If You Like Tucson, Try Bisbee

If you love Tucson’s come-as-you-are feel — the walkability, the way the city consistently delivers more than you expect, the high likelihood of striking up a conversation with whoever’s next to you onthe barstool — there’s another Arizona destination that deserves a spot on your radar: Bisbee.

Think of Bisbee as Tucson’s quirky, hillside cousin — a little smaller, a little steeper and full of surprises at every turn. Once a booming copper mining townin the late 1800s (and briefly one of the largest cities between St. Louis and San Francisco), Bisbee has since reinvented itself as a creative enclave where historic charm meets eccentric cool, from the colorful miners’ shacks that dot the mountainsides to the way historic spaces have been reimagined for modern life.

Where to Stay: Historic Hotels

Much like how Tucson’s Hotel Congress anchors downtown, Bisbee’s Copper Queen — Arizona’s longest continuously operating hotel — sits at the heart of it all. Both hotels even have a history of Johns: John Dillinger at Hotel Congress and John Wayne at the Copper Queen. Step into the lively bar at the Queen and take in the view from the patio, or spend the night and risk (or excitedly anticipate) a visit from one of the hotel’s rumored ghosts.

For something more whimsical, The Shady Dell offers a stay you won’t soon forget. Vintage Airstream trailers, a converted school bus and even a boat — known as The Yacht — serve as unique accommodations. Cue up some Jimmy Buffett, gaze at the stars and drift away.

Where to Eat: Foodie-Forward Restaurants

Tucson may have been named the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in North America, but Bisbee holds its own when it comes to flavor.

Fans of Tucson’s Tumerico — where dishes convince any carnivore to go vegan — will love Poco Restaurant & Market in Bisbee. Tucked into a pedestrian-only alleyway off Tombstone Canyon Road, Poco serves burritos, nachos, quesadillas and veggie-packed plates that are as delicious as they are feel-good.

Don’t miss Screaming Banshee and its craveable pizzas, pastas and salads. It’s a great spot for kids, especially the enclosed, built-into-rock patio. Café Roka is Bisbee’s date-night destination, a three-story restaurant where it’s easy to devour three courses — each using locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Thuy’s Noodle Shop, an award-winning Thai restaurant, adds another layer of flavor to Bisbee’s diverse dining scene.

Where to Shop: Locally Owned Stores and Eclectic Finds

If Tucson’s Fourth Avenue and downtown boutiques are your go-to for vintage goods and local flair, Bisbee offers a similarly eclectic shopping experience. Classic Rock Couture is to Bisbee what L.L. Bean is to Maine. Their rising sun bomber jacket, which evokes the Arizona state flag, is as ubiquitous in Brewery Gulch as the boat tote is to the Pine Tree State. 

You’ll also find endless vintage shops selling everything from teacups to timeless clothing, plus ever-changing window displays along Tombstone Canyon Road, where wandering is part of the fun.

Where to Explore: From Nightlife to Nature

Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking Tumamoc Hill in Tucson will appreciate Bisbee’s own version of a workout: its winding staircases that crisscross the hills and connect neighborhoods. If you’re feeling ambitious, retrace the route of the Bisbee 1000, an annual event that welcomes thousands to race, climb and huff and puff up and down more than 1,000 steps around town.

Speaking of festivals, Pirate Weekend — much like Tucson’s Return of the Mermaids Parade — is a reminder that desert cities are always dreaming of water. Fourth of July is also particularly fun in Bisbee, where celebrations shut down Brewery Gulch for mining-inspired fun.

For a deeper dive into Bisbee’s roots, the Queen Mine Tour takes visitors 1,500 feet underground. Don a hard hat, head lamp and bright yellow vest as you explore the tunnels that once fueled the town’s copper boom.

When the sun sets, you’re likely to be singing or singing along. That’s because Bisbee’s nightlife scene leans heavily into karaoke and live music, with beloved spots like St. Elmo’s Bar and Chuckleheads keeping the fun going late into the evening.