Find the Best Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix
By Patricia Escarcega
Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson Local Expert
About Downtown Phoenix
Photo courtesy of flickr/christinaohaver
Downtown Phoenix is the city's bustling nexus of commerce, art, and culture. The downtown scene has become re-energized in recent years with the arrival of several new mixed-use commercial buildings, breathing new life into downtown's shopping and dining scene. Explore the busy city streets on foot, take in a show, visit a world-class museum, or grab a bite at one of downtown's fashionable restaurants.
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See & Do
Since 1959, the Phoenix Art Museum has served as the heart of the city's arts and cultural scene. The Museum boasts an outstanding permanent collection of more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. Festivals, live performances, independent art film screenings, and educational programs entertain and enlighten visitors of all ages.
Eat
Famously named the best pizza in the country by the New York Times, Pizzeria Bianco remains a popular downtown Phoenix staple. The pizza menu is small, featuring six wood-fired pizzas, but the results are exquisite.Try the Rosa pizza, featuring red onion, parmigiano reggiano, rosemary, and Arizona pistachios.
Party
Bar Smith captures the downtown Phoenix vibe well, boasting an American pub-style menu, spacious bar-top seating, and a diverse clientele of downtown scenesters, suburbanites, and tourists. This stylish downtown nightlife spot also features a great patio bar with fantastic views of the downtown Phoenix skyline. Hip-hop and dance beats bring life to the dance floor, while private couches along the walls offer great views of the action.
Stay
For over 80 years, the Hotel San Carlos has graced downtown Phoenix with a distinct Old World elegance. Although now fraying at the edges a bit, the 128 room hotel features a rooftop deck and swimming pool, two restaurants, the popular Ghost lounge, and unbeatable ambiance.
Shop
Located in the popular new CityScape complex in downtown, West of SoHo Boutique carries a wide selection of women's fashion and hard-to-find gift items. Check out their large selection of candles and unique home decor. West of SoHo carries many popular brands, but the emphasis is on chic and bohemian clothing and accessories.
