A Vibrant Oasis on the Rise

Self-guided tour of downtown Phoenix

This self-guided tour takes you on a comfortable loop around the downtown area. This tour will take approximately two hours to complete. It’s free of charge and a map can be downloaded easily.

Heritage and Science Park

The place where past meets future. In this four-block area of reserved cultural space, we meet the past in the form of the Rosson House Museum (built in 1895) and catch glimpses of the future at the Arizona Science Center. Included in this oasis in downtown are many fine restaurants and prime shopping opportunities.

Public works projects

All through the downtown area are public works projects in progress in the most unexpected of places. There are art installations at every Valley Metro Light Rail platform, and murals that celebrate the history, culture, and art of the area are everywhere. They add to the air of vitality and vibrancy of the urban island in the desert.

Thieve’s Market

Although not in the immediate downtown area, Thieve’s Market is an exciting and extremely fun outdoor market featuring local artists, great food trucks, and vintage goodies of any description.

Above all, Phoenix is a great place to people-watch. The downtown area is a buzzing hive of activity on most weekend nights.

Lux Central: A trendy casual coffee shop that offers more than expected. The coffee is very nice, which they offer with fresh pastries baked in-house. The revolving menu and signature cocktails from the bar make Lux Central a relaxed and pleasant place to meet friends.

Hanny’s: Hanny’s started life as a department store during Phoenix’s glory days. Since converted into an upscale restaurant and bar, the atmosphere and unique features of its retail past remain and are utilized in very modern ways. Hanny’s has the best BLT in town.

Centrico @ Hotel San Carlos: On the ground floor of the Hotel San Carlos, Centrico is a small restaurant serving traditional Mexican fare and an impressive tequila bar. I would highly recommend the prickly pear margarita with sugar on the rim. Centrico is on the corner of Central and Monroe with a full view of the cross street from both sides, no matter where you sit. The perfect place for people-watching on a Sunday afternoon.

Chico Malo: Chico Malo is an upscale Latin restaurant right in the beating heart of downtown. Featuring a lively atmosphere and powerful cocktails, the menu is artfully executed and served by a pleasant staff.

Dustcutter: Located on the south side of the Renaissance hotel on Adams Street. The large open bar area gives a clear view of the hotel lobby and Adams Street. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet casual. It’s a fantastic place to meet friends for a drink or to pop in for a cold beverage while taking in the sites.