The Colorful City of Oaxaca, Mexico, Oaxaca, Mexico

We recently spent several days in Oaxaca City, Mexico. This was our first trip. We’d read so much about how colorful it was, how amazing the culture and how good the food, we had to see for ourselves.

If you only have one day, we’re sharing three things you must do to take in quickly all this colorful, historical city has to offer.

What makes this city so attractive is that there is so much color and art all around. This is especially true in the center where much of the historical and artistic sites are. After checking into our short term rental, we headed right for the famous markets.

If you’re visiting Oaxaca, one spot you definitely won’t want to miss is the 20 Noviembre Mercado, located just off the zócalo near the city center. This vibrant market is a food lover’s paradise, packed with stalls serving up the famous Oaxacan meats, and if you’re like us, you’ll be on the lookout for a Tlayuda, a local dish you have to try.

When you first step inside, you’ll be greeted by the smoky aroma of all the grills going at once—definitely a bit intense, but oh, does it smell amazing! The market is a true sensory experience, and it’s the perfect place to dive into the heart of Oaxacan cuisine. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).