Oaxaca, Mexico

• Oaxaca is at 5,000 feet in a valley with mountains around it, so the temperature is milder than the coast but still warm year-round. The city center has colonial architecture and indigenous culture everywhere - markets, churches, streets with artisan workshops. You can walk around for hours without running out of things to see.
• Safety-wise, it's considered one of the safer cities in Mexico, though street muggings have gone up since 2021. The main rule: don't walk alone after dark. Take a taxi or rideshare after sunset, even for short distances. Centro stays busy until around 10pm with decent lighting and police around, but that changes quickly after that hour.
• The food is the main draw. Traditional markets sell authentic Oaxacan food for very little, and restaurants range from cheap local places to upscale spots. Mezcal bars are everywhere. You'll see plenty of people eating alone in cafes, working on laptops or reading.
• English works in tourist areas and nicer restaurants. Outside those zones, you'll need basic Spanish. The emergency line (911) has some English operators, and there's a tourist assistance hotline (078) that connects to English speakers.

Spanish is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas, upscale hotels, and some restaurants in Centro Histórico. The emergency number (911) has some English-speaking operators. The tourist assistance hotline (078) connects you to English speakers who can help with tourism-related issues and emergencies.

• Dress modestly outside tourist areas. Locals tend to dress casually but conservatively - avoid revealing tops, short shorts, or showing your midriff. Bring a lightweight scarf for churches, which require covered shoulders.
• You'll need basic Spanish outside the main tourist zones. Learn at least 'buenos días', 'gracias', 'por favor', and 'disculpe'. Google Translate helps, but trying to speak Spanish gets you better service.
• Strong indigenous traditions here. Always ask before photographing people. During festivals and ceremonies, watch quietly and follow what locals do. Don't touch market crafts unless you're actually considering buying.
• Meal times run late - lunch is 2-4pm, dinner after 8pm. Many restaurants close between 5-7pm. The cafe culture means sitting alone for hours with coffee and a book is normal.

• The historic center is walkable - most tourist attractions are within 20-30 minutes of the Zócalo on foot. Downtown is fine to walk during daylight hours.
• Taxis are cheap and everywhere, usually 50-80 pesos ($3-5 USD) for trips around the city. You can flag them down on the street in Oaxaca, though having your hotel call one is slightly safer. Uber isn't allowed here because of taxi unions.
• Local buses cost 8 pesos ($0.40 USD) and go almost everywhere. They're safe during the day, but watch your belongings when it's crowded. For longer trips, ADO buses are reliable and do safety checks.
• At night, take a taxi even for short distances. The cost is minimal and walking alone after dark isn't worth the risk.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Oaxaca with local guides and curated experiences.