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I recently had the chance to visit Tucson for the very first time while attending the TravelCon conference. A few months prior, I had made the scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona so I was excited to be back in Arizona to explore a new corner of the state.
This time though, since I would be spending the majority of time inside the convention center, I decided to skip the rental car. Luckily, downtown Tucson is incredibly walkable—and even has a couple of fun, car-free ways to get around.Â
Between the Turquoise Trail and the free streetcar, it was super easy to explore on my own.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite things to see and eat while in downtown Tucson, the Mercado San Agustin, and the Barrio Viejo neighborhood. All accessible without a car!
Table of Contents
Turquoise Trail
When you walk around downtown, you’ll notice a turquoise line painted along many of the sidewalks. That’s the Turquoise Trail! It’s a 2.5 mile trail that weaves you through over 25 points of interest in just a couple of hours.
The different points of interest are numbered along the route but there really aren’t any informational signs at the stops. You’ll need to pick up a printed map at the Presidio Museum or download a PDF of the map from their website if you want to know details about what you’re looking at.Â
Free Streetcar
Downtown Tucson also has free public transportation on the Sun Link Streetcar! This free streetcar loops through key areas like the Mercado, University of Arizona, 4th Avenue, and Main Gate Square. There are 23 different stops along the route and they run about every 15 minutes. It was so easy to just hop on and off whenever I wanted.Â
The only thing I didn’t realize is that the streetcar only stops if someone wants to get on or off. It doesn’t automatically stop at every stop. Obviously, the driver stops when they see someone waiting to get on. But if you want to get off, you need to push the “stop” button when approaching your stop. Don’t worry though, the driver announces what the next stop is so you know when to push the button.
Now, let’s get into what’s worth checking out in each area!
What to See in Downtown Tucson
Downtown Tucson feels surprisingly quiet during the day, with only a few people out and about, but it comes alive at night with a much more vibrant atmosphere. It’s an easy area to explore on foot, thanks to wide sidewalks and a generally walkable layout. Â
Colorful Murals
There’s no escaping the murals of downtown Tucson. There are hundreds of them, and they are everywhere you turn! I just love a downtown with a vibrant street art scene. Be sure you scout out Arizona’s tallest mural, the 153-foot tall Desert Colossus!Â
How to get there: You’ll find murals all along the Turquoise Trail and just about every streetcar stop downtown.
Hotel Congress
With a giant “Hotel Congress” neon sign rising above the roof of the hotel, this is one of the most iconic buildings in all of Tucson. Back in 1934 the Hotel Congress caught fire and a few of the guests paid the firemen to carry their very heavy suitcases out of the burning building. The firemen recognized those men to be none other than the notorious bank robber John Dillinger and his gang!
How to get there: The Hotel Congress is stop 20 on the Turquoise Trail.
Transportation Museum
The Tucson Amtrak Station has a small, free museum located in the historic section of the old train depot. The museum has a collection of artifacts and memorabilia spanning the evolution of transportation. Make sure you walk outside though and head over to the train tracks. You’ll find life size bronze statues of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp and a steam locomotive from 1900 that’s really fun to check out.Â
How to get there: The Transportation Museum is stop 21 on the Turquoise Trail and a quick walk from the streetcar stop at Congress and 6th.
St Augustine Cathedral
Not only is this one of Tucson’s most iconic landmarks, but it’s been around since 1776, before Arizona was even a state. Even if churches aren’t your thing, don’t leave without going inside to take a look at some of the most incredibly realistic 3D painted murals you’ve ever seen! Â
How to get there: The St Augustine Cathedral is two blocks north from the Turquoise Trail, or two blocks south from the streetcar stop at Broadway and Stone.
Pima County Historic Courthouse
Another spot worth visiting in downtown Tucson is the Pima County Historic Courthouse. What first caught my eye was its gorgeous tiled dome—I love the pop of color! While it no longer functions as a courthouse, it now houses the Arizona Mineral and Gem Museum and the Tucson Visitor Center. Stop by the Visitor Center to browse the free and unexpectedly large museum of Tucson history. Then head upstairs to see the historic courtroom where “Public Enemy Number 1”, John Dillinger was arraigned after his capture at the Hotel Congress.
How to get there: The Pima County Historic Courthouse is stop 3 on the Turquoise Trail, or one block north of the streetcar stop at Congress and Church.
Where to Eat in Downtown Tucson
El Charro Café
This is one of the most iconic restaurants in all of Tucson! Opened in 1922 (by a woman!) it’s the oldest Mexican restaurant in the US that’s been in continuous operation by the same family.Â
What to order:Â Carne Seca enchiladas and a prickly pear margarita.
Raptor Canyon Cafe
Family-owned and operated diner style cafe that makes breakfast and lunch to order. This is one of the “Where locals go” places. They make everyone feel welcome and they never let your coffee get low. You’ll need to come on a weekday though, they’re closed weekends.
What to order:Â Anything with a made from scratch biscuit!Â
Caffe Luce
Industrial vibe café with large windows and an upstairs loft. Their menu has the fancy coffees, baked goods, sandwiches, vegan eats, and cocktails.Â
What to order:Â House made granola with fresh fruit and yogurt, and a Mexican mocha latte.
La Estrella Bakery
Fresh, authentic Mexican pastries made daily from scratch. Their downtown location is tucked inside the first floor of the Home 2 Suites hotel. They also have a location at the Mercado.
What to order:Â EVERYTHING! It’s all so good and most items only cost $1 or $2.
What to See in Barrio Viejo
Barrio Viejo is the real deal. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Tucson, it has undergone a remarkable rebirth, transforming from slums into a vibrant, colorful area. It was even listed by Conde Nast as one of the best places to go in North America in 2024.Â
Colorful Adobe Homes
The largest concentration of adobe homes from the 19th century is right here in Barrio Viejo. Low slung roofs, thick adobe walls, wood and iron accents, and those bright pops of color…classic adobe architecture. I love it!
How to get there: Adobe homes are all throughout the Barrio Viejo, including along the portion of the Turquoise Trail that goes through.
The Sinner’s Shrine
This is one of the most unique things I saw on my visit to Tucson. A Catholic shrine…for a sinner! It’s even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Back in the 1870s a man was killed in a love affair gone wrong. Since he died in sin, he couldn’t have a proper burial. So the community built this shrine so he wouldn’t be forgotten.Â
How to get there:Â The Sinner’s Shrine, also called El Tiradito, is stop 10 on the Turquoise Trail.
5 Points Arches
The Five Points Arches are a cool landmark in Tucson, right where Stone Avenue, South 6th, and 18th Street all meet—an area known as Five Points. These giant steel arches stretch over the road, each one honoring the history and culture of one of the five local neighborhoods: Barrio Viejo, Armory Park, Barrio Santa Rita, Barrio Santa Rosa, and Cesar Chavez Ave. It’s pretty impressive to see!Â
How to get there: To find the 5 Points Arches, you’ll need to veer off the Turquoise Trail and walk about 15 minutes south. They are at the intersection of 6th Avenue, Stone, and 18th Street.
Where to Eat in Barrio Viejo
Coronet Cafe
Right across the street from the convention center I went for 7AM when they opened but didn’t realize the kitchen doesn’t open until 8AM. Thank goodness coffee and pastries are always available!Â
What to order: Sadly, I didn’t make it back after my early morning coffee, but they have a cute courtyard to enjoy whatever you do order!Â
5 Points Market & Restaurant
A trendy hipster place with large windows and soaring ceilings. They prioritize local & sustainable agriculture and what can’t be sourced locally is sourced organically & regionally. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the Turquoise Trail, under the giant 5 points metal arches.
What to order: Huevos ranchero and a chai latte. OMG! How have I never had huevos rancheros before?!?!
Ruiz Hot Dogs
Walk a few minutes down from 5 Points, along 6th Ave, and you’ll find a food truck with the most authentic Sonoran hotdogs in all of Tucson. I’m not kidding. These things are AMAZING! A bacon wrapped hot dog, snuggled into a grilled bolillo bun, topped with pinto beans, tomato, onions, mustard, mayo, and jalapeño sauce!
What to order:Â Um, a Sonoran hot dog of course!
What to See at the Mercado San AgustÃn & MSA Annex
The Mercado District and MSA Annex are two spots packed with boutique shops, local restaurants, open-air walkways, and charming courtyards. While they’re technically separate areas, they’re just a five-minute walk apart—perfect for exploring both in a single outing.
Though close in distance, these two areas offer totally different vibes. The Mercado feels polished and elegant, with white stucco walls, red Spanish tile roofs, and everything arranged around a central courtyard.
Just down the street, the MSA Annex has a funky, creative edge. Everything here is housed in repurposed rusted shipping containers, giving it an urban-industrial look that’s full of character.Â
How to get there:Â Take on the free streetcar heading west and get off at one of the last two stops. The second-to-last stop drops you at the MSA Annex, and the final stop is the Mercado. I suggest starting at one, then walking to the other before catching the streetcar back.
Explore the small neighborhood behind the Mercado to see more colorful adobe homes!
Where to Eat at The Mercado and MSA Annex
Seis Kitchen – Mercado
I actually ate here twice it was so good. Everything is completely made from scratch and is “get in my mouth now!” delicious. Make sure you’re not in a rush though, there can be a bit of a wait.
What to order: Mini chimis and horchata. Chips and salsa are free.
La Estrella Bakery – Mercado
Fresh, authentic Mexican pastries made daily from scratch. They also have a downtown location tucked inside the first floor of the Home 2 Suites hotel.
What to order: Anything and everything! I picked up a couple empanadas to take back to my hotel.
Rollies West – Annex
Constantly voted best tacos and best birria in Tucson. Order at the window and have a seat in the courtyard.
What to order: If you missed the Sonoran hotdog when you were in Barrio Viejo, this is the next best place!
Decibel Coffee – Annex
Across from Rollies is one of the best coffee shops in the area! Locally roasted coffees, house baked pastries, and courtyard seating.
What to order: Cafe de Olla. This is their grandmother’s recipe! It’s a not too sweet Mexican style coffee with the perfect blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and other spices that I’m sure only grandma knows.
Final Thoughts
Even with limited time outside of the convention, I was still able to explore some of the culture, history, and food that makes Tucson, well…Tucson.
If you’re visiting Tucson without a car, or attending a convention, don’t stress—just follow the painted line or hop on the streetcar, and let Tucson do the rest!