OaxacavsSan Miguel de Allende
Can't decide between Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is Mexico's cultural heartland, a UNESCO city famous for its indigenous traditions, world-renowned cuisine, and mezcal culture. This colorful colonial town offers ancient Zapotec ruins, vibrant markets, folk art traditions, and the country's best Day of the Dead celebrations.
Known for
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a colonial masterpiece in the Mexican highlands, famous for its baroque architecture, vibrant art scene, and year-round perfect weather. This UNESCO World Heritage city has been voted the world's best city multiple times, offering cobblestone streets, rooftop bars, and excellent cuisine.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Oaxaca offers Monte Albán Ruins, Mercado Benito Juárez, Mezcal Tasting
San Miguel de Allende offers Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, El Jardín (Main Square), Fábrica La Aurora (Art Center)
Food & Dining
Oaxaca is famous for its local dining scene
San Miguel de Allende is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Oaxaca offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
San Miguel de Allende offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
October to April (late October for Day of the Dead)
October to April
Weather
Summer: 25°C, Winter: 20°C
Summer: 25°C, Winter: 18°C
Top Attractions in Oaxaca
- 1Monte Albán Ruins
- 2Mercado Benito Juárez
- 3Mezcal Tasting
- 4Santo Domingo Church
- 5Day of the Dead
- 6Cooking Classes
Top Attractions in San Miguel de Allende
- 1Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
- 2El Jardín (Main Square)
- 3Fábrica La Aurora (Art Center)
- 4Hot Springs
- 5Rooftop Bars
- 6Art Galleries
Oaxaca is Popular With
San Miguel de Allende is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Oaxaca
- 1
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
A stunning botanical garden located in the grounds of the Santo Domingo cultural center, showcasing the incredible plant diversity of Oaxaca state.
- 2
Pochote Xochimilco Market
A small, organic farmers' and artisans' market held on Saturdays in the Xochimilco neighborhood.
Hidden Gems in San Miguel de Allende
- 1
El Charco del Ingenio
A massive, breathtaking botanical garden and nature reserve located in a canyon just outside the city.
- 2
Casa de la Cuesta
A stunning, family-run textile museum and shop in a beautiful old house.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Oaxaca
Centro Histórico
The vibrant, walkable heart of Oaxaca, centered around the Zócalo (main square).
Reforma & Jalatlaco
A trendy, artsy neighborhood northeast of the center, known for its beautifully restored streets, colorful murals, and hip cafes.
Top Areas in San Miguel de Allende
Centro Histórico
The historic heart and soul of San Miguel, a UNESCO-protected maze of cobblestone streets, stunning colonial architecture, and bustling plazas.
Guadalupe
An up-and-coming, artsy neighborhood northeast of the Centro, famous for its stunning murals that cover entire buildings.
Budget Comparison
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Budget in Oaxaca
Budget in San Miguel de Allende
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Oaxaca
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in San Miguel de Allende
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Oaxaca
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Find cheap transport to San Miguel de Allende
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Our Verdict
Both Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende are incredible destinations. Oaxaca excels in Oaxacan cuisine and mezcal, while San Miguel de Allende stands out for colonial architecture and art scene.
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