Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix: Phoenix Travel Guide
Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix: Phoenix Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in downtown Phoenix?
Arizona's capital has a walkable downtown packed with Victorian homes, historic hotels, museums, ballparks, and some of the best food in the Southwest. In just a few blocks, you can go from the 1890s houses of Heritage Square to a 1929 theater, a lively arts district, and rooftop bars with mountain views.
Add sunshine almost every day of the year and a few famous ghost stories, and downtown Phoenix is easy to love.
Top Things to Do
1. Take the Haunted Phoenix Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk through downtown's history and most talked-about haunts.
2. Explore Heritage Square—See the last block of Phoenix's original townsite and its Victorian homes.
3. Tour the Rosson House Museum—Step inside a grand 1895 Victorian mansion.
4. Visit the Heard Museum—See world-class Native American art and culture.
5. Walk Roosevelt Row—Browse murals, galleries, and cafes in the downtown arts district.
6. See a show at the Orpheum Theatre—Catch a performance in a 1929 Spanish Baroque landmark.
7. Visit the Phoenix Art Museum—See art from around the world, free on Wednesday afternoons by donation.
8. Catch a game—See the Diamondbacks, Suns, or Mercury play downtown.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Haunted Phoenix Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at Heritage Square and ends at the Orpheum Theatre. Along the way, it visits the Rosson House, St. Mary's Basilica, Hanny's, Melinda's Alley, and the Hotel San Carlos. The walk takes a little over an hour, and you can take it any time, day or night.
Free Things to Do
1. Heritage Square—Walk among the Victorian homes.
2. Roosevelt Row—See murals and galleries, especially on First Fridays.
3. St. Mary's Basilica—Admire the oldest Catholic parish in Phoenix.
4. Phoenix Art Museum on First Fridays—Free from 5 to 8 p.m.
5. Arizona Capitol Museum—Learn about the state's history in its old capitol building.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Rosson House Museum—Guided tours of the 1895 mansion (check current prices).
2. Heard Museum—Native American art and culture (check current prices).
3. Phoenix Art Museum—Art from around the world (pay what you wish Wednesdays, 3 to 8 p.m.).
4. Arizona Science Center—Hands-on science exhibits in Heritage Square.
Food!
Pizzeria Bianco
A famous pizza spot in a historic brick building in Heritage Square, right on the walking tour.
Hanny's
A restaurant and bar in a former 1947 department store, known for pizza, cocktails, and ghost stories.
The Arrogant Butcher
A busy downtown restaurant known for American comfort food and pre-game dinners.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix—a stylish downtown hotel with a rooftop pool. Roughly 250-450/night.
Moderate
Hotel San Carlos—a historic 1928 hotel on the walking tour, famous for its neon sign and ghost stories. Roughly 150-250/night.
Budget
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown—a comfortable hotel in a historic building on the walking tour. Roughly 120-200/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Explore Heritage Square and tour the Rosson House Museum.
Afternoon: Lunch at Pizzeria Bianco, then visit the Heard Museum.
Evening: Take the Haunted Phoenix Walking Tour after dark, then a show or drinks near the Orpheum.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Visit the Phoenix Art Museum, then explore the murals of Roosevelt Row.
Extra Time: Catch a ballgame downtown, or visit the Desert Botanical Garden.
FAQ's
1. Is downtown Phoenix walkable?
Yes. Most sights are close together, and the light rail connects downtown to the museums and airport.
2. When is the best time to visit Phoenix?
October through April has the nicest weather. Summer often tops 110 degrees.
3. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes. Book Rosson House tours and hotels ahead, especially during spring training and big events.
4. Where should I park?
Downtown has many paid garages and street meters. Light rail is an easy way to avoid parking.
5. What should I bring?
Water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Stay hydrated, even in winter.
6. Can I get from the airport to downtown without a car?
Yes. The PHX Sky Train connects the airport to the light rail, which runs to downtown.
7. Is downtown Phoenix safe?
Downtown is generally safe. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
8. What is First Friday?
A free monthly art walk on the first Friday of each month in Roosevelt Row and nearby galleries.
9. Is Phoenix good for families?
Yes. Kids love the Arizona Science Center, the ballparks, and the Heritage Square homes.
10. How much time should I spend in downtown Phoenix?
One full day covers the highlights. Two days lets you add more museums and a game.
Recommended Tours
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