Where to Stay in Oaxaca, Mexico (2026 Guide)
Where to Stay in Oaxaca, Mexico (2026 Guide)
Oaxaca City is compact, walkable, and divided into distinct neighborhoods—each with its own personality.
Choosing where to stay in Oaxaca matters more than in other Mexican cities. Stay in Centro and you’re steps from churches, markets, and mezcalerías. Pick Jalatlaco and you get street art, cafes, and a quieter vibe. Land in the wrong area to stay and you’ll spend your mornings in taxis.
What to Expect in This Post
This guide to where to stay is built for quick scanning and real-world decisions. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Quick overview of the best places to stay in Oaxaca
- Detailed breakdown of 5 key neighborhoods, including safety, walkability, and vibe
- Guidance for first-time visitors on the best place to stay in Oaxaca
- Best neighborhoods for nightlife, food, and families
- Hotel vs apartment comparison for Oaxaca City stays
- Areas to avoid and why
- Key takeaways and FAQs based on real traveler questions
Where to Stay in Oaxaca: Quick Overview
- Centro Histórico – Colonial architecture, main plaza, museums, and the most hotels in Oaxaca City
- Santo Domingo – Upscale area near the famous church, best for nightlife and dining
- Jalatlaco – Artsy barrio with street murals, boutique hotels, and local cafes
- Xochimilco – Historic residential neighborhood, quieter and more affordable
- Reforma – Modern, affluent area with local restaurants and international dining
Centro Histórico: Best Place to Stay for First-Time Visitors
Centro is the obvious choice for most travelers visiting Oaxaca.
This UNESCO World Heritage zone puts you within walking distance of the Zócalo, Santo Domingo Church, museums, and the city’s best restaurants. Cobblestone streets are lined with colonial buildings, handicraft shops, and mezcal bars.
It’s lively but not overwhelming. You’ll hear mariachi music at night and find street vendors selling tlayudas at every corner of the city center.
Who it’s best for: First-time visitors, couples, anyone who wants to stay right in the heart of the city.
Safety and walkability: Centro is considered generally safe and highly walkable, though crowded markets and festival areas require extra vigilance against pickpocketing. Streets near the Zócalo stay busy until late, which adds a layer of comfort.
Vibe: Busy, cultural, tourist-friendly. Expect noise—especially near the central square.
Hotel types: Everything from budget hostels to charming boutique hotels. You’ll find the widest accommodation selection here, from Casa Oaxaca to properties with central courtyards and rooftop terraces.
The city centre offers hotels with traditional Oaxacan courtyards, where you can enjoy morning coffee surrounded by colonial architecture throughout the property.
Santo Domingo: Best Boutique Hotels and Nightlife
Santo Domingo sits just north of Centro and revolves around the stunning Santo Domingo church.
This is where Oaxaca’s restaurant and bar scene concentrates. You’ll find serious mezcalerías, cocktail bars with rooftop bars, craft breweries, and high-end dining—all within a few blocks.
Santo Domingo offers unmatched variety and quality of bars and restaurants, with some establishments staying open until early morning. Views of Santo Domingo church from roof terraces make this one of the best places to stay for atmosphere.
Who it’s best for: Foodies, nightlife seekers, travelers who want upscale comfort without leaving the action.
Safety and walkability: Safe and well-lit. The area attracts a steady flow of visitors at all hours, which naturally deters petty crime.
Vibe: Polished, lively, slightly more upscale than Centro. This is where visitors and wealthy locals intersect.
Hotel types: Hotel boutique properties and midrange options dominate. Fewer hostels than Centro. Many boutique hotels feature spacious rooms, on-site restaurants, and rooftop terraces with views over the city.
Luxury hotels here often include original Oaxacan art throughout the property and courtyard dining spaces.
Jalatlaco: Best Boutique Hotels for Artists and Solo Travelers
Jalatlaco was officially named Mexico’s first Barrio Mágico (Magic Neighborhood) in 2023, recognizing its cultural character and visual appeal.
This small neighborhood sits a 10-minute walk east of Centro. Every corner has a mural. Cafes serve the best coffee in Oaxaca City. Family-run restaurants outnumber chains.
Together with Xochimilco, Jalatlaco is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Oaxaca, dating back to pre-Hispanic Zapotec settlement.
Who it’s best for: Artists, digital nomads, solo travelers, anyone allergic to tourist crowds.
Safety and walkability: Safe during the day. As a less populated residential area, extra vigilance is recommended when alone after dark. Streets are cobblestone and easy to navigate.
Vibe: Quiet, creative, local. You’ll see more residents than tourists here.
Hotel types: Boutique hotel properties and guesthouses. Fewer large hotels in Oaxaca City, more intimate casas with character. Many feature courtyards and rooftop spaces.
This is a great place to stay if you want somewhere authentic without sacrificing proximity to things to do in Oaxaca.
Xochimilco: Best Place to Stay in Oaxaca for Families and Budget Travelers
Xochimilco is the oldest neighborhood in Oaxaca City, founded in 1486 by Xochimilco warriors under orders from an Aztec emperor.
This residential area sits north of Centro, separated by Highway 190. It’s known for textile workshops, traditional eateries, and the iconic 18th-century aqueduct.
The Xochimilco Aqueduct, built between 1727 and 1751, served as a location for the 2006 comedy Nacho Libre.
Who it’s best for: Families, budget-conscious travelers, anyone seeking authentic local life without sacrificing proximity to attractions.
Safety and walkability: Very safe. According to National Geographic, Oaxaca’s neighborhoods like Xochimilco maintain strong community ties, with the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía reporting that Xochimilco has one of the highest homeownership rates in Oaxaca City at 78%, contributing to its reputation as a safe, family-oriented area.
Vibe: Village-like, peaceful, traditional Oaxacan. It feels separate from tourist Oaxaca while remaining a 20-minute walk from the Zócalo.
Hotel types: Midrange hotels in Oaxaca City and vacation rentals. Fewer options than Centro but better value. Some properties offer courtyard spaces and family-friendly casas.
Reforma: Best Hotel in Oaxaca for Long-Term Stays
Reforma is where middle-class Oaxacans live.
This modern neighborhood—the Reforma neighborhood—sits east of Xochimilco, across the dry riverbed of San Felipe. There are no major tourist sites here—just restaurants, shops, parks, and residential streets.
Reforma stands out as Oaxaca City’s most upscale residential area, offering modern amenities, excellent security, and contemporary housing options.
Who it’s best for: Digital nomads, expats, travelers planning a long stay in Oaxaca.
Safety and walkability: Very safe. Streets are wider and better maintained than older neighborhoods. It’s a 20-minute walk to Centro, depending on where in Reforma you stay.
Vibe: Residential, non-touristy, modern. You’ll experience local Oaxaca here, not traveler Oaxaca.
Hotel types: Limited hotel options. Most stays are apartments or vacation rentals. A great option if you want to stay somewhere outside the historic center.
Best Places to Stay for First-Time Visitors
If this is your first trip to the city of Oaxaca, stay in one of these three:
- Centro Histórico – Maximum convenience, most accommodation options, walking distance to everything in the heart of Oaxaca City
- Santo Domingo – Still central, better restaurants and bars, slightly quieter than the Zócalo area
- Jalatlaco – Only if you prioritize character over convenience, still walkable to city Centro in 10 minutes
These are the best places based on proximity to things to do in Oaxaca and traveler infrastructure.
Best Areas for Nightlife, Food, and Families in Oaxaca City
Nightlife: Santo Domingo wins. The neighborhood offers dedicated mezcalerías for connoisseurs, high-end cocktail bars with original drinks and rooftop bars, craft beer breweries, and even sports bars with views of the city.
Food: Santo Domingo, Centro, Xochimilco, and Jalatlaco all excel for places to eat. Santo Domingo leans upscale with the best restaurants. Xochimilco and Jalatlaco serve traditional Oaxacan cuisine in family-run spots. The centre of Oaxaca offers everything from street food at Mercado 20 de Noviembre to fine dining.
Families: Xochimilco. It’s quiet, affordable, and residential. The neighborhood has parks, the Oaxacan Children’s Library, and a calmer pace than Centro.
Hotel vs Apartment: What's Better When You Stay in Oaxaca City
Hotels make sense for short stays (3-5 days). You’ll get breakfast included, daily housekeeping, and help booking tours. Most hotels in Centro and Santo Domingo include breakfast at the nightly rate.
Many boutique hotels in the center of the city offer courtyard dining and on-site concierge services to arrange day trips to Hierve el Agua or Monte Albán.
Apartments work better for a week or longer stay. Reforma and Xochimilco have more apartment options than hotels. You’ll save money cooking a few meals and gain access to laundry facilities.
Your travel style and budget should guide this decision. If you want to stay in a place with daily service and social atmosphere, choose a hotel or hostel. For independence and space, choose an apartment.
Travelers should exercise caution with short-term rentals in Oaxaca City, as there have been reports of guests being followed to their accommodations or targeted because the property is identifiable as a rental. Stick to properties with strong reviews and secure entry systems.
Where NOT to Stay in Oaxaca
Avoid staying far south of Centro, particularly around Santa Rosa Panzacola. This neighborhood has higher crime rates and is advisable to avoid, especially at night.
Don’t book accommodation near the main markets unless you’re comfortable with noise and crowds. The blocks surrounding Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre can feel chaotic after dark.
While Oaxaca City experiences waves of street muggings, these incidents are less frequent than in previous years but still occur, particularly on quieter streets on the edges of Centro during Sundays and holidays. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 advisory for Oaxaca State, recommending increased caution, though there are no travel restrictions for Oaxaca City, Monte Albán, Puerto Escondido, or Huatulco. Always taxi home at night regardless of your neighborhood.
If you’re planning day trips outside Oaxaca to sites like Hierve el Agua, you don’t need to stay outside of the city—tours depart from Centro daily.
Key Takeaways
- Centro Histórico offers the most convenience for first-time visitors, with walking access to attractions and the widest selection of hotels in Oaxaca City
- Santo Domingo is the best neighborhood for restaurants, bars, and nightlife, with boutique hotel options featuring courtyards and rooftop terraces
- Jalatlaco provides a quieter, artistic alternative just 10 minutes from Centro, ideal for solo travelers seeking one of the best places outside the tourist center
- Xochimilco is the best choice for families and budget travelers seeking authentic local atmosphere with good safety
- Reforma suits long-term stays and offers modern amenities in a residential setting, though it lacks tourist infrastructure
- Always take taxis at night regardless of your neighborhood—avoid walking after dark even in safe areas like Oaxaca
- Book hotels over apartments for short stays to get breakfast included; apartments work better for week-long visits
FAQ
What is the safest neighborhood in Oaxaca City for tourists?
Centro Histórico, Santo Domingo, Xochimilco, Jalatlaco, and Reforma are all considered generally safe neighborhoods for visitors. Centro and Santo Domingo benefit from higher foot traffic and better lighting. The main safety concern across all neighborhoods is petty theft in crowded areas.
How far is Jalatlaco from Centro in Oaxaca City?
Jalatlaco is about a 10-minute walk from the Zócalo in Centro. The neighborhood sits directly east of the historic center and is fully walkable. You can easily base yourself in Jalatlaco and walk to all major attractions and things to do in Oaxaca.
Is it better to stay near the Zócalo or away from it?
Stay near the Zócalo for maximum convenience and access to restaurants, markets, and attractions. Stay away from it (in Jalatlaco or Xochimilco) if you prioritize quiet evenings and local atmosphere. The difference is about 10-15 minutes of walking from the heart of the city.
Can you walk everywhere when you stay in Oaxaca?
Yes. Oaxaca City is highly walkable. Centro, Santo Domingo, Jalatlaco, and Xochimilco are all within walking distance of each other. Reforma requires a 20-minute walk to Centro. For day trips to Monte Albán or Hierve el Agua outside Oaxaca, you’ll need transportation.
What should I avoid in Oaxaca City?
Avoid walking around at night, especially alone, and don’t display wealth through expensive jewelry or designer items. Skip areas bordering Chiapas state and avoid buying drugs, which is the primary way tourists encounter serious trouble. Find the best neighborhoods in this guide and stay within them.
Is Xochimilco neighborhood safe when you stay in Oaxaca City?
Yes. Xochimilco has one of the highest homeownership rates in Oaxaca City at 78 percent, contributing to its reputation as a stable, family-oriented neighborhood. It’s quieter and more residential than Centro, with excellent safety for families visiting Oaxaca.
