When you imagine an escape that artfully entwines spirited streets, divine drinks, and a culture that sings in colors and flavors, it’s Oaxaca, darling! A lush oasis that whispers tales of adventure, creativity, and culinary brilliance, Oaxaca has painted itself into the wanderlust dreams of travelers near and far.
What to See in Oaxaca: A Colorful Canvas
Strolling along the spirited streets of Andador Turístico unveils the city’s authentic beauty, a heartwarming cocktail of vibrant colors and hidden gems tucked behind quaint, discreet storefronts. Here, your inner shopaholic and culture vulture can harmoniously coexist, exploring little treasures while basking in the warm, radiant Oaxacan sun.
The art scene? A spectacle worth a front-row seat, especially if you find yourself drifting into the magical realms of surrealism. Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños, a grandiose mansion turned art haven, whispers tales of artistic enchantment through its rotating exhibitions, inviting you to gaze, ponder, and lose yourself within its walls.
And then, as though plucked from a fairy tale, Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca awaits to sweep your Instagram followers into a world where nature’s palette dazzles in bright hues and delicate textures. A guided tour through this botanical haven not only promises enchanting visuals but also a symphony of stories behind Oaxaca’s endemic flora.
Where to Eat: A Culinary Symphony
If you ever wondered what it feels like to dine beneath the heavens, Los Danzantes eloquently answers, with its open roof inviting gentle breezes to dance through while you indulge in some of the city’s most raved-about dishes and drinks. Hint: The chintextle octopus is a melody of flavors that’ll serenade your palate!
On a rooftop overlooking the architectural beauty of Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante plates up authenticity, weaving local ingredients into a canvas of culinary creations that are as delightful to gaze upon as they are to savor.
For a gastronomical adventure where tradition and innovation intertwine, Criollo is your spot. Helmed by the renowned chef Enrique Olvera, the restaurant crafts a feast for the senses, using Oaxacan ingredients in a tapestry of dishes that are both comforting and exotic.
Where to Sip: Charismatic Cocktails and Mellow Mezcals
Above Los Danzantes, Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar peers over the lively Andador de Macedonia Alcalá, offering up therapeutic cocktails and a vibrant ambiance that syncs with the pulsating life below.
Step into Bar Ilegal, and embrace the raw, unabashed spirit of Oaxaca, with sustainably crafted mezcal and a vibe that’s every bit as intoxicating as the drinks.
For a mellower night, La Cueva Oaxaca offers an intimate ambiance, spiced with intriguing offerings like Mexican sake and a melody of live music to gently sway along to.
Where to Stay: Chic & Unique
Hotel Azul gently cradles you in a blend of minimalist design and local artistry, offering serene courtyard tranquility by day and rooftop revelry under the Oaxacan sky by night.
In Hotel Sin Nombre, you’ll discover a sanctuary where Oaxaca’s rich, Afro-descendent cultures are celebrated through North African accents and vegan culinary delights, all housed within a timeless 17th-century facade.
Further afield, Casa de Arte in the trendy Reforma neighborhood beckons travelers with a symbiosis of gallery and guesthouse, enveloping you in a celebration of Oaxacan art, framed by picturesque pools and delectable dining.
