Old Town Artisans, Tucson

As you walk through downtown Tucson, you will want to set aside some time to explore Old Town Artisans. The name refers to a historic block of shops that highlight local artistry, hands-on creativity, and a mix of unique shopping and dining options.

Also known as the Art Shops District, this area once held the stables and part of the old fort’s north wall. Later, it became home to residents who shaped the town’s early growth—people such as clerks, nurses, grocers and other workers whose efforts supported daily life in the community. Many of the buildings still carry traces of those early foundations, giving visitors a sense of how the neighborhood once looked and functioned.

A visit to Old Town Artisans offers a chance to wander through shaded courtyards and historic rooms now filled with local businesses. You might come across second-hand shops, jewelers, a tattoo parlor, a bakery, a record shop, pubs and several galleries representing regional artists.

Some spaces also host live demonstrations, small events or community gatherings, giving travelers an easy way to experience local culture.