juárez Market, Oaxaca Cathedral, Museo Textil de Oaxaca, and the Oaxaca Museum of Contemporary Art. See accommodation in Oaxaca City City Center.
The Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán, located west of the city center, is home to the ruins of the ancient capital of the Zapotecs, dating back to 500 BC, it was one of the first and most populated cities in of its time in Mesoamerica. See accommodation around Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán.
If you’re traveling with kids, Oaxaca City is also home to several family-friendly attractions like the Children’s Museum of Oaxaca or the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca.
Due to its inland location in the south of Mexico, Oaxaca City has a tropical savanna climate. Average temperatures remain high throughout the year and range from 9 – 27 ºC in the winter to around 15 – 32 ºC in the summer months. The wettest season goes from May to October. Because of its constantly pleasant temperature, Oaxaca City is an ideal tourist destination year-round. However, since rains are more likely to occur during the summer, the best time to visit Oaxaca is during the fall and winter (November to April) when it’s warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities without having to worry about the rain.
To get to Oaxaca City by air, the city is served by the Oaxaca International Airport. This airport offers several connections to other destinations in Mexico and some international flights to the United States.
Oaxaca City is also very well-connected by long-distance buses to the rest of Mexico. See long-distance bus routes, schedules & fares.
Local public transportation in Oaxaca City consists of several bus lines. The Historic City Center is very pedestrian-friendly. There are also taxi services available, and you can choose to rent a cheap car during your stay.
The best area to stay in Oaxaca City is the Historic City Center. This old area is home to some of Oaxaca City’s best cultural attractions, charming colonial architecture, restaurants, nightlife, and shops. It is also where the best boutique hotels are located. See accommodation in Oaxaca City Historic Center.
Another great option to consider when choosing the best location in Oaxaca City is around the Monte Albán Archeological Site.
Keep reading to find out more about the best location in Oaxaca City for tourists.
The Best Areas to Stay in Oaxaca City, Mexico
1. Recommended area: Centro Histórico (Oaxaca Historic City Center)
Oaxaca City Center is the main commercia, historical and tourist district in the city.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area stands out for its excellent examples of Spanish colonial architecture, its cobbled streets, and its lively atmosphere.
In the center of this neighborhood you’ll find the vibrant Zócalo, a beautiful historic Spanish-style plaza surrounded by the most iconic buildings in Oaxaca City.
The impressive Oaxaca Cathedral, begun in 1535, is one of the oldest churches on the continent.
A few streets further north is the baroque Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and the adjacent Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden, with an impressive showcase of native flora.
The central calle Macedonia Alcalá is a lively pedestrian promenade dotted with shops, bars and hotels.
The Historic Center of Oaxaca is the best area to stay in Oaxaca de Juárez thanks to its lively nightlife, transport connections, and its wide variety of hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Oaxaca City:
- Best area to stay for sightseeing
- Good transport connections
- Heart of the city
Accommodation in this area
- Top Choice
Hotel Boutique Parador San Miguel Oaxaca
Located in Oaxaca, Mexico, just 30 meters from Oaxaca Cathedral, this boutique hotel offers traditional Mexican decor, a gourmet restaurant, and spacious rooms.
- Budget
Hotel Boutique Parador San Miguel Oaxaca
Located in Oaxaca, Mexico, just 30 meters from Oaxaca Cathedral, this boutique hotel offers traditional Mexican decor, a gourmet restaurant, and spacious rooms.
- Luxury
Casa De Sierra Azul
This 19th century mansion is located in the historic center of Oaxaca, just 2 blocks from the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral. The Casa De Sierra Azul has been declared a World Heritage Site.
2. Near Monte Albán Archaeological Site
Monte Albán is an archaeological site located 6 km (4 mi) west of Oaxaca City Center.
Just like the Oaxaca’s Historic City Center, the Monte Albán Archaeological Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This important archaeological site includes the ruins of the ancient capital of the Zapotecs; a powerful, highly developed pre-Columbian civilization that occupied the Central Valleys of Oaxaca since the 5th century BC. until the 10th AD.
The main buildings that can still be seen at this archaeological site include the Great Square, the Ball Court, Los Danzantes, Building “J”, and The Palace.
Near the Archaeological Site of Monte Albán you’ll find the art communities of Arrazola and San Bartolo Coyotepec, specialized in black clay pottery.
Monte Albán is connected to the center of Oaxaca City by buses. However, it is also possible to get around by car or taxi.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Oaxaca:
- Beautiful views
- Historical area
- Monte Albán Museum
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|ES| Dónde alojarse en Oaxaca de Juárez, México.
