Don Remigio Mestas is an institution in Oaxacan textile art, and his name endorses this boutique, which stocks textiles from several regions of the state, each of which meets the highest standards of quality and shows exceptional originality. An example of his clever take, Don Remigio places these alongside small treasures such as paliacates— bandannas traditionally worn while working in the fields—Tehuan jicalpextle containers, and dolls dressed in nostalgic regional attire.

The small does not limit the wonder of the art created using Oaxacan clay here, a gift from Mother Earth according to pre-Hispanic Oaxacan lore. Artisans from communities such as Santa Maria Atzompa, San Bartolo Coyotepec, and Santo Domingo Tonaltepec, to name just three, take their traditional knowhow to new levels of excellence in the design of small, delicate contemporary pieces—perfect for traveling home with—each of which is signed by the potter.

A mix of art, design, culture and fashion is spread throughout this concept store, which takes its name from marchantas, the women who work in Oaxacan markets. It celebrates feminine freedom in its high-quality products, each of which has its own design DNA, character, and tradition. The store combines work by local artisans (pottery, textiles, and glass) with fashion brands from other Mexican states, like Grieve and Máscaras de Alambre, with a perfect sense of balance.

Well-known for her colorful dresses which mix current design with details inspired by artisan women, Oaxacan clothing designer Silvia Suarez sought to expand her range to accessories that work well with the aesthetic of her garments. She has also invited other Mexican jewelry designers to show exclusive pieces in her boutique and added a selection of homeware, such as cushions, canvases, and palm baskets which create a colorful, carefree and sophisticated atmosphere.

The abundance of local food products in Oaxaca is undeniable, and this shop holds a bounty: seasonal jams, preserves, pickles and honey stacked in small jars, ready for cooking with or using as condiments for dishes. It also carries a plethora of tableware options created by well-known local artists, such as pottery from Isabel Sanchez and Pitao Copycha, or perfect pairs of candles made in Teotitlan de Valle.

The best artisan products from the eight regions of Oaxaca can be found in this recently restored colonial building, also known as the Instituto de Artesanias Oaxaqueños. A combination of jewelry, textiles, homewares, and more shouts “Viva Oaxaca”—the botanical embroidery of Tehuan huipiles shares space with the sober colors of red and black pottery and hand-forged knives from Ejutla de Crespo.

Mezcal is the emblematic drink of the state, a source of pride for locals who have created and fortified a culture around it. This intimate store houses a community project bringing together small that which produce the drink in a casual tasting and shopping atmosphere. Kitschycool t-shirts and books are also sold among traditional objects that explore and celebrate the ancient art of agave harvesting and spirit production.

The shop at this private museum is a journey through the history of furniture design and decorative arts from Rococo to Art Deco styles. As the only space in Oaxaca stocking this level of decorative art and antiques, the site requires a reservation. The room at the front of the building has a beautiful collection of traditional garments for sale, each a little piece of Oaxacan history to take home.

It is common in Oaxaca City to find small projects which represent young creatives producing far-from-traditional products. This small does just that, providing a space for local brands such as Baku sandals—the current footwear obsession of the city—or garments by Minimalia. Search in the corners to find options from brands promoting upcycling, because here, they believe that fashion is a matter of consciousness.

Preserving the essence of Galeria Quetzalli—the owners’ first opening and an award-winning benchmark for contemporary Oaxacan art—this hybrid space and avant-garde concept store combines a selection of refined clothes, accessories, and jewelry with art installations in two rooms. Considered a pioneer in the region, it stocks fashion brands such as Carmen Rion, Dosa, Merle Barbieri, and accessories by Envidia Logic.

Pieces of Zapotec culture from the village of San Martin Tilcajete can be found in the heart of the historic city center. This gallery and restaurant brings together projects by Jacobo y Maria Angeles, famous for carving alebrijes (the bright-colored traditional Mexican folk-art sculptures) alongside artworks from Tilcajete. Make sure you have time to enjoy the menu at Tizne, the adjoining restaurant within the exhibition space, which serves contemporary versions of Angeles family recipes.