Oaxaca Travel Guide: What to Eat, Do, and Pack for the Ultimate Mexico Escape

Some destinations are all about checking landmarks off a list. Oaxaca isn't one of them.

This colorful city in southern Mexico invites you to slow down, wander cobblestone streets, sip mezcal in hidden courtyards, and spend afternoons browsing artisan markets filled with handmade textiles and ceramics. Every meal feels like an experience, every neighborhood has its own personality, and every corner offers something worth photographing.

Whether you're planning your first trip or already dreaming about returning, here's our Splendid Shopper guide to the best things to do, where to eat, and exactly what to pack for a stylish Oaxaca getaway.

What to Do in Oaxaca

1. Wander Through Oaxaca's Historic Centro

Start with the heart of the city. Spend the morning exploring colorful colonial buildings, boutique shops, hidden courtyards, and local cafés around the Zócalo and Santo Domingo Church. It's impossible not to stop every few minutes for photos.

2. Shop Mercado Benito Juárez & Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Skip souvenir shops. These historic markets are where locals shop for handmade goods, embroidered clothing, leather products, mole spices, mezcal, and woven baskets. Perfect for bringing home gifts that actually support local artisans.

3. Take a Mezcal Distillery Tour

Tequila may get the attention, but mezcal is Oaxaca's soul. Visit a family-owned palenque outside the city to learn how agave is harvested and distilled. Many small producers still use traditional techniques passed down through generations.

4. Visit Hierve el Agua

One of Mexico's most breathtaking natural wonders. The petrified waterfalls and infinity-style mineral pools are about 1.5 hours from Oaxaca and make an unforgettable day trip. Go early to avoid crowds.

5. Have Dinner at Restaurante Catedral

Try the traditional mole, fresh seafood dishes, or one of their seasonal Oaxacan specialties, paired with a glass of local mezcal or Mexican wine. Be sure to save room for dessert—their regional sweets are the perfect ending to the meal.

What to Eat in Oaxaca

Mole

Oaxaca is famous for its seven varieties of mole, rich and complex sauces made with chiles, spices, nuts, and chocolate.

Tlayudas

Known as the "Oaxacan pizza," tlayudas are crispy oversized tortillas topped with beans, quesillo, vegetables, and your choice of meat.

Quesillo

Oaxaca's signature string cheese is creamy, mild, and found in everything from quesadillas to tlayudas.

Memelas

Memelas are thick handmade corn cakes topped with black beans, salsa, cheese, and meats for a delicious local breakfast or snack.

Chapulines

These toasted grasshoppers are a traditional Oaxacan snack seasoned with garlic, lime, and chile for a crunchy, savory bite.

What to Pack

Warm afternoons, cool evenings, and lots of walking mean versatile pieces are key.

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The Palm Linen Dress from Madewell's collaboration with Australian label Zulu & Zephyr is an effortlessly elegant vacation staple, featuring a relaxed silhouette in breathable linen that's perfect for exploring Oaxaca's colorful streets or enjoying a sunset dinner.

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Equal parts polished and effortless, the Fable Choc Silk Blend Set from DISSH is the ultimate vacation outfit. The oversized striped button-down and matching shorts are lightweight enough for warm afternoons, while the rich chocolate hue and relaxed tailoring make it just as chic for grabbing coffee, strolling through artisan markets, or enjoying mezcal at golden hour. Wear the pieces together for an elevated coordinated look or style them separately throughout your trip for endless outfit options.

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Blending the ease of wide-leg linen pants with the feminine look of a wrap skirt, the Aqualuna Linen Skants are a standout piece for warm-weather travel. Their breezy silhouette keeps you cool while wandering Oaxaca's artisan markets or enjoying an alfresco lunch, making them an effortlessly chic alternative to traditional linen trousers.

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Made from lightweight linen, the Summer Skirt White by Djerf Avenue is the kind of effortless piece you'll reach for again and again. Its flowing maxi silhouette is perfect for warm days exploring Oaxaca's colorful streets, while the timeless design pairs beautifully with everything from a simple tank to an oversized linen button-down for an elevated vacation look.

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The Calla Woven Shoulder Bag is a stylish travel essential, featuring an intricately woven design that adds texture and sophistication to any outfit. Spacious enough for your everyday essentials, it's the perfect companion for exploring Oaxaca's artisan markets, strolling colorful streets, or heading out for dinner, effortlessly complementing everything from breezy linen dresses to relaxed matching sets.

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The Juno Green Pony mules from SADI Studios are a statement shoe that blends modern design with traditional craftsmanship. The distinctive pony hair finish and sculptural silhouette instantly elevate even the simplest linen outfit, making them the perfect choice for dinner in Oaxaca or an evening mezcal tasting when you want to swap your daytime sandals for something unforgettable.

Oaxaca is the kind of destination that stays with you long after you've returned home. From colorful streets and centuries-old traditions to unforgettable meals and artisan treasures, every day feels like an opportunity to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you're wandering local markets, sampling authentic Oaxacan cuisine, or packing a suitcase full of breezy linen pieces, this vibrant city offers the perfect balance of culture, style, and adventure.

We hope this guide helps you make the most of your trip—and inspires you to pack light, shop thoughtfully, and embrace everything Oaxaca has to offer. ¡Buen viaje!

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