Tucson’s historic downtown is a treasure trove of stories, and the smartphone-guided walking tour lets you uncover them at your own pace. You’ll start at the iconic El Charro Café, then explore the origins of the beloved chimichanga and connections to notorious gangsters. With its fully accessible design and 24/7 availability, this immersive adventure is perfect for anyone looking to discover Tucson’s captivating past. So what are you waiting for? Unlock the city’s secrets and embark on an unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- Self-guided smartphone app that enables exploring Tucson’s historic downtown at one’s own pace, with GPS navigation and highlights of landmarks and history.
- Starts at the iconic El Charro Café, the oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson, and ends at the historic Hotel Congress.
- Provides insights into the origins of the Chimichanga and connections to famous gangsters, immersing visitors in Tucson’s vibrant past.
- Fully accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, with a 5.0 rating from previous travelers.
- Offered 24/7 with flexible scheduling and a low price point, making it a convenient and affordable option for exploring Tucson’s historic downtown.
Tour Overview
The Tucson Historic Downtown Walking Tour App provides users with a smartphone-guided experience to explore the rich history and landmarks of Downtown Tucson at their own pace.
This self-paced tour never expires, allowing visitors to experience it anytime. While the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or admission fees, it’s an immersive outdoor adventure.
Users can learn about the origins of the Chimichanga at the oldest Mexican restaurant, El Charro Café, and discover connections to notorious gangsters at historic sites like Hotel Congress.
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Meeting and End Points
The tour starts at El Charro Café Downtown, located at 311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701.
Explore historic downtown Tucson at the starting point of El Charro Café Downtown, located at 311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701.
From there, you’ll explore historic downtown Tucson, ending at the iconic Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701.
Along the way, you’ll:
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Learn about the origins of the Chimichanga at the oldest Mexican restaurant in the city.
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Discover connections to notorious gangsters at Hotel Congress and other landmarks.
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Experience the vibrant history and culture of downtown Tucson at your own pace.
Tour Highlights
Tucson’s oldest Mexican restaurant, El Charro Café, is where you’ll learn the fascinating history behind the Chimichanga – a deep-fried burrito that originated right here.
Explore the connections to famous gangsters at the iconic Hotel Congress.
Uncover the secrets of Tucson’s historic past as you discover the city’s oldest buildings and landmarks.
This self-guided tour provides an immersive experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace and explore the rich cultural heritage of downtown Tucson.
Discover the vibrant history that lies within these streets and uncover the stories that have shaped this unique destination.
Accessibility and Participation
Wheelchair users and those with strollers can easily join this self-guided tour, as it’s fully accessible. Service animals are also welcome.
This self-guided tour is fully accessible for wheelchair users, those with strollers, and welcomes service animals.
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is located near public transportation.
This is a private experience, meaning only your group will be part of the tour. You can explore Downtown Tucson at your own pace without worrying about crowds or waiting for others.
The tour is available anytime, 24/7, so you can fit it into your schedule conveniently.
Booking Information
To book the Tucson Historic Downtown Walking Tour, the price starts from $7.75 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.
Participants can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Confirmation is received at booking, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.
The tour operates daily from 12AM to 11:30PM, from December 14, 2024 to March 9, 2026.
With a 5.0 rating based on 1 review, this self-guided, app-based walking tour lets you explore Tucson’s history at your own pace.
The tour is wheelchair/stroller accessible and welcomes service animals.
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Exploring Downtown Tucson’s Historic Sites
As participants begin the Tucson Historic Downtown Walking Tour, they’ll start at the iconic El Charro Café, the oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson.
From there, they’ll explore the area’s rich history:
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Learn about the origins of the Chimichanga, a Tucson culinary creation, at El Charro.
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Discover the connections to infamous gangsters at the historic Hotel Congress.
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Uncover the stories of other notable sites, seeing Tucson’s vibrant past.
With the self-guided app leading the way, travelers can experience Downtown Tucson’s captivating historic landmarks at their own pace.
Discovering the Origins of the Chimichanga
Although the origins of the chimichanga remain a topic of debate, the Tucson Historic Downtown Walking Tour app delves into the story behind this iconic Tucson dish.
As you stroll through downtown, the app guides you to El Charro Café, the oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson. Here, you’ll learn how the chimichanga was purportedly invented by accident at El Charro in the 1950s.
The app provides historical context, bringing to life the lively culinary scene and the restaurateur’s creative spirit that gave rise to this beloved fried burrito.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Walking Tour Typically Take to Complete?
The walking tour typically takes about 1-2 hours to complete, depending on one’s pace and how much time is spent exploring the historic sites along the way. Travelers can enjoy the experience at their own leisure.
Can I Modify the Tour Route to Visit Specific Sites?
The tour route can be customized to visit specific sites. The app allows users to modify the route, so they can focus on the areas of most interest during their self-guided walk.
Is There an Option to Have a Live Guide Accompany the Tour?
Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer a live guide option. It’s a self-guided smartphone app experience. However, you can personalize your route to visit specific sites that interest you during the tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
Yes, there are group discounts available. The tour offers a lowest price guarantee, so larger groups can get an even better deal per person. You’ll get the best value by booking together.
Can I Access the Tour Content on My Own Device Without the App?
You can’t access the tour content without the app. The tour is only available through the smartphone guided app – there’s no way to experience it on your own device separately. The app is required to take the self-guided walking tour.
The Sum Up
The Tucson Historic Downtown Walking Tour is a must-try for anyone seeking to uncover the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. With its smartphone-guided experience, you can explore at your own pace, discovering fascinating stories, from the origins of the beloved chimichanga to the notorious gangsters at Hotel Congress. Fully accessible and available 24/7, this immersive adventure promises an unforgettable journey through Tucson’s historic landmarks and charm.
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