Neighborhood Guide: Where to Stay in Oaxaca
This entry may contain affiliate links. This means if you click a link in this post and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
After more than a year living on and off in Oaxaca City—in everything from Centro hostels to Jalatlaco apartments—I’ve experienced firsthand how dramatically your neighborhood choice shapes your time here. Some areas pull you into the city’s daily rhythm, while others offer quieter mornings or easier access to nature. This guide breaks down where to stay in Oaxaca based on how you want to experience the city, not just what’s closest to the main sights.
If Walkability, Food & Atmosphere Matter Most
If this is your first time in Oaxaca and you want to spend most of your days on foot—wandering between galleries, mezcalerías, markets, and restaurants—staying near Santo Domingo makes things very easy.
This part of the city sits just north of the historic core and is one of the most visually striking areas to stay. You’re surrounded by restored colonial buildings, leafy pedestrian streets, and a steady hum of activity from morning through late evening. It’s also where many of Oaxaca’s best-known restaurants and rooftop bars are concentrated, which means you’ll likely find yourself ending your days close to where you’re staying.
That said, this convenience comes with tradeoffs. Santo Domingo is more visitor-oriented than other neighborhoods, prices tend to be higher, and evenings can be lively—especially on weekends. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth factoring that into your decision.
Who this area is best for: Travelers who want maximum walkability, easy access to dining and culture, and don’t mind a bit of background buzz at night.
A few well-located places to stay nearby:
Grana B&B – A small, thoughtfully designed guesthouse known for its breakfast and central location.
Casa de las Bugambilias – Bright, colorful rooms in a calm setting just steps from the action.
Hotel Parador de Alcalá – A more traditional hotel with a rooftop pool that’s popular with travelers who want comfort and convenience in one place.
If You Want a Local Feel Without Being Far From the Center
If you’re drawn to the idea of experiencing Oaxaca as a lived-in city—not just a place you pass through—staying just outside the historic core can be a great choice. This is where neighborhoods like Jalatlaco really shine.
Jalatlaco sits east of Centro and feels noticeably more residential the moment you arrive. Streets are quieter, mornings start slower, and much of the neighborhood’s life revolves around local cafés, family-run eateries, and everyday routines rather than tourism. Despite that, you’re still within an easy 15–20 minute walk of Santo Domingo and the Zócalo, which makes it a comfortable middle ground between immersion and convenience.
What makes Jalatlaco especially appealing is that it doesn’t feel curated for visitors. Many homes are still occupied by families who’ve lived there for generations, and the neighborhood’s character reflects that—colorful but calm, social without being busy. It’s the kind of place where you’re more likely to recognize faces at the corner café after a few days.
Who this area is best for: Travelers who want a more local, neighborhood-oriented experience but don’t want to sacrifice walkability or easy access to the historic center.
A few well-located places to stay nearby:
Los Pilares Hotel – A small, thoughtfully designed hotel with a peaceful courtyard and rooftop amenities, ideal if you want comfort without feeling removed from the neighborhood.
One Oaxaca Centro – A reliable, affordable option within walking distance of both Jalatlaco and the city’s main attractions.
City Centro Oaxaca – A more design-forward stay that works well if you’re traveling with friends and want shared spaces to relax during the day.
If You Want Something Quieter but Still Walkable
Not everyone wants to stay in the busiest part of Centro, especially if you’re sensitive to noise, traveling with family, or simply value slower mornings. If that sounds like you, neighborhoods like El Llano and La Noria offer a more residential feel while still keeping you within walking distance of Oaxaca’s historic core.
El Llano, located just northeast of Santo Domingo, is anchored by Parque Juárez El Llano—the largest park in the city. This green space gives the neighborhood a noticeably different rhythm, especially in the mornings and early evenings when locals gather to exercise, socialize, and snack from nearby food carts. Staying near the park offers a glimpse into everyday life in Oaxaca while still keeping restaurants, galleries, and museums close by.
La Noria, on the southern edge of Centro, feels even more low-key. It’s largely residential, with small neighborhood restaurants, local markets, and fewer visitors passing through. While it’s still walkable to the Zócalo and Santo Domingo, evenings here are much quieter, which many travelers appreciate after a full day of exploring.
Both neighborhoods strike a similar balance: close enough to be convenient, far enough to feel calm. The tradeoff is that you’ll walk a bit more—or occasionally grab a taxi at night—but in return you get better sleep and a more grounded sense of daily life.
Who these areas are best for: Travelers who want walkability without constant activity, families, light sleepers, or anyone looking for a calmer home base while still staying central.
A few well-located places to stay nearby:
Comala B&B (El Llano) – A simple, well-located stay with a rooftop space that works well if you like having a quiet place to unwind at the end of the day.
Las Mariposas Ecohotel (El Llano) – A good option for longer stays thanks to its kitchens and peaceful setting.
Azul Cielo Hostel (La Noria) – A social but relaxed option for solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors who still want character and charm.
Hotel Camba (La Noria) – A straightforward, family-run hotel that’s clean, affordable, and well situated for exploring Centro on foot.
If You Want a Slower, More Romantic Side of Oaxaca
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels noticeably calmer and more intimate—somewhere that encourages slow mornings and unhurried evenings—Xochimilco is one of the most rewarding places to stay in Oaxaca.
Located just north of Santo Domingo, Xochimilco feels slightly removed from the city’s busiest circuits, even though it’s still within a comfortable 15-minute walk of Centro. The neighborhood is known for its long stone aqueduct, leafy streets, and clusters of family-run weaving workshops, which give it a distinctly residential feel. It’s the kind of place where the city softens—less noise, fewer crowds, and more moments of stillness.
Xochimilco also happens to have some of Oaxaca’s most atmospheric cafés and restaurants, many tucked into courtyards or set on quiet rooftops. Because fewer tourists stay here, dining spots tend to feel more relaxed, and it’s often easier to get a table without planning far ahead. Days unfold at a gentler pace, making it especially appealing if you’re staying for more than a few nights.
The tradeoff is that Xochimilco isn’t right in the middle of everything. You’ll walk a bit more, and nightlife is limited compared to Santo Domingo or the Zócalo. But if your priority is calm over convenience, that’s part of the appeal.
Who this area is best for: Couples, slower travelers, writers, or anyone who values quiet mornings, neighborhood cafés, and a more romantic, lived-in atmosphere.
A few well-located places to stay nearby:
Casa Carlota – A thoughtfully designed boutique hotel known for its peaceful setting and excellent breakfast, well suited for travelers who appreciate small details.
Suites Bello Xochimilco – A good option for longer stays, with kitchens and balconies that make it easy to settle in for a week or more.
El Callejón Hotel Boutique – A higher-end stay with elegant rooms and a tranquil feel, ideal if you’re treating this part of the trip as something special.
If You’re Staying Longer or Want More Modern Conveniences
If you’re planning a longer stay in Oaxaca—or simply prefer having familiar comforts close by—Colonia Reforma is worth serious consideration.
Located just east of Xochimilco, Colonia Reforma feels noticeably more modern than Oaxaca’s historic neighborhoods. Streets are wider, buildings are newer, and the area is home to supermarkets, gyms, cafés, and international restaurants alongside local favorites. It’s less visually striking than Centro, but what it lacks in postcard charm it makes up for in day-to-day ease.
Reforma is still walkable to Santo Domingo and the historic center, though it’s a slightly longer walk than from Xochimilco or El Llano. Many people staying here end up mixing walking with short taxi rides, especially in the evenings. In return, you get quieter nights, more space, and amenities that make settling in easier—particularly if you’re working remotely or staying for more than a week.
This neighborhood also tends to attract fewer short-term visitors, so it feels less touristic overall. You’ll see more residents going about daily life, whether that’s grocery shopping, walking dogs, or meeting friends for lunch. If you want Oaxaca to feel less like a destination and more like a temporary home, Reforma does that well.
Who this area is best for: Longer-term travelers, digital nomads, families, or anyone who prioritizes comfort, space, and everyday conveniences over being in the middle of the action.
A few well-located places to stay nearby:
Suites Colibrí – A practical, affordable option with clean rooms and a convenient location for longer stays.
Casa de los Cántaros Hotel Boutique – A quieter, garden-centered boutique hotel that feels relaxed and residential rather than touristic.
Other apartment-style rentals – Reforma is also one of the better areas to look for short-term apartments if you want a kitchen and more living space.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Oaxaca
The best place to stay in Oaxaca ultimately depends on how you want your days to feel.
If you want to walk everywhere and be surrounded by restaurants, galleries, and nightlife, staying closer to Santo Domingo or the historic center makes the most sense. If you’re craving quieter mornings and a more residential atmosphere, neighborhoods like Jalatlaco, El Llano, or Xochimilco offer a slower pace without putting you far from the action. And if you’re settling in for a longer stay or want modern conveniences nearby, Colonia Reforma can feel surprisingly comfortable.
Oaxaca is compact, forgiving, and easy to navigate—which means there’s no single “wrong” choice. But choosing a neighborhood that matches your travel style will shape your experience in subtle but meaningful ways, from where you eat breakfast to how you wind down at night.
Wherever you stay, give yourself time to wander beyond your immediate surroundings. Some of Oaxaca’s best moments happen just a few streets away from where you’re sleeping.
Where to Stay in Oaxaca: FAQs
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Oaxaca for first-time visitors?
For most first-time visitors, staying near Santo Domingo or the historic center is the easiest option. These areas are highly walkable and put you close to major sights, restaurants, and markets.
Is it better to stay in Centro or outside of it?
Staying in Centro offers convenience and atmosphere, but areas just outside — like Jalatlaco, El Llano, or Xochimilco — are often quieter while still being walkable. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize energy or calm.
How far is too far from Centro in Oaxaca?
Oaxaca City is compact. Neighborhoods within a 20–25 minute walk of the historic center are still very manageable, especially if you’re comfortable using occasional taxis at night.
Is Oaxaca a safe place to stay for travelers?
Yes. Oaxaca is generally considered safe for travelers, especially in the neighborhoods covered in this guide. As with any city, staying aware at night and using taxis when streets are quiet is a good practice.
Where should I stay in Oaxaca for a longer visit?
For longer stays, areas like Colonia Reforma or parts of Xochimilco tend to work well thanks to quieter streets, more space, and access to everyday amenities like supermarkets and cafés.
How This Kind of Content Is Made Possible
If you found this post valuable, one of the ways you can support my work is by using the affiliate links you find throughout the site and on my Travel Resources page. They allow me to continue researching, writing, and sharing thoughtful travel content like this. Thank you for being part of that.
What to Read Next
