Ever wondered where to find the best shopping in Oaxaca City?
This vibrant town isn’t just about tacos and ruins; it’s a shopper’s paradise full of unique items.
Inside these local artisan shops you’ll find everything from colorful textiles to hand-crafted pottery ready to decorate your house with beautiful things.
The city is so walkable and every store so inviting that you’ll need days to recover from the walking, browsing, and shopping. Every item has a story, the heart and soul of the artisan who made it.
To save you time, I bookmarked all the places I visited in Oaxaca. Check out my Google Maps.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best shopping in Oaxaca City. Bring some pesos and comfy shoes.
Table of Contents
Exploring Local Markets
Shopping in Oaxaca City starts with visiting the markets in the Historic City Center. It is a unique experience and you get a taste of the vibrant culture. The stall owners are also very nice and friendly.
You can easily get lost exploring all the stalls, sampling the delicious foods, and picking up some handmade art as a memorable souvenir or two.
Let’s start discussing a few of the markets you can shop at:
1. Mercado Benito Juárez
Mercado Benito Juárez is like a great place and giant treasure chest overflowing with the most unique and one-of-a-kind gifts. Its best things are:
- Local Food: They have everything: mole sauces (paste and powder from), fresh cheeses, chocolate, and chapulines (yes, those are grasshoppers—don’t knock them until you try them!).
- Crafts and Souvenirs: This is the spot to find handwoven textiles, colorful ceramics, and leather goods. Each item is hand made, making it a meaningful keepsake.
2. Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca
It’s located within two blocks walking distance south of Mercado Benito Juarez and filled with artisan stalls selling little bits of everything.
If you’re on the lookout for traditional Oaxacan crafts, then Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca is your destination. This market specializes in handcrafted items that highlight the area’s rich artistic traditions.
I was able to score a few items to bring back as gifts for friends and family. You can find a variety of items, but mainly:
- Textiles: They sell bags, scarves, curtains, bed covers, table runners, table mats, etc. Anything and everything that you can imagine, they have it. Bring some home to add a splash of colorful Oaxaca to your home. These are not just products; they’re pieces of art. They’re vibrant, colorful and full of intricate embroidery,
- Clothing: They sell clothes for everyone including embroidered pieces and more traditional Oaxacan dresses.
- Jewelry: Shiny jewelry everywhere, be on the lookout for the burning heart (corazon sagrado) – very common in Mexican art and culture
- Alebrijes: wooden animal figures hand carved and painted the most beautiful and brightest colors
- Unique Clays: the most intricate designs, ready to showcase in your home or wall
I highly recommend walking across the street to Mercado 20 de noviembre (noviembre market) for fresh produce from local producers, pan de yema, the best food, and visit pasillo de humo (vendors lined up to sell you a variety of cooked meats).
Artisan Craft Stores
When you’re shopping in Oaxaca City, artisan crafts are a must-see and great places for souvenir shopping.
Each item tells you stories of culture and tradition, weaving a colorful narrative into every piece.
Oaxaca, as a city, has stunning architecture and the most beautifully colored exteriors. It’s truly a city full of color. And these craft stores are no different.
My favorite part of the trip was wandering the streets of the Historic Center, peeking inside every open door, and walking inside the shops to fill my cup (and bag) with beautiful home goods, ceramics & textiles.
These are the must-visit stores all within walking distance. I’ve included them in proximity so you can visit one right after another.
Most of these stores are happy to bubble wrap the items for you.
3. La Casa de las Artesanias
Address: Maria Matamoros 105, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax. Mexico
This is a “Colectivo Artesanal” or Artisan Collective, the best and most responsible way to support the Oaxacan artisans.
It’s essentially a community of artisan families that come together and sell their crafts in this large space. At the time of writing this, this colectivo showcases the work of 61 families.
You can find everything here: traditional clothing, textiles, jewelry, household items, ceramics, pottery, clothing, etc.
They even hold your purchases so you can shop hands-free at other stores!
4. La Plaza de las Artesanias
Address: Mariano Matamoros 103, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax. Mexico
This is another Colectivo with lots of high-quality products and handcrafted items for sale. This store has beautiful, large clay vases and a variety of dinnerware clay ceramics. It’s set apart from other stores because their ceramics and items are larger, like statement pieces, and therefore more expensive.
I loved a large clay pot that I could use as a centerpiece at my house but shipping was 3x the cost of the item, so sadly, I had to pass.
I’d go back in a heartbeat when shopping in Oaxaca again!
5. Huizache “Pueblos Originarios de Oaxaca”
Address: Murguia 101, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax. Mexico
You cannot miss the building because there’s a giant Jaguar head right on top of the entrance.
Another colectivo, it also has a little of everything. They also hold events though when we went it was just the shop. I was able to find a smaller version of the vase I really loved from La Plaza de las Artesanias.
They also have mezcal for sale, and other food goodies.
This store also held our purchases until we were able to pick them up at the end of the day.
6. Los Baúles de Juana Cata
Address: C. Macedonio Alcalá 403-int. 2, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Another popular place for textiles that are high quality and the price definitely reflects that. It’s by far the priciest place on the list but every textile was curated by Remigio Mestas, who is master of textiles and champions artisans.
7. LIA Cafe
Address: 5 de Mayo 210, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax. Mexico
It’s a beautiful Mexican goods store that also serves coffee. The interior is neatly decorated and the color scheme is more muted and neutral compared to the stores above.
There are less items to showcase, but everything was designed and crafted beautifully and perfectly. This place is perfect for those shopping in Oaxaca and looking for more neutral tones.
8. Andares del Arte Popular
Address: Av. de la Independencia 902, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax. Mexico
This collection of stores is located inside Plaza de las Paraguas, through Callejon San Pablo, a nice and quiet square with colorful umbrellas. Visit Centro Cultural San Pablo for a nice stroll after shopping.
The store supports local artisans and has beautiful pottery and textiles. I bought a unique espresso cup here. It’s a great place overall for shopping in Oaxaca.
9. Piedra de Rio
Address: Murguia 304, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax. Mexico
I absolutely love this store, it’s one of my favorite places for shopping in Oaxaca. This is a haven for unique, handmade clay dinnerware and pottery. Every single piece seemed to have personality.
I came here after falling in love with literally every piece of pottery and dinnerware at Levadura de Olla (highly recommended, you’re welcome). I asked the waiter if the dinnerware was for sale.
He kindly pointed me to the place where I could buy something similar and it didn’t disappoint.
10. Museo Textil de Oaxaca – Gift Shop
Address: Miguel Hidalgo 917, Centro Historico, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax. Mexico
Oaxaca’s Textile Museum has a small museum shop. Stop by when you’re done exploring the museum with it’s stunning colonial building. The patterns are just *chef kiss*.
The shop is small but has beautiful, high quality, natural dyes textiles for sale.
11. Galeria Fe y Lola
Address: 5 de Mayo 408, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax, Mexico
This is one shop in a collection of shops surrounding this long, beautiful interior courtyard filled with plants and flowers. The atmosphere is serene and very photogenic (pretty much everything in Oaxaca is).
It is the last shop, right next to a well decorated with a skull and marigolds, you cannot miss it. It has beautiful textiles. The price is higher than in other places.
12. Kun
Address: 5 de Mayo 409A, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax, Mexico
This small and mighty store is well curated and filled with handmade goods. You’ll find unique trinkets. I scored natural clay mezcal (espresso) cups that I hadn’t seen anywhere else.
13. Marias Arte & Diseno
Address: C. de Gurrion 102, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax, Mexico
It’s a collection of shops inside a larger gallery, everything was beautiful. They have textiles, alebrijes, silverwork, clay, dinnerware, and a small clothing boutique shop.
I bought some coffee and postcards from here.
14. Aripo
Address: C. de Manuel Garcia Vigil 809, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax, Mexico
The last two shops are located in a neighborhood north of Oaxaca Centro called Xochimilco. It’s an older part of town and has an aqueduct running through the city.
Aripo is a collection or artisan stores funded by the Mexican government. They have clothing, textiles, home decor, clay and wooden crafts. I also bought a jar of salsa macha and powder chocolate.
15. Cooperativa 1050
Address: Esquina con, Xolotl, Rufino Tamayo 800-c, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juarez, Oax. Mexico.
Is a pottery store known for modern twists on traditional designs. I made it a must to visit, and buy a few items from this store.
The clay pottery is from all over Oaxaca and Mexico. When I visited, they had these cute hand coasters.
Cultural Significance of Shopping
Shopping in Oaxaca is an experience like no other. It isn’t just about buying things; it’s about connecting with the heart and soul of a beautiful culture.
You get to support local artisans and their families, and help preserve their unique crafts and traditions.
Here are a few ways you’re helping the community with your purchase:
Supporting Local Artisans
- Handmade Items: Every item is a work of art, crafted lovingly by skilled artisans. These pieces are made with techniques passed down through generations.
- Fair Trade Practices: Your support ensures fair wages and ethical practices, empowering skilled creators to thrive and support their families.
- Empowerment: Many artisans are women gaining financial freedom. Choosing their products supports their success.
Preserving Tradition and Culture
Think of your purchases as a way to keep Oaxaca’s rich history alive. Here’s how:
- Keeping Traditions Alive: Buying supports age-old traditions and techniques. Many of these artisans pass down their knowledge and business so the next generation can continue.
- Storytelling Through Crafts: Each piece shares the artisan’s story.
- Cultivating Community: Markets unite locals to sell and celebrate community and culture.
By shopping in Oaxaca City, you aren’t just collecting souvenirs; you’re actively participating in a living, breathing culture.
So next time you’re in Oaxaca, don’t just shop with your eyes—shop with your heart. Maybe you’ll find the perfect piece that brings a touch of Oaxaca home.
Tips for Shopping in Oaxaca City
Shopping in Oaxaca City is a colorful adventure. Here are some tips for a smart and respectful experience to make your trip memorable.
Embrace the Art of Bargaining
Bargaining in Oaxaca City can be fun! Treat it like a friendly game to find fair prices. Here’s how:
- Start Lower: Suggest a price that’s lower than what you’re willing to pay.
- Be Polite and Smiley: Keep the mood lighthearted. There’s no need for hard haggling; a smile can go a long way.
- Buy a few pieces and ask for a discount: Most are happy to give you a discount if you buy more than one piece.
- Know When to Stop: If the vendor doesn’t budge, it may be time to walk away or just accept the price.
My recommendation is to only do it in the markets. Most artisan shops have “No haggling” signs and you should respect that.
It doesn’t hurt to ask, but always be respectful of their final price.
Respect Local Customs
Respect local customs while shopping in Oaxaca City for a richer experience. Here’s how:
- Greet First, Shop Second: Saying “buenos días” (good morning) or “buenas tardes” (good afternoon) as soon as you enter the shop
- Ask Before Snapping Photos: Vendors value their craft. Always ask before taking photos.
Pack Light
My most important tip when shopping in Oaxaca is to pack light! You’ll want leave enough space in your suitcase or bags to bring back your goodies.
I always pack an expandable bag with me in case my main carry-on runs out of space. I have a whole post about the essentials to pack for your Oaxaca trip.
Bring Cash
In many places across Oaxaca City, cash is king. Bigger shops might take cards, but smaller ones often don’t. Be sure to:
- Carry Small Bills: Vendors may not always have change for large notes.
- Visit ATMs Early: ATMs can run out of cash, especially on weekends or festival days.
Conclusion
Shopping in Oaxaca City is an exciting cultural experience. Explore colorful markets with crafts and textiles or visit modern shops for local designs.
All these stores are very central and walking distance. If you get tired, there’s many restaurants and coffee shops to make pit stops throughout the day.
Got a shopping tip or a favorite find from Oaxaca? Did I miss something? Share it with me.
Safe travels and happy shopping!
