Tucson’s first public market is exactly what a public market should be: bustling with local artisans and full of good food. Grab a coffee from Presta, then pick up a bag of pastries from La Estrella Bakery (these were amazing and only a few bucks a piece — we hit them up several times during our stay) or have lunch at Seis Kitchen (more on that in a minute) before strolling through the shops. My favorites? Mast, a gorgeous lifestyle boutique locally owned by three badass women, and Laughlin Mercantile, a super-cool men’s fragrance and apparel spot… with guitars!
Just down the street, you’ll find a must-see expansion of Mercado San Agustin: the MSA Annex. It houses 15 small businesses in an organized maze of modified shipping containers. There’s a Japanese kitchen, a burger spot, a tattoo parlor, a bookstore we lingered in way too long, and more, all along Avenida Del Convento. Pro tip: Warm Shape is a top-tier spot to pick up quirky souvenirs and affordable local art prints. (Obsessed with my quail print created by the owner.)