Mercado Benito Juarez (Benito Juarez Market), Oaxaca (must see)
Benito Ju谩rez Market is one of Oaxaca鈥檚 liveliest hubs鈥攁 maze of colors, scents, and sounds that pulls you right into the city鈥檚 daily rhythm. Named after Benito Ju谩rez, a key figure in Mexican history and a native of Oaxaca, this market is as much about culture and community as it is about commerce.
Step inside and the energy hits instantly. Narrow passageways wind between stalls bursting with fresh produce, fragrant spices, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Everywhere you look, something鈥檚 calling your attention鈥攂rightly stacked mangoes, avocados, and papayas; bunches of cilantro and Mexican tea leaves scenting the air. Much of it comes straight from nearby farms and villages, proudly displayed by the growers themselves.
The deeper you go, the more the aromas pull you toward the food stalls. Here鈥檚 where the market鈥檚 kitchen comes alive鈥攇riddles sizzling, steam rising, and flavors tempting from every corner. You鈥檒l find tlayudas 鈥� which are large, crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and all sorts of toppings 鈥� along with tamales, empanadas, and rich, complex mole, the sauce Oaxaca is famous for.
But food is just half the story. This is also a showcase for Oaxaca鈥檚 artisans. Woven rugs and tapestries hang beside hand-painted pottery, embroidered blouses, and carved wooden figurines. Every piece speaks of tradition and the kind of craftsmanship that takes years to master.
For locals, this market is more than a shopping trip鈥攊t鈥檚 a place to meet friends, swap news, and keep community ties strong. Voices mingle with the calls of vendors and the occasional burst of live music. And if you leave empty-handed, don鈥檛 worry鈥攜ou鈥檒l still carry the smell of roasted chiles and fresh tortillas with you, like the market鈥檚 way of saying, 鈥淪ee you next time.鈥�
Step inside and the energy hits instantly. Narrow passageways wind between stalls bursting with fresh produce, fragrant spices, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Everywhere you look, something鈥檚 calling your attention鈥攂rightly stacked mangoes, avocados, and papayas; bunches of cilantro and Mexican tea leaves scenting the air. Much of it comes straight from nearby farms and villages, proudly displayed by the growers themselves.
The deeper you go, the more the aromas pull you toward the food stalls. Here鈥檚 where the market鈥檚 kitchen comes alive鈥攇riddles sizzling, steam rising, and flavors tempting from every corner. You鈥檒l find tlayudas 鈥� which are large, crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and all sorts of toppings 鈥� along with tamales, empanadas, and rich, complex mole, the sauce Oaxaca is famous for.
But food is just half the story. This is also a showcase for Oaxaca鈥檚 artisans. Woven rugs and tapestries hang beside hand-painted pottery, embroidered blouses, and carved wooden figurines. Every piece speaks of tradition and the kind of craftsmanship that takes years to master.
For locals, this market is more than a shopping trip鈥攊t鈥檚 a place to meet friends, swap news, and keep community ties strong. Voices mingle with the calls of vendors and the occasional burst of live music. And if you leave empty-handed, don鈥檛 worry鈥攜ou鈥檒l still carry the smell of roasted chiles and fresh tortillas with you, like the market鈥檚 way of saying, 鈥淪ee you next time.鈥�
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oaxaca. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Mercado Benito Juarez (Benito Juarez Market) on Map
Sight Name: Mercado Benito Juarez (Benito Juarez Market)
Sight Location: Oaxaca, Mexico (See walking tours in Oaxaca)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oaxaca, Mexico (See walking tours in Oaxaca)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oaxaca, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Oaxaca
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oaxaca is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oaxaca Introduction Walking Tour
If cities could dance, Oaxaca would move to a slow, graceful rhythm鈥攅qual parts ancient pulse and everyday joy. Officially called Oaxaca de Ju谩rez, this southern Mexican capital is where cultures don鈥檛 just meet鈥攖hey throw a fiesta. You鈥檒l find indigenous roots running deep, wrapped in colonial charm and topped with some of the best mole sauce you鈥檒l ever taste.
Long before the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Long before the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Pubs and Clubs of Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a very artistic city, full of musicians and artists trying to get their revolutionary message out. It has a few salsa joints but Oaxaquenos would rather be heard. There are some fantastic funky little pubs that have live music or even at times poetry readings. Later on in the night you can...
A Taste of Oaxaca
Mexican food is world famous but what most people do not know is most of that distinctly Mexican food comes from Oaxaca. Many famous chefs come to this city to study the art of Mexican cuisine, including top chef Susana Trilling who now calls Oaxaca her home. This tour highlights the best Oaxaca has...