Ever wondered if you can plan a getaway to downtown Phoenix and skip the rental car? You can! The greater Phoenix area has a Walk Score of 45 (25-49=car dependent) but downtown it increases to 63 (50-69=somewhat walkable). Phoenix is the 33rd most walkable city in the US and it’s getting even better all the time. Here’s our guide to staying in downtown Phoenix and seeing it all by foot, bike or rail.
Where to stay
- The Clarendon Retro boutique with a Latin flare 401 W Clarendon Ave Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 252-7363 (Central Ave/ Indian School Rd Station)
- The Westin Posh vibe with serene patio in the middle of it all 333 North Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ (602) 429-3500 (Van Buren/ Central Ave Station)
- Sheraton Suits, ties and martinis galore 340 North 3rd Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 262-2500 (Van Buren/ Central Ave Station)
- Hotel San Carlos Haunting and exciting, perfect for night cap 202 N Central Ave Phoenix, Arizona 85004 (602) 253-4121 (Van Buren/ Central Ave Station)
- Hyatt Regency Best place to see everything Phoenix has to offer 122 North 2nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 252-1234 (3rd St/ Washington Station)
Where to get a pick me up
- Tammie Coe Cakes Delightful fondant treats plus great coffee 610 East Roosevelt Street (602) 253-0829 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- Squash Blossom The newest coffee spot to hit 705 N 1st St Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 253-4606 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- Songbird Coffee and Tea House Best vanilla latte I’ve had in a while 214 East Roosevelt Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 374-4192 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- LUX Coffee Bar Start or end your day with a coffee or beer 4402 North Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 696-9976 (Campbell/ Central Ave Station)
- Fair Trade Cafe Good guilt-free coffee 1020 North 1st Avenue Phoenix (602) 354-8150 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- Lola’s Coffee House Yummy quiche and great brew 4700 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 265-5652 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- Royal Coffee Bar Quaint conversation spot 14 East Pierce St Phoenix 85004 Inside Phoenix Public Market 602 254.5465 (Central Ave/ Fillmore St Station)
Where to eat
- Compass Grill 360 degree views of the city 122 North 2nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 252-1234 (3rd St/ Washington Station)
- Pizzeria Bianco Worth the wait for amazing pizza 623 East Adams Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 258-8300 (3rd St/ Washington Station)
- Food Truck Friday So many options and so cheap 721 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- Carly’s Bistro A local late night hot spot 28 East Roosevelt Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 262-2759 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- The Windsor Hip and tasty; get the deviled egg dip! 5223 North Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 279-1111 (Camelback Rd/ Central Ave Station)
- Postino Get a bottle of wine and bruschetta for $20 5144 North Central Avenue Phoenix (602) 274-5144 (Camelback Rd/ Central Ave Station)
- Hula’s Modern Tiki Island flavor in the desert 4700 North Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 265-8454 (Camelback Rd/ Central Ave Station)
- Fez Gourmet burgers and martinis 3815 North Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 287-8700 (Central Ave/ Indian School Station)
- Switch Queens and treats 2603 North Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 264-2295 (Encanto/ Central Ave Station)
- Matt’s Big Breakfast Worth the wait and now at a new, bigger location 825 North 1st Street Phoenix, AZ 85001 (602) 254-1074 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
Where to let loose
- Crescent Ballroom Live music every night 308 North 2nd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 716-2222 (Van Buren/ First Ave Station)
- Angel’s Trumpet Ale House Brand spankin’ new brew 810 North Second Street Phoenix, AZ 85003 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- The Rum Bar at the Breadfruit Classy Jamaican fare 108 East Pierce Street, Phoenix, AZ (602) 267-1266 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- The Lost Leaf Feels like you’re at a house party 914 North 5th Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 258-0014 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- Rose and Crown Pub Hidden hot spot 628 East Adams Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 256-0223 (3rd St/ Washington St Station)
- Stand Up Live/Copper Blues Lots of laughs and good music 50 West Jefferson Street #200 Phoenix, AZ 85003 (480) 719-6100 (1st Ave/ Jefferson St Station)
- AMC Theater Indie films or blockbusters in one place 565 North 3rd Street Phoenix (888) 262-4386 (Van Buren/ Central Ave Station)
- FilmBar Obscure movies and delicious drinks 815 North 2nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 595-9187 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station) - Bliss Rebar Great happy hour and patio 901 North 4th Street Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 795-1792 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
Other fun things to do
Courtesy of Heard.org
- Arizona Science Center Fun for small and big kids alike 600 East Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 716-2000 (3rd St/ Washington St Station)
- Phoenix Art Museum Impressive expressive art; free on Wednesday and First Friday nights 1625 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ (602) 257-1222 (McDowell Rd/ Central Ave Station)
- Heard Museum Learn about the rich Native American culture of Arizona 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ (602) 252-8840 (McDowell Rd/ Central Ave Station)
- First Friday Art Walk Live art, live music, it’s almost too much to handle Between Central and 7th St and South of Roosevelt, Phoenix, AZ (602) 256-7539 (Roosevelt/ Central Ave Station)
- Chase Field Catch a Diamondbacks game for pretty cheap 401 East Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 462-6500 (Washington St/ 3rd St Station)
- United Airways Arena Home of the Phoenix Suns, Mercury and many concerts 201 East Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 379-7878 (Washington St/ 3rd St Station)
- Herberger Theater Community nonprofit supporting local artists 222 E. Monroe St Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 254-7399 (Van Buren/ Central Ave Station)
- Phoenix Symphony Hall From Nutcracker Carmina Burana, there’s something for everyone 75 North 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ (602) 262-6225 (Washington St/ Central Ave Station)
Other forms of transportation
Photo courtesy of Downtown Devil
- Ollie the Trolley – This free trolley came to downtown Phoenix in 2009, you can reserve it for special occasions
- Pedal Craft - Phoenix has a growing bicycle movement to encourage more people to pedal throughout the city
- Taxi - I’ve seen more and more cabs around as there are more and more things to do in Phoenix every month. Many spots have cabs waiting outside with relatively cheap fares.
- Take a walk and enjoy the beautiful weather the majority of the year. Even in the midst of summer you will find Phoenicians braving the heat to have a good time; it takes a special person to thrive here so come see if you have what it takes!
If this isn’t enough to get you excited to explore Phoenix I don’t know what will! The great thing about downtown is that it has a “come as you are” feel to it. You could show up in your sweatpants, expensive suit or skinny jeans and you will fit right in. If you have anything to add or any questions, pleases feel free to comment below.