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Tucson is a spirited town located in the Sonoran desert of Southern Arizona. Just a few hours from the border of Mexico, this ol’ pueblo offers a unique cultural fusion, amazing tacos and quirky Spanish architecture.
Surrounded by five different mountain ranges, you’ll never have a shortage of things to do, from biking, to hiking, or stargazing, it’s got it all. Or you can partake in my personal favorite activity, long scenic drives through the winding desert roads surrounded by Tucson’s unique cacti, the Saguaro.
Whether you want to wander around downtown’s hipster cafes, be immersed in a Spanish speaking barrio, or spend your days in the serene quiet of the mountainside, you have a plethora of options. The best area to stay in Tuscon completely depends on you, your budget and what you want to do during your trip.
And that’s where I come in. I grew up in Tucson and have explored the city through and through, I have compiled the top five BEST areas in Tuscon depending on your travel style and budget. Whether you want a luxury traditional mexican style airbnb or a cheap ol’ hostel bed, I’ve got you covered!
Photo: @audyscala
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Tucson?
- Tucson Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Tucson
- Tucson’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Tucson
- What To Pack For Tucson
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Tucson
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tucson
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Are you visiting Tucson? Looking for a specific place to stay? These are my highest recommendations for places to stay in Tucson. It’s one of the most interesting destinations in America and somewhere you just have to add to any USA backpacking trip.
Best Western Royal Inn & Suites | Best Affordable Hotel in Tucson
This 3-star hotel in Tucson has simple, pleasant bedrooms with private bathrooms. The complex has a lovely outdoor swimming pool (heated, for the benefit of winter travelers!) and a Jacuzzi.
There’s also a beauty center, a tour desk, and a shuttle to bring guests from the airport. The rate includes breakfast.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Tucson City Center AZ | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Tucson
In the perfect location for guests looking where to stay in Tucson for one night, this hotel has all the top attractions on your doorstep. You can relax in the outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, or hotel library between hitting the sights.
Breakfast is included and the hotel has great facilities for families.
The Blue Door Abode | Best Airbnb in Tucson
This quirky little home is cutely decorated and equipped with all the amenities you will need to prepare your own meals, but I love the private patio! It’s the perfect nook to retreat to after a day taking in the city sights and one of the best Airbnbs in Tucson.
It’s conveniently within walking distance of nearby breweries, too.
There are some epic VRBOs in Tucson worth checking out, too!
Downtown
Downtown Tucson is a generously sized area which is broken down into several smaller barrios. At the core of Downtown runs Congress Street, a historic thoroughfare where old and new collide.
Barrio Santa Rosa
The small Barrio Santa Rosa is situated south of Downtown, with a towering mountain to its west and a huge park to its south.
Fourth Avenue
The Fourth Avenue neighborhood is one of the most historic parts of the wider Downtown Area, but easily one of the most boisterous. It proclaims itself as funky, weird, artsy, crazy and colorful.
El Presido
El Presido is a compact neighborhood in the northwest of the bustling Downtown district. This historic corner was established back in 1775 as a Spanish military fort, and to this day attracts the tourists hungry for heritage, culture and some truly tempting Mexican fare.
Oro Valley
Oro Valley is a suburb of Tucson located a 30-minute drive north of Downtown. Meaning ‘gold’ in Spanish, the district attracted prospectors in the late 19th century.
Tucson is situated in Pima County, in the state of Arizona. It rests on a plain in the Sonoran Desert, in the clutches of five mountain ranges. You have the Santa Catalina and the Tortolita Mountains to the north, the Santa Rita Mountains to the south, the Rincon Mountains to the east, and the Tucson Mountains to the west.
An hour’s drive south brings you to the Mexican border, which might explain the abundance of delicious Mexican eateries in town! Meanwhile, driving around 90 minutes northwest brings you to Phoenix.
Tuscon is the second-largest city in Arizona. The city is broken down into a series of small neighborhoods, many of which are known as barrios. The six Downtown neighborhoods are walkable and connected by the Sun Link Streetcar.
First of all, with the lion’s share of Tucson’s must-see attractions, Downtown is the best neighborhood to stay in Tucson your first time.
Travelers looking to save some pennies on their accommodation can check out Barrio Santa Rosa, our pick for where to stay in Tucson on a budget.
Fourth Avenue gets our support for where to stay in Tucson for nightlife due to its pubs, bars, and eateries.
With its historic streets and quirky attractions, I think El Presido is the coolest place to stay in Tucson.
This Arizona city has plenty to occupy kids. With all the outstanding nature trails, Oro Valley is our top pick for where to stay in Tucson for families.
Tucson’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a look at the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Tucson. They’re each a little different, depending on the type of experience you’re after.
#1 Downtown – Where to Stay in Tucson for Your First Time
Downtown Tucson is a generously sized area that is broken down into several smaller barrios. At the core of Downtown runs Congress Street, a historic thoroughfare where old and new collide.
Skyscrapers totter over colorful sidewalks and ancient landmarks.
The Downtown neighborhood is heaving with heritage sites, galleries, restaurants, breweries and theatres. With so much going on in this hip neck of the woods, it has to be the first choice for where to stay in Tucson for your first time!
Doubletree By Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center | Best Affordable Hotel in Downtown
This Hilton’s got style and comfort down to a tee. The location’s perfect—easy access to public transport and downtown. The rooms are spacious, the beds are comfy, and if you get lucky, you might even score a room with mountain views. And d on’t even think about skipping those complimentary welcome cookies.
Blenman House Inn | Best Hotel in Downtown
This immaculate, 5-star hotel is right in the center of Downtown Tucson and comes with an incredible sun terrace and outdoor pool. Rooms are ornately decorated with period furnishings and splendid private bathrooms, you’ll feel like aristocracy but the prices are decent.
Breakfast is included in the rate.
Sunny Downtown Adobe | Best Airbnb in Downtown
This historic adobe home is beautifully revitalized with Mexican tiles. You can truly feel the history of the abode, as it was built in 1905. It is a beautiful blend of historical and modern, including a beautiful and relaxing garden.
This is located in a very quiet neighborhood whilst also being walking distance from everything downtown has to offer, coffee shops, museums, and bars!
Things to See and Do in Downtown:
- Wander the historic Armory Park
- Admire the St Augustine Cathedral Church, the oldest in the city and a stunning piece of architecture
- Light a candle and discover the eerie story behind the El Tiradito Wishing Shrine
- Do something a little unusual with your evening and watch the magician at the Carnival of Illusion
- Catch a show at one of the many performing arts venues, check out Tucson Music Hall or Borderlands Theatre
- Visit the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum housed in a former train depot, with a locomotive from 1900
- Drink alongside locals at the Thunder Canyon Brewery
- Let the kids run riot at the Children’s Museum
- Peruse the three blocks that form San Antonio Barrio, where you can find antiques, furniture and art
- Browse modern masterpieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art
- Journey through photography from the 19th century to today at the Etherton Gallery
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View on Osprey#2 Barrio Santa Rosa – Where to Stay in Tucson on a Budget
The small Barrio Santa Rosa is situated south of Downtown, with a towering mountain to its west and a huge park to its south.
Barrio Santa Rosa is close to the Tucson Convention Center and has a cluster of hotel options providing you with where to stay in Tucson on a budget. You can save a lot of money by staying in Barrio Santa Rosa and hopping on the public bus service to explore Downtown.
In the area surrounding the neighborhood, you’ll find an abundance of natural sights to behold and explore.
Hotel McCoy – Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine | Best Affordable Hotel in Barrio Santa Rosa
Art, coffee, beer and wine — truly, what else do you need on a vacation? The decor is creative, full of original artwork, and the breakfast hits the spot with oatmeal and all the toppings you could want. The coffee is solid, and the craft beer on tap is a bonus, with the first one free. The room gives off a fun southwest vibe, perfectly capturing the Tucson scene.
The Tuxon Hotel | Best Hotel in Barrio Santa Rosa
This is a boutique retro-style hotel that is newly renovated, they chose new chic decor to accentuate your experience. They have great food options including their renowned Caramel Macchiato. They have everything you could need for a great time in Tucson, a pool, fitness center, comfortable bed, and restaurant/cafe.
Rustic Modern Adobe in Barrio Viejo | Best Airbnb in Barrio Santa Rosa
Nestled in the heart of Tucson’s oldest neighborhood, the Location is perfect and the ambiance of the space is so true to the history while still being brand new with high-end appliances.
Things to See and Do in Barrio Santa Rosa:
- Visit the contemporary, vibrantly colored glassworks at the Philabaum Glass Gallery
- Sample what’s on tap at the Barrio Brewing Co.
- Explore the Sentinel Peak Park and clamber to the summit of the iconic ‘A’ Mountain for a terrific birdseye view of the city
- Get a taste of the Sonoran Desert with a venture to Tumamoc Hill – a huge ecological reservation
- Find out what quirky expo at the 22 Street Show or Tucson Convention Center
- Experiment with Ethiopian cuisine at Cafe Desta
- Head to Santa River Cruz Park and follow the river as far south as you fancy, ideal for a long walk or a cycle!
- Tuck into succulent waffles and all-day American breakfasts at the Waffle House
#3 Fourth Avenue – Best Area to Stay in Tucson for Nightlife
The Fourth Avenue neighborhood is one of the most historic parts of the wider Downtown Area, but easily one of the most boisterous. It proclaims itself as funky, weird, artsy, crazy, and colorful.
I can’t disagree, this is one of the best places to stay in Tucson for getting down with hipster culture and the modern Tusconans!
Photo: @audyscala
The historic Fourth Avenue bustles with eclectic bars and experimental eateries, making this our top recommendation for where to stay in Tucson for nightlife. Due to this, the area is popular with students from the nearby University of Arizona.
El Amador Downtown Luxury Inn | Best Affordable Hotel in Fourth Avenue
This charming Inn is filled with antiques and knick-knacks making it feel like a real Victorian home. Instead of staying at a large commercial hotel, why not support your local mom-and-pop Inn?
Here you can sit on the lovely porch and watch the world go by or relax in the courtyard with a fire pit and a garden.
AC Hotel Tucson Downtown | Best Hotel in Fourth Avenue
This comfortable hotel is extremely well-placed for those seeking local nightlife. They offer a fitness center, pool, and business center for guest use. you can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and have delicious cocktails if you want to wind down after. along day of exploration.
Old West Saloon in Tin Town | Best Airbnb in Fourth Avenue
In case you missed it, the ‘tiny house’ trend has well and truly gripped travelers around the world, and here’s your chance to try it. This awesome Fourth Avenue accommodation is one of the coolest places to stay in Tucson, probably the whole state!
Be sure to take a tour of the attached Tin Town Museum.
Things to See and Do in Fourth Avenue:
- Check out some performances at the Rogue Theatre
- Take a wander along the Arroyo Chico river
- Unleash your inner big kid at the largest pinball arcade in Arizona! D&D Pinball has pinballs from the past five decades
- Sip a tropical cocktail by the pool at Hut tiki bar
- Treat yourself to a scoop or two at Desert Dream Ice Cream
- Explore the best of Southwestern artifacts at the Arizona State Museum
- Unwind with craft beer and live music at the stylish Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
- Get a photo of the rattlesnake-design bridge in the Iron Horse Park
- See a burlesque show at the Surly Wench Pub
- Relive your student days at the Buffet Bar & Crockpot dive bar
- Get some sustainable retail therapy at Pop Cycle, where everything is made from recycled goods
- Soak up the mellow vibes at REVEL wine bar or get energized at the Playground Bar and Lounge
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Grab an eSIM!#4 El Presidio – Coolest Place to Stay in Tucson
El Presidio is a compact neighborhood in the northwest of the bustling Downtown district. This historic corner was established back in 1775 as a Spanish military fort, and to this day attracts tourists hungry for heritage, culture, and some truly tempting Mexican fare.
Nestled just out of the core of Downtown, El Presidio enjoys a calmer pace of life. These ancient streets boast some fascinating museums, top-class eateries, and quirky boutiques.
It’s definitely the coolest place to stay in Tucson if you’re looking to catch some sights but also kick back and relax.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Tucson City Center AZ | Best Affordable Hotel in El Presidio
The staff are friendly and always willing to help, the rooms are clean and comfortable, and the gym has a couple of solid pieces of equipment that get the job done. The hot breakfast is a good way to kickstart the day, though don’t expect endless variety if you’re in Tucson for a longer stay. The breakfast area is spacious, with plenty of seating. This place is centrally located and super easy to get to.
University Inn | Best Hotel in El Presidio
If you’re looking for a place close to the university, University Inn will clearly be right up your street. The rooms are clean, the decor’s got that modern feel, and the staff are super chill. A short drive and you’re at the local bars, breweries, and coffee spots. Plus, it’s close to the famous 4th Avenue. Great value and a solid option if you’re not into the whole chain motel vibe.
Cheerful 2-bedroom bungalow in Downtown Tucson | Best Airbnb in El Presidio
This Airbnb is a spacious, clean spot that’s perfect for launching your adventures—whether it’s exploring the local parks or hitting up the nightlife on Fourth Ave. The small bathroom has heaps of storage, which is a nice bonus. Your favorite part might just be sitting on the porch, coffee in hand, listening to birdsong.
Things to See and Do in El Presido:
- Dine at the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant, the award-winning family ran El Charro Cafe
- Relax in the among the rose gardens and sculptures of El Presido Plaza
- Take a riverside stroll along the Santa Cruz River
- Check out what’s on at the Fox Tucson Theatre
- Rummage around for old books and retro vinyls at Old Paint Records
- Catch live music, feast on global fare and nab a happy hour deal at La Cochina
- Tick off the Old Prima County Courthouse and the Tucson City Hall
- Browse Latin American folk art at the Tucson Museum of Art
- Delve deep into the city’s past at the Presido San Agustin del Tucson Museum
- Treat yourself to locally produced arts and crafts in the boutiques at Old Town Artisans
- Follow the 2.5 mile Turquoise Trail, which begins in El Presido and loops you through the historic landmarks of Downtown Tucson
#5 Oro Valley – Best Neighborhood in Tucson for Families
Oro Valley is a suburb of Tucson located a 30-minute drive north of Downtown. Meaning ‘gold’ in Spanish, the district attracted prospectors in the late 19th century.
Nowadays, this desert community is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby mountains, hills and canyons are home to lush nature trails with rewarding views of the scenery.
Photo: @audyscala
With all the fresh air, excellent gastropubs, and child-friendly attractions, Oro Valley is my top pick for where to stay in Tucson for families. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Tucson for dipping into the urban attractions and gulping in the expanse of nature around the city.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tucson North/ Oro Valley | Best Affordable Hotel in Oro Valley
In this hotel in Oro Valley, you can marvel at the nearby mountain ranges from your outdoor pool. Studio rooms provide ideal living quarters for families and the hotel has a babysitting service available.
Rooms are well-stocked with all the possible amenities, and you get breakfast included in the rate.
El Conquistador Tucson A Hilton Resort | Best Hotel in Oro Valley
This deluxe vacation resort boasts a stunning pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and impeccable rooms. They have a variety of lodgings available including spacious villas for families in need of extra room.
The grounds are very green and offer plenty of areas to relax and soak up the incredible views of the valley.
Oro Valley Home with Mountain View and Pool | Best Airbnb in Oro Valley
A beautiful desert oasis located just minutes from breathtaking hiking/biking trails. Wake up to birds chirping outside your window and a sun rising over the Catalina mountains. The host loves to provide their guests with fresh eggs from her chickens for breakfast. This is a great place to enjoy the serene and natural beauty the desert has to offer.
Things to See and Do in Oro Valley:
- Take a scenic road trip to Mount Lemmon for awesome views and hiking trails plus a ski resort for winter
- Sample local food and pick up arts and crafts at the Oro Valley Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning
- Hike and bike along the many trails of the sprawling Catalina State Park, you can even opt to camp here for a night
- Visit the Vista Sun Wheel
- Let the kids play at the Children’s Museum
- Dine on local, seasonal dishes at Harvest Restaurant
- Explore the Honey Bee Canyon Park, then challenge yourself with the Will Burro Trail
- Cool down from the heat at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center – awesome for kids!
- Sip a locally brewed beer at Noble Hop and tuck into a gastro meal
- Follow the Pima Canyon trail along the Pima Wash – eyes peeled for rattlesnakes, waterfalls and wildflowers!
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Tucson
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Tucson and where to stay.
What To Pack For Tucson
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
What is the best time to visit Tucson?
The best time to visit Tucson is April-May or September-October. Summer is simply too hot and Winter brings flocks of “snowbirds” or northerners coming to enjoy the winter’s sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.
How many days should I spend in Tucson?
I suggest spending at least 3 days in this desert oasis if you truly want to experience all the BEST things to do in Tucson.
Is Tucson a walkable city?
If you prefer walking, downtown Tucson is your best bet! Otherwise, having a car is a smart choice as Tucson is a sprawling city. This gives you more flexibility to explore and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Tucson
Traveling to the desert brings its risks… tarantulas, monsoon storms, cacti… you name it. Don’t let that scare you, that’s why good travel insurance is important on your trip to Tucson!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tucson
Tucson is the perfect destination for sunset seekers, nature lovers, and culture vultures. You’ve got art and history, cacti and mountains.
And when it comes to satisfying your tummy, you can feast on scandalously authentic Mexican grub and wash it all down with a beer from one of the many Tucson breweries as the sun gleams overhead. I hope my guide has inspired you to explore this awesome city!
So, of all the best areas to stay in Tucson that I’ve explored during my many years of living here, the best neighborhood to stay in Tucson has to be El Presidio. You’ve got a bit of everything going on in this historic and utterly charming barrio.
I love the walkability, the leafy gardens, the variety of restaurants and attractions, and the peachy nightlife. I think you’ll love it too.
For one of the best places to stay in Tucson, check out the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Tucson City Center AZ. You get a lot of value for your cash, and it’s right in the beating heart of Tucson.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Tucson instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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