20 de Noviembre Market (Mercado 20 de Noviembre)
The Basics
While it’s easy to visit the 20 de Noviembre Market independently, it’s also a popular stop on most Oaxaca City street food tours, many of which are led by local guides and some of which include cooking classes. Exploring in the company of a local is a great way to overcome the language barrier and learn about the best foods to sample while you’re there. Must-try items include traditional Mexican and Oaxacan snacks, such as quesadillas, tlayudas, and mole.
Things to Know Before You Go
This market is the perfect place to grab lunch, dinner, or just a quick street food snack.
Food fans won’t want to miss the 20 de Noviembre Market.
Be sure to sample some chapulines (grasshoppers) with a dash of lime at the Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
Exploring with a guide can help you get more out of your visit.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre may not be easily accessible for wheelchair users, due to narrow passageways and busy stalls.
How to Get There
The 20 de Noviembre Market is located on the street which shares its name, just a couple of blocks south of the central zócalo. Parking nearby is limited and the streets are often crowded, so it’s easiest to arrive on foot, especially from the center of Oaxaca City. Many walking tours of the city also pass by the market.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Mercado 20 de Noviembre is open daily, typically from 8am until 8pm although these hours may vary on national holidays. Check in advance to avoid disappointment on the day. Mexicans typically eat a late lunch, around 2 or 3pm, so visit before or after to snag a seat at the food stall of your choice. Weekends tend to be the busiest times to visit.
The Seven Oaxacan Moles
It’s said that there are seven variations of mole sauce in Oaxaca, most of which you can find in the 20 de Noviembre Market. They are: amarillo, chichilo, manchamantel, rojo, negro, verde, and colorado, and they each boast a distinctive color and flavor. Try and sample them all on your next visit.
- Casa Crespo
- Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church (Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán)
- Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden (Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca)
- Oaxaca Culture Museum (Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca)
- Benito Juárez Home (Casa de Benito Juárez)
- Cacaluta Bay (Bahia de Cacaluta)
- La Ventanilla
- Abastos Market (Central de Abastos)
- Monte Albán
- Tamayo Museum (Museo Tamayo)
- Benito Juarez Market (Mercado Benito Juarez)
- San Antonio Arrazola
- Cascadas de Llano Grande (Llano Grande Waterfalls)
- Cuilapam Convent (Ex Convento de Cuilápam)
- Tule Tree (Arbol del Tule)