48 Hours in Phoenix

Just have 48 hours in Phoenix? Don’t worry! This is how you can make the most of your 48 hours in the Valley. Phoenix, the sun-drenched city, has a plenty of unique attractions for travelers, from magnificent art and cultural museums to a plenty of top-notch golf courses.  So book your trip and get ready to have a good time.

A Fun and Exciting First Day Phoenix Tour!

9:00 am- Kick off your day with a Scrumptious breakfast!

Head over to Vovomeena with menu listing craft breakfast and brunch. The menu changes frequently at this spot, and the dishes served are arty and delectable.

Address: 1515 N 7th Ave, Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ
Phone: (602) 252-2541
Website: www.vovomeena.com

10:00 am- Art and Cultural Morning

Stroll down the street to the vibrant Phoenix Art Museum (1625 N Central Ave) for a peek at the works representing Latin American, Asian, American and European Arts. Collection of modern and contemporary art.  Interesting and Informative Museum! 

Distance from Vovomeena: 0.6 miles or 3 minutes drive

11:00 a.m. - Enjoy the Native American Heritage and Art at the Heard Museum!

The Heard Museum (2301 N Central Ave) has an amazing collection of Native American tradition, culture and art. Do stop at the gift shop if you’re looking for some authentic, high-quality Native American crafts, jewelry or other items. Incredible collection of artifacts and visiting exhibits!

Distance from Phoenix Art Museum: 0.4 miles or 1 minute drive

12:00pm - Hands-on Fun!

For hands-on fun, head over to the Arizona Science Center, which is the Valley’s most popular attraction. This spot has over 300 interactive displays in different themed galleries. This spot also has an IMAX theatre that shows educational films. A “go-to” place!

Distance from Heard Museum: 2.4 miles or 8 minutes drive

1:00pm- Off to Lunch

There are many elegant and tasteful lunch spots near Arizona Science Center. Up for some fresh delectable wood-fired pies and work of art pizza, head over to Pizzeria Bianco (623 E Adams St). If you want to have some America cuisine with a drink and live music, go to Copper Blues (50 W Jefferson St. Suite #200). You can also go to Alice Coopers’town located at 101 E Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.

2:00pm- Edutainment for Kids

Since you’re in the neighborhood, do stop at Children’s Museum of Phoenix which is housed in a two-story historic building.  The displays are hands-on and interactive. Delve into nooks and crannies of the Climber, which is formed by recycled items. Jam-packed spot with edutainment activities!

3:00pm- Step Back in Time!

Take a stroll through the quaint preserved pieces of Phoenix history at the Heritage Square (115 N. Sixth St, Phoenix, AZ 85004). Learn about the origins of the Valley of Sun and explore the old preserved buildings.

Distance from Children’s Museum of Phoenix: 1 minute drive or just walk

4:00pm- Up for some Theatre Experience!

For modern theatre experience in the Valley, visit the Herberger Theatre Center. The theatre showcases diversified forms of arts. Check ahead for schedules.

Distance from Heritage Square: 0.4 miles and 3 minutes drive

5:00pm- For Energy Boost, Feed Your Stomach!

Feed your stomach with some Mexican, Southwester or American fare at the Canyon Cafe (455 N Third St Ste 114), for some American cuisine, head to 1130 the restaurant (Arizona Center 455 N. 3rd Street, Suite 1130), or Province (333 North Central Avenue).

7:00pm: Go Shopping and Splurge!

Browse the shops at the Arizona Center (455 N 3rd St). It is an outdoor retail outlet. Bite to eat, clothes and a movie, this place has it all! More shopping? Drive to Biltmore Fashion Park ( 2502 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016)  which is 0.1 miles or 1 minute drive from Zinburger or Frost A Gelato Shoppe, for great upscale shopping. The Biltmore Fashion Park is home to some of the high-end brands with diverse offerings from which shoppers can browse and take their pick.

9:00pm- Supper

Go to Tarbell’s (3213 E Camelback Rd) for American or French cuisines with a creative twist. If you want American classics, head over to the  Frank & Alberts - The Arizona Biltmore (2400 E. Missouri Biltmore). This place offers great regional and iconic dishes.

10:00pm- Time to Hit the Dance Floor!

Go to Rhythm Room (1019 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014, United States) for some live Jazz music and blues. Dance to the great tunes. Hit the dance floor as the music moves at the Char’s Has the Blues (4631 N. Seventh Ave, Phoenix, AZ). Go to FilmBar (815 North 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004)- a movie theatre plus a bar. Enjoy the nostalgic classics with a beer/wine in hand. A unique nightlife spot it is!

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Cocktails and Mocktails! Check out the best nightlife scenes in Phoenix!

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Day 1 Phoenix Tour Map Guide

Fun Loaded Day2 Phoenix Tour!

8:00 am - Morning Workout!

Put on your sturdy shoes, start hiking at the Piestewa Peak (2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive). You can also visit the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area (2421 E. Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ), situated at the side of Piestewa Peak. It is a serene desert park with hiking trails. Explore the desert city!

11:00 am- Breakfast at Barrio Cafe!

For the perfect start of the day, head for breakfast at the Barrio Cafe (2814 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States). This spot is popular for its Mexican fare. A perennial favorite!

Distance from Dreamy Draw Recreation Area: 7.0 miles or 11 minutes drive

12:00pm- Spend an hour with animals at Phoenix Zoo!

Visit the Phoenix Zoo (Papago Park, 455 N Galvin Parkway) that offers interactive exhibits such as the camel rides, Giraffe Encounter, Spectacled bears, and many endangered species. Also, at this spot, there are special seasonal events held throughout the year , such as ZooLights. Treat for all- kids as well as parents!

Distance from Barrio Cafe: 7.5 miles or 11 minutes drive

1:00pm- Explore the Natural Beauty of the Valley

Head over to the Papago Park (625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States), a picturesque municipal park dotted with red rock has a network of trails.  Climb up the trail to Hole-in-the-Rock, which gives offers magnificent views of the Phoenix skyline.

Distance from Phoenix Zoo: 0.9 miles or 3 minutes drive

2:00pm- Break for Lunch

Relish an authentic Cornish pasty at the Cornish Pasty Co (Goldwater Blvd and First Street), for vegan food, go to Green New American Vegaterian (2240 North Scottsdale Road #8 Suite 8), visit The Mission (3815 N Brown Ave) for Spanish, Mexican and Latin dishes.

3:00pm- Explore the trails at the Desert Botanical Garden!

Stroll around the Desert Botanical Garden (1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix). It’s a short jaunt by car from your lunch spot. This garden has a huge collection of plants and array of colorful wildflowers placed beautifully thus, creating an amazing display for the travelers. Truly, a Valley’s gem!

4:00 pm- Phoenix Cultural Heritage Tour

Know about the Phoenix history and geology at the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park (4619 E Washington St). The city’s cultural heritage is showcased through art and crafts exhibits formed and used by Native Americans.

Distance from Desert Botanical Garden: 3.0 miles or 7 minutes drive

5:00pm- Shopping

Stroll down to Old Town Scottsdale and use the trolley to carry you around the place. At the Old Town Scottsdale, there are a plenty of high-end shops. You can mosey on to Scottsdale Fashion Square (7014 E Camelback Rd). This shopping spot is home to many luxury shops. A shopper’s paradise it is!

Distance from Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park: 7.0 miles or 16 minutes drive

8:00pm- Dinner

Dine al fresco at trendy AZ 88 (7353 East Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States) for American fare. This place has nice patio to enjoy the evening, funky vibe and great cocktail selection.

Distance from Scottsdale Fashion Square: 1.2 miles or 6 minutes drive

10:00pm- Enjoy the Swanky and Chic Nightlife in the Valley

For some Jazz, head over to The Nash (110 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004). You can go to a modish cocktail lounge- Sidebar (50 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003), or to a sprawling nightclub- Gypsy bar (50 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States) which is a hip place. For a nightcap, mosey over to the Hyatt Regency (122 North 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States). To get the spectacular view of the city lights, go to the revolving Compass Bar atop the hotel.

Day 2 Phoenix Tour Map Guide