If you’re looking for a new travel destination that’s off the beaten path, Oaxaca, Mexico should be at the top of your list. This city is known for its rich culture, colorful markets, and delicious cuisine. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous scenery and those Insta-worthy photo spots!
Traveling to Oaxaca
We had a direct fight from Tijuana, Mexico to Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s extremely easy to catch a flight out of Tijuana using CBX (Cross Border Express), a pedestrian bridge connecting San Diego, California to Tijuana International Airport in Mexico. One of the main advantages of using the CBX is the cost savings. Flights out of Tijuana are often less expensive than those out of the US. Additionally, The Tijuana airport has better flight options, and it is a hub for many airlines that operate in Mexico and Latin America. This means that you have more choices when it comes to flight schedules, connections, and destinations. The cost to use CBX varies but peak prices are $25 per person each way and less during the off season.
When you arrive in Oaxaca, you can easily grab a shuttle from the airport to your hotel for about $7 per person.
Where to Stay
If you are looking for a place to stay in Oaxaca, there are many options to choose from, but two highly recommended hotels are Casa Rosamate and Los Amantes Hotel.
Casa Rosamate is the ‘other’ PINK boutique in Oaxaca, Mexico. It offers a unique blend of modern design and traditional Oaxacan architecture. The hotel features comfortable and stylish rooms, a large shared outdoor seating area surrounded by cacti and a coy pond, it even has a small coffee shop on site.
Los Amantes Hotel, on the other hand, is a charming boutique hotel located in the historic center of Oaxaca. The hotel is housed in a restored colonial mansion and features stylish rooms and suites decorated with local artwork and textiles. The hotel also has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and a restaurant serving delicious Oaxacan cuisine. Both hotels offer a luxurious and comfortable stay in the heart of Oaxaca, and they are ideal for travelers looking for a unique and authentic experience.
Where to Eat & Drink
Oaxaca is a culinary paradise, and there are many fantastic restaurants and bars to choose from, we basically ate and drank our way around the city, so we know! One must-try restaurant is Boulenc, which is famous for its artisanal bread, pastries, and coffee. This place has a tropical and inviting atmosphere, and it’s a great place to start your day with a delicious breakfast. We loved it so much we went back a second time for dinner. Another must-visit spot is La Popular, an artsy restaurant known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine. The restaurant is prefect for late night eats like tacos or tlayudas, and mezcal cocktails. If you’re looking for a more modern take on Oaxacan cuisine, Gozobi is an excellent choice. The restaurant features a fusion of Oaxacan and Mediterranean flavors, and the menu changes daily based on what’s in season. They also have a great view of the city from the rooftop – it’s a must see!
For a more casual dining experience, Casa Alejandra is a perfect choice. The bed and breakfast serves traditional Mexican cuisine, and the dishes are affordable and delicious. If you’re looking for a trendy spot, Muss Café is the only choice. The café is known for its great coffee, delicious food, and friendly staff. They are located inside Casa Antonieta which has the most dreamy open ceiling view I’ve ever seen! These restaurants and bars are just a few of the many fantastic places to eat and drink in Oaxaca, and they offer a great taste of the local cuisine and culture.
What To Do
One of the must-do activities is shopping at the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. The market is a bustling hub of activity, and it’s a great place to find authentic Oaxacan crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Walk around at get lost in the city gazing at beautiful architecture and the hustle and bustle of the city. Another great place to visit is the Jardín Etnobotánico, which is a botanical garden that showcases the region’s rich biodiversity. The garden is home to many indigenous plant species and offers visitors a chance to learn about the traditional uses of these plants in Oaxacan culture. Finally, no trip to Oaxaca is complete without a mezcal tasting. Mezcal is the region’s signature spirit, and there are many distilleries and tasting rooms in and around the city where you can sample the different varieties.
Instagram-Worthy Photo Locations
Oaxaca city is full of colorful and vibrant spots that are perfect for capturing the perfect Insta-worthy photo. One of the best spots for a picture is A.M. Siempre Café, where you can snap a photo under the famous “Oaxaca Te Amo” sign. Another great spot is La Toscana, with its beautiful pink wall mural outside the restaurant. If you’re looking for a more peaceful setting, head to Templo de Santo Domino de Guzman, where you can capture the perfect shot without any tourists in the frame by heading to the left of the church. Lastly, the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca is a must-visit for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts, with its lush gardens and stunning scenery providing the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed.
After visiting I truly believe Oaxaca is a hidden gen that should be on very traveler’s list. With delicious food, stunning scenery, and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots, you won’t be disappointed when you visit.
And that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed my Traveling to Oaxaca: A Guide to Food, Fun, and Instagram-Worthy Spots and found it to be helpful as you plan your visit.
If you want to see more of my travels to Oaxaca, be sure to follow me on YouTube for full travel vlogs!
P.S. you can check out a full list of my past travel guides and Instagram-worthy photo locations here.
Happy traveling!!!
