Discover El Paso’s Unique Neighborhoods with iBestTravel
El Paso’s vibrant cultural scene is strongly influenced by its proximity to the border, its rich history as an Old West frontier town, its thriving communities of artists and creatives, and the tight-knit family roots of its people.
Each of the city’s neighborhoods makes its own unique contribution to this lively city vibe. If you’re looking for the best places to explore during a trip to El Paso, we’ve broken down the city by neighborhood so you know exactly where to go.
Las Plazas Arts District
Best Neighborhood for Culture
Las Plazas Arts District is El Paso’s main center for art, history and recreation. You can easily lose several days hopping from museums to entertainment venues to historic hotel bars. Spend your first morning learning about El Paso’s backstory at the El Paso Museum of Art and the El Paso Museum of History before roaming around the area’s historic plazas – the first part of the city to be formally laid out after the Texas Revolution.
If you need a break to rest your feet, swing by San Jacinto Plaza. This long-time hub of city life was recently renovated and it has a popular cafe, a splash park, built-in chess tables and plenty of benches – perfect for families who need to recharge.
Iconic Attractions
Depending on the time of year, you can fill the afternoon watching the El Paso Chihuahuas baseball team or El Paso Locomotive soccer team at Southwest University Park or catch a movie at the historic Plaza Theater, a great choice during the hot summer months.
Historic Hotels
Las Plazas is home to some of El Paso’s best-loved historic hotels. The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park opened in the 1930s as Conrad Hilton Jr’s first high-rise hotel. The rooftop bar offers a great place to have a drink and watch the sunset.
El Segundo Barrio
Best Neighborhood for Street Art
El Segundo Barrio sits on the US-Mexico border and has strong ties with communities on the Mexican side. It was established as an economic hub for Mexican immigrants crossing the border in the 1880s, earning the nickname ‘the Other Ellis Island.’
Today, the barrio reflects its bustling border culture through vibrant Tex-Mex identity, prominently displayed in the large cultural murals that cover buildings across the district.
Exploration Tips
To appreciate this vivid street art, visit in the cooler spring or fall and set aside an afternoon for a mural walk. Start your explorations on Father Rahm Ave at one of the neighborhood’s most iconic murals.
Sunset Heights
Best Neighborhood for Architecture Lovers
Wealthy refugees fleeing the Mexican Revolution built mansions in Sunset Heights. Today, this neighborhood is conveniently located between downtown and the university.
Sunset Heights is famous for its historically significant architecture, showcasing artsy bungalows and stately mansions along hilly streets.
Cultural Significance
These streets are steeped in stories; tunnels dating back to the early 1900s have been found under many buildings, believed to have been used for clandestine purposes during the Chinese Exclusion Act era.
El Centro
Best Neighborhood for Shopping and Street Food
El Centro is El Paso’s original shopping district, established right on the border. For 150 years, its thoroughfare, El Paso St, has acted as the hub of downtown activity for both Mexican and American residents.
Today, it features open-air market-style shops and live music that enhances the vibrant atmosphere.
Diverse Offerings
With over 300 stores, you can find everything from quinceañera dresses to handmade cowboy boots. For unique finds, visit local pawn shops, where you might discover eclectic items.
Union Plaza
Best Neighborhood for Cold Brews and Cocktails
Union Plaza is easily identifiable by the historic El Paso Union Depot, built for train travelers in 1905. This neighborhood is a vibrant hub for shopping, hip cocktail bars, and popular craft breweries.
Sip and Savor
Enjoy local craft beers at establishments known for their bold flavors. The neighborhood also hosts an art and farmers market on Saturdays, showcasing local foods and artistic talent.
