The complete guide to visiting the 7 best markets of Oaxaca City

Oaxaca markets are the epicenter of food, culture, and traditions not only in the capital city of Oaxaca but all over the state. In this post, we will introduce you to the best markets in town including tips on what to buy/eat in each market.

Markets in Oaxaca City should be on your top list of things to do and places to visit in Oaxaca. These spaces ignite and keep the traditions of Oaxaca alive not just in terms of cuisines and tasty plates but in regional products as well.

You don’t need to sign up for a tour to visit these markets as you can do them yourself. It is FREE and all you have to do is pay for a meal or go shopping.

We will be in Oaxaca for the day of the dead (as we always do!) so if you ever want to join us on our Oaxaca tours, send a message and we will include you on our guest list.

Meanwhile, here are the best Oaxaca markets that you shouldn’t miss during your trip – we recommend you visit them all!

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• Hierve El Agua Oaxaca is open again!
• Spending a day with a local family-owned mezcal distillery in Oaxaca

🍲 The best markets in Oaxaca City

#1: 20 de Noviembre Market

📍20 de Noviembre 512

Just a few steps from Oaxaca City’s main square is 20 de Noviembre Market, a place where you will find all the flavors of Oaxaca.

Built in 1882, this market is a culinary heritage site to the Oaxacans and to foodies from all over the world. This market receives over 15,000 diners per day during holidays like the day of the dead in Oaxaca.

There are over 207 food stalls divided into 4 areas: bread and chocolate, regional cuisine, soups, and the famous carne asada hall – an indoor bbq place that is also known as the meat tunnel.

#2: Benito Juarez Market

📍5 de Mayo 101

Benito Juarez Market was originally named after General Porfirio Diaz but in 1911, it was changed to Benito Juarez.

This is a very attractive market for those who like to buy handicrafts and popular art or craft objects. Here, you will also find Oaxacan products such as cheese, dishes made with flowers, the iconic mole, and many more.

Those who are fond of shopping for souvenirs when traveling can also find textiles and leather goods in this market.

#3: La Merced Market

📍y del Privada Morelos San Pedro de los Baños

Over the years, La Merced market has changed its name back and forth. It has always been Mercado de la Merced except in 1986 when it was changed to Democracia (democracy).

In 2018, it had a major re-modeling and adopted the old name La Merced. As early as 6:00 AM, you will see many locals starting their day with a local breakfast.

This market has a massive bread area and we recommend this as a great breakfast spot in Oaxaca. Some of the breakfast dishes we’d recommend are champurrado (traditional Mexican chocolate drink), enchiladas, enfrijoladas, and chilaquiles.

#4: Central de Abastos

📍Central de Abasto Oaxaca

The Central de Abasto is one of the most interesting experiences in Oaxaca. This market is also known as the Margarita Maza de Juarez market since it is located on the street of the same name.

The word abasto translates to supply center in English which means you will find everything that you want in this market, including items that you don’t know exist.

The food market here is pretty remarkable as this is where you will find the stars of Oaxacan cuisine like tlayudas.

#5: La Cosecha Market

📍C. Macedonio Alcalá 806

A few blocks from the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, you will find  La Cosecha Organic Market,  a place where local producers and vendors from different regions of the Oaxaca state.

Here, you will find typical Oaxacan food, regional sweets, tejate (a Mexican beverage very typical in Oaxaca made from corn and cacao), and prickly pear water or ice cream.

As in most Oaxaca markets, you can find a variety of products and produce from all of Oaxaca.

#6: Mercado Las Flores

📍Cuarta Orquídeas 210

Mercado Las Flores means “flower market” in English. But it does not necessarily imply that you can only find flowers here. This market opened in 1974 and has over 100 stalls of different Oaxacan products.

Locals of the neighborhood get daily fresh produce here as the location is very accessible to the public. On weekends, this market is filled with families enjoying brunch.

If you ever come to Mercado Las Flores, we recommend trying tamales, memelitas, and empanadas which you will commonly find in most food stores.

#7: Mercado IV Centenario

📍Av. de la Independencia 103

Cheese, fruits, vegetables, and street food is the specialty of Mercado IV Centenario. We recommend the famous “atole and chocolate” a traditional hot corn-based beverage in Mexico.

✈️ Ready for your trip to Oaxaca City? If you need more information about the best markets in Oaxaca City, we’d be happy to update this post – just leave your questions in the comment box below or join our communities where we answer questions for FREE.