Just west of downtown, the Mercado District blends historic charm with modern, creative energy. Centered around Mercado San Agustín and the MSA Annex, it’s filled with local shops, artisan boutiques, and some of Tucson’s best cafés and restaurants. The Sun Link streetcar stops right here, making it an easy and vibrant spot to explore.

The Mercado District

The outdoor dining area at the Mercado San Augustin with string lights hanging above, people gathered around tables, evening ambiance in a plaza with trees.

Mercado San Agustín

At the heart of the district, Mercado San Agustín feels like a European-style plaza tucked into Tucson. Its central courtyard is lined with artisan shops, bakeries, boutiques, and restaurants, creating a space that’s as inviting for a morning coffee as it is for an evening out. The shaded walkways, colorful architecture, and community events make it one of the city’s most charming gathering spots.

100 South Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745

The Mercado District is one of my favorite Tucson destinations. Here are just a few gems to explore.

  • Mercado San Agustin restaurant in Tucson with tables and chairs, some with napkins and plates, and a group of people dining. The restaurant signs read 'AGUSTIN Kitchen'. There are trees, planters, and string lights overhead.

    Agustín Kitchen

  • Interior of Desierto bookstore at the MSA with large windows, bookshelves on both sides, and a display stand in the center with art books and sculptures. Tables with books are in the foreground, and there are pillows and a bean bag on the right side.

    Desierto Books

  • KUKAI , a small Japanese sushi restaurant located in the MSA Annex. Inside, staff preparing sushi with shelves full of supplies. Blackboard outside lists menu specials including hand rolls and nigiri sushi.

    Kukai

  • The glass bakery display case at La Estrella in the Mercado San Agustin is filled with various cookies and baked goods, with colorful papel picado decorations hanging above, and a sign advertising empanadas on top.

    La Estrella

  • At MAST boutique in the Mercado San Agustin a display case of jewelry and accessories behind glass case, with shelves holding necklaces, earrings, and decorative items.

    MAST

  • Clothing rack with various jackets and shirts hanging on hangers in Old Pueblo Denim located in The Mercado District.

    Old Pueblo Denim

  • A woman working behind the counter of a Presta Coffee Roasters with large windows and hanging plants.

    Presta Coffee Roasters

  • The entrance of a restaurant called Rollie's, with a menu board outside, an 'Open' sign on the door, and colorful papel picado decorations hanging above. There are outdoor tables visible through the glass door.

    Rollie's

  • People sitting at outdoor tables of Seis Kitchen under large umbrellas, enjoying drinks and conversation at a shaded patio with trees and a building in the background.

    Seis Kitchen

  • Westbound's outdoor bar and seating area with string lights, people sitting at the bar and tables, a dog on a leash, and a cloudy sky in the background.

    Westbound

  • A slice of pepperoni pizza on checkered paper liner at WHOLE SLVCE Pizza.

    WHOLE SLVCE Pizza

  • Red sign with white neon text that reads "Why I Love Where I Live," mounted on a wooden wall outdoors with string lights and a small tree in the background.

    Why I Love Where I Live

The outdoor seating area at the MSA Annex with tables, chairs, and plants in front of a modern building with wooden and metal elements under a clear blue sky.

MSA Annex

Down the block, the MSA Annex brings a modern, creative twist to the district. Built from repurposed shipping containers, it’s home to independent shops, design-forward boutiques, bars, and cafés that reflect Tucson’s contemporary energy. With an outdoor stage and community events, the Annex has become a hub for music, makers, and nightlife, balancing Mercado San Agustín’s old-world charm with a bold, urban edge.

267 South Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745