Getting off the plane the Oaxaca air makes you feel like you've been put into a headlock by a large sweaty man, and the sweat begins to roll down your back. Driving into the city that is thick with traffic all you seem to see are muffler shops crammed in between tire repair shops crammed in between brake shops and coke products. The dirt catches you in the eyes and you feel blinded until you hit the city center. The Zocalo is a landmark to Latino culture, like a piazza is to Italians...filled with friends, families and generally happy people socializing, drinking and letting the hours roll by.
From the Zocalo the city center stretches out in each direction for a several blocks. These are the clean streets tourists expect and along them are many hotels, eateries and shops that attract crowds. This area, as well as most of the city, is extremely safe. A woman can feel comfortable walking around at any hour -day or night- and the people of Oaxaca pride themselves on how safe tourist/locals feel while wandering around.
${QuickSuggestions} Bed and Breakfasts are the way to go while in Oaxaca... you can trust the food you are served is prepared with bottled water, and you will get a good variety of local foods that you may otherwise be tentative to try.

Respect the Siesta! Join in the tradition and take that nap after lunch, it will prepare you for the nightlife that can stretch into the morning!${BestWay} Taxis are cheap, but really all you need is your feet. Oaxaca City is an extremely walkable place, just remember to bring your map... and drink lots of water!
From journal Past the First Impressions of Oaxaca City