Phoenix
The vibe in Phoenix is more chilled than other cities in the US. A desert climate and laidback, contemporary cultural scene make it a cool place to stay.
Phoenix in a nutshell
Surrounded by the sandy mountain ranges in the spectacular Sonoran Desert, Phoenix is an exciting city to visit, a place to escape one’s hectic lifestyle and enjoy rest and relaxation.
Popular since the 1930s as a retreat, Phoenix has added to its allure by becoming a more modern iteration of itself, offering contemporary art galleries, hip boutiques, superb restaurants offering traditional Mexican tastes and outdoor activities such as hiking, golf or climbing to the top of Camelback Mountain.
One thing that hasn’t changed at all is the city’s extraordinary natural beauty, spectacular sunsets and rocky landscapes. Known as America’s ‘Desert Capital’, Phoenix is a delightful city, a cultural center with museums to explore to learn about its history and Native American culture plus an inimitable charm.
Come for the R&R. Stay for the contemporary offerings. You won’t be disappointed.
Best time to visit: November to May, in the cooler months. Winter and summer are both peak seasons.
Best Area for Sightseeing: The city and its surrounds have long been a drawcard. See Things to do in Phoenix for some great inspiration.
Shopping in Phoenix: Visit the city’s iconic outdoor flea market, Thieves Market, to pick up stunning antiques, art, handicrafts and street food. Another great place to shop is in Downtown Phoenix. Called CityScape, it’s a hive of activity with museums, shops, theaters, restaurants and more.
Food & Restaurants in Phoenix: Mexican dishes are superb in Phoenix, as are gourmet American and European cuisines, seafood and everything in between.
Nightlife: Nightlife is hip and happening in Phoenix, with a choice of excellent bars and clubs for every taste.
Things to do in Phoenix:
- Climb Camelback Mountain in the center of the Phoenix Valley. The view from the top is sensational.
- Learn all about unusual musical instruments at the Musical Instrument Museum.
- Explore Bentley Projects, a hip downtown warehouse, home to some superb contemporary art galleries.
- Watch a baseball game at Chase Field.
- Find out all about the history of firefighting from the 19th century onwards at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
- Immerse yourself in Native American and other ancient cultures at the iconic Heard Museum and the Pueblo Grande Museum.
Best way to get around: There are trains, buses and a ride-share program in Phoenix.
Best Area for Families: Camelback East This upmarket neighborhood is more like a village than a suburb and boasts spectacular natural surrounds. Away from the city bustle, it’s ideal for families.