Best Areas to Stay in Oaxaca City (After Spending 3 Months There)
As a slow traveller who likes to spend months in one place at a time, there’s always that little moment right before arriving somewhere new where I quietly hope the energy between myself and the place will be a match. And it only took one day in Oaxaca City to know this was somewhere I wanted to stay.
Twenty-four hours of hearing more “hola’s” and “buenos días” than I could count, seeing old couples dancing in the park, colourful art wrapped around almost every corner and people moving through life at a noticeably slower pace. So stay, I did.
One of the things I really love about Oaxaca City is that, despite there being so much to explore, it’s still compact enough that you can walk almost everywhere. Which means you genuinely can’t go too far wrong when choosing where to stay. That said, each neighbourhood has quite a different feel and rhythms so it will of course naturally shape your experience.
Whether you’d prefer to stay right in the colourful heart of the city, in a quieter artsy neighbourhood full of murals and charm, or somewhere more local and residential, there’s a barrio here that’ll likely match your style. Here are four best areas to stay in Oaxaca City that I’d personally recommend after spending three months living there
Centro Histórico
If you want to be right in the heart of everything, Centro Histórico is the place to stay in Oaxaca City. Here, you’re just steps away from some of the city’s most iconic spots ~ Templo de Santo Domingo, the lively Zócalo, colourful markets, galleries, rooftop bars, cafés and the sounds of Mexican city life.
It’s vibrant, energetic and full of movement both day and night. Perfect if you love stepping outside your accommodation and immediately feeling immersed in the atmosphere of a place. Just keep in mind that with all that energy naturally comes a little more noise too. But honestly, for many people, that’s part of the charm.
I enjoyed a weekend staycation at Grana B&B and would 1000% recommend if you’re coming for just a few days. I wrote a full post about my stay so please feel welcome to read it should you want more info on this lovely boutique hotel).
Jalatlaco
If colourful charm and slower mornings sound more your thing, Jalatlaco may be right up your alley. Located only around a 15 minute walk from Centro, this tiny barrio somehow feels more like a peaceful village tucked quietly inside the city itself.
Think cobblestone streets, cute cafes, colourful houses, huge murals blooming across walls and a general feeling of creative calm (if that can be a thing). It’s still close enough to easily dip in and out of the historic centre, but with a much slower, softer pace.
There are also plenty of boutique shops and lovely little cafés to keep you happily wandering for hours. In fact, one of my favouriteee spots in all of Oaxaca, which I included in my insider’s guide, is located here, so I found myself becoming quite the regular visitor.
I’d say Jalatlaco is perfect if you’re looking for beauty, art, creativity and a quieter home base to retreat back to after a day spent exploring Oaxaca’s streets. It’s still popular with visitors, of course, but noticeably calmer and more peaceful than staying directly in Centro.
Xochimilco
Another peaceful, character-filled neighbourhood I absolutely loved. Located just north of Centro, Xochimilco is known for its old aqueduct, leafy streets, artisan workshops and a real feeling of being woven into everyday Oaxacan life.
It feels slightly less polished and touristy than Jalatlaco, which honestly makes it even more special in my opinion. If you love slightly more hidden-gem feeling places, with cute cafés, artist studios and a more local atmosphere, you’ll probably fall for Xochimilco too.
Reforma (good option for longer stays)
If you’re looking to experience Oaxaca a little more like a local and stay somewhere less touristy, Reforma could be a great option ~ especially for longer stays. This is actually where I based myself for three months.
And while it may not feel quite as picturesque or immediately charming as Centro, Jalatlaco or Xochimilco, it offers something different: a much more everyday, down-to-earth experience of the city.
Local markets, eateries and a rhythm of life that feels much more residential than visitor-focused. And honestly? It felt safe, affordable and gave me the chance to experience a side of Oaxaca that many visitors probably never see.
Just keep in mind that you’ll likely either be taking taxis or walking around 20–25 minutes into Centro depending on exactly where you stay. (And if you’d like the Airbnb I personally stayed in while living here, feel free to send me an email 😊)
Insider Oaxaca City tips
During my three months living in Oaxaca City, I had over 120 places saved to my Google Maps list ~ cafés, restaurants, markets, mezcal bars, little hidden corners and spontaneous discoveries made while simply wandering around.
And somehow, despite spending months there, it still felt like there was always more left to uncover.
Eventually though, after a lot of coffees, strolls, meals and moments, I managed to narrow my favourites down to 33 spots that made it into my Oaxaca insider’s guide.
Enough options to make your trip feel exciting and full of choice… but not so many that you end up overwhelmed and wondering where on earth to begin.
So if you enjoy more authentic, locally loved places and would like a little extra help discovering Oaxaca beyond the obvious tourist spots, you can find my guide here 🤍
This is the second guide I bought from Paris, this time, Oaxaca!! I LOVED IT! As a slow traveler and digital nomad myself, i can always trust the insights and knowledge of Paris. She put so much love into it! I highly recommend checking the guide out if you are heading to any of this beautiful locations!
Sylvia
