Tucson Food Tours- Locally Owned Downtown Walking Food Tour
Active
4h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Taste Tucson with the city’s original walking food tour!
Tucson Food Tours is rated the #1 Tour Activity and listed among the Top Things To Do in Tucson. As the first and longest-running tour in town, we’ve been locally owned for over 14 years and offer the most authentic, generous, and fun way to explore the city.
We aren’t like the newer imitators—our tours are crafted to highlight Tucson’s best restaurants, stories, and neighborhoods. You’ll enjoy more food, more fun, and more Tucson for your ticket price.
Each tour includes at least 6 tastings (but often 7), water, and a personal guide. Guests love the mix of local dishes, culture, and history—and even locals discover something new every time.
For the lowest price, book direct on our website!
Join us and taste why we’ve been Tucson’s favorite food tour experience for over a decade.
Available options
Tucson Food Tours
Downtown Route
What's included
Hand-crafted Tea, Housemade Pastrami Sandwich & Cheese Curds, Carne Seca Pizza, Green Corn Tamale, Avocado Egg Toast, Vaquero Taco, and Gelato (7 food/drink stops- tastings are subject to change)
Detailed itinerary
1
Hotel Congress- a historic hotel renowned for its vintage charm and as the site where notorious gangster John Dillinger was captured in 1934.
2
Tucson Historic Train Depot- built in 1907, is a beautifully restored landmark that once served as a vital hub for Southern Pacific Railroad and now houses a museum and café
3
a historic venue known for its eclectic live performances and as a cornerstone of the city's downtown entertainment scene since 1920
4
- a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, known for its vibrant pink facade and iconic mosaic dome.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
5 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
220 reviews
5★
214
4★
2
3★
3
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
We meet at the courtyard that is on the north side of Congress Hotel. Your guide will be wearing a blue shirt that says Tucson Food Tours on it.
About Tucson
Tucson, nestled in the Sonoran Desert, is a vibrant city known for its rich Native American and Old West history. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, it offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, stunning desert landscapes, and world-class outdoor activities.
Top Attractions
Saguaro National Park
A stunning desert landscape filled with giant saguaro cacti, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A unique blend of zoo, botanical garden, and museum, showcasing the wildlife and plants of the Sonoran Desert.
Museum
2-3 hours
$25 for adults, $12 for children (ages 5-12)
Old Tucson
A historic theme park that recreates the Old West, featuring live shows, stagecoach rides, and Wild West stunt shows.
Historical/Entertainment
2-4 hours
$25 for adults, $15 for children (ages 5-12)
Mission San Xavier del Bac
A beautifully preserved 18th-century Spanish mission, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sonoran Hot Dog
A bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a variety of condiments, unique to the Sonoran Desert region.
Snack
Contains pork and gluten
Chiles Rellenos
Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, coated in egg batter, and fried, often served with a tomato-based sauce.
Dinner
Vegetarian (check for cheese and batter ingredients)
Prickly Pear Margarita
A refreshing cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and prickly pear puree, giving it a unique pink color and sweet-tart flavor.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking in Saguaro National Park
Mountain biking in the Tucson Mountain Park
Hot air balloon rides
Spa treatments at luxury resorts
Picnicking in Reid Park
Stargazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory
Visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Exploring the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the most popular time to visit due to pleasant weather and various festivals. Expect cooler mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Tucson is generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in less populated areas, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
Getting there
By air
- Tucson International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By bus
Tucson Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and efficient, with real-time tracking available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Tucson
Tanque Verde
Catalina Foothills
Day trips
Mount Lemmon
30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day
A scenic mountain range with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a cool, forested environment.
Tombstone
60 miles (97 km) • Full day
A historic Old West town known for its role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and its well-preserved Western heritage.
Bisbee
90 miles (145 km) • Full day
A charming, artsy town with a rich mining history, known for its colorful buildings, art galleries, and unique shops.
Festivals
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase • February
Tucson Meet Yourself • October
Tucson Rodeo (Fiesta de los Vaqueros) • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
- Explore the 4th Avenue Shopping District for unique local crafts and vintage finds
- Take a day trip to Mount Lemmon for a cool, forested escape from the desert heat
- Try a prickly pear margarita, a local favorite made with the fruit of the desert's iconic cactus
- Attend a performance at the Rialto Theatre for a taste of Tucson's vibrant arts scene
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
