Time has just named Tucson to its list of “World’s Greatest Places for 2023,” which features 50 world destinations offering the most exciting experiences for travelers, including renowned names like Barcelona, Kyoto, Yosemite National Park and the Pyramids of Giza.
Dubbed “the soul of the Sonoran Desert,” Tucson is full of rich history, culture and a range of things to do and see throughout its iconic landscape.
As America’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the Arizona city is home to top chefs and restaurants where guests can experience native ingredients and flavors that have been incorporated into traditional dishes for many years.
Among these is Barrio Bread run by chef Don Guerra, who won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker in 2022 and is working towards revitalizing Arizona-grown heritage grains. Many of these grains, including white Sonoran wheat first brought to Tucson by the Spanish missionaries in the 17th century, are found on menus at multiple restaurants, including Maynards, Bata and Boderlands Brewing Co.
The Tucson brewery is planning to open other dining concepts in partnership with Top Chef alum and Tucson native Maria Mazon, who is known for her authentic Sonoran, Mexican cuisine at BOCA Tacos y Tequila and one-of-a-kind salsa made with the wild Southwestern chili pepper, chiltepín.
Those visiting Tucson can also book a small-group private tour with Borderlandia to learn about the city’s origins, visit downtown Tucson’s El Presidio and the Barrio Viejo districts and explore the history and architecture of the community through the themes of the Native American, Spanish colonial, Mexican and American Territorial eras. On this tour, guests will witness 19th century Sonoran row houses, art galleries, the significance of the surrounding desert and more.
Visitors will also enjoy Tucson’s expanding hospitality industry, which features premier hotels like Canyon Ranch and Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, as well as the brand new downtown Leo Kent Hotel and boutique wine hotel Citizen Hotel Tucson.
