🌮 Hostels in Oaxaca for Backpackers & Solo Travellers: Mole, Mezcal & Colourful Courtyards
Oaxaca in 2026? Expect colourful colonial streets, lively markets and a famous regional food scene. This southern city is packed with mezcal bars, creative corners and Zapotec history. Hostel courtyards are a great place to meet fellow travellers, swap tasting tips and plan your next day trip.
🏠 Where to Stay in Oaxaca
Hostelworld.com lists over 46 Hostels in Oaxaca, rated by real travellers in more than 21625 reviews. Many hostels occupy colonial-style houses with leafy patios. In Oaxaca you can often find:
- Shared dorms and private rooms around garden courtyards
- Rooftop terraces, hammocks and chill-out lounges
- Breakfast, shared kitchens and group dinners
- Mezcal tastings, cooking classes and help booking day trips
Pro tip: Staying within walking distance of the Zócalo usually means markets, bars and sights are on foot, so you will save on taxis.
🏆 Top Hostels to Stay in Oaxaca in 2026
Want top-rated Hostels in Oaxaca? Travellers on Hostelworld.com love these two:
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to Explore
- Centro – The Zócalo, colonial architecture, museums and restaurants close together
- Jalatlaco – A relaxed, colourful neighbourhood of quiet alleyways, great for wandering without a plan
- Macedonio Alcalá – The pedestrian street leading to Santo Domingo, lined with shops, cafes and bars
- Market district – South of the Zócalo, with big food markets for tlayudas, mole and local snacks
🚌 Getting Around Oaxaca
- From the airport: Oaxaca-Xoxocotlán Airport lies south of the centre, and shuttles and taxis usually run into town
- Walking: The historic centre is compact and often best explored on foot
- Local transport: Colectivos, buses and taxis link outer neighbourhoods and nearby villages
- Long-distance buses: Bus stations serve onward trips across the region, so ask your hostel which one you need
Pro tip: Oaxaca sits high in a valley, and the sun can be strong. Carry water, wear sunscreen and pace yourself on arrival.
🏛️ Day Trips & Must-Sees
- Monte Albán – Ancient Zapotec hilltop ruins with big valley views, usually best visited early in the morning
- Hierve el Agua – Mineral springs and petrified waterfalls on a cliff, with natural pools
- Templo de Santo Domingo – A baroque church and former convent, where you should usually dress modestly
- Local markets – Try tlayudas, mole, Oaxacan chocolate and chapulines (toasted grasshoppers)
Tours and shared taxis often head out to these sights, so day trips are easy to arrange through your hostel.
🌍 Want More Hostel Adventures?
Check out other top-rated hostels across Mexico → Mexico Hostels
