Oaxaca, Mexico: A Designer's Guide to Art, Food & Inspiration

Planning a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico? This isn't a traditional travel guide. Instead, it's a collection of the places, flavors, artisans, and design moments that stayed with me long after I returned home. As an interior designer, I travel looking for inspiration in architecture, craftsmanship, local traditions, and the stories behind handmade objects. Oaxaca offered all of that—and so much more.

We arrived on November 3rd, just after the Día de los Muertos celebrations, so unfortunately we missed one of Oaxaca's most magical traditions. From everything I learned, the city transforms into an extraordinary celebration of life, with flowers, candles, music, colorful altars, and handcrafted decorations filling every corner. It's already on my list for the next visit.

Markets, Street Food & First Impressions

Like any good Mexican, our trip started with food!

Our first stop was Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where we enjoyed our very first meal. The tamales wrapped in banana leaves and the freshly made tlacoyas were unforgettable—a true taste of Oaxaca.

One piece of advice...be adventurous! Some of our favorite meals weren't in restaurants at all, but at the little taco stands tucked throughout the city. Watching the locals line up was all the reassurance we needed. Fresh tortillas, incredible flavors, and recipes passed down through generations made every stop worthwhile. Sometimes the best meals don't come with a reservation—they come wrapped in a tortilla.

That evening we wandered through Oaxaca's historic center and discovered Cuarto de Vino, a cozy little wine bar with beautiful décor, an excellent selection of Mexican wines, and delicious local tapas. It was the perfect ending to our first day.

Our first memorable dinner was at Casa Oaxaca, just steps from the breathtaking Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. If you visit only one church in Oaxaca, make it this one. Right next door, don't miss the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, where native plants beautifully tell the story of the region's extraordinary biodiversity.Ancient Wonders & Living Traditions

Ancient Wonders & Living Traditions

The following day we visited Hierve el Agua, toured a traditional palenque to learn how artisanal mezcal is produced, and ended the afternoon exploring Monte Albán. Standing atop this ancient ceremonial city overlooking the Oaxaca Valley was one of those moments that makes you stop, breathe, and simply take it all in.

Watching artisans preserve centuries-old traditions reinforced something I have always believed: craftsmanship takes time. Whether it's handwoven textiles, carved wood, pottery, or beautifully crafted furniture, the most meaningful pieces are created with patience, intention, and respect for the process.

Hidden Gems You Shouldn't MisS

As much as I loved the architecture and the food, what truly captured my heart were Oaxaca's artisan markets.

If you love beautiful things, leave plenty of room in your suitcase.

You'll discover an extraordinary world of handwoven textiles, colorful embroidery, pottery, baskets, hand-carved furniture, and the whimsical Alebrijes that have brought worldwide recognition to Oaxaca's folk artists.

What makes these markets even more special is knowing that every purchase supports local families and helps preserve traditions that have been passed down through generations. As someone who deeply values craftsmanship, this may have been my favorite part of the entire trip.Where to Eat

If you've never tried Atole, don't miss La Atolería. Before visiting, I thought it was simply a warm drink. Instead, I discovered a comforting tradition made from different varieties of native corn, each with its own unique flavor and story.

For dining, Tierra del Sol offers beautiful rooftop views, while Teocintle-Tika’Aya was one of our favorite culinary experiences. Their Michelin-recognized menu celebrates local ingredients while giving ancestral recipes a contemporary twist. And if mole is on your list—and it absolutely should be—Zandunga serves several outstanding varieties in a lively atmosphere.

For Design Lovers

If you're looking for luxury, Quinta Real Oaxaca is absolutely stunning.

But my favorite discovery was Hotel Sin Nombre.

I could have wandered through that hotel for hours. Every corner made me want to pull out my camera. The architecture, natural materials, textures, and beautiful restraint were incredibly inspiring. It's proof that luxury doesn't have to be loud. Sometimes the quietest spaces leave the biggest impression.

Don't Miss

Before leaving Oaxaca, be sure to visit Centro Cultural San Pablo, the Museo Textil de Oaxaca, and, if you have time, take a bicycle ride to El Tule, home to what is believed to be one of the world's oldest and widest trees.

The historic center alone deserves at least two full days. Wander without a plan. Peek inside hidden courtyards, artisan workshops, galleries, churches, cafés, and museums. Oaxaca rewards curiosity, and some of its greatest treasures are the ones you never expected to find.

A Final Reflection

Having lived in Asia for more than two decades, I've always been drawn to places where craftsmanship is celebrated and traditions continue to shape everyday life. Oaxaca gave me that same feeling.

I don't travel simply to collect photographs. I travel to collect stories, textures, colors, materials, and ideas. Every journey expands my perspective and quietly finds its way into the homes I design. It's what inspires me most—not following trends, but creating spaces that feel authentic, collected, and deeply personal.

If you're planning a trip to Oaxaca and would like more recommendations, I'd be delighted to share my favorites. Until then…Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Join Me on the Journey

This is the first chapter of many.

Each month I'll be sharing the places, artisans, cultures, interiors, art, fashion, food, and travel experiences that continue to shape my design philosophy and inspire the homes I create.

If these stories inspire you, I invite you to subscribe and join me as we explore the remarkable people, traditions, and craftsmanship that remind us that beauty is always richer when it comes with a story.

I'd love to hear from you.

Have you ever traveled somewhere that forever changed the way you see art, design, or home? Share your story in the comments below—I can't wait to read it.