10 essential insights before visiting Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most captivating destinations

Oaxaca, the cultural capital, blends authentic regional charm with urban edge, making it a fascinating spot in Mexico.

Whether you’re enjoying the ambiance of mezcal bars or participating in vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations, these key tips will enhance your experience.

Here are 10 important things to keep in mind when planning your visit to Oaxaca City.

1. Plan in advance for Día de Muertos and Guelaguetza

Book your accommodations several months ahead if you’re planning to visit in November for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) or in July for the Guelaguetza Festival, a celebrated cultural event highlighting Oaxaca's traditional dance and music.

While room rates can be higher during these peak times, the city offers a wide range of lodging options to suit every budget, from economical hostels and guesthouses in charming old homes to delightful B&Bs and unique boutique hotels in the historic center.

2. Safety: don’t let alarming headlines scare you

Despite the extensive media coverage of drug-related violence in Mexico, Oaxaca is generally considered a safe destination for travelers.

It's always smart to take standard safety precautions as you would anywhere else, but overall, tourists in Mexico typically do not find themselves involved in conflicts between rival drug gangs, and this is particularly true in Oaxaca, a state largely untouched by such violence.

The US State Department currently has no travel advisories for Oaxaca City, and nearby areas such as the weaving village of Teotitlán del Valle, the remote mountain towns of the Sierra Norte, and most coastal regions are deemed safe for visitors.

3. Avoid driving in Oaxaca's historic center

Navigating Oaxaca City by car demands patience, especially in the bustling historic center, where heavy traffic and limited parking can create frustrations.

You'll find it much easier to explore Centro's remarkable attractions, like the renowned Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, on foot.

Many streets in the downtown area lack stop signs or traffic lights, but most drivers follow the uno por uno rule, allowing the first vehicle at an intersection to proceed first.

Outside the city, traffic is generally light, but be prepared for poorly maintained roads filled with potholes and unmarked speed bumps.

Keep in mind that protests often lead to road blockades in Oaxaca. If you encounter a blockage, look for an alternate route or you might be stuck for hours.

When renting a car, always obtain liability insurance, referred to in Spanish as daños a terceros. Walk-in rentals in Oaxaca typically start at around M$800 per day, including liability coverage, but you can usually find better rates online. Most major credit cards offer free collision coverage for rentals.

4. Sip your mezcal, don't shoot it

When you find yourself at a mezcal bar, remember that this distilled agave spirit is potent (usually between 45% to 50% alcohol) and best enjoyed slowly to appreciate its unique aromatic profile.

Visit a traditional mezcalería like In Situ to enjoy the rich flavors of artisanal mezcals.

If you're planning a day trip to mezcal country in nearby Santiago Matatlán, consider booking a tour with the specialists at Experience Agave. Or, if you’re in for a fun DIY adventure, you can always take a taxi for about M$500 each way. Salud!

5. Plan day trips to discover areas beyond Oaxaca City

While Oaxaca City is brimming with museums, art galleries, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, we assure you that day trips will enhance your overall experience.

For a glimpse of traditional Oaxaca, explore the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán or head south to visit artisan workshops, where you can see how iconic crafts like alebrijes (mythical animal-inspired wood sculptures) are created.

6. Packing tips: opt for casual and comfortable attire

While you may notice fewer individuals in shorts and tank tops in non-beach towns like Oaxaca City, casual attire is still common. Remember to bring a long-sleeve shirt and long pants for protection from mosquitoes and the sun.

A lightweight jacket is handy for chilly evenings and air-conditioned buses. If you're off to Oaxaca's beautiful tropical coast, pack a swimsuit, flip-flops, breathable clothing, and insect repellent. For ecotourism activities in the nearby Sierra Norte mountains, a warm jacket is advisable.

7. Bring your essentials and always have cash on hand

For international travel, ensure you have your passport, a driver's license for car rentals, and credit or debit cards—but keep cash handy as some places don’t accept cards.

ATMs provide Mexican pesos, typically with a 3% international transaction fee applied.

You can exchange foreign currency at Oaxaca's international airport or at the currency exchange offices located around the Zócalo, the central square. Most international flights route through Mexico City.

8. Etiquette: embrace a slower pace and do what's right

While Oaxacans aren’t overly strict about etiquette, there are a few things to keep in mind when engaging with locals. Remember that life here moves at a relaxed tempo, so try to remain calm if someone is late or if restaurant service is slow.

Additionally, whenever you can, tip generously in restaurants and hotels, as gratuities are vital for the livelihood of workers in Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most impoverished states.

In restaurants, tipping around 10–15% is customary, while for hotel stays, consider 5–10% of your room cost, and M$5–10 for parking lot and gas station attendants. Taxi drivers don’t usually expect tips but are always appreciative of them.

When you shop in Oaxaca, you'll find that prices are fixed in most stores. However, feel free to engage in light-hearted haggling with market vendors, but remember that they are simply trying to earn a living.

9. Avoid tap water, but enjoy street food

Refrain from drinking tap water. Instead, buy bottled water from supermarkets or convenience stores, as most restaurants and hotels provide purified water.

In a culinary hotspot like Oaxaca, it would be a shame to shy away from street food. Treat yourself to the delicious mole tamales at Tamales de San Agustín Yatareni or savor the succulent pork tacos at the ever-popular Lechoncito de Oro.

To reduce the likelihood of illness, keep hand sanitizer handy and choose eateries that demonstrate good hygiene standards.

Should you happen to catch a stomach bug, Hospital Reforma is a reliable choice offering 24-hour medical care. In emergencies, dial 911.

10. Remain composed: earthquakes are common in Oaxaca

Situated in one of Mexico's most seismically active areas, Oaxaca experiences frequent (and sometimes strong) earthquakes, but rest assured that most pass with minimal impact.

If you hear the seismic alert system activate, stay calm and move to an open area, keeping clear of buildings and power lines.

If an earthquake strikes while you're on the coast, make your way inland to find higher ground.