Guidebook for Phoenix
Food Scene
Matt's Big Breakfast
825 N 1st StA ramen noodle shop that doubles as a bar at night. Try the macaroni balls!
20 locals recommend
SoSoBa Phoenix
214 W Roosevelt StA ramen noodle shop that doubles as a bar at night. Try the macaroni balls!
Lola Coffee
1001 N 3rd AveThe hot chocolate is amazing!
Pita Jungle - Downtown Phoenix
1001 N 3rd AveMediterranian-inspired restaurant chain.
Songbird Coffee & Tea House
812 N 3rd StA lovely little coffee shop.
El Norteño
1002 7th AveGood Mexican food, but cash only.
The Burger Joint
913 North Central AvenueMelt
1121 N 2nd StA little boutique ice cream shop with interesting flavors. Open late.
Humble Pie
6149 N Scottsdale RdPizza
Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th StGreat Mexican food, but a tad expensive.
One of my favorite restaurants in the downtown, Cibo is within walking distance from the Westminster. The restaurant used to be a historic home and it has an outdoor patio that is lovely in the winter and spring time.
191 locals recommend
CIBO
603 N 5th AveOne of my favorite restaurants in the downtown, Cibo is within walking distance from the Westminster. The restaurant used to be a historic home and it has an outdoor patio that is lovely in the winter and spring time.
Parks & Nature
Margaret T. Hance Park
67 W Culver StA lovely, gated garden with koi ponds and pagodas.
183 locals recommend
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
1125 N 3rd AveA lovely, gated garden with koi ponds and pagodas.
A beautiful park in the day time for a picnic and a walk. Like all parks Downtown, it is not advisable to go at night.
46 locals recommend
Steele Indian School Park
300 E Indian School RdA beautiful park in the day time for a picnic and a walk. Like all parks Downtown, it is not advisable to go at night.
Right across from ASU downtown campus and check out the jelly fish!
20 locals recommend
Civic Space Park
424 N Central AveRight across from ASU downtown campus and check out the jelly fish!
A great place to see Arizona's natural beauty!
CAUTION: exercise caution when hiking in the middle of the day ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER. Arizona summers are extremely hot. The mountains are beautiful but can be deadly without preparation and adequate hydration.
1752 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveA great place to see Arizona's natural beauty!
CAUTION: exercise caution when hiking in the middle of the day ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER. Arizona summers are extremely hot. The mountains are beautiful but can be deadly without preparation and adequate hydration.
A beautiful garden showcasing Arizona's native cacti and botanicals.
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
A beautiful garden showcasing Arizona's native cacti and botanicals.
Arts & Culture
Herberger Theater Center
222 E Monroe StA performing arts theatre.
Heard Museum
2301 N Central AveOn First Fridays, general admission is free!
General admission is free on the night of all "First Fridays" and every Wednesday 3-9 PM, second Saturdays 10 AM-5PM and second Sundays 12 PM- 5PM.
686 locals recommend
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N Central AveGeneral admission is free on the night of all "First Fridays" and every Wednesday 3-9 PM, second Saturdays 10 AM-5PM and second Sundays 12 PM- 5PM.
The largest library in Phoenix is just down the street!
*edit: due to rain damage, the Burton Barr Library is sadly closed for the next few months :(
57 locals recommend
Burton Barr Central Library
1221 N Central AveThe largest library in Phoenix is just down the street!
*edit: due to rain damage, the Burton Barr Library is sadly closed for the next few months :(
Arizona Science Center
600 E Washington StKid-friendly interactive science museum.
One of the only museums of its kind. One of the largest collections of musical instruments from all over the world.
652 locals recommend
Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E Mayo BlvdOne of the only museums of its kind. One of the largest collections of musical instruments from all over the world.
Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center
147 E Adams StDrinks & Nightlife
Literally down the street. Check out the free comedy show every Thursday at 11 pm.
204 locals recommend
Crescent Ballroom
308 N 2nd Ave Literally down the street. Check out the free comedy show every Thursday at 11 pm.
George and Dragon English Pub
4240 N Central AveAn English pub for beer and soccer lovers.
The Grand is a sort of bar-coffee shop hybrid. At any given time you will see people drinking and students working on their laptops. The architecture and design is interesting. Typically quiet.
26 locals recommend
The Grand
718 N Central AveThe Grand is a sort of bar-coffee shop hybrid. At any given time you will see people drinking and students working on their laptops. The architecture and design is interesting. Typically quiet.
A literal underground bar. There are pool tables, a dart board and board games and all the drinks are named for political figures in Arizona history. There's also live music from time to time!
186 locals recommend
Valley Bar
130 N Central AveA literal underground bar. There are pool tables, a dart board and board games and all the drinks are named for political figures in Arizona history. There's also live music from time to time!
Entertainment & Activities
Talking Sticks Resort Arena
201 E Jefferson StAMC Arizona Center 24
565 N 3rd StEverything Else
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 N 3rd StConferences and business meetings.
A multi-purpose building that acts as a bar, restaurant, grocery store and sometimes a Bachata-dance class.
44 locals recommend
Desoto Central Market
A multi-purpose building that acts as a bar, restaurant, grocery store and sometimes a Bachata-dance class.
Essentials
I do my grocery shopping here. It is one light rail stop away and straight down McDowell Rd (if you didn't bring a car). If you have an ASU student ID, there is a discount on Wednesdays and Sundays.
413 locals recommend
Safeway
340 E McDowell RdI do my grocery shopping here. It is one light rail stop away and straight down McDowell Rd (if you didn't bring a car). If you have an ASU student ID, there is a discount on Wednesdays and Sundays.
My favorite Middle Eastern market and closest place I know of where you can find fresh made pita bread.
Unlike most places on the list, it is not within walking distance, although it is not too far by bus.
9 locals recommend
Baiz Market
523 N 20th StMy favorite Middle Eastern market and closest place I know of where you can find fresh made pita bread.
Unlike most places on the list, it is not within walking distance, although it is not too far by bus.
Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA
350 1st Ave