Check out the best spots to check out in the center of beautiful Tucson, Arizona.
In my list, a city is a winner if its culinary scene surpasses my expectations.
Tucson is one of those cities that took me entirely by surprise. I was aware of all the delicious Sonora style dishes available thought the city but was not prepared for a smorgasbord of Italian, Asian and New American options.
I already wrote about how to try several dishes in a short period of time by doing a food tour and recommended establishments offering delicious breakfast, lunch and dining options.
Since food is one of my greatest passions, I tend to present every city I visit with a la carte touch (did you get that?). The reality is that Tucson is full of sights related to its hundreds of years of history.
And, that is great since we all need a break between meals. Right?
Even though Tucson is Arizona’s second largest city, the small town feeling is everywhere. You’ll miss Downtown if you blink while driving the I-10 Freeway. Parking spots are widely available, waiting times to get a table at a restaurant are short (sometimes nonexistent) and residents seems to know most of its neighbors.
The sense of small town is also conveyed in the ability to walk at leisure around the center. This is one of the reasons why I felt so at ease in there.
Congress Street can be considered the heart of Downtown (check Broadway Boulevard and Pennington Street too).
This is where you are going to find the notorious Hotel Congress. The site is known for being the capture place of a bank robber called John Dillinger.
Dillinger and his gang were staying (with false names) on the third floor of the hotel. A fire broke during the stay and they were able to escape. History says Dillinger asked the firefighters to retrieve his luggage from his room. He was then identified and arrested.
Also, it is the area where two of the city’s famous theaters are located.
This is the place to be if you love food. Numerous restaurants, coffee shops and creameries line the streets. Make sure to check the early evening and weekend specials. A lot of the restaurants I highlighted on previous posts are located around here.
I loved the funky vibe in this area. I kept bumping into murals, sculptures and even mosaics.
Walking west on Congress takes you to the area were the original Presidio stood.
The original fortress was built by Spanish soldiers during the 18th century and was the founding structure of what became the city of Tucson. After the American arrival in 1856, the original walls were dismantled, with the last section torn down in 1918. A reconstruction of the northeast corner of the fort was completed in 2007 following an archaeological excavation that located the fort’s northeast tower (it is open to the public).
One thing to keep in mind is that Tucson and the southernmost part of Arizona (and a little piece of New Mexico) weren’t part of the territory Mexico transferred to the United States after the Mexican American War. The area was acquired under the Gadsen Purchase. The government had plans to build a transcontinental railroad and figured out it was more cost effective to buy relatively flat land (with excellent weather) than to pass the route thru the mountains.
Marks on the floor show were the original walls once stood.
The Old Pima County Courthouse is located within what was once the Presidio. This is the former main county courthouse building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by Roy Place in 1928 in Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture.
This area also houses the Tucson Museum of Art and several original 18th, 19th and early 20th century homes.
One block north of the Art Museum you will also find the Old Town Artisans, located in a 150-year-old building, and featuring the arts and crafts of hundreds of local and Southwestern artists. Beware shopping lovers. There are a lot of super cute things in here!
The Warehouse Arts District, a former industrial area turned studio spaces, galleries and residential loft, is an interesting place to explore. I stepped into several murals loaded with social and cultural messages.
The San Agustin Cathedral is located on Corral Street. Do not forget to stop by before moving to another area.
After taking a look at the different sites around Downtown, it is time to walk around one of the most charming areas of the city. The Barrio Viejo (or Barrio Historico) still has more territorial adobes than any other Tucson district. The architecture is predominantly Sonoran Traditional where zero setbacks are common, creating long, continuous streetscapes of houses, offices, and shops.
This is Tucson’s second oldest historic district. Half of the Barrio was destructed in the late ‘60s during an urban renewal.
To get to the Barrio, it is better to get into your car and park around Cushing Street. For more Sonoran style houses visit the following barrios: Barrio Anita, Barrio Santa Rosa or Barrio San Antonio.
I really enjoyed the different colors in this area. This is the Tucson I had on mind before my visit.
Have you visited Tucson? What other recommendations would you add?
Pin it for later?
Chandra@GreenComotion says
Thank you for the very lovely tour, filled with fantastic photos.
Have a Happy Week!!
Peace 🙂
Ruth says
Thanks Chandra! I am looking forward to explore more barrios on the future.
Lady Fi says
I love all the colours and textures.
Ruth says
Thanks! I am happy how the photos came out. They truly reflect the colors of the barrio.
Anna says
love the colorful buildings in Tuscon! I haven’t been to Arizona, but I have a feeling that it’s a State with a lot of things to see and do!
Ruth says
Oh yes, Arizona is full of interesting natural and historical sights. I have plans to go back this year. Hopefully, I will discover more of the north.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linky says
We spent far too little time in Tucson when we were in AZ. I’d love to go back.
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-walls-of-san-juan.html
Ruth says
We were there about 4 days (2 entire days in Tucson) and I feel that was too little too. There is a lot to see and do in the area.
Johanna Bradley says
Not a city I knew anything about, Ruth, so thanks for a very interesting share. 🙂
Ruth says
Johanna, great you learned about this beautiful city.
Kelleyn says
What a great town! So much character!
http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2016/03/4-days-in-anchorage.html
Ruth says
That is a good way to describe Tucson. A lot of character and unique flavor.
Christy Swagerty (whatupswags) says
I had no idea Tucson had all these great sites! My husband’s family is from here, and all we did was go to Eegee’s for their frozen smoothies! Thanks for linking up!
Ruth says
Well, next time you are in the area you have to check out all the great restaurants in Downtown. I heard about Eegee’s but didn’t have time to visit.
Katja - globetotting says
I love the colours and small town feel of Tuscon! It definitely sounds like my kind of place. #citytripping
Ruth says
I think that is one of the things I enjoy about Tucson. I was able to eat well and visit a lot of places and there were no crowds at all.
Bumble Bee Mum says
No food today? haha.. But oh, I love street art too! And all those beautiful doors! They really get to me because living in Singapore, we live in mass-produced *yawnz boring* high-rise flats. We have restrictions on even the types of window grills we can install because everything needs to look uniform and all. Zzz…. #TravelTuesday
Ruth says
Hmm, didn’t know they were so strict in Singapore about how living areas should look. In historic places like Tucson (and in Old San Juan too), the government encourages residents to paint their houses in different colors (and I guess to be different from its neighbors).
Anna | slightly astray says
I really enjoyed this walking tour of Tucson, Ruth! I love small cities like this and I absolutely die over the colorful houses, doors, etc. in Barrio Viejo! I would also love all the restaurants and artisan shops in the old town area. I had no idea that Tuscon was so cute and had this much character!
Ruth says
I like that the city offer way more than what people expect. I think it feels great when a city surpasses your expectations.
Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com says
I’ve never been to Tucson, but wow, even your pictures look good enough to eat! Such vibrant colours. Sounds as though there’s an incredible amount of history packed into the place, too.
Ruth says
Wow! I have never heard pictures are good enough to eat. I like that ;0) But, yes, I am glad places like this exist.
Linda says
Thank you for a tiny vacation as I sip my tea. The photos are beautiful.
Linda
Ruth says
Your welcome! Glad you enjoyed the short tour around the city.
Photo Cache says
Wow, you were able to present the charm of Tucson in this post. I had not idea it was this charming. I’ve always wanted to go back to AZ and see the sights. What month did you visit and how was the weather?
Ruth says
I visited in December. On that month, average highs are supposed to be on the 60s. When I visited, the temperatures were in the low 50s which is colder than usual. I was able to manage well. Plus, there was tons of sunshine. That is way better than going when the temperatures are over 100.
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
It looks so colourful! I had very little idea about Tucson, but it sounds such a lovely place and a great atmosphere. I do love cities which are walkable as well, or at least have areas to wander around – plus great food… Thanks for linking up to #citytripping
Ruth says
Since there are so many great things to see in Northern Arizona (including the Grand Canyon), I think a lot of people traveling around the West skip Tucson and it surrounding areas. But, I will encourage people to visit even if they have a limited amount of time.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
I feel as if Tucson has a range of eras and nationalities.
The 50’s feel of the old theatres, the modern street art and then the brightly coloured buildings reminded me of Mexico
Ruth says
Yes, the city has gone thru a lot of different periods (Spanish, Mexican, USA, the a revival of Downtown not so many years ago). That is why it is so colorful and varied.
Holly says
Gorgeous photos and I love reading more about the history – even the fact that there is a coffee shop called the ‘Cartel Coffee Lab’
Ruth says
I do not know the story behind the coffee store name but it would be interesting to find out. The city has a bit of a hipster vibe, so, I would not be surprised if the name is kind of hook to attract people’s attention.
budget jan says
I adore this place. So colourful and eclectic and those theatres look like old gems.
Ruth says
Great! You have to see some cities in Mexico. They are even more colorful.
Corinne says
Ruth, I’m loving your Tucson posts…planning for summer! As always, gorgeous photos…so sun-washed!
Ruth says
I know you guys are planning a trip. Hope the posts help you a little bit with that.
Pinay Flying High says
Your Tucson series made me realize how beautiful that city is. I thought it’s going to be a boring, desert city but then it has so much to offer – specially for foodies apparently. 🙂
Ruth says
I get what you are saying about desert cities but Tucson is Arizona’s second largest city and it houses a bi university campus. That is why is it is so diverse and has so many offerings.
Sharon Wagner says
You’ve really captured the local color and vibrancy of the city. I would love to take a photo safari there. And I bet the food is great too.
Ruth says
The food is really good. Make sure to check my food related post of the city. I am sure you are going to like them.
Jackie says
We did the same stroll in 2014 when we spent a few days in Tucson. My kind of travel.
Ruth says
This is my kind of travel too. We walked without a concrete plans. We discovered a lot by checking out some alleys.
Grey World Nomads says
Hi Ruth, I like the details in your photos of Tucson. You won’t believe it, but I had to google, where Tucson is.
Ruth says
Not sure how well known is Tucson in the United States. I imagine it is not known outside the country at all.
Sophie says
Never been to Tuscon, I’m afraid. It looks both interesting and cosy. Love the murals.
Ruth says
It is a place with all the creature comforts you may need but it still has that small town vibe that is so attractive to certain people (like me). I loved it there.
Hung Thai says
I’ve been to Arizona many times but not Tucson specifically. Great picture gallery you have here – very colorful. Have you been to Sedona?
Ruth says
I went to Sedona about two years ago. That area is lovely too. Want to go back. You can search on the blog for articles about Sedona, Cottonwood, Jerome and Prescott.
Nancie says
Tucson looks like a great place to visit and meander around. All of the colors reminds me of Portugal. Thanks for hosting this week. #TPThursday
Ruth says
A lot of cities with Spanish / Portuguese colonial roots are going to remind you of the Iberian Peninsula. The architecture in Old San Juan (Puerto Rico) is nearly identical to some places in Madrid.
Anda says
Your pictures are so enticing, Ruth, you’ll make me go visit Tucson. My sister lives in Scottsdale and I go there often, but I never made it to Tucson. Is it really so beautiful?
Ruth says
I think it is more beautiful than what I have presented in here. I only had about two hours to check the Barrio Viejo. That was not enough time to check the entire Barrio. Plus, there are other Barrios full of old houses. You have to visit someday.
Kathy Marris says
I can definitely see the Spanish/Mexican influence here. Beautiful colours and very funky artwork! 🙂
Ruth says
The Spanish / Mexican influence is what attracts me to the city. The funky vibe in the Arts District makes it more interesting.
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld says
Gorgeous photos! I love all of the colours and details that you caught through you lens. It really must have been such a great place to wander 🙂 I also love the art and the colourful tiles.
Ruth says
Thanks Marcella. It is difficult to stop shooting in a place like this. It was color after color after color.
Lyndall @ SeizeTheDayProject says
What a lovely tour of Tucson Ruth. I love all the brightly coloured buildings too! 🙂
Ruth says
Glad to see you liked it Lyndall. I would gladly visit colorful places every day of the week ;0)
Claire Marie Algarme says
Dropping by from #TheWeeklyPostcard. What beautiful artistic designs, especially the old buildings. Great photos you have here.
Ruth says
Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.
Paula McInerney says
Wow, you really took some beautiful photos, particularly the doors.
Ruth says
I am a door lover. You have to check my Pinterest board dedicated to the subject.
Tara says
I love the colors of the southwest. So different from the browns and greys of New England, especially this time of year. We are heading to Arizona next month, but unfortunately, we won’t make it to Tucson. Gorgeous photos, as usual – I feel like I just walked through the city with you.
Ruth says
Yes, it is great to live surrounded by colorful houses (I know since it is like that in Puerto Rico). What places are you visiting in Arizona?
Jill says
Fantastic colors! I didn’t realize that Tucson and southern Arizona was so colorful – I thought more of the muted colors of the desert. Thanks for sharing!
Ruth says
The colorfulness comes from the Mexican roots of the town. Also, in my opinion, Arizona is a colorful state. You just have to take a look at the local arts and crafts.
Kathy says
LOVE that old theatre marquis!
Ruth says
I took different photos of them under different light conditions. At least several photos came out fine.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates says
HI Ruth, I haven’t been to Tucson and I’m glad to have learned more about it in your post. I didn’t realize that it is such a foodie city. That alone make it appealing to me. I enjoyed the Spanish architectures and the lovely colors and charm of Barrio Viejo. Thanks for the virtual tour of Tucson. Lovely photos.
Ruth says
If food is your thing, Tucson is the place for you. I had a great time eating to my heart’s content. In general, I consider Arizona a great place for foodies.
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
Beautiful pictures! It’s great to see the Spanish influences on the city – as well as the modern art – makes for a very colourful place. I’d like to visit sometime. Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Ruth says
It would be great to combine a visit to the city with a road trip around the Southwest. Thanks for stopping by.
Trekking with Becky says
Thanks for the great tour! I especially loved the Dillinger bit! 😀
RobRob (@ TravelLatte.net) says
Hi Ruth! Fabulous feature, even if I do have a slight hometown bias. 😉 There was a time when he Barrios were unfashionable; the upscale foothills to the north were the place to be. I’m glad to see the neighborhoods are still thriving. Also loved the photo of the Old Courthouse – that’s always been one of my favorite downtown buildings. Thanks for the photos from home! 🙂
Nancie Lee says
What a great tour! I love the colors and all the styles of the doors. Historical places are always on the top on my list. I’ve only visited AZ for a minute, so I hope to get back and check out Tucson. Thanks for your insights!
Sadie says
I lived in SoCal for 11 years and never made my way down to Arizona other than to drive through it. I think maybe I need to schedule in a stop to explore the next time I make a road trip back to Kansas!
annette charlton says
What a riot of colour.. and you captured it all so well. I love it when a location lives up to your imagination and you don’t feel cheated or disappointed. I am glad this was the case for you too.
Janice says
Well! I have never given Tucson a second thought until I read your blog! I had no idea it was such a lovely place. The barrio viejo and the artisans’ quarter definitely appeal to me. I’ve long hankered for a visit to Santa Fe and have just looked on a map to see if both are doable in one trip…. I’m thinking yes!
So… in one day I have inspired you to visit Norway, and now you have inspired me to visit Tucson. Thank you! 🙂
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
This was a wonderful walking tour of Tucson. We’ve been to Tucson several times and never got around to exploring the downtown area. We’ve done the Mission and Saguaro and the suburban areas. I love all the colors you captured here. These historic districts are great.
Packing my Suitcase says
I’ve never been to Tucson before and I had no idea how pretty and colourful the city is! I’m really impressed and love your photos. I’d love to go there someday, I like big towns that has the feel of a small city 😀
Thank you for joining #MondayEscapes
Laia says
Wow Ruth, you always find such charming places! Tucson is very colorful and I liked that there’s street art 🙂
I also like taking photos of doors and windows, I thought I was the only one!