10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Tucson

Situated in the foothills of the majestic Catalina Mountains, St Philip’s Plaza is one of Tucson’s most characterful shopping centres thanks to a stunning Spanish-style courtyard festooned with rustic tiles, tree-lined pathways, and a bubbling central fountain. Showcasing a wide array of independent boutiques and upscale shops, it’s also host to jazz concerts, a spa, and a weekly farmer’s market.

Shop ‘til you drop in the retail quarter, treat yourself to a facial in the Beauty & Aesthetic area, or dine at one of the mall’s many eateries including the Arizona Wine Collective or Proof Artisanal Pasta. Check the St Philip’s online calendar for its live music offerings and boogie the night away under the stars.

Main Gate Square is a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly Tucson retail and dining destination boasting over 20 shops, 30 restaurants, and a duo of popular hotels. Alive with youthful energy and exciting events such as wine tastings and live music, the mall is conveniently situated near the city’s historic areas and the University of Arizona.

For those seeking a little R&R, whip out your wallet at Urban Outfitters, ink your skin at Sanctity Tattoo, or treat yourself to a glamorous manicure at Paris Nails Lounge. For an ice-cold beer, English pub fare, and the coolest jukebox in all of Tucson, swing by the trendy Frog & Firkin.

At the west end of the Tucson tram line, you’ll find Mercado San Agustín, a charismatic street market chock-full of eclectic eateries and swanky shops set around a stunning community courtyard. Sample Mexican sweets and tamales at Dolce Pastello Cakes, browse rare antiques at La Cabaña, or treat yourself to handcrafted jewellery and homeware at Mast.

Make sure you check the San Agustín online calendar because the place is always buzzing with city-centric cultural events like the Mercado District Flea Market, flamenco evenings under the stars, and soul food pop-ups.

Affectionately called “The Heartbeat of Tucson,” Historic Fourth Avenue is one of the city’s most beloved areas, a place where artisan traders and mom-and-pop shops rub shoulders with funky community cafes. Host of the legendary Fourth Avenue Street Fair that’s held every spring and winter, the district’s permanent retailers include tattoo parlours, clothes boutiques, bookshops, and thrift stores.

After sunset, the place comes alive with high-octane dance parties, atmospheric bars, and some of the best dining in all of Tucson. Feast on fresh Latin dishes at Tumerico Restaurant before grabbing a craft beer at Tap + Bottle.

A hidden gem in a historic warehouse district southeast of City centre Tucson, Lost Barrio is a compact and vibrant cluster of shops packed with Southwestern art, imported furniture, vintage clothing, and more.

While away an afternoon browsing colonial artefacts from Mexico, folksy sculptures, and eye-catching antiques, before splashing out on an artisan gift from a local craftsperson. For a bite to eat, swing by Tooley’s Café for classic Southwest cuisine including corn pancakes, huevos rancheros, and the tongue-in-cheek Starving Artist platter that brims with eggs, rice, grilled veggies, and lashings of zingy salsa.

Nestled in the Catalina Foothills, La Encantada is an upmarket Tucson shopping centre that dazzles with its magical mountain backdrop and over 60 exclusive stores and restaurants. Setting a new precedent in luxury shopping, you’ll find big-name brands here including Anthropologie, Williams Sonoma, Coach, Victoria’s Secret, and Tiffany & Co.

Once you’ve whipped out your wallet and treated yourself, grab a bite to eat at one of La Encantada’s many eateries. Tantalise your taste buds with short rib chimichanga at Blanco Tacos + Tequila or spicy lobster rolls at RA Shushi.

Set in a stunning 19^th century adobe building, Old Town Artisans is a Tucson, Arizona must-shop that’s celebrated for its boutique traders and characterful courtyard garden. This historic retail centre is situated in El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson (the fort that was built by the Spanish in 1775 and later attacked by the Apache Indians).

Inside, discover a wealth of unique shopping experiences — from contemporary art galleries showcasing Tucson’s finest talent to hip-and-happening tattoo parlours that use 100% vegan ink. Browse collectible vintage vinyl at Old Paint Record Shop before hitting up La Zia for Native American jewellery.

Situated on the north side of the city, Tucson Mall is a sprawling, multi-tier indoor shopping centre boasting over 170 stores. Here, anchor retailers such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, Old Navy, and J.C. Penney mingle with solid dining offerings including Olive Garden, Charley’s Philly Steaks, The Cheesecake Factory, and Cinnabon.

Explore deeper and find unique shopping experiences in stores such as Africway (Rasta apparel), Boba Tea Company (try their enchanting Love Potion drink), and Majestic Jewels Boutique. Finish off your trip with a double scoop of your favourite flavours at Ice Cream Arizona.

A fashion and entertainment destination, Park Place Mall is an extensive air-conditioned shopping centre located on the East Side of Tucson, directly north of the Colonia Del Valle and Wilshire Terrace areas.

With a massive lineup of retailers, an epic 20-screen cinema, a children’s desert playground, and plenty of dining spots, this lively hub offers a fun day out for the whole family. After shopping Banana Republic, Guess, and H&M, stop by for a tasty meal at Fiesta Filipina, Panda Express, or the ever-popular seafood chain Red Lobster.

Conveniently located in Midtown Tucson, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange is a treasure trove of books, comics, magazines, video games, musical instruments, and more. A labyrinth of pop culture collectables, you can get lost for hours here just happily browsing the aisles.

With 21,000 square feet of retail space, Bookmans is the perfect place to buy a gift or find that long-lost title you’ve been searching for. While there isn’t a café or restaurant on-site, you can grab a bite at nearby eateries including the Red Garter Saloon, Raijin Ramen, and Blake’s Lotaburger.