Best Markets in Oaxaca for Shopping, Food, and Artisans

The markets in Oaxaca are some of the most vibrant in Mexico. Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts, fresh produce, or traditional food, Oaxacan markets offer a sensory experience like no other. From the bustling halls of Mercado Benito Juarez to the sprawling Abastos Market, each marketplace has something unique to explore.

I grew up between Oaxaca and the US, and have spent 20 odd years exploring every corner of Oaxaca since childhood. In this guide I’ll walk you through the best markets in Oaxaca for food, artisan goods, and cultural experiences. 

In addition to the traditional mercados, I’ve included some specialty food markets as well as the Oaxaca artisan market. You’ll also find safety tips, shopping recommendations, and insights on what to look for to make the most of your visit.

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Oaxaca Market vs Tianguis

In Oaxaca, markets aren’t just places to shop—they’re woven into daily life. They’re where locals pick up fresh ingredients, catch up with neighbors, and check off their weekly errands. 

A tianguis is an open-air market that pops up once a week, spilling out from the regular market and flooding the surrounding streets with vibrance and chaos.

It feels a bit like a fair—just without the rides or games. Instead, you get rows of stands offering everything from quirky trinkets to beautifully made artisan crafts. 

As a kid, tianguis days almost had the magic of Christmas morning. Those were the mornings my sister and I would wake up early without being asked, excited to wander the maze of stalls, try new snacks, and soak in the buzz of it all. There was always something new to discover.

Oaxaca Market Days

In the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, the tianguis in various pueblos have a set schedule throughout the week. Here are the Oaxaca market days, a few of which are explained in greater detail below.

• Monday – Teotitlán del Valle
• Tuesday – Atzompa
• Wednesday – Villa de Etla and Zimatlán
• Thursday – Zaachila Market
• Friday – Ocotlán Market
• Saturday – Abastos Market
• Sunday – Tlacolula Market

1. Tlacolula Market

One of the oldest and most traditional markets in Oaxaca, the Sunday tianguis in Tlacolula is a cultural experience. People from surrounding villages come here to sell handmade textiles, pottery, and fresh produce.

The food stalls are a major draw. Similar to the smoke hall in 20 de Noviembre market, you can sample a variety of local grilled meats here like cecina, chorizo, tasajo and even tripe-however, different to 20 de Noviembre, you grill the meat yourself.

There are a number of ready to use grills in the middle of the market, and you can buy as much or as little meat as you like and grill it yourself. If you like authentic, immersive experiences, this would be a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

You also don’t want to miss the lamb barbacoa and freshly baked pan de cazuela. While the pan de cazuela may not look like much on the outside, it’s earned a spot on my must try list. The fluffy, sweet interior has threads of rich, bittersweet chocolate woven through it-yummy!

The market is also a great place to buy handwoven rugs and embroidered blouses from the artisans themselves. You can often see young women and abuelitas alike embroidering blouses at their stalls. Each piece is a work of art and takes a lot of effort and dedication, taking days or weeks of intricate work to finish.

3. Mercado Benito Juárez

One of the most popular markets in Oaxaca, Mercado Benito Juarez sits in the heart of the city center. Located just a block from the Zocalo, this market is a great starting point for first-time visitors.

Benito Juarez market encompasses everything you might imagine about a typical Oaxacan market. It’s a lively, vibrant atmosphere with a multitude of vendors and an impressive array of produce and products. 

If you’re looking for a convenient place to sample and purchase quality chocolate-look no further. Multiple stalls in this market have molinos, or a grinder, used to produce chocolate. You can ask your chocolate to be customized by level of sweetness and choose to add unique ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla and anise.

Once inside, you’ll also find mezcal, mole pastes, local cheeses, and handcrafted souvenirs. If you’re after traditional Oaxacan snacks, try chapulines (grasshoppers) or quesillo (Oaxacan cheese). 

If you’re in a pinch for souvenirs, this market offers many established shops selling a variety of mezcales, leather goods, and handcrafted souvenirs. Vendors here are used to tourists, so expect slightly higher prices, but it’s a convenient place to shop for small gifts and food items.

4. Mercado 20 de Noviembre

This market is a must-visit for food lovers. The highlight is the famous Pasillo de Humo (Smoke Alley), where vendors grill tasajo, cecina, and chorizo over open flames. Once you choose your meats, they cook them to order and serve them with tortillas, salsas, and grilled vegetables.

If you like bold flavors, I recommend sampling some zesty chorizo or cecina enchilada. If you prefer milder but equally delectable fare, I recommend tasajo with the “gordito”-the little bit of fat and gristle that makes for an extra flavorful cut of meat, or ribs, often marinated in a blend of garlic and milder spices that make for a smokey, savory meal. 

For a unique, spicy treat I recommend trying the chile de agua, a vibrant, light green chile with a unique sweet, herby, and spicy flavor profile. It’s just the thing to cut through a heavy meal.

Beyond the grilled meats, you’ll find stalls selling tamales, tlayudas, and hot chocolate with pan de yema. Be sure to explore the various stalls offering a selection of local delicacies-desserts, breads, fruits, and various dishes. It’s one of the best places to eat in Oaxaca, especially for an authentic, no-frills meal.

5. Abastos Market

As the biggest market in Oaxaca, Abastos is where locals shop for bulk goods, produce, and regional specialties. It’s chaotic, massive, and packed with vendors selling everything from textiles to baskets of dried chiles and herbs.

Most importantly, it’s the best place in Oaxaca to get queso istmeño. This funky, umami cheese is a lesser known treat consumed mostly by locals. Its intense flavor, salty bite and firm, crumbly texture go perfectly with a piece of ripe watermelon. This combo might sound odd, but trust me-try it for breakfast or a snack on a hot day.

If you’re a food lover, you can’t stop there. One of the highlights of this market are Doña Vale’s famous memelas, topped with her legendary morita salsa. Morita chiles are a type of dried, smoked jalapeño, and the salsa made with them has a unique smoky and rich flavor.

Many travelers skip Abastos due to safety concerns, but with the right precautions, it’s worth a visit. I’ve shopped in this market many times, and while it helps to keep your wits about you and a cool, confident demeanor, I find the market’s unsafe reputation is overstated. 

Safety Tips – Enter from the south side, avoid wearing jewelry, and keep valuables tucked away. If you’re lost or looking for something in particular, don’t be afraid to ask a vendor. I find the vendors at Abastos to be some of the friendliest in Oaxaca.

6. Oaxaca Artisan Market

For travelers who regret not buying something during a village day trip, this market offers a second chance. Located near Mercado 20 de Noviembre, it’s a convenient place to shop for alebrijes, textiles, and black pottery.

While prices are higher than in the villages, the selection is good. However, if you have time, buying directly from artisans in San Bartolo Coyotepec or Teotitlán del Valle is always the better option.

7. Zaachila Market

Zaachila Market is smaller than others but offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience. During Day of the Dead, the area near the market features intricate sand tapestries, a unique local tradition.

Zaachila is popular for its consomé, barbacoa broth elaborated with a number of chilis and spices that impart an earthy, deep flavor. The meat in the broth is stewed for a long time, making it tender. Sprinkle a pinch of chopped cilantro, onion, and finish with a squeeze of lime to enjoy it the local way.

If you’re in the mood to snack like a local, the Zaachila tianguis has an array of options. You’ll find alegrías (amaranth bars), palanquetas (seed bars), and peanuts in every form imaginable—coated in chili, dusted with spices, glazed in honey, or rolled in sesame seeds

You’ll find beautifully handwoven textiles like table runners, cloth napkins, and even embroidered blouses. Don’t miss the colorful tenates—traditional woven baskets that come in a variety of mesmerizing colors and patterns.

The town is also known for its amazing street art, with murals depicting Zapotec history and culture. If you’re visiting on a Thursday (tianguis day), expect a mix of produce, street food, and handcrafted goods.

8. Etla Market

This mid-week market is best known for one thing: quesillo. The stringy, buttery cheese originated in this region and is a staple in Oaxacan cuisine.

Etla recently made headlines when it set a Guinness World Record for the largest quesillo. If you’re a cheese lover, this is the best place to try it fresh. The market also has a great selection of tamales and traditional breads.

9. La Cosecha Organic Food Market

This small open-air market specializes in organic and farm-to-table Oaxacan food. It’s a great spot to try traditional dishes like tejate (a pre-Hispanic cacao drink), tamales, and squash blossom quesadillas.

Unlike the bigger food markets, La Cosecha has a relaxed atmosphere, with communal seating and a focus on sustainable ingredients. I would recommend La Cosecha to any traveler who is looking for a gentle, yet authentic introduction to the Oaxacan market experience. 

Try a squash blossom and quesillo quesadilla for a bright, herby zing. I recommend pairing it with an agua de jamaica, or, if in season, maracuyá-bold, fruity and sour notes that compliment the heft of a handmade quesadilla. 

10. Mercado de la Merced

This local market is a favorite for fresh produce and casual eats. It’s home to Fonda Florecita, a well-known spot for breakfast. Enmoladas incorporate the fragrant, bold flavors of black mole with the hearty tortilla. Try an order for a filling, flavorful breakfast.

For those staying in or near the neighborhood of Jalatlaco, it’s a convenient market with a wide variety of produce, prepared foods, traditional treats and even some artisanal works like embroidered huipiles and hand woven bags. 

I highly suggest sampling local treats like alegrías: a traditional sweet made from amaranth seeds bound together with raw cane sugar or honey. For something heartier, try a palanqueta: a crunchy bar packed with seeds like pumpkin, peanuts, or sunflower, often with just the right touch of sweetness.

Though smaller than Benito Juarez, it’s worth a visit if you want an authentic, local experience without the crowds.

11. Mercado Sanchez Pascuas

Mercado Sanchez Pascuas is an unassuming market frequented by locals. While it may not boast some of the more extravagant items of other markets, it makes for a cozy atmosphere. 

The famous tamales and juice stands–where you can try a delicious, fresh squeezed orange juice or a blended green juice– are popular amongst locals. I find that a pleasant breakfast at this market gives visitors a chance to experience a different side of Oaxaca-a charming glimpse of local life.

Tips for Visiting Oaxaca Markets

• Visit in the Oaxaca markets morning for the best selection
• Bring cash as many vendors don’t accept cards
• Watch your belongings in busy areas
• Try the local foods—each market in Oaxaca has its specialties

Bonus – Oaxaca is moving away from bargaining culture. If you buy in bulk or make connections with local vendors you may get a special price. But haggling can be seen as disrespectful, especially when dealing with artisans.

What to Buy in the Markets of Oaxaca

Mezcal – available at most markets, but best bought from a trusted vendor

Quesillo – The famous Oaxacan cheese, especially fresh in Etla

Alebrijes – Hand-painted mythical wooden animals, best found in artisan markets

Mole paste – A must-buy from Mercado Benito Juarez or Ocotlán

Textiles – Embroidered blouses and handwoven rugs

Pottery – Purchase in Ocotlán or Tlacolula for the best prices, or head to the local pottery market in Atzompa for unique pieces.

Chocolate – Customize your chocolate at the molinos inside Benito Juarez Market

Coffee – I recommend La Cosecha for organic, high quality varieties 

Final Thoughts About the Markets in Oaxaca

Whether you’re looking for the biggest market in Oaxaca or a small artisan market, Oaxaca is waiting for you. From the traditional food at Mercado 20 de Noviembre to the historic Tlacolula Sunday Market, each location offers a unique glimpse into Oaxacan culture.

Plan your visits strategically-for example make sure to go in the morning to get the best selection and avoid crowds. Prepare to sample the local food-whether it be regional delicacies like Oaxacan chocolate, chapulines and quesillo at Benito Juarez or traditional dishes at 20 de Noviembre.

Remember, some of the best experiences can be had outside the city center—don’t forget to venture to the surrounding pueblo markets to support local artisans.