Oaxaca is one of those rare places where creativity isn't confined to galleries or museums—it lives in the streets, the kitchens, the workshops, the festivals, and in the hands of the people who continue traditions that have endured for centuries.

Planning a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico? Creating a list of every fabulous place to visit isn't my intention. Instead, I'd love to share a few of the places I personally explored and the experiences that made me fall in love with this extraordinary city.

This isn't a traditional travel guide. It's simply my journal—a collection of beautiful places, unforgettable meals, remarkable 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, handcrafted decorations, and families honoring loved ones in the most beautiful way imaginable. It's already at the top of my list for the next visit.