Is it worth going to Nogales, Mex.? It seems kind of spread out. Can you just walk over the border and get into the center of town? Can you see the and buy the same Mexican products in Tucson? Are they significantly cheaper in Nogales. And, if I have a 4:13 PMflight from the airport in Phoenix, how long would it take me to drive there from the american side of the border?

Nogales is a long way from Phoenix (at least a two hour or better drive). Tucson is much closer but really there is nothing special about Nogales. It is just a little border town and the most abundant stores you will see are pharmacies. It is certainly not worth driving all the way from Phoenix. Tucson has some lovely shopping but it depends on what you are looking for. If you want artwork etc Tubac is a great little town for that.

Actually I was looking for Mexican handicrafts. Does Tucson have a lot of shops with this type of goods?

Yes there is www.oldtownartisans.com
and an area that is just great called Lost Barrio. This is an article on it and has directions how to get there
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/l...stbarrio9apr09

Old Town Artisans is downtown and the other is out of the way a bit but I have found so many neat things there at a good price.

Hope that helps you. Have a good visit.

Phoenix to Tucson is two hours. Tucson to Nogales is one hour. You can walk across the border (parking on the American side is cheap and close by). Walking into town is only a few blocks.

Is it worth it? Personally I don't think so, but that is up to you.

I'd do Tucson instead.

Have a good trip.

I go to Nogales (usually after flying into Tucson) mainly to order custom-made boots (on the American side)...DON'T bother..stick with Tucson.