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What to See in Downtown Tucson

by Lisa Borows
written by Lisa Borows Share
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Rodeo cowboy mural in Tucson

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When I booked my first trip to Tucson, I had no idea what to expect. I was headed there for TravelCon, and since most of my time would be spent at the convention center, I figured why bother renting a car?

Turns out, downtown Tucson is incredibly walkable. It’s colorful, historic, easy to navigate, and you can hop on a free streetcar to explore even more. So, if you’re wondering what to see in downtown Tucson without a car, here’s everything I saw, did, and loved.

Downtown Tucson has free public transportation on the Sun Link Streetcar! This free streetcar also loops through other downtown districts 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. Free streetcar in Tucson 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.

Walk Along the Turquoise Trail

When you walk around downtown Tucson, 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 historic places in just a couple of hours. The stops are numbered along the route, but there aren’t many signs with a detailed description or history. If you want to learn more, grab a map at the Presidio Museum or download the PDF from their website.

What to See in Downtown Tucson

Giant cactus mural in Tucson

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!

All that walking and mural-hunting will make you hungry though. Luckily, downtown Tucson has some seriously good food. Here’s where I ate in downtown Tucson and what I’d go back for.

Hotel Congress

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!

Today, it’s still a working hotel and also a fun spot for live music and a drink. There’s even a restaurant on-site with classic American food, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy some great local flavor.

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.

St Augustine Cathedral

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!

Pima County Historic Courthouse

Pima County Historic Courthouse tile dome

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 Tucson 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.

Colorful Adobe Homes

Barrio Viejo adobe home

The largest concentration of adobe homes from the 19th century is right here in Tucson’s Barrio Viejo district (old neighborhood). Low slung roofs, thick adobe walls, wood and iron accents, and those bright pops of color…classic adobe architecture. I love it!

If you follow the Turquoise Trail in downtown Tucson, there is a section near the convention center that runs along the edge of Barrio Viejo.

The Sinner’s Shrine

Sinners Shrine

This is one of the most unique things I saw on my visit to Tucson. A Catholic shrine…for a sinner!

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.

Now it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Where to Stay in Downtown Tucson

If you’re heading to downtown Tucson for a conference or just to explore, you’ve got great options for where to stay.

I booked a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton, which is right next to the convention center. It was about a five-minute walk from the heart of downtown.

Several people I met at the TravelCon conference stayed at the Home2 Suites by Hilton, and they raved about it. It’s clean, comfortable, and has that central location you want if you’re sticking close to the action. Bonus? It’s also the downtown location for La Estrella Bakery, a local spot for pastries. (Highly recommend grabbing something sweet in the morning before heading out to explore.)

You’ll also find boutique hotels near the Tucson Museum of Art and throughout the downtown districts, giving you even more walkable access to museums, restaurants, bars, and other interesting places

FAQ For Visiting Tucson

Is Tucson safe to visit?
For the most part, yes. Like any city, it has areas that are better than others, but I felt totally fine walking around downtown and the Barrio Viejo district during the day. Just use common sense. Don’t wander down dark alleys at night, and you’ll be good.

Does Tucson have a free bus?
Even better. Downtown Tucson has a free streetcar! The Sun Link Streetcar runs through downtown, 4th Avenue, the Mercado, and the University of Arizona area. It’s super easy to hop on and off, and perfect if you don’t have a car.

When’s the best time to visit Tucson?
Definitely fall through spring. Tucson cools off around October and stays beautiful through April. I was there in March and the weather was still cool enough for layers and a jacket. Summers can be brutally hot, so unless you love triple-digit temps, stick to the cooler months.

Does Tucson have an airport?
Yes! Tucson International Airport (TUS) is small and easy to get in and out of. You can fly in directly from a bunch of U.S. cities, or connect through Phoenix if needed.

Is Tucson walkable?
Parts of it are. Downtown, 4th Avenue, Barrio Viejo, and the University area are all pretty walkable, and the streetcar helps too. But if you want to get out to places like Saguaro National Park, you’ll need a car or a rideshare.

How much time do you need to visit Tucson? If you’re planning to stay in the downtown Tucson area, you really don’t need more than two days in Tucson. But, if you want to get out to the desert, you should add another day or two.

Wrap-Up: You Don’t Need a Car to Have a Good Time Here

Honestly, I was a little worried that skipping a rental car would limit what I could see in downtown Tucson, but it didn’t at all. Between the Turquoise Trail and the streetcar, I was able to explore the best of downtown Tucson on foot and feel totally safe doing it solo.

If you’re headed to Tucson for a conference or just want a chill couple of days downtown, you can absolutely make it work without wheels.

Resources to Book Your Trip

Flights
I like using Skyscanner to find flight deals. It searches hundreds of airlines and booking sites so you can compare prices, dates, and even airports in one place.

Accommodations
Booking.com is my go-to for hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. I like that you can filter for free cancellation and check reviews before you book.

Activities
For tours and experiences, I recommend GetYourGuide and Viator. Both have everything from walking tours to day trips, plus instant booking and mobile tickets.

eSIM
I’ve used Airalo and Saily for internet access when I travel. You can install the eSIM on your phone before you even leave home and there’s no need to swap physical SIM cards.

Airport Pickups
If you want a stress-free ride from the airport, check out Welcome Pickups. Your driver will meet you inside the terminal, help with your bags, and take you straight to your hotel.

Car Rental
Discover Cars makes it easy to compare rental companies so you get the best rate. You can see all the options and book in advance for peace of mind.

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