5 Colorful Days in Oaxaca, Mexico

The museums in Oaxaca are remarkable. There are so many to choose from and many have free admission. We chose the Textile Museum and the Contemporary Art Museum to visit. Both museums were beautifully curated and not too big to feel overwhelming. Each museum took about an hour to leisurely walk through.

The Textile Museum celebrates the history of textile in the region. The handiwork is remarkable and so detailed. The clothing, rug, and embroidery work is still practiced and celebrated. There are countless boutiques and shops that sell local clothing, embroidery, rugs, belts, and so much more.

The Contemporary Art Museum celebrates contemporary art in a beautiful way that feels relatable. The art will make you contemplate the subject matter and leave you in awe. They have a nice collection of art from artists from around the globe. It is beautifully set in a former all-girls' school with a stunning courtyard. Beautifully done.

Simply walking through the Centro area of Oaxaca, you will feel as though you are in a museum with the street art and murals. There are so many that I had to make this a thing to do. Simply wander and admire.

There are an abundance of artist collectives in Oaxaca, just like museums. This city truly celebrates its artists and their work. We enjoyed perusing the endless collectives for unique finds and beautiful art.

We had no shortage of delicious food while in Oaxaca. One of our favorites was from an artisan bakery, Pan Boulenc. We loved it so much, we ate brunch here two days in a row! The space is in a renovated building with a great open-air courtyard that feels modern and old at the same time. The food was delicious and the service exceptional.

Casa Porfirio was a great find as well. We stopped in one afternoon for a late lunch and it was such a treat. They made delicious tacos and burritos as well as a couple tasty and beautiful mezcalitas—margaritas made with mezcal, the spirit that is also made from agave, but not tequila. Delish!

The Mercado Benito Juarez was a sensory wonderland. This open-air market has cooked-to-order food along with fresh food. Each stall has a distinct energy and vibe. It was such a fun place to wander and taste to our heart's and stomach's delight!

Mercado 20 de Noviembre was another open air-market filled to the brim with fresh and cooked-to order-foods. If you don't find something you want to eat, you are doing it wrong. These markets truly make Oaxaca a culinary dream!