Bisbee Arizona
A historic copper mining town turned artsy haven, Bisbee offers quirky charm, steep streets, and a vibrant creative spirit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Bisbee Arizona
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic copper mining town turned artsy haven, Bisbee offers quirky charm, steep streets, and a vibrant creative spirit.
"This Arizona town has no business being SO cute!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Bisbee's hilly streets are charming but steep. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
Mines are chilly year-round! A light jacket is recommended for the Queen Mine Tour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Queen Mine Tour
Underground
Descend into the earth on a historic mine tour, experiencing Bisbee's rich mining past firsthand.
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Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
Historic Downtown
Explore the fascinating history of Bisbee and its mining heritage through engaging exhibits.
Erie Street & Brewery Gulch
Historic Downtown
Wander through colorful streets filled with art galleries, unique boutiques, and historic saloons.
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Bisbee Social Club
Under Main Street
Discover a hidden speakeasy with a London club vibe, live music, and a fun scavenger hunt for the restroom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quirky Charm
+1Beat the Heat and Crowds
Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring its historic streets and attractions. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Bisbee's hilly streets are charming but steep. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
Mines are chilly year-round! A light jacket is recommended for the Queen Mine Tour.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is limited. Consider using public lots or walking from your accommodation.
🎨 Explore the Art Scene
Bisbee is an artist's haven. Pop into galleries and studios to discover local talent.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Bisbee's hilly streets are charming but steep. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
Mines are chilly year-round! A light jacket is recommended for the Queen Mine Tour.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is limited. Consider using public lots or walking from your accommodation.
🎨 Explore the Art Scene
Bisbee is an artist's haven. Pop into galleries and studios to discover local talent.
🍻 Discover Hidden Bars
Seek out unique spots like the Bisbee Social Club speakeasy for a memorable night out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Bisbee's unique charm, historic architecture, and vibrant art scene. The Queen Mine Tour and the town's cooler climate are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some reviewers mention inconsistent service at dining establishments and the challenging, steep terrain.
"We left full, but the taste left a lot to be desired. The Uncle Ronnie wasn't bad, but if I were to order it again, I'd opt for the home fries over the hasbrowns. The Copper Queen Skillet had way too much gravy. The online ordering image for this shows a small area covered with gravy. Had I looked at the images provided by other reviewers, I likely would've requested to go easy on the gravy. The pancakes are what really bummed me out. These were the blandest buttermilk pancakes I've had in a while. Had the waitress asked how the food was I would've let her know, but that did not happen. We only got asked once way later in the meal if we wanted a coffee refill and this was before 7am when it was still slow."
Eric Ortiz
"Great regional brunch concept with something for everyone. Their biscuits are what I always want a biscuit to be! This location has lots of great seating for parties of various sizes as well as a covered patio on the east side if it’s nice out! Fantastic service make this one of my list places when I visit."
Brian DeLong
"Three of my sorority sisters and l went here for brunch after they kindly witnessed my Last Will and Testament for notarization. They went out of their way to help me, meeting me at my bank - one Soror even driving from Phoenix to Tucson to help with this task - which is what our sisters "do" for one another in our sisterhood.
We entered, put our name on the waiting list, and sat in the interior waiting area, enjoying our time with each other, patiently awaiting our turn to be seated at a table. After about 10 minutes (and mist orhers in the waiting area having been already seated), we proactively double-checked on our wait list position and were told the 'next 4-top table would be' ours... and sat back down to wait a few more minutes for that table's availability.
Then, a pair of couples entered the restaurant together, walked up to the hostess and, to our astonishment, she seated them IMMEDIATELY!
I followed the hostess, behind the 2 couples back to the table as she seated these 2 couples and politely pointed out to her that our group was on the wait list and had been waiting for this/our table for at least 15 minutes...and that we were told on our proactive followup to our awaited table that we would have the 'next available table', which she was now seating these two couples at who had just walked in.
I asked to speak to the manager. Here's where bad turned to worse:
We were told by the hostess that the wait list was cleared of any persons waiting because the last hostess did not update the waiting list (an in-house problem); and
then, the manager indicated that there had been a shift change and that's 'why' we fell thru the cracks (again, an in house issue) and further stated that WE should have checked on our position on the wait list (which we pointed out that we had actually done, although, no one at Bisbee Breakfast Club ever mentioned that it was the guests' responsibility to monitor the restaurant's or hostesses' workflow).
Ultimately, we were gaslighted that internal business operations and flaws, over which we had absolutely no control, was somehow OUR FAULT for THEIR SCREWUP of timely providing us a table!
Finally (as a last resort effort), as we were being seated, we received a placating half-hearted apology, which actually added insult to injury because that was NOT the first line of approach at salvaging a sub-par guest experience (as it should have been).
It's hard to make a come-back from a negative situation like this!
Strictly in the"for what it's worth" category: We [our group] are all older women: one Anglo/First Peoples [me] and three African American ladies [my sorority sisters]. This scenario smacked of deliberate racial discrimination (by women old enough to have seen what happened in this county before the Civil Rights Movement). On principal, I, for one, will NEVER patronize this establishment again at ANY location (although this transpired at Ina Road)."
Tracy Alexis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bisbee is located in southeastern Arizona, about 3.5 hours from Phoenix and 2 hours from Tucson.
While the downtown area is walkable, Bisbee is known for its steep, hilly streets. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring.
For exploring the main historic districts, walking is ideal. If you plan to visit areas further out or want to avoid the hills, driving your own vehicle or using ride-sharing services (though availability can be limited) are options.
While Bisbee has a rich mining history and some abandoned areas, it is a vibrant, living city, not a ghost town. It's known for its arts scene and unique character.
Bisbee and Tombstone are relatively close, about a 30-40 minute drive apart, making it possible to visit both on a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Queen Mine Tour can vary, but they are generally considered affordable for the experience. It's recommended to check the official Queen Mine Tour website for the most current pricing and tour times.
It's highly recommended to book your Queen Mine Tour tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your spot and preferred time slot.
Operating hours for Bisbee attractions, including museums and shops, can vary. It's best to check the specific hours for each place you plan to visit, as many businesses have unique schedules, especially on weekdays.
Yes, exploring the colorful streets of downtown Bisbee, browsing art galleries, and enjoying the unique architecture are all free activities. You can also enjoy the ambiance of Brewery Gulch and Erie Street without an entry fee.
Admission fees for the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum are typically reasonable. Check their official website for current pricing and any special exhibition fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bisbee, Arizona, sits at a high elevation of approximately 5,300 feet (1,600 meters). This contributes to its cooler temperatures compared to the desert floor.
Bisbee is renowned for its rich mining history, vibrant arts scene, unique architecture, and quirky, offbeat charm. It's a former copper mining boomtown that has transformed into a popular tourist destination.
Bisbee boasts a diverse array of shops, including art galleries, antique stores, independent boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores selling local crafts and goods.
While not a specific designated viewpoint, driving or walking up some of the higher residential streets offers panoramic views of the historic town nestled in the canyon. The general atmosphere of the town provides a scenic experience.
Bisbee has a famously funky and independent vibe. It's known for embracing its eccentricities, with slogans like 'Keep Bisbee Weird' reflecting its unique character.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Bisbee Breakfast Club is a popular chain with locations in Tucson, the original Bisbee spirit can be found in local eateries. For a taste of Bisbee's own breakfast scene, consider places like St. Elmo's or Warren Peace Café.
Bisbee offers a variety of dining options. For a classic diner experience, the Bisbee Breakfast Club (though primarily in Tucson, it's an original Bisbee concept) is popular. +2 In Bisbee itself, explore local favorites like St. Elmo's for a dive bar experience or Warren Peace Café for unique dishes.
Yes, Bisbee has a lively bar scene. Brewery Gulch is famous for its historic saloons. For a unique experience, check out the Bisbee Social Club, a speakeasy hidden beneath Main Street.
Bisbee's food scene is eclectic, reflecting its artistic community. You'll find everything from classic diner fare and hearty breakfasts to more contemporary and international flavors. Bisbee Breakfast Club is known for its biscuits and huevos rancheros. +1
Absolutely! Ombre Coffee, associated with the Bisbee Breakfast Club, is highly praised for its coffee. Many cafes and restaurants throughout Bisbee also offer excellent coffee options.
📸 📸 Photography
Bisbee is incredibly photogenic! Capture the colorful Victorian architecture along Erie Street, the winding, hilly roads, the historic mining structures, and the vibrant street art. The views from higher vantage points are also stunning.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer beautiful, soft light that enhances the colors of Bisbee's architecture and landscapes. Midday can be harsh due to the desert sun.
Don't miss capturing the iconic 'Bisbee' sign, the unique storefronts on Erie Street, the entrance to the Queen Mine, and the general street scenes that showcase the town's quirky character.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both street scenes and wider vistas. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the narrow streets and interiors. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan on shooting in low light or for long exposures.
Photography is generally allowed inside the Queen Mine Tour, but it can be dark and damp. Ensure your camera is protected from moisture and has good low-light performance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum offers educational exhibits that can engage younger minds. Many of the shops on Erie Street have interesting items that can capture children's attention, and the general quirkiness of the town can be a fun discovery for them.When it comes to dining, the Bisbee Breakfast Club (though primarily in Tucson, it's an original Bisbee concept) is known for having good kids' options.
🚗 Budget Travelers
+1 The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum has a reasonable admission fee, offering great value for its historical insights. For dining, look for local cafes and diners that offer hearty portions at fair prices. While the Bisbee Breakfast Club is popular, exploring smaller, local spots can be more budget-friendly.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+1 Spend your time exploring the colorful shops along Erie Street and Brewery Gulch, where you can meet local artists and perhaps find a unique piece to take home.Don't miss the chance to experience Bisbee's creative spirit firsthand. The town's history as a mining town has attracted a unique blend of people, fostering an environment where artistic expression thrives. Keep an eye out for local art events and exhibitions that might be happening during your visit. The Bisbee Social Club also offers a taste of the town's vibrant nightlife and artistic flair.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Deep Dive into Bisbee's Mining Heritage
+1 This immersive experience provides a tangible connection to the town's foundational industry.The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum further elaborates on this legacy, showcasing artifacts, geological exhibits, and stories of the people who shaped the town.
Understanding this history is key to appreciating Bisbee's unique character, from its architecture built into the hillsides to the resilient spirit of its community. The town's transformation from a rugged mining camp to an artsy enclave is a testament to its enduring appeal.Visitors interested in geology will find Bisbee fascinating, as the area is rich in mineral deposits. The museum and mine tours offer insights into the geological processes that created these valuable resources. The town's very layout, clinging to the steep canyon walls, is a direct result of its mining origins, creating a visually striking and historically significant landscape.
Exploring Bisbee's Arts and Culture Scene
+1 You can find everything from contemporary art to handcrafted jewelry and unique souvenirs.The town's embrace of its 'weirdness' is evident in its art. Expect to see bold, expressive pieces and a general atmosphere that encourages individuality and creativity. The Bisbee Social Club is a prime example of this unique spirit, offering a speakeasy experience with live music and a playful, hidden entrance.
This artistic energy permeates the town, making it a delightful place to wander and discover hidden gems.Bisbee also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including art walks, music festivals, and historical reenactments. These events offer a deeper dive into the town's creative pulse and community spirit. Even without a specific event, simply strolling through the streets and popping into galleries provides a rich cultural experience.
Navigating Bisbee's Unique Terrain and Climate
This elevation provides a welcome respite from the extreme heat of southern Arizona's desert floor, making it a popular summer destination. Temperatures are generally 15-20 degrees cooler than in cities like Phoenix or Tucson. When visiting, comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. The winding, narrow streets and staircases are part of Bisbee's charm but require sturdy footwear.
For the Queen Mine Tour, it's advisable to bring a light jacket, as the underground temperature remains consistently cool year-round, regardless of the outside weather. The town's layout means that parking can be limited in the most popular areas, so be prepared to walk or utilize designated parking lots. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit