Although downtown-adjacent, Tucson’s historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood feels worlds away. The convention center is visible as you stroll around the city’s second-oldest district, filled with colorful adobe buildings constructed in the 1870s and 1880s, yet the primary sounds are birds chirping and music softly streaming from open restaurants and galleries. There is no hustle or bustle in Barrio Viejo, but there is plenty to see and do – and eat and drink.
3 Things To Do
1 Carly Quinn Designs
The colorful tiles filling Carly Quinn’s shop are anything but average, although they are traditional. Created using a technique known as cuerda seca, a centuries-old process involving silk-screening designs onto tiles, then hand-painting them, the tiles have smooth, raised designs. It’s an open studio, so head back to watch the artists work after browsing.
730 S. Russell Ave.
520-624-4117, carlyquinndesigns.com
2 El Tiradito Wishing Shrine
This curious historical site holds a unique honor of sorts: It’s the only U.S. Catholic shrine dedicated to a sinner buried in unconsecrated ground. A young man was caught having an affair with his own mother-in-law by his father-in-law, who killed him where he’s now buried. Bring a candle and make a wish.
418 S. Main Ave.
3 Gallery-Hop
Since June 2021, five galleries have opened on this stretch of Convent Avenue. Highlights include Etherton Gallery, the first to move into the neighborhood, and its next-door neighbor Andrew Smith Gallery, both of which showcase photography. All the galleries often coordinate exhibit openings.
South Convent Avenue, between Cushing and Simpson streets
3 Places To Eat
4 5 Points Market & Restaurant
A hip restaurant/bakery/market, 5 Points is equal parts destination and neighborhood joint. Just about everything on the menu is organic, locally sourced and made from scratch. Don’t miss the local favorite huevos rancheros, then treat yourself to a fresh pastry and peruse the market’s sundries.
756 S. Stone Ave.
520-623-3888, 5pointstucson.com
5 The Coronet
This intimate restaurant on the edge of Barrio Viejo features a seasonal menu of tapas-style small plates. Enjoy dishes such as made-to-order fish chowder and Korean braised pork belly with grilled kimchi. There’s also frequent live music, an on-site cafe and a speakeasy-esque lounge.
198 W. Cushing St.
520-222-9889, coronettucson.com
6 EXO Coffee
Just down the road from The Coronet, EXO’s second location occupies a converted 1885 adobe home. Vintage typewriters (available for purchase), record players, mismatched furniture and Southwestern décor complement the minimalist menu. There’s no wi-fi, so EXO is ideal for coffee dates.
196 W. Simpson St.
971-804-1641, facebook.com/exocoffee
PHOTO OP
Barrio Viejo Row Houses
These colorful, impeccably preserved rectangular homes have been here since Tucson was part of Mexico, and they’re the main reason Barrio Viejo will be on the National Register of Historic Places by the end of 2023.
barrioviejo.com
Overnight Option!
The Downtown Clifton
This colorful hotel in Armory Park seamlessly blends modern, retro and classic Western touches, and serves contemporary Southwest dishes and cocktails in its wildly popular bar, Red Light Lounge. Just across Stone Avenue from Barrio Viejo and a 10-minute walk to downtown.
485 S. Stone Ave., 520-623-3163
downtowntucsonhotel.com
