This Mexico Hot Spot Was Just Named the Best City in the World by T+L Readers — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Boasting an endless supply of mezcal and mole, Oaxaca de Juárez is undoubtedly one of the ultimate food and drink destinations on the planet. So, it's perhaps no surprise that in Travel + Leisure's 2023 World's Best Awards, it was named the best city in the world. (The city is commonly referred to as Oaxaca, but shouldn't be confused with the eponymous state it's a part of.)

This dynamic city in southwestern Mexico is home to vibrant culture, beautiful weather, and some of the country's most iconic architecture. "The most remarkable thing about Oaxaca is the deep presence of this pre-Colombian culture in all aspects of contemporary life — the mingling and mixing of Indigenous, Spanish, and contemporary Mexican influences are unique and unforgettable," said Zachary Rabinor, a member of T+L's A-List of travel advisors and the CEO of Journey Mexico.

You could spend several weeks here and not even scratch the surface — if you weren't planning correctly, that is. "Oaxaca is a quintessential and magical destination that combines culture, nature, and adventure, with a year-round spring-like climate due to its idyllic location nestled into a fertile valley of the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains," Rabinor said. "It offers a charming, pedestrian-friendly UNESCO World Heritage Site City Center with impressive architecture, museums, markets, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, while the surrounding valleys harbor incredible Indigenous villages that conserve century-old artisan traditions, dress, language, culture, and lifestyles."

To that end, we've compiled a list of the best things to do, see, and sip while exploring this exciting part of the world.

The Best Hotels and Resorts

Oaxaca features all manner of lodging, ranging from unassuming bed-and-breakfasts to historic converted convents, all the way up to the most opulent and palatial of modern luxury. You'll find a little bit of each in this city.

Hotel Casa Santo Origen

If you're not afraid to spend a few hundred per night, you can enjoy the modern boutique beauty of Hotel Casa Santo Origen. Just 15 minutes from the city center, each of the eight suites in this small hotel is named after a unique region of the state of Oaxaca, and decorated with local art.

Book Now: Hotels.com | Expedia | Trip Advisor

Quinta Real Oaxaca

If you want something more old-fashioned, check in at Quinta Real Oaxaca — a 16th-century nunnery retaining a thorough throwback charm without sacrificing modern amenities. The property boasts views of courtyards and the streets of Oaxaca and even has an idyllic garden pool.

Book Now: Hotels.com | Expedia | Trip Advisor

Casa Silencio

If you'd prefer to stay in the heart of mezcal country, you'll want to book your stay at the stunning Casa Silencio, which is about an hour outside of Oaxaca. This upscale shrine to agave features multilevel guest rooms, a spa, and Michelin-caliber cuisine and mixology. And, oh yes, a working distillery pumping out the native liquid.

Best Things to Do

Downtown Oaxaca

Within Oaxaca, Rabinor said taking a day to leisurely explore the city center and downtown is the way to go. "Take your time strolling through the market and be sure to try pan de yema con chocolate," Rabinor said. "Find a spot in one of the many plazas and enjoy people-watching, as it's not uncommon to witness a colorful calenda (street procession) happening at any time of the week. These processions are part of the numerous festivals that celebrate various personal and communal events in the lives of the local community."

Hierve el Agua

When it's time for sightseeing beyond the city, one of the top natural wonders to explore is Hierve el Agua. These calcareous rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas look as if a waterfall has been frozen to the side of a cliff. Established hiking paths bring you right up to the cascade's edge. If you're looking to take a dip in the human-made pools, aim to get there early to avoid crowds.

Monte Albán

Perched atop a 1,300-foot tall plateau, Monte Albán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing a well-preserved terraced pyramid and other pre-Columbian cultural artifacts. Much of what you'll explore here was built by the Zapotecs, an Indigenous people who are thought to have settled in the region as early as 800 B.C.E. It is the second-largest ceremonial site in all of Central America. "Monte Albán is not only a treasure of ancient history, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds significant importance in understanding the cultural heritage of Oaxaca and the surrounding region," Rabinor told T+L.

Mezcal Experiences

Mezcal is a distilled agave spirit traditional to the Oaxacan region. It has been made here for centuries using techniques that have largely resisted the prying hands of modern machination. Whether you drink or don't, a mezcal experience is an enriching experience. Rabinor noted that it supports local communities that rely on the industry, helps people "understand the hard work and history that goes behind producing [mezcal], and lets travelers 'learn and appreciate one of the world’s most complex spirits.'"

Running down the many palenques — farm distilleries — where it is made and the enchanting sipping parlors where it is served would require an entirely separate article. (In fact, this is a good one right here.) But assuming you're starting your liquid journey in the city of Oaxaca, these are four tasting opportunities you should not skip over: Mezcalería In Situ for a broad collection of bottles and emphasis on education; El Distilado to enjoy how mezcal pairs with the local cuisine; and Selva Oaxaca to see how it mixes into artisanal cocktails. For a sip with a view, take your thirst to the rooftop of Puro Burro, a hip watering hole founded by native agave impresario, Asis Cortes — the man behind Mezcal Dixeebe.

Oaxacan Beaches

The state of Oaxaca is home to over 300 miles of coastline, so there are plenty of beaches to explore on a weekend getaway. Puerto Escondido, for example, is amassing a lot of tourist attention from beachgoers these days. (A flight from OAX to Puerto Escondido — PXM — is about 45 minutes.)

There's also Mazunte, with its cerulean surf crashing into the jagged shore. (Check out the Mexican Turtle Center in town, dedicated to the preservation of everyone's favorite slow-moving reptile.) And if you want to speed things up a bit, head several miles east along the coast to the town of Zipolite. There are powerful waves pummeling this sand, popular with surfers. Though others opt to simply lay and tan, enjoying the sunset over surrounding cliffs. Or you can snorkel the protected coral reefs of neighboring Huatulco National Park.

Best Shopping

Oaxaca is filled with small boutiques with handmade goods for every budget. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a market with goods like sandals, bags, homeware, and more.

Rabinor recommended not skipping the artisan communities outside of town, such as San Martín Tilcajete, San Bartolo Coyotepec, and Teotitlan del Valle. "[This is] where skilled communities create exquisite works of art, including colorful alebrijes (wooden figurines), intricate black pottery, and vibrant textiles," he said.

For food, consider stopping by Mercado de Abastos. You can book a tour of the market through the area's most popular guide: Omar Alonso. "This is where locals go to buy everything," Alonso told T+L. "During holidays, it's particularly packed as we gather the ingredients we'll need to offer to our guests that come during the festivities." And for mezcal, visit Mezcaleria Cuish for both a drink and some bottles to-go.

Best Restaurants

You'll want to savor the world-class cuisine offered throughout Oaxaca and you'll have no trouble finding it when you're strolling the streets.

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

The hub's bustling market scene is a great place to absorb a bit of everything. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is famous for its variety of food stalls featuring everything from baked goods and pastries to an entire aisle of roasted proteins: "El Pasillo de las Carnes Asadas." Here, you can order trays of meat that get cooked fresh in front of you. For something smaller and more vegetarian-friendly, explore Mercado Organico La Cosecha.

Restaurante Casa Oaxaca

If you're craving more of a sit-down experience, make a reservation at Casa Oaxaca's restaurant from chef Alejandro Ruiz. Absolutely order the tableside guacamole and explore Oaxacan cuisine with dishes like mole negro, and coloradito.

Origen

One of the top-rated restaurants in the city is Origen, helmed by 2016 Top Chef winner Rodolfo Castellanos. Pro tip: try the grilled octopus and chicharrones.

El Lechoncito de Oro

Be sure to save room for El Lechoncito de Oro, which is open nightly from 8 p.m. until … whenever. This unassuming tented stall is an after-hours institution. They specialize in mouth-watering seared pork tacos covered in crispy pork rinds and spicy salsa verde.

Bar La Giralda

"Every time I'm [in Oaxaca], I must stop into Bar La Giralda for my favorite michelada on the planet," author Javier Cabral, who co-wrote "Oaxaca: Home Cooking From The Heart Of Mexico," told T+L. "They use pasilla chiles in the base. The more you drink, the more botanas [snacks] arrive."

Read More: Where to Eat and Drink in Oaxaca, According to People Who Are Obsessed With Eating and Drinking in Oaxaca

Best Times to Visit

Oaxaca is a big state — a little larger than the state of Indiana — occupying several tropical and subtropical climates. The temperature can vary wildly depending on where you're visiting and when. "The best time to visit Oaxaca depends on your preferences for weather, cultural events, and crowd levels," Rabinor said.

The good news is that it's almost always pleasantly warm and abundantly sunny. The one exception is the rainy season, which extends from May into September. Rabinor said that while the rainy season "brings occasional showers and higher humidity" it also "offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors.

July is a popular month, according to Rabinor, that can be crowded since it overlaps with the cultural festival of Guelaguetza, also called the Lunes del Cerro or "Mondays on the Hill."

Early November is also a perennially popular time to visit. The weather is dependably inviting, as it's the start of the dry season, which extends through April. You'll also experience Día de los Muertos celebrations, bringing mirth, marigold, and mesmerizing pageantry into the streets of cities and villages throughout the country. Even if you miss these particular festivities, arrive sometime between fall and spring break, and you'll leave with little to no regrets.

Read More: The Best Time to Visit Mexico for Good Weather and Affordable Prices

How to Get There

Oaxaca is most easily reached through Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) — a smaller-sized airport. Direct service from the United States arrives by way of Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston. One way to snag a bargain fare is to fly into Guadalajara (GDL) or Mexico City (MEX), and then take a domestic carrier to OAX.

How to Get Around

Oaxaca is a walkable city so you don't need to rent a car. While a vehicle is helpful when visiting sites outside of the city, like Hierve el Agua, you can opt for a local car service to drive you to farther destinations. Should you want transportation from point A to point B within the downtown, cabs are readily available. To get to and from the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or rental car.