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Planning a trip to Oaxaca City and wondering where to stay? We’ve got you covered.
We can never get enough of the colorful, cultural gem that is Oaxaca, and we’ve been lucky enough to stay in lots of different areas throughout the city on our many trips here. So if you’re unsure where the best areas to stay are, we’re here to help! We’ll break down each of our favorite areas of the city and what each one offers to help you pick a base that’s central, convenient, and suits your vibe.
Whether you’re after buzzing markets, colonial architecture, or a peaceful base, we’re here to help you find your perfect spot in Oaxaca. Vamos!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the hotel and area we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE area to stay in Oaxaca is South Centro. It surrounds the Zócalo and buzzes with markets, street performers, and colonial architecture.
We recommend the Hotel Marques Del Valle for an unbeatable location with cathedral views and balconies overlooking the square!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Where To Stay In Oaxaca Map
- Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Oaxaca, Mexico
- Important Tip
- Where to Stay in Oaxaca
- Top Activities to do in Oaxaca
- Thanks for reading!
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Where To Stay In Oaxaca Map
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca City is full of charm, culture, and color, but choosing the right area to stay in can be a bit of a puzzle, especially if you haven’t visited before! Each neighborhood has its own unique character, from the bustling markets of Centro to the tranquil corners and artisan workshops of Xochimilco. So if you’re not sure where to base yourself, don’t worry because we’ve done the legwork for you.
Oaxaca is compact, and it’s easy to get around on foot here, with plenty of taxis and local buses available if you need them. Basically, getting around is a breeze! It’s generally safe, too, but it’s smart to stay alert after dark and stick to busy areas.
- North Centro – This lively and walkable area is the cultural heart of Oaxaca, home to the stunning Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the Museo de las Culturas, and streets filled with food vendors, galleries, and street art. Hotel Siglo 17 is a comfortable option tucked in a charming colonial building just steps from the action.
- South Centro – South of Avenida de la Independencia, this area buzzes with local life and boasts attractions like Mercado 20 de Noviembre and the Zócalo, as well as endless spots to sample Oaxacan specialties like mole and tlayudas. Hotel Marques Del Valle puts you right on the main square with unbeatable views.
- Reforma – This is a quieter, more residential neighborhood just north of Centro, and we think it makes a solid pick for travelers who’ve already experienced the buzz of downtown and want something a little more laid-back. Casa de Arte Hotel Boutique is a stylish, artsy stay with plenty of personality.
- Jalatlaco – This colorful neighborhood is just a 10-minute walk from Centro, but it feels like its own little world with its cobbled streets, murals, and trendy bars. City Centro by Marriott Oaxaca is a standout choice with bold design and a rooftop pool.
- Barrio de Xochimilco – Known as the oldest neighborhood in Oaxaca, Xochimilco is peaceful and charming, with its famous Aztec aqueduct and the authentic Pochote Organic Market! Hotel Fortin Plaza offers a relaxed, mid-range stay with great city views.
Important Tip
Multiple Oaxaca trips have taught us that this city doesn’t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning. The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.
The sweet spot for booking Oaxaca accommodations is 3-4 months out—enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you’re locking in plans excessively early.
Where to Stay in Oaxaca
North Centro
If you want to be in the heart of Oaxaca’s cultural scene, then take our word for it: North Centro is the place to stay! This area is centered around the iconic Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán and packed with historic landmarks. It’s an ideal base for first-time visitors as it’s walkable, brimming with culture, and offers plenty to do.
Speaking of which, must-do activities around here include visiting the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca and strolling through the nearby Ethnobotanical Garden. Oh, and be sure to check out Calle Alcalá, which is a super cute street lined with cafes, bookstores, and boutiques.
This area is full of culture, and we love wandering around and taking in the colonial architecture. There are some really fun rooftop bars here where you can sip mezcal, and you’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants here, too!
In the evening, North Centro comes alive with street performers, live music, and food vendors. There’s such a fun and festive atmosphere, and it feels vibrant without becoming overwhelming. We always enjoy staying here because it’s fun and energetic, and we never run out of things to do.
Pros
- Home to lots of must-see cultural attractions
- Lively atmosphere with great bars and street life
- Central and walkable
Cons
- Can be crowded, especially around major landmarks
- Hotel prices tend to be higher
Quinta Real Oaxaca – $$$
Quinta Real Oaxaca is a gorgeous hotel set inside a stunning 16th-century convent. It’s a five-star property that exudes old-world elegance with stone archways, leafy courtyards, and centuries-old frescoes. It truly feels like sleeping inside a piece of history!
The hotel is just steps from the Templo de Santo Domingo and Oaxaca’s pedestrian streets, so you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore. Rooms are refined and spacious, with traditional decor and modern comforts. There’s also a peaceful garden, outdoor pool, and an excellent restaurant serving local cuisine.
Double rooms range from $430 to $600 USD per night, depending on the season, while king rooms range up to $725 USD per night.
Book this five-star Oaxaca City stay here!
Hotel Siglo 17 – $$
Hotel Siglo 17 offers colonial charm and boutique comfort at a much more approachable price point. It’s housed in a restored 18th-century mansion, and offers a peaceful central courtyard, cozy reading nooks, and traditionally styled rooms with wooden beams and tile floors. We also love the plunge pool, which is ideal for cooling off after a day of sightseeing in the Mexican heat!
Meanwhile, the location is fantastic, too. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Santo Domingo, markets, and tons of great cafés. All in all, this is a quiet and welcoming base for travelers who want central access without the crowds. Expect to pay around $250 USD for a double room, while suites start at $335 USD per night.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Hotel Casa Puga – $
Hotel Casa Puga is a top budget pick in North Centro. It’s small, clean, and run with genuine warmth by a friendly local team. Despite its affordable price point, it’s very nicely decorated with a boutique feel. Breakfast is also included each morning, which makes this place even more of a bargain!
Staying here puts you just a short walk from Oaxaca’s major sights, street food stalls, and local galleries. The central location makes it ideal for first-timers, and there’s a nice rooftop terrace where guests can hang out and enjoy the views during their downtime.
Family or twin rooms typically start around $115 USD per night and go up to around $250 USD during peak season.
Browse room options and secure your stay here!
South Centro
South Centro is the other half of the “Centro” area. It’s noisier and more chaotic than North Centro, but if you’re looking for an energetic area that puts you in the thick of all the action, it doesn’t get better than this!
This lively hub sits just below Avenida de la Independencia and centers around the bustling Zócalo (aka the city’s main square) and Mercado 20 de Noviembre. These are two of the most vibrant spots in town! You’ve also got tons of museums, bars, and galleries around here, as well as lots of amazing restaurant options.
All around South Centro, you’ll find lots of street food, mariachi bands, and shoe shiners offering their services. This area is super atmospheric from morning to night, and I always have a smile on my face when we walk around here! This is the best part of the city for people-watching, hands down. We love to come here, grab a coffee, and watch the world go by.
Another great perk of this area is that everything is within walking distance. We think that South Centro is perfect if you want to soak up local life and want all of the action right on your doorstep.
Pros
- Super central and walkable
- Close to markets, restaurants, and nightlife
Cons
- Can be noisy, especially around the Zócalo
- Feels crowded during holidays and weekends
Casa Antonieta – $$$
Casa Antonieta blends minimalist design with rich historical character in a beautifully restored colonial building. Inside, you’ll find airy rooms with high ceilings, soft lighting, and elegant decor that feels modern but still rooted in Oaxaca’s traditional aesthetic.
The hotel also features a cozy café and open-air terrace where you can sip local coffee and plan your day. It’s just a few blocks from the Zócalo, yet the atmosphere is calm and curated. It’s a peaceful retreat, but it offers direct access to the city’s main sights, so it’s hard to fault this property.
Expect to pay between $370 and $560 USD per night for a king room or suite.
Secure your stay at Casa Antonieta here!
Hotel Marques Del Valle – $$
Hotel Marques Del Valle has one of the best locations in the city. It sits right on the Zócalo with views of the Oaxaca Cathedral. It really does not get any closer to the action than this! There’s truly nothing quite like waking up to the buzz of the square below.
The rooms are simple and clean, and many have balconies that overlook the plaza. We also like the hotel’s on-site restaurant and the rooftop terrace. The friendly service will make you feel right at home. This isn’t the quietest hotel, but if you want the city’s best nightlife on your doorstep, then this is the perfect spot!
Rates range from $160 to $270 USD per night, depending on the season and room category you choose.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Santa Helena Plaza – $
Santa Helena Plaza is a solid budget option in the heart of South Centro. It’s just a short walk from the Zócalo and the main markets, making it super convenient for food lovers and street wanderers alike.
The rooms are basic, but they’re cozy and sparkling clean, with hot showers and comfortable beds. There’s also a small pool where you can cool off after exploring, as well as on-site parking.
This place may not be flashy, but its location and price make it great for budget-conscious travelers who want to stay central without breaking the bank. Rooms typically start around $75 USD per night and go up to about $120 USD in peak season.
Book this budget-friendly stay at Santa Helena Plaza here!
Reforma
Just north of the historic center, Reforma is a quieter, more residential area of Oaxaca that offers a slower pace and a more local feel. It’s ideal for returning visitors or anyone who wants to experience the city away from the busy tourist core.
We’re both big foodies, so we feel right at home here! Some of the best modern Oaxacan restaurants are tucked into Reforma’s side streets. If you stay here, it’s so easy to spend your days hopping between mezcalerías, bakeries, and hidden lunch spots.
Reforma is also a bit more spacious and relaxed, so it’s well suited to longer stays or digital nomads looking for a base with good amenities and less noise. It’s also a bit safer at night than more touristy areas, since this is a calmer and more upscale part of the city. For that reason, we also think it’s a great choice for families visiting Oaxaca City! Accommodation here tends to be a bit cheaper too, so you get a lot for your money.
The trade-off is that it’s a 20–25 minute walk to Centro. But for travelers who’ve already seen the main sights or prefer to explore lesser-known corners of Oaxaca, Reforma is a fun and refreshing option.
Pros
- Quiet, safe, and more relaxed than Centro
- Great for food lovers and returning visitors
- Affordable accommodation options
Cons
- Not many traditional sights nearby
- A bit far to walk to Centro multiple times a day
Misión De Los Ángeles – $$$
Mision De Los Angeles is a resort-style hotel located in Reforma, offering a spacious, leafy setting that feels like a world away from the hustle of downtown Oaxaca! The rooms are classic and comfortable, many with balconies that overlook the gardens or pool.
This hotel is ideal for travelers who want a more relaxed, full-service experience. There’s a tennis court, a huge pool, and an on-site restaurant serving regional cuisine, so you get true vacation vibes here! We think it’s perfect for families or couples who want extra space and amenities during their stay.
While it’s not ultra-modern, the calm surroundings and convenience make it a solid upscale pick. Room rates range from $85 to $235 USD per night, depending on the room type and season.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Casa de Arte Hotel Boutique – $$
Casa de Arte Hotel Boutique is a charming hotel with a creative, eclectic vibe. Each room is individually decorated with local art, handwoven textiles, and splashes of color, giving the space real personality.
The hotel also has an on-site café and gallery space. It feels chic and contemporary, and we love the cute little pool area! If you stay here, you’ll also be within walking distance of some excellent restaurants in Reforma, and it’s quiet enough at night for a restful stay.
Rooms start at around $120 USD per night for a twin or double room, and range up to $180 USD per night for a king room with a spa bath.
Browse room options and book this contemporary stay here!
Hotel Casa Cantera – $
Hotel Casa Cantera is a laid-back and budget-friendly option tucked into a quiet corner of Reforma. The rooms are simple but nicely maintained, with colorful touches and clean, functional bathrooms.
There’s a peaceful little courtyard where you can enjoy a morning coffee, and the location is great for exploring Reforma’s cafés and restaurants on foot. While you won’t find luxe extras here, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the vibe is cozy and unpretentious.
Meanwhile, there’s a bus terminal just a few blocks away, and you can even walk to Centro in around 20 minutes, so it’s a convenient base. Rooms here typically cost between $80 and $105 USD per night, depending on availability.
Reserve your stay at Hotel Casa Cantera here!
Jalatlaco
Once a quiet colonial suburb, Jalatlaco has transformed into one of Oaxaca’s most vibrant and artsy neighborhoods. We just can’t get enough of this area because everywhere you look, there are colorful murals, cobbled streets, cozy cafés, and buzzing mezcalerías.
Jalatlaco is located just a 10-minute walk from the heart of Centro, so it’s super close to the city’s best attractions. Yet at the same time, it still feels slightly tucked away—like its own little village within the city! It’s the perfect choice for returning visitors or first-timers who want a mix of authenticity and convenience.
This is a great place to spend your evenings, too, as there are plenty of bars and restaurants that are just overflowing with life, music, and great drinks. Meanwhile, foodies will be pleased to know that there are a ton of yummy street eats around here.
It’s also a neighborhood with lots of hotel options, so whether you want to stay in a funky boutique spot or go with a more familiar international brand, there are a ton of great options—but more on that below! While it’s not quite as central as the Zócalo area, it’s very walkable and feels like its own little village within the city.
Pros
- Colorful, creative, and full of local flavor
- Great nightlife and food scene within walking distance
Cons
- A bit removed from main historical sights
- Can get lively (read: noisy) at night
Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca – $$$
Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca brings polished, five-star comfort to Jalatlaco without losing the neighborhood’s signature charm. The rooms are sleek and contemporary, with plush beds, stylish decor, and thoughtful lighting.
The hotel also features a large outdoor pool, wellness center, and upscale restaurant, all of which are set within beautifully landscaped grounds. This spot is ideal for travelers who want all the modern conveniences in a walkable, cultural neighborhood.
The property is tucked into a quieter part of Jalatlaco, so you’ll enjoy a peaceful sleep while still being just steps away from lots of bars and cafés. Rooms typically start at around $350 USD per night and can go up to $1,200 USD for the sumptuous master suite!
Check availability and book your stay here!
City Centro by Marriott Oaxaca – $$
City Centro by Marriott Oaxaca is one of the most Instagrammable hotels in town, thanks to its bold pink exterior and stylish design. This converted colonial building has been transformed into a hip hotel with a rooftop pool, gym, and even a coworking space!
The location right in Jalatlaco makes it easy to explore the city on foot, and there are cafés, street art, and taco joints on every corner. The rooms are just as funky as the hotel’s exterior, with chic design touches.
Marriott may be a big international hotel brand, but this property is anything but generic. We love it! Expect to pay $180 to $400 USD per night, depending on the room and season.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Hotel Cazomalli Oaxaca – $
Hotel Cazomalli Oaxaca is a great little budget hotel with a big personality. The rooms are bright and clean, with hand-painted details and traditional decor. There’s a small terrace where you can sip coffee in the morning, and the staff is genuinely warm and helpful.
It’s located on a quieter street in Jalatlaco, just a short walk from the area’s cafés and nightlife. This is a simple, no-frills place, but it’s a solid option for travelers who want an authentic stay in a colorful neighborhood without spending too much.
It’s the perfect choice for families and groups, too, as there are rooms that sleep up to eight people. Rates usually fall between $70 and $200 USD per night, making it one of the best-value options in the area.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Related Read: Not sure what to do while you’re in town? Check out our guide to 8 fun and exciting things to do in Oaxaca here to make the most of your stay.
Barrio de Xochimilco
Barrio de Xochimilco is one of Oaxaca’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods. It’s just north of the Centro area, and it’s known for its quiet streets and artisan workshops. But perhaps this neighborhood’s biggest draw is the historic aqueduct that once carried water through the city.
Compared to the buzz of Centro or the nightlife in Jalatlaco, Xochimilco offers a more laid-back, residential vibe. It’s perfect for travelers who want to slow down and soak up the city’s local charm. If you’ve stayed in Oaxaca City before and want to experience a less touristy area, this is the ideal spot.
And it’s not as if there’s nothing to explore here! We love to walk along the old aqueduct, visit local textile studios, or grab coffee at one of the charming cafés hidden in cobbled alleyways. It’s also easy to walk into Centro from here. In fact, you can get to North Centro in about 15 minutes on foot!
While Xochimilco doesn’t have the same density of tourist attractions, its historic roots and community feel make it a lovely place to stay if you want something quieter, more local, and a little off the typical tourist path.
Pros
- Peaceful, residential, and very walkable
- Great for local experiences and artisan shops
Cons
- Limited nightlife and restaurant options nearby
- Not ideal if you want to be right in the action
El Callejón Hotel Boutique – $$$
El Callejón Hotel Boutique is a beautifully designed property tucked into the quiet backstreets of Xochimilco. The architecture blends minimalist modern lines with traditional Oaxacan materials, creating a serene, intimate atmosphere. The rooms range from king options to full-on suites, and all of them are spacious and airy with lots of natural light and artistic touches.
The hotel has a lovely courtyard garden and a sleek bar that’s perfect for winding down after a day of exploring. While it feels like a tucked-away retreat, it’s still just a short walk to Santo Domingo and the heart of Centro.
Rates usually fall between $375 and $1,400 USD per night, depending on the season and level of luxury you choose.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Hotel Fortin Plaza – $$
Hotel Fortin Plaza sits just a little northeast of Xochimilco proper, but we just had to include it because it’s such a great option. It delivers fantastic value for money because you get bright, comfortable rooms with city or mountain views for a very affordable price. We also love the resort-style swimming pool with a cute little bridge right in the middle!
There’s a nice bar and restaurant on site, as well as a gym and free parking. We think it’s a good pick for families or anyone who wants reliable service and easy access to both Xochimilco and Centro.
Expect to pay between $85 and $200 USD per night, depending on the room category and season.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Hotel Casa Acueducto – $
Hotel Casa Acueducto – Lujo Cultural is a hidden gem for budget travelers who want a relaxed stay that delivers true vacation vibes! This hotel is located right next to the old aqueduct, and the rooms are modern and minimalist with a neutral color palette.
This hotel has a very communal feel, with nice sun terraces and shared spaces for guests to relax together. It’s a great pick for solo travelers looking to meet new people. There’s also a hot tub which you can relax in when you’re not out exploring!
Rates typically range from $80 to $140 USD per night, and some rooms can accommodate up to four guests.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Related Read: Want help planning your days? Check out our 3-day Oaxaca itinerary here for the perfect mix of culture, food, and sightseeing.
Top Activities to do in Oaxaca
With your stay in Oaxaca sorted, it’s time to explore everything this colorful city has to offer, and trust us, there’s a lot. Between bustling markets, hands-on cooking, and powerful history walks, Oaxaca pulled us in at every turn. These tours helped us experience the city beyond the surface, and we loved every moment.
- Taste your way through Oaxaca’s markets – This food tour had us sampling everything from fresh tortillas to tlayudas, tamales, and handmade chocolate straight from local vendors. We explored three different markets with a super knowledgeable guide who explained the origins of every bite. Come hungry—this one’s a feast.
- Step back in time at Monte Albán – Standing atop this ancient Zapotec city, with 360° views of the valleys below, made this half-day trip unforgettable. Our guide walked us through temples, ball courts, and carved stone monuments, bringing the ruins to life with stories of the people who once lived here.
- Cook Oaxacan classics from scratch – This cooking class didn’t follow a set menu—our group picked what to make after visiting a lively local market. We roasted ingredients over clay comals and learned to grind spices by hand. The mole we made was next-level. We left full and so proud!
- See the city through its murals – One of the most surprising highlights of our trip was this street tour. We walked through local neighborhoods filled with colorful, politically-charged murals while learning how art reflects Oaxaca’s Indigenous roots and resistance movements. It was eye-opening in the best way.
- Walk through Oaxaca’s rich history – This walking tour of the historic center gave real depth to the places we’d been passing. From colonial churches to hidden courtyards and tales of revolution, our guide brought the city’s layered history to life. It made us appreciate Oaxaca even more.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
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Thanks for reading!
After a day of market tasting, mural hunting, and exploring ancient ruins under the Oaxacan sun, having the right place to come home to makes all the difference. Whether you’re staying in the heart of South Centro or tucked into the quiet streets of Xochimilco, Oaxaca City is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression with every bite, every view, and every story.
Still finalizing your Mexico itinerary? Be sure to check out our other Mexico blogs here for more hotel picks, neighborhood tips, and unforgettable experiences. Here are a few of our most popular guides to get you started:
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