Arizona is a major tourist destination for tourists from all over the world due to its many historical attractions including the well-known Grand Canyon, Cathedral Rock, and its vast deserts. Downtown Phoenix is a vibrant and lively neighborhood with so much to offer. From the excellent sports facilities and exciting nightlife to museums and art galleries, you usually won’t be out of options when it comes to having fun. It also features great places to stay, such as hotels and Vrbo vacation rentals. Along with quality time spent with loved ones in a unique Airbnb vacation rental, you can also take them to the amazing attractions that the place offers. From whichever part of the globe you come from, Phoenix will warmly welcome you and you won’t feel out of place. Below is a list of the best things to do in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
1. Savor a drink at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Located in the commercial city hub, this cocktail lounge is tucked away in a cozy corner of the Luhrs. If you are in the mood to let your hair down and party the night away, you must visit this place.
Quite a popular one in the downtown area, it has been featured in the inaugural list of North America’s 50 Best Bars. If you are here for the food, you can choose from an array of appetizers, accompaniments, and desserts. The signature dish - Jerk Chicken Off The Grill - is a must-try. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in housemade sauce and smoked with hardwood and pimento berries. You can pair it with aromatic basmati rice and red kidney beans. Among the drinks, the Berry Mocha Choca Latte is a house favorite.
You can park your car in a parking lot across the street at a surcharge.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Address: 1 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States
Website: Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 1am (closed on Sun & Mon)
2. Make art at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix
This museum is a must-visit if you are in the city with your little ones. Designed for young children, this place is a wonderland full of interactive exhibits that kids will enjoy. In the art studio, children can engage in creative pursuits of making art with glue, colors, scissors, and paper. Kids also love watering the growing garden full of seasonal vegetables. If your kid loves to act, get him on the stage and the museum will provide a fun costume!
The Metro Light Rail offers a convenient commute to the museum. If you are visiting in a car, you can park it for free onsite. On days when the parking lot is full, you can avail of a nearby parking garage.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States
Website: Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on select Mon)
3. Shop for organic produce at Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
If you are a fan of organic food and would love cooking hearty meals from fresh produce, you have to visit this farmers market in downtown Phoenix. Held only on Saturdays of the week, you will find an impressive range of seasonally grown local foods and products here. Free parking space is available at Filmore garage.
You can fill your shopping bags with flavored kombucha and coffee beans. There are medicinal herbs on sale as well. You can lay your hands on delicious hummus if you are craving a snack. Do check out Dessert Dog Treat Bar for pet treats. In the market, you will also find a bakery selling the best cookies in town.
Fancy some shrimp soup? You can get the freshest shrimp at Wild Shrimp Co. The market also organizes blood drives and blood supplies are distributed at local hospitals.
Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
Address: 720 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Website: Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 1pm (closed on Sun - Mon)
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4. Explore Roosevelt Row
Globally recognized for its jaw-dropping art designs, Roosevelt Row is an eclectic arts district and is one of the top things to see in downtown Phoenix. Here you will get the privilege to view murals that skillfully decorate the walls of the buildings with eye-catching art designs. Get a chance to take a photo or two with these amazing pictures or sculptures. The district also plays host to award-winning galleries with revolving exhibitions from famous artists. If you happen to be around downtown on the first Friday of the month, you can go buy a souvenir at the First Friday Arts open-air market.
Roosevelt Row
Address: 922 N 5th Street Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: Roosevelt Row
5. Tour the Japanese Friendship Garden
Amongst the many exciting things to do in the city, taking a tour of the Japanese Friendship Garden features at the top of the list. Also known as Ro Ho En, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a small paradise with charming surroundings. It is perfectly set up to offer the perfect environment for contemplation and meditation. This picturesque oasis of lakes also features a myriad of breathtaking attractions including cascading waterfalls, and magnificent fountains encircled with beautiful trees. The garden also plays host to a variety of Japanese exhibitions including a once a month Japanese tea ceremony.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Address: 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
Website: Japanese Friendship Garden
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm
6. Enjoy a Major League baseball game at Chase Field
Baseball fans are well conversant with Major League baseball. Phoenix is home to Chase Field, one of the most famous baseball grounds in the area. It is also one of the earliest ballparks to build a retractable roof. Since its inception in the late 1990s, Chase Field has been hosting a whole heap of games with amazing crowds. If you would like to get to know more about this famous ballpark and experience the excitement, then don’t miss the chance to watch a baseball game here. The crazy cheering from this giant crowd will leave you delighted.
Chase Field
Address: 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Website: Chase Field
7. Explore Arizona Science Center
This is a unique landmark perfectly positioned in the eye-catching setting of Heritage and Science Park which offers entertainment, education, and even exploration opportunities for people of all ages. The unique architecture of the hallways, terraces, ramps, and galleries always brings out this beauty. During this informative exploration, you will get to learn important tips like how solar energy is harvested and utilized. The fun does not end there as there is still an opportunity to discover the secrets of Morse code communication. This is an activity which you should undertake with your family.
Arizona Science Center
Address: 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Website: Arizona Science Center
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm
Price: 13 USD
8. Party at the Gypsy Bar
Are you the type of couple who likes to party at nightclubs? Don’t worry because this is an opportunity for you to party as you have never before and is one of the fun things to do in downtown Phoenix. Located in the iconic CityScape complex, the Gypsy Bar is an adult-only nightclub serving a variety of drinks and VIP services. It features an enormous dance floor and DJ music where you can show off a move or two. On top of that, you can enjoy video games and impressive light shows.
Gypsy Bar
Address: 50 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
Website: Gypsy Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am
9. Enjoy a ballet at Orpheum Theater
Found in a historic building on Adam Street in downtown, the Orpheum Theater is one of the major attractions for tourists visiting the state of Arizona. If you are looking for a romantic activity to enjoy with your loved one, this is it! Spend your night enjoying a ballet, an opera performance, or a Broadway production. It is also a popular venue for a variety of different activities including vaudeville presentations and cinema shows. The Orpheum also hosts free docent-guided tours for the public every month.
Orpheum Theater
Address: 203 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
Website: Orpheum Theater
10. Explore food joints at CityScape
CityScape features three blocks filled with stores, food joints, clubs, and other venues of entertainment. If you have had a long and tiresome day, you won’t mind having some fun in the evening. Enjoy a savory dinner in one of the many eateries here before grabbing a drink at one of the several clubs or bars. Bustling with fun activities in downtown Phoenix, it is the most-visited area and is usually full of life. People come together here for shopping, business, entertainment, celebrations, and different community events.
CityScape
Address: 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Website: CityScape
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm
11. Take a walk around Heritage Square
If you are curious about history and ancient discoveries then don’t fail to talk a walk around Heritage Square and get to learn about the history of downtown Phoenix during the Victorian times. Here, you will find Rosson House which is a museum featuring gothic works of art that could come in handy in a horror movie! Hailed as a major tourist attraction in downtown Phoenix, the interior of the museum features ancient furnishings giving it an authentic Victorian feeling. Apart from the Bungalow where you can buy replicas of Victorian jewelry as a souvenir, there are also several restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a drink.
Heritage Square
Address: 113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Website: Heritage Square
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
12. Take a tour of the Phoenix Art Museum
Are you an artist or do you just love works of art? The Phoenix Art Museum is the place for you to be. Phoenix Art Museum is recognized as the largest art museum in the southwestern part of the United States. The public is always welcome to come and participate in a variety of programs all year round including lectures, films, explorations, and special events meant to entertain and educate all age groups. Get the chance to see rare fashion pieces and photographs here.
Phoenix Art Museum
Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Website: Phoenix Art Museum
Opening hours: Tue, Thu - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
13. Indulge in a food excursion in downtown Phoenix (from USD 72.0)
Are you looking for a fun way to spend your quiet Sunday afternoon? Look no further because this three-hour walking food tour might be just for you. Treat your taste buds with some of the most delicious local dishes paired with refreshing cocktails at five locally owned food outlets. Even for those who are strictly vegetarian, you have not been forgotten for there is also something for you to enjoy as well. The tour involves walking about 2 miles (3.22 km) as you make stops at those restaurants where you learn some history about Phoenix and its culture. During your exploration, you’ll also see some historical buildings and hotels.
Downtown Phoenix Dine Around
Duration 3 hours
Best things to do in downtown Phoenix, Arizona
Are you planning to spend your holiday or honeymoon in Phoenix, Arizona? We have compiled a list for you of the best things to do in downtown Phoenix that will make your vacation a memorable one.