Barrio Viejo's colorful adobe style houses with stucco walls in peach, green, and purple, set against a blue sky with wispy clouds, surrounded by desert plants and bushes.

Barrio Viejo

I always take out-of-town guests to Barrio Viejo and the surrounding neighborhoods because they capture Tucson’s historic charm better than anywhere else. Just south of downtown, the streets unfold in a mix of old adobes painted every color you can imagine, with porches tucked behind wrought iron gates and murals that catch you by surprise. Many of these historic homes now house coffee shops, galleries, boutiques, bars, and restaurants, giving the area a fresh energy without losing its roots. Take a slow stroll through this part of town and you’ll find plenty of spots worth stepping into along the way.

“I’ve never felt a community so rooted… The food reflects the distinct culture and pride. Tucson knows who it is.”

Condé Nast Traveler, April 2025