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With three separate trips to Arizona this year, it goes without saying that I love this southwestern state. Nature abounds with the Saguaro cacti in the south and the magnificent Grand Canyon in the north. From the southern city of Tucson with a strong Native American and Mexican influence, to the mountainous northern city of Flagstaff, there is just as much variety in Arizona’s cities.

Arizona’s capital city of Phoenix is centrally located and the perfect place to start a Grand Canyon road-trip. While Phoenix is easy to reach and is a good starting point for any Arizona adventure, there are so many things to do in Phoenix. You don’t need to leave the city to have a great trip to Arizona.

Do you ever get annoyed searching for things to do in a city and all the recommendations require a car to go places outside of the city? If you want to know the best things to do in Phoenix that are actually in the city this guide on what to do in downtown Phoenix is for you! They are all located downtown or in a neighborhood nearby. Plus find out everything else you need for getting around and staying in downtown Phoenix.

What To Do in Downtown Phoenix

Fun Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix

Learn the State History at the Arizona Capitol & Memorial Museum

The Arizona State Capitol offers sporadic walk-in tours to parties of 10 or less. Check the website to see times and dates for any guided tours. During my visit there were no tours available.

Even without a tour you can still visit the capitol. There is a free museum within the capitol building. The various exhibits cover different aspects of Arizona’s history. While the exhibits are on multiple floors I was only able to visit the first floor as an event was in session.

Although I was limited in what I could see, I did find the small exhibits quite interesting. There is one on the USS Arizona which sank in Pearl Harbor. While naval and war history usually isn’t too interesting to me, the exhibit was well done to present some personal stories and display artifacts such as the silver service from the ship.

Walk Through Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza

It doesn’t seem right to call a park full of memorials “nice”. It’s sad that so many memorials are needed, but the park is a nice way to commemorate various individuals and events in Arizona’s history.

In addition to names and dates, many of the memorials give a bit of history about the people or events they represent. Take a walk through before or after visiting the capitol.

Tour the Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square

This historic house museum can only be visited as a guided tour. The tour through the 1895 restored Queen Anne Victorian home describes the architecture and history of the home. It also covers interesting stories about the three families who owned the home. It’s a great way to learn about the early history of Phoenix and prominent families in the community.

Currently an additional Silva Family tour is also available on Friday afternoons. It’s best to sign up for both tours as they complement each other.

There are restrooms and a gift shop at Heritage Square.

Find out the History of Law Enforcement at the Phoenix Police Museum

I wouldn’t have sought out a police museum, but when I saw it was free and one of the fun things to do in downtown Phoenix I thought it would be interesting. Like many niche museums, it was quite fascinating.

While the museum isn’t huge, it does pack a lot of information into the small space. The exhibits tell a general history of law enforcement as well as specific stories from Phoenix. For example the Miranda laws were named after and began due to a trial that took place in Phoenix.

There are no public restrooms, but an employee kindly let me use the employee restrooms. A few souvenirs are available for purchase.

Admire Art at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center

If you are wondering what to do in downtown Phoenix, check out the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center events and exhibits. They all celebrate and/or include Latino artists.

I wandered in one day and there were two employees painting in the gift shop area. There wasn’t a specific event going on as far as I knew. I was the only one there, but I enjoyed the artwork around the small space.

Search for Street Art on Roosevelt Row

If you like street art, one of the best things to do in downtown Phoenix is to take a walk along Roosevelt Row. In addition to some restaurants and shops there are a lot of murals.

Start at N 7th St and snap a photo of the Roosevelt mural. Then walk west along Roosevelt Ave. Make sure to go down some side streets to find all the murals.

Eat in Downtown Phoenix

I walked by Cornish Pasty Co one day and thought that my mom would like the restaurant and maybe I should add it to my list. As my mom wasn’t traveling with me and I’m usually not a huge fan of pasties, I forgot about it. A few nights later a Lyft driver recommended it to me.

Then on my last full day in Phoenix when I was going to go to the Pizzeria Bianco I found out from a tour guide that this highly rated spot usually has really long lines. I asked for another recommendation and she said the Cornish Pasty Co.

It took two solid recommendations from locals, but I was so happy I tried the restaurant. Maybe I haven’t had good pasties in the past, but my pork and apple was amazing!

The cool thing about their menu is that it is full of different kinds. There are the traditional varieties with steak, potatoes, and rutabagas. There is also a wide variety with fillings from other cuisines such as Mexican and Indian. You’re sure to find one that you like!

Zen Thai Cafe is a solid Thai spot with weekday lunch specials. Matt’s big breakfast is a popular choice for breakfast classics.

More Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix

Here are a few more ideas on what to do in downtown Phoenix on your visit. I haven’t had a chance to explore them yet, but hope to on my next visit.

Herberger Theater Center
The Japanese Friendship Garden
Arizona Science Center
Children’s Museum of Phoenix

What to Do in Phoenix Near Downtown

Visit the Phoenix Art Museum

For cool things to do in Phoenix head to the Phoenix Art Museum. Located in southern Midtown it is an easy walk from downtown. The museum is quite large so allow enough time to visit. American art, Western art, Asian art, contemporary art, and European art are among the permanent collections.

I really enjoyed the Western Art. The Thorne Miniature rooms is another popular exhibit that features small scale replicas of rooms from different time periods and locations.

The museum is pay what you wish on Wednesday nights.

Explore the Desert Botanical Gardens

If you are looking for fun things to do in Phoenix you definitely want to visit the Desert Botanical Gardens. Unlike most botanical gardens with a variety of flowers and plants, the gardens in Phoenix focus on cacti and desert plants.

The gardens are well laid out and do a great job showcasing the desert flora. Several themed looping trails can be reached from the main trail around the gardens.

The Sonoran Desert Loop trail has some elevation and offers nice views of the surrounding area. It is also full of plants you can find in the Sonoran Desert (which Phoenix is located in). The Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop trail includes five different desert habitats. In addition to the plants within these habitats, Native American homes are also included.

There are informational signs around describing everything you see. I really liked how there was enough information to learn more, but not too much that someone like me that likes to read everything feels overwhelmed.

Discover All the Things to Do in Papago Park

Organ pipe cacti at Desert Botanical Gardens in Papago Park — Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park

Papago Park is home to the Desert Botanical Gardens and a host of other attractions including the Arizona Heritage Center, the Phoenix Zoo, and the Hall of Flame Fire Museum.

It’s a great park to walk around in as well. The Hole in the Rock hike is popular, especially at sunset. You can easily spend a full day in the park.

Head to Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a city in the Phoenix metro area. It can be reached by bus from downtown Phoenix. My full guide to Old Town Scottsdale will fill you in on all the best things to do and places to eat.

Visiting Downtown Phoenix

How to Get to Phoenix

Phoenix Sky Harbor is an international airport that has flights with over 20 airlines. All of the major and low-cost US airlines fly to Phoenix.

Both Amtrak and Greyhound have routes to Phoenix.

How to Get Around Phoenix

You can rent a car at the airport, but there are plenty of fun things to do in downtown Phoenix that you don’t need to have a car. In downtown and Midtown you can walk everywhere, take the lightrail, or use public buses. Papago Park is a little farther afield to the east. It took about an hour, but I took public buses to the park. Lyft and Uber are both widely available as well.

How to Use Public Transportation in Phoenix

Public transportation in Phoenix includes the Valley Metro Rail which runs from Northwest Phoenix, through Midtown, across downtown Phoenix, by the airport, to downtown Tempe, and into Mesa. Downtown Tempe has a streetcar line. Numerous buses run within the Phoenix metro area.

One ride on the light rail or bus costs $2 per ride and doesn’t include a transfer. If you are planning on taking more than one trip in a day, make sure to buy a day pass for $4. Day passes for 7, 15, and 31 days are also available. The streetcar is currently free through 2023 and will cost $1 per ride in 2024.

At the light rail station purchase a single ride light rail ticket or daily passes valid for all modes of public transportation. Buy from the ticket machines with cash or card on the platform before boarding. On the buses you can buy with cash from the driver. Make sure to tell the driver what kind of ticket you want before inserting your money.

How to Get From the Airport to Downtown Phoenix

The airport is located just east of downtown Phoenix. Many hotels offer free airport transfers. If your hotel doesn’t, take the free PHX SkyTrain at the airport to the Valley Metro Rail 44th St/Washington stop (the Phoenix light rail). The light rail will take you directly downtown in about 20 minutes. Buses #1 and #44 also stop at the airport and go downtown.

Where to Stay in Phoenix

Springhill Suites Downtown

Springhill Suites is located on the eastern side of downtown. From this hotel I walked to all the downtown and Midtown things to do in Phoenix included in this post. There is a free shuttle to the airport and the downtown convention center, but the hotel doesn’t advertise it. Save yourself the trouble and contact the hotel ahead of time if you would like an airport pick-up.

While the hotel was renovated in 2005, it feels like it was renovated last year. The sound proofing left a bit to be desired, but I was impressed with the cleanliness. In January I couldn’t take advantage of the outdoor pool, but it was just chilly enough at night to enjoy the hot tub.

Aloft Phoenix-Airport

Aloft is conveniently located across the street from the 44th street light rail and Sky Harbor SkyTrain stations. It’s a quick rail ride to downtown. There is also a free airport shuttle.

The hotel itself is modern with many trendy touches. One of those is the frosted glass panel in the shower that goes to the bedroom. It’s not completely see-through, but may not be great if you are sharing your room with your boss! The outdoor pool was just what I needed on my very hot 90 degree hotel stay.

More Places to Stay in Downtown Phoenix

These are highly rated hotels located directly downtown within different price ranges.

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The Only Guide You Need for What to Do in Downtown Phoenix

What To Do in Downtown Phoenix

Fun Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix