Phoenix

Introduction

Phoenix, Arizona, is the heart of the Greater Phoenix area and includes Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler and Peoria. Phoenix is the state's capital and largest city, and includes fine dining, many museums and an active nightlife. Phoenix boasts a large number of golf courses, and has become a primary resort destination for those looking for dry weather and 18 holes. The Phoenix area is home to the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, the Phoenix Suns NBA team and the Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball team. Arizona State University is located in Tempe. In the heart of the desert region in the southwest of the state, the temperature is usually warm in the winter and downright hot in the summer with little rain.

Neighbourhoods

• Downtown Phoenix is a major and modern area. The Phoenix Convention Center holds many events. Chase Field is home to baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks. US Airways Center is home to the NBA Phoenix Suns. The Orpheum and Dodge Theatres as well as the Herberger Theatre Center and Symphony Hall can fulfill the art lovers needs. The State Capitol building is just to the west of Downtown.
• Glendale is sports-lovers paradise, home to the Arizona Cardinals NFL team, as well as the NHL Phoenix Coyotes. Sunday afternoons during the NFL season provide a chance to take part in the American football tradition of tail-gating, where football lovers get together to drink beer, barbeque food and watch the pre-game show on mobile TVs with satellite dishes.
• Tempe is home to the Arizona State University, with the associated bars, restaurants and clubs that come with any university town. Sun Devil Stadium is a venue for major concerts as well as the home to the ASU Sun Devil's football team.
• Downtown Scottsdale includes the Old Town, a collection of shops and restaurants with an old west theme. Next to Old Town is the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sights and Activities

• SEA LIFE Phoenix Aquarium - Gaze at an amazing array of marine life at this 26,000-square-foot indoor aquarium at the Arizona Mills mall. Featuring more than 5,000 different species and attractions like a touch tank for curious hands. Address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir #145, Tempe, Phone: 480-478-7600

Phoenix is known as a destination to come golfing. There are a large number of golf courses, both public and private, in the Phoenix area.

Events and Festivals

Holidays

• New Year’s Eve - The US celebrates the outgoing of the old year and incoming of the New Year quite dramatically. Every state boasts its own parties to ring in the New Year, but none is more extravagant than New York’s Time Square, which sees people overflowing into the neighboring restaurants, bars, parks, beaches, and neighborhoods.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15. The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21. King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.
• St Patrick’s Day - March 17 celebrates the US’s large Irish population. Many cities around the country boast boisterous parades and Irish-themed parties, especially New York and Chicago, where the river is dyed green. Be wary of the drunkenness that dominates as this is definitely a party-day.
• Memorial Day - Memorial Day is an important holiday throughout the United States, but not for crazy festivities. Parades commemorating wartime heroes are often held and the day is also the ‘unofficial’ start of summer. Most visitors follow the crowds to parks and beaches, which are capped off with informal BBQs.
• Independence Day - Also known as the Fourth of July, Independence Day celebrates the US’s break from the British during the 18th century. Barbecues, street parties, beach trips, and weekend getaways are commonplace to appreciate freedom.
• Labor Day is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country. It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend. It is recognized as a federal holiday. Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor.
• Halloween - Halloween is a fun holiday on October 31 for all generations to dress up in costumes and relive their youth. Children walk around the neighborhood trick-or-treating for candy, while adults attend parties. Other seasonal events include haunted houses, pumpkin farms and carving, and corn mazes.
• Thanksgiving - On the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving is held in almost every home in the US. Tourists will have a hard time finding anything to do as the country essentially shuts down in observation. A typical Thanksgiving meal consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie commemorating the original Pilgrim’s feast at Plymouth Rock.
• Christmas - On December 25, Christians celebrate Christmas as the pinnacle of their calendar by attending church and opening gifts from Santa Claus. Almost everything shuts down to promote family togetherness. The northern regions hope to experience a “white Christmas,” with trees and festive lights blanketed by snow.

Sport

• Super Bowl Sunday - the world’s most watched sporting event and one of the highest grossing TV days of the year, Superbowl Sunday is a spectacular extravaganza. Held the first Sunday in February, the Superbowl is the final playoff game between the NFL’s top two teams. The venue rotates every year around America, yet the local parties seem to remain. Pubs, bars and restaurants are great places to enjoy the Superbowl or locals throw their own parties with different variations of betting.
• The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America, contested since 1903 between the American League (AL) champion team and the National League (NL) champion team. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff, and the winning team is awarded the Commissioner's Trophy. As the series is played during the fall season in North America, it is sometimes referred to as the Fall Classic.

Other Events and Festivals

• The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl is held in every year in Glendale at the University of Phoenix Stadium. The game is held in early January and is one of many college football bowl games held every year to determine the national champion. In addition to the game, there is a large celebration that accompanies the game, including a parade that offers a delightful pageantry of floats, glorious helium balloons, marching bands and spirited specialty and equestrian units.
• "Cactus League" baseball is the name given to the spring training games for the Major League Baseball teams that occur in March and April. Spring training games held in the Phoenix and Tucson area include the Angels, Diamondbacks, Cubs, White Sox, Rockies, Royals, Brewers, Athletics, Giants, Padres, Mariners and Rangers. The games are usually much easier to get tickets to and are much less expensive that attending regular season games.
• The Festival of the West is held annually in March in North Scottsdale. The festival offers attendees a chance to see rodeo, cowboy poetry, country music and other wild west events and displays.
• October sees the Arizona State Fair, with hundreds of thousands of attendees coming to the fair to sample the new foods, exhibits, and entertainment offerings.

Weather

Phoenix has a subtropical desert climate, typical of the Sonoran Desert in which it lies. Phoenix has long, extremely hot summers and short, pleasant winters. The climate is arid, with plenty of sunshine and clear skies. Average high temperatures in summer are the hottest of any major city in the United States. On average, there are 107 days annually with a high of at least 38 °C including most days from late May through early October. Highs top 43 °C an average of 18 days during the year. On June 26, 1990, the temperature reached an all-time recorded high of 50 °C.

Unlike most desert locations which undergo drastic fluctuations between day and nighttime temperatures, Phoenix's diurnal temperature variation is limited by the urban heat island effect. As the city has expanded, average summer low temps have been steadily rising. The daily heat of the sun is stored in pavement, sidewalks, and buildings, and it is radiated back out at night. The daily normal low remains at or above 27 °C for an average of 67 days per summer. On July 15, 2003, Phoenix set its record for the warmest daily low temperature, at 36 °C.

The city averages approximately 300 days of sunshine, or over 85% of daylight hours per year, and receives scant rainfall. Tthe average annual total at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport being 204 mm. Precipitation is sparse during most of the year, but the North American Monsoon brings an influx of moisture during the summer. When active, the monsoon raises humidity levels and can cause heavy localized precipitation, flash floods, hail, destructive winds, and dust storms, which can rise to the level of a haboob in some years. July is the wettest month of the year (27 mm), while June is the driest (0.51 mm).

Generally speaking, Phoenix only has one day per year where the low temperature drops to or below 0 °C. However, outlying portions of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area frequently see frost in the winter. The all-time lowest recorded temperature in Phoenix was -9 °C on January 7, 1913, while the coldest daily high temperature ever recorded was 2 °C on December 10, 1898. Snow is a very rare occurrence for the city of Phoenix. Snowfall was first officially recorded in 1898, and since then, accumulations of 0.1 inches (0.25 cm) or greater have occurred only eight times.

Getting There

By Plane

The Phoenix area is served by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which along with being one of the coolest named airports in America, also bills itself as America's friendliest airport. The airport is made up of 3 terminals, labelled terminals 2, 3 and 4. There is no terminal 1. Shuttle buses run between the terminals, and out to the Rental Car Center, which contains all the rental companies and is about a 15-minute ride from the airport. The airport is served by bus and light rail into Phoenix. To get to the light rail stop, take a free airport shuttle out to 44th street and Washington. Buses run into the airport. For any questions, look for volunteers at the airport dressed in purple jackets, or check out the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport website.

There are a number of smaller airports in the Phoenix area, but most of these not served by scheduled or charter airlines.

By Train

Phoenix is not served by passenger rail, however Amtrak does have service into Phoenix by offering a connecting bus service from their train stop in Flagstaff.

By Car

Phoenix is well connected to other parts of the USA via the interstate highway system. Major routes into Phoenix include:

• Interstate 10 which runs from Los Angeles, California to El Paso, Texas
• Interstate 17, running up to Flagstaff, Arizona
• Highway 60, running up towards the northwest of the state and onto Las Vegas via highway 93.

By Bus

Greyhound offers service from across the USA into the Phoenix Bus Station, at 2115 E. Buckeye Road, near the airport. TUFESA Bus Lines offers service from Mexico.

Getting Around

By Car

Roads in Phoenix are well maintained. Highway 10 runs through the southern part of town before heading south towards Tucson. Highway 101 rings Phoenix and Scottsdale on the north of highway 10. Highway 202 has a partial ring in the southern area of the greater Phoenix area, serving Tempe, Mesa and Chandler. Highway 17 and highway 51 provide north-south routes through Phoenix.

Right turn on red lights are allowed, unless there is a sign indicating otherwise. A number of streets in downtown are one-way, so look before turning at an intersection. Phoenix and all of Arizona does have unmanned speed cameras, so be careful about speeding.

If you are renting a car, consider not renting at the airport. The newly constructed airport car rental center has a 29% surcharge to pay for the building. Travellers can take public transit into town, and rent a car at an in-town rental area to save some money.
Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

By Public Transport

Valley Metro Transit provides public buses and light-rail in Phoenix.

Buses can be boarded with a pass, or exact change. The farebox accepts exact change in $1 and $2 bills and all forms of US coins (except 50 cent pieces) in good condition.

The light-rail uses a proof-of-payment system. Pass cards or paper passes must be activated at station platforms before boarding a light-rail train, or when entering a bus.

Fares for adults are:

• 1 ride $1.25.
• All day pass $2.50 (passes expire at 2:59am on the following day).
• 3 day pass $7.50.
• 7 day pass $17.50.
• 31 day pass $45.

Reduced fares are available to children five years old and under, youths ages 6-18, seniors 65 and over, and persons with a disability. A system map can be found at the Valley Metro site. Routes 15, 13 and 40 serve the airport, along with a light-rail line.

By Foot

The downtown area of Phoenix is small enough to walk around, but in general the greater Phoenix area is very large and can get incredibly hot in the summer months. Not many people walk, unless they are taking advantage of one of the many hiking opportunities in Phoenix. Ironically, most people get into their cars and drive to the hiking areas to walk.
Those looking to hike should check out the listing of trails on the City of Phoenix website.

Eat

• For cheap eats, look out for many 24-hour Mexican food places such as Filiberto's, Raliberto's and other restaurants offer a burrito the size of your forearm for less than $4.
• Chicago Hamburger Company, 3749 E Indian School Rd, ☎ +1 602 955-4137. M-Sa 10:30AM-8PM. "Home of the Original Windy City Slider" is the restaurant's slogan, and the small burgers (along with larger fare) are found here. A Chicago themed sandwich shop offering hot dogs, sandwiches and even Frito Pie (according to the menu, a former manager from Texas added it to the menu and they've left it on). This place is more what you would expect of a traditional burger joint than Delux Burger (listed below). Delux is when you want something more formal, Chicago Hamburger Company is when you want to grab a traditional burger shop-lunch.
• Chino Bandido, 15414 N. 19th Ave, Suite K (on 19th Ave, just North of Greenway), ☎ +1 602 375-3639. 11AM-9PM. Strange and wonderful fusion of Mexican and Asian cuisine. It can take a little bit of work to understand how to order, so using the online interactive menu ahead of time is useful for first-timers. Ask for a sample spoon if you're not sure about a flavor combination. $5-10.
• Fry Bread House, 1003 E Indian School Rd, ☎ +1 602-351-2345. M-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 10AM-8PM. Since 1992 this Tohono O'odham owned and operated restaurant has served authentic Native American cuisine, based on family recipes that the restaurant owner learned as a child. Specializes in frybread in all its varieties. Features an all-Native American staff.
• Green Restaurant, 2022 N 7th St, ☎ +1 602 258-1870. M-Sa 11AM-9PM. Reputed vegan restaurant. PETA named the secret BBQ Chicken sandwich as the best faux chicken sandwich in the USA.
• Matt's Big Breakfast, 825 N 1st St, ☎ +1 602 254-1074. Tu-Su 6:30AM-2:30PM. Very popular breakfast restaurant in downtown Phoenix. edit
• Tee Pee Mexican Food, 4144 E Indian School Rd, ☎ +1 602 956-0178. M-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-9PM. Neighborhood Mexican food restaurant featuring fairly standard Arizona Mexican food fare at reasonable prices. edit
• Alice Cooper'stown, 101 E Jackson St, ☎ +1 602 253-7337. Alice Cooper themed sports bar with rock music and plenty of merchandise. $10.
• Aunt Chilada's Squaw Peak, 7330 N. Dreamy Draw Drive, ☎ +1 602 944-1286. 11AM-1AM. A historic family-run Mexican restaurant that's a popular local hangout. Large patios and beautiful traditional decor, as well as a Palapa bar and Bocce court. Excellent chips and salsa. Band every Friday night, Sunday open mic night. Breakfast on weekends. $8-15.
• Cherryblossom Noodle Cafe, 914 E Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 248-9090. An interesting fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine. One of the only places in the valley to offer an authentic Japanese beer, Calpico, a creamy beer with Japanese calpico brand drink mixed with lager beer.
• Delux Burger, 3146 E Camelback Rd (in Safeway center on NW corner of 32nd St and Camelback Rd), ☎ +1 602 522-2288. 11AM-2AM. An upscale burger location, also known for its mini-shopping cart baskets of fries and a wide selection of micro-brews on tap. Has an interesting variety of salads as well as the sandwich fare. A good place when you want to have informal food but not in a totally informal setting. edit
• The Duce, 525 South Central Avenue, ☎ +1 602-866-3823. Large warehouse with vintage design that contains a restaurant (food served from 1965 streamline trailer), soda fountain, bar, ice cream shop, boxing ring and clothing shop.
• Garcia's Las Avenidas, 2212 N 35th Ave (near intersection of 35th Ave & Encanto Blvd), ☎ +1 602 272-5584. Founded in 1957, about a half-mile north of the original location that was just south of McDowell Rd. on 35th Ave. A chain was later spawned from the restaurant, but this location remained outside the chain and under family control. Arguably, along with Macayo's, served to define what was expected of Phoenix area Mexican food.
• L'amore, 3159 E Lincoln Dr (in the shopping complex on the SE corner of 32nd St & Lincoln Dr), ☎ +1 602 381-3159. M-F 11AM-10PM, Sa 4PM-10PM. Local Italian restaurant on the border of Phoenix and Paradise Valley, features fresh seafood and home made pasta.
• La Grande Orange Grocery, 4410 N 40th St (SW corner of 40th St & Campbell), ☎ +1 602 840-7777. Su-Th 6:30AM-9PM, F Sa 6:30AM-10PM. Popular neighborhood cafe featuring breakfast, sandwiches and grocery items, as well as pizzeria next door. Parking is often difficult in the area, though valet parking is offered as well as curbside service.
• Los Dos Molinos, 8646 S Central Ave, ☎ +1 602 243-9113. Sonoran-style dominates Phoenix-area Mexican cookery, but Los Dos celebrates the cuisine of New Mexico, which means lots of very hot chiles. This long-established and highly regarded restaurant is a must for all true chile-heads. Reservations not accepted.
• Majerles Sports Grill, 24 N. 2nd St, ☎ +1 602 253-0118. Sports grill and lounge owned by former pro basketball player Dan Majerle.
• Nobuo at Teeter House, 622 E Adams St, ☎ +1 602 254-0600. Tu-Su 11AM-4PM and 5:30PM. Highly regarded Japanese restaurant in a renovated historic building in downtown Phoenix. The master chef is a James Beard award winner. Serving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
• The Parlor Pizzeria, 1916 East Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 248-2480. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Neighborhood artisan pizza restaurant, which reused the landmark Salon de Venus beauty salon building when it shut down after 60 years.
• Phoenix City Grille, 5816 N 16th St. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 10AM-9PM. Southwestern themed variations on grill fare is offered by this local restaurant.
• Pita Jungle, 4340 E Indian School Rd (44th St & Indian School Rd), ☎ +1 602 955-7482. 10:30AM-10PM daily. Offers a selection not only of pitas, but also of other Mediterranean inspired meals in a sit down environment.
• Pizzeria Bianco, 623 E Adams St (SW Corner Heritage Sq, 7thSt/Monroe), ☎ +1 602 258-8300. Winner of numerous awards. The chef, Chris Bianco, no longer cooks all pies, but is on premises most of the time. Small restaurant, expect lines at popular eating times (F Sa 6:30-8PM).
• Postino on Central, 5144 N Central Ave, ☎ +1 602 274-5144. Fun little wine cafe on Central Avenue, just north of Camelback Rd. Good wine selection, but the bruschetta boards are the main attraction.
• Texaz Grill, 6003 N 16th St (NE corner of 16th St & Bethany Home Rd), ☎ +1 602 248-STAR (7827). M-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 4PM-10PM. Originally named "Lone Star Steaks" the restaurant changed its name when a national chain moved to town and wanted to sue. Offers reasonably priced steaks and exceptional Texas fare. Specialties are Chicken Fried Steak, choice aged beef and home made desserts.
• Thai Lahna, 3738 E Indian School Rd (38th St Shops Center), ☎ +1 602 955-4658. M-Th 11AM-2:30PM, 5PM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5PM-10:30PM, closed Su. East Phoenix neighborhood Thai food restaurant.
• Wildflower Bread Company, 4290 E Indian School Rd (Arcadia Commons Center), ☎ +1 602 850-8585. M-F 6AM-9PM, Sa 7AM-9PM, Su 7AM-8PM. Arcadia location of restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring a bakery. Lunch menu consists of sandwiches and soups, while pasta is added for dinner. Free wi-fi access and power outlets are available at the location.
• Hula's Modern Tiki, 4700 N Central Ave # 122, Phoenix, AZ 85012, ☎ +1 602 265-8454. Great island-inspired food and drinks.
• Joyride Taco House, 5202 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, ☎ +1 602 274-8226. Eatery offering elevated Mexican street eats, drinks & patio seating in a hip, colorful setting.
• The Breadfruit, 108 E Pierce St, ☎ +1 602-267-1266. M-Th 5PM-10PM, F Sa 5PM-11PM for food (midnight for drinks). Serving Jamaican food for dinner and also has a rum bar.
• Donovan's Steakhouse Restaurant, 3101 E Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 955-3666. Wine & cocktails at 4PM daily, dinner 5PM. Upscale steakhouse serving high grade steaks with high grade service. Complementary valet parking provided.
• Durant's, 2611 North Central Ave (On east side of Central at Virginia Ave), ☎ +1 602-264-5967. Classic American "special occasion" restaurant, where the price isn't listed on the menu, and the parking is valet. $30-50.
• El Chorro, 5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley (on Lincoln Drive, just east of Tatum Boulevard), ☎ +1 480 948-5170. Daily 5PM-close; Sunday brunch 9AM-3PM. At the base of both Camelback and Mummy mountains, this restaurant is well known to locals both for its views of stunning desert scenery and for the historic charm of its buildings. Even if you've just dropping by for drinks on the patio, don't miss trying the complimentary sticky buns. $20-50.
• Fuego Bistro, 713 E Palo Verde Dr (1 block S of Bethany Home Rd, 100 yards E of 7th St), ☎ +1 602 277-1151. Tu-Sa 11AM-2PM, 5PM-9PM. Cozy dining room, patio beneath the stars, and a full service bar. Cuban, Puerto Rican and Latin American dishes such as Pernil Asado, Ropa Vieja and Arroz con Gandules. $$$.
• Rustler's Rooste, 8383 South 48th St, ☎ +1 602 431-6474. Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F Sa 5PM-10PM. A steakhouse adjacent to Arizona Grand Resort, it shares an elevated, picturesque view of the metro-Phoenix area. A gigantic live bull in a pen at the front of the restaurant, a slide to the downstairs seating, cotton candy at the end of the meal, and loud live country western music are part of the ambiance. In addition to common steakhouse fare, local items include Rattlesnake with Prickly Pear Cactus Fries. $20-$30.
• The Stockyards Restaurant, 5009 E Washington St, ☎ +1 602 273-7378. Billed as "Arizona's Original Steakhouse", the aptly named restaurant opened for public dinning in 1947. "Steak on the hoof" was visible to visitors as they entered and exited the restaurant, as it was adjacent to the Tovrea families' 200-acre feedlot and packing house, which accommodated more than 300,000 head of cattle each year. While the cattle are now gone, the authentic western cuisine and "refreshments" remain. Includes the 1889 Saloon, which features authentic 19th-century Old West decor and furnishings, and the famous Gold Room. $30-$50.
• Tarbell's, 3213 E Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 955-8100. M-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su 5PM-9PM. Chef Mark Tarbell's namesake restaurant, it features Southwestern themed cuisine and local organic ingredients. Per the website, dress is "resort casual" defined as "everything from denim to diamonds." edit
• Quiessance Restaurant, 6106 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85042, ☎ +1 602 276-0601. Farm-to-table fresh delicious food. $$$$.
• Richardson's and Rokerji, 6339 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, ☎ +1 602 265 5886. Richardson's serves some of the spiciest New Mexican cuisine in Arizona on copper-topped tables and bars. The Rokerij (pronounced ro-ker-ee) means “smokehouse in Dutch” and features a great selection of steaks, chops, fresh fish and “small plates.” Don’t miss the down stairs bar. Both feature dim-lighting and great service. Reservations for parties of 6 or more suggested.

Drink

Phoenix as a metropolitan area offers a considerable amount of nightlife, though with the fact that the city is so spread out it can be difficult and dangerous to attempt traversing the city on a big night out. Generally, the nightlife is centered around the sub-cities of the metro area. Within Phoenix itself bars tend to cluster within the Midtown or Downtown areas, while in the surrounding areas, Scottsdale offers a lively bar and club scene, Tempe is popular with students given the proximity to the University, and the city centers for Chandler and Glendale both offer some good options if you're in the suburbs. Downtown Mesa lacks any appreciable nightlife given its strong ties to the Mormon church.

• The Lost Leaf, 914 N. 5th St, ☎ +1 602 258-0014. 5PM-2AM. Bar in a renovated bungalow from 1922 that features art and live music nightly with no cover charge. More than 100 different kinds of beer, wine and sake available.
• The Rose & Crown, 628 East Adams St, ☎ +1 602-256-0223. British pub with over 50 local and import beers and English and American food. In 2011 the Phoenix New Times named it the Best English pub in Phoenix.
• Hanny's, 40 North First Street (SW corner of Adams and 1st St), ☎ +1 602-252-2285. M-F 11AM-1AM, Sa Su 5PM-1AM; bar open daily until 1:30AM. Swanky and stylish bar and restaurant in a historic Phoenix building constructed in the 1940s serving food such as pizza, sandwiches and salads and a variety of cocktails. $5 classic martinis served all day.
• Bar Smith's Rooftop Lounge, 130 E. Washington St, ☎ +1 602 456-1991. M-Th 11AM-2PM; F 11AM-2PM, 9:30PM-2AM; Sa 9:30PM-2AM. Downtown Phoenix bar and restaurant with Phoenix's only rooftop dance floor that attracts a young crowd. Nightclub is open Wed thru Sat.
• Angels Trumpet Ale House, 810 North Second St (1 block from Roosevelt/Central light rail station), ☎ +1 602 252-2630. Tu-Th 3PM-midnight; F Sa 11AM-midnight; Su 11AM-11PM. Bar and restaurant with 31 rotating craft beers on tap serving lunch and dinner. 3,000-foot patio with a diverse menu with snacks, flatbreads and sandwiches.
• Crescent Ballroom, 308 N 2nd Ave (one block west of Van Buren light rail station), ☎ +1 602 716-2222. M 11AM-1AM; Th F 11AM-2AM; Sa 5PM-2AM; Su 5PM-1AM. A 7000-square-foot lounge, restaurant and music venue in a red brick warehouse built in 1917 which hosts live music every day. Happy hour is Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM and Friday from 11AM-6PM with $2 PBR, $3 wells and $3 local drafts.
• Seamus McCaffrey's, 18 W Monroe, ☎ +1 602 253-6081. Great small Irish pub downtown. Same owner of Rosie McCaffrey's up on Camelback. Live Irish rock music.
• Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, 1 West Jefferson St (near the 1st Ave & Jefferson and Central & Washington light rail stations), ☎ +1 602-340-1924. Tu-Su 4PM-2AM. A cocktail parlor situated in a historic building in downtown Phoenix with an extensive drink menu that also serves food.
• Valley Bar, 130 N Central Ave (in an alley behind the building and 1 block from the Adams light rail station), ☎ +1 602 368-3121. Daily 4PM-2AM. Basement bar and live music venue in downtown Phoenix that serves food and has a game room with darts, shuffleboard and a pool room. Some events have an admission charge and some events are free, check calendar on website for exact schedule and prices.
• Cobra Arcade Bar, 801 North 2nd Street, ☎ +1 602 595-5873. M-W 4PM-midnight, Th-Sa 4PM-2AM, Su noon-midnight. 3300-square-foot Arcade Bar (21 and over) that has 40 vintage arcade games like Ms. Pac Man, Centipede, etc (25 cents a play) that serves beer, wine and cocktails. Happy hour M-F from 4 to 7PM and a live DJ plays Th-Sa nights.
• SideBar, 1514 N 7th Ave (SW corner of 7th Ave & McDowell, above the Pei Wei and the Starbucks), ☎ +1 602 254-1646. 4PM-2AM. Great cocktail lounge with a hip, modern feel. Bartenders are pretty knowledgeable, and the beer selection, while all bottled, is pretty good. No food is really served here, but if you're hungry there's a Pei Wei Asian Diner just downstairs that you can grab a bite at.
• George and Dragon, 4240 N Central Ave, ☎ +1 602 241-0018. British pub offering traditional British food and imported beer.
• Linger Longer Lounge, 6522 N 16th St Ste 6, ☎ +1 602 264-4549. 4PM to 2AM daily. Neighborhood lounge with game room with electronic darts and arcade ball machines. 16 drafts or cocktails on tap and happy hour from 4PM to 7PM on weekdays and all day Sunday with drink and food specials. A takeaway case with beer and wine to go is available.
• Rosie McCaffreys Irish Pub, 906 East Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 241-1916. 11AM to 2AM daily. Irish pub with daily specials, happy hour everyday (4 to 7PM) and live music Wednesday through Saturday.
• Fuego Bar & Grill, 9118 W Van Buren St, Tolleson, ☎ +1 623 478-7300.
• MercBar, 2525 E Camelback Rd (SE corner of 24th St and Camelback), ☎ +1 602 508-9449. A high-end local place with a 'speakeasy' feel to it. It is hidden in the plaza with no sign, but once found it proves to be worth the trouble. Live jazz on Tuesdays.
• Postino Wine Cafe, 3939 E Campbell Ave (Campell is halfway between Indian School Rd and Camelback Ave, with the best access via 40th St from either road), ☎ +1 602 852-3939. M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10PM. A wine cafe in the former Arcadia post office. In addition to wines, the cafe features panninis and salads. The cafe also offers $5 glasses of wine each day until 4PM.
• Half Moon Sports Grill, 2121 East Highland Ave, ☎ +1 602 977-2700. Upscale sports bar with lots of TVs to watch games. Happy hour M-F (3PM to 7PM).
• The Little Woody, 4228 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, ☎ +1 602 955-0339. 4PM-2AM. A hip place to enjoy libations and games. $$.
• The Yard (Culinary Dropout), 5640 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, ☎ +1 602 680-4040. Don't have room for your own party, bring it here! Spirits flow, games galore, and lots of friends to visit with.
• Honor Amongst Thieves, 5538 N 7th St #100, Phoenix, AZ 85014, ☎ +1 602 313-1001. Su-Th 6PM-midnight, F Sa 6PM-2AM. Craft cocktails and a large whiskey list are offered in this speakeasy style lounge.
• The Whining Pig, 1612 Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, ☎ +1 602 633-2134. 3PM-midnight. Eclectic neighborhood bar with very limited space and classic table games.
• The Grand, 718 North Central Ave, ☎ +1 602 795-8552. Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 24 hour coffee shop, bistro and bar that serves food in downtown Phoenix. Live events on some nights such as open mic storytelling and live music.

Sleep

• Hostelling International Phoenix (Metcalf House), 1026 N 9th St, ☎ +1 602 254-9803. Office hours 8AM-10AM and 5PM-10PM; 24 hour access once checked in. Wifi available for $1. Closed during July. $21 dorms, $35-45 privates. Non-HI members charged an extra nightly $3 fee.
• Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Avondale, 11460 W Hilton Way, Avondale, ☎ +1 623 882-3351. Includes such amenities as an on site grill, mp3 compatible clock radios, and an outdoor pool.
• Homewood Suites Phoenix-Avondale, 11450 W Hilton Way, Avondale, ☎ +1 623 882-3315.
• Homewood Suites Phoenix North/Happy Valley, 2470 W Charlotte Dr, ☎ +1 623 580-1800. All suites have a fully equipped kitchen. Hot breakfast buffet, Welcome Home reception M-Th evenings, free hi-speed internet access, business center, outdoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center.
• Hyatt Place Phoenix North, 10838 N 25th Ave, ☎ +1 602 997-8800. Just north of downtown Phoenix and a short distance from the new Glendale Arena and Cardinals Football Stadium.
• Premier Inns, 8399 W Lynwood St, Tolleson, ☎ +1 623 533-4660. This hotel features such amenities as a heated pool, continental breakfast, and high speed internet access.
• Sleep Inn Phoenix North, 18235 N 27th Ave, ☎ +1 602 504-1200, fax: +1 602 504-6100. A North Phoenix hotel near Deer Valley Airport.
• Courtyard Phoenix West/Avondale, 1650 N. 95th Ln, ☎ +1 623 271-7660. Free hi-speed internet access, business center, meeting/banquet facilities, outdoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center. On-site cafe and cozy lounge area.
• Courtyard Phoenix Camelback, 2101 E Camelback Rd (in the Town & Country Center at 20th St and Camelback, to the W of Bookstar and behind the restaurants in the W part of the center parking lot), ☎ +1 602 955-5200. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Midrange hotel that is 1/2 mi from the Biltmore Fashion Park shopping area and Camelback Esplanade, and about a mile from the Arizona Biltmore resort. Midrange hotel.
• Courtyard Phoenix Airport, 2621 S 47th St, ☎ +1 480 966-4300. $70-120.
• Courtyard Phoenix North, 9631 N Black Canyon Hwy, ☎ +1 602 944-7373. Renovated guest rooms and near Chase Field.
• Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley, 2335 W Pinnacle Peak Rd (I-17 and Pinnacle Peak Rd), ☎ +1 623 879-8800.
• Embassy Suites Biltmore Hotel, 2630 E Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 955-3992.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Phoenix, 2520 N Central Ave, ☎ +1 602 716-9900. 10 minutes or so from Sky Harbor Airport and right in the heart of midtown Phoenix north of the Heard Museum.
• Hampton Inn Phoenix-Airport North, 601 North 44th St (off of the 44th Street exit), ☎ +1 602 267-0606, fax: +1 602-267-9767. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Offers free 24-hour airport shuttle, complimentary breakfast, high speed internet and spacious rooms.
• Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Ave, ☎ +1 602 253-4121, toll-free: +1-866-253-4121. A boutique hotel that is a historic state landmark and a tourist site. Built in 1928 it is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and The National Trust of Historic Preservation. It has a heated rooftop pool with sundeck and a Vietnamese restaurant in the hotel. In the middle of downtown Phoenix near a Phoenix light rail station.
• The Legacy Golf Resort, 6808 S 32nd St, ☎ +1 602 305-5500. 328 oversized condominiums, all with fully equipped kitchens or sleek kitchen-bars and washer/dryers.
• Residence Inn Phoenix Airport, 801 North 44th St, ☎ +1 602 273-9220. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Extended stay accommodations include full size kitchens and free internet. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet served daily.
• Residence Inn Phoenix Desert View at Mayo Clinic, 5665 E Mayo Blvd, ☎ +1 480 563-1500. Extended stay hotel in North Phoenix next to the Phoenix Mayo Clinic.
• Sheraton Crescent Hotel, 2620 W Dunlap Ave, ☎ +1 602 943-8200.
• SpringHill Suites Phoenix Downtown, 802 E Van Buren St, ☎ +1 602 307-9929. All-suite hotel with microwave, fridge, free wired/wireless internet in every room. Pool, small gym, free breakfast, free airport shuttle. From $150.
• Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E Missouri Ave (enter off 24th St at Missouri), ☎ +1 602 955-6600. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Not only a place to see, it has historically been the place to stay in the area for those not afraid to pay top dollar. The resort features all the expected amenities and services. The resort is between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, sitting along the smaller mountains between the two larger peaks. High end resort pricing.
• Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, ☎ +1 602 438-9000. A luxury resort in a desert oasis at the base of South Mountain Preserve in Arizona. Features a championship golf course, a luxury spa, vacation villas, dining at six restaurants and The Oasis Water Park.
• The Clarendon Hotel, 401 W Clarendon Ave, ☎ +1 602 252-7363. Part of the Midtown Museum District, independent boutique hotel with free international calls and an amazing pool area.
• Hotel Palomar, 2 East Jefferson St (1 block from Washington/Central station light rail station), ☎ +1 602 253-6633. Boutique hotel at Cityscape shopping and entertainment center with all 242 rooms having city and mountain views. 3rd floor outdoor pool and lounge which is open all year offers views of downtown Phoenix. $119-340, depending on time of year.
• Hyatt Regency Phoenix, 122 N Second St, ☎ +1 602 252-1234. Very centrally located, across the street from the Convention Center. Glass elevator to 13th floor popular with locals for views. Rotating restaurant on top floor. $100-130.
• Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, 7677 N 16th St (on 16th St N of Glendale Ave, S of Northern Ave), ☎ +1 602 997-2626. Major resort close to Piestewa Peak, this was the original Pointe resort built in the Valley. It used to be referred to only as the Pointe. With the addition of other Pointe Hilton resorts (at Tapatio Cliffs to the northwest and the former Pointe South Mountain, now the Arizona Grand Resort) the name was changed to Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak. Then the mountain's name was changed to Piestewa Peak. To locals, both the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak and the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs are known for their waterparks, with multiple pools, cabanas and even a waterslide. High resort pricing.
• Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 50 E Adams St, ☎ +1 602-333-0000.
• Royal Palms Resort & Spa, 5200 E Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 840-3610. The resort is at the base of Camelback Mountain, between the Biltmore area and downtown Scottsdale, 7 mi from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This luxury resort features 119 rooms in a variety of configurations: casitas, luxury rooms, spa suites, and villas. The resort also features a luxury spa, dining options and meeting & event facilities.
• The Camby, 2401 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, ☎ +1 602 468-0700. Across the street from the upscale Biltmore Fashion Park. The former Ritz Carlton was remade into this sleek, contemporary luxury hotel with southwestern touches and modern technology. Upgraded rooms add mountain views. Room service is available 24/7.

Learn

Phoenix is home to Arizona State University (ASU), one of the major schools in the USA, with an enrollment of over 67,000 students. ASU has 4 campuses across Greater Phoenix and offers additional program options via ASU Online, the university's online platform. It is one of the premier research schools in America.

In addition to ASU, Phoenix has a number of campuses for colleges and universities. The University of Phoenix is just one of the examples.

Keep Connected

Internet

There is a very small internet bar/cafe culture in the USA. Even then most of the internet bars/cafes tend be located in major urban centers. Accessible WiFi networks, however, are common. The most generally useful WiFi spots are in coffee shops, fast-food chains, and bookshops, but also restaurants and hotels more and more have a network to connect on. Some of them might require you to buy something and you might need a password too, especially in hotels.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The general emergency phone number is 911. The USA has a great landline phone system that is easy to use. The country code for the U.S. is +1. The rest of the telephone number consists of 10 digits: a 3-digit area code, and a 7-digit number. Any small grocery store or pharmacy has pre paid domestic or international phone cards. These phone cards are very cheap and offer good rates. The once ubiquitous pay phone is now much harder to find. Likely locations include in or near stores and restaurants, and near bus stops. The cellphone network in the states is slowly getting better but is still not as good when compared to other western countries. Cell phones tend to operate using different frequencies (850 MHz and 1900 MHz) from those used elsewhere in the world (2100 MHz). This used to prevent most foreign phones from working in America. Phones must be tri- or quad-band to work in the U.S. Fortunately, technology has meant that most phones should now be able to pick up one of the U.S. networks. Prepaid phones and top-up cards can be purchased at mobile phone boutiques and at many discount, electronics, office supply and convenience stores. A very basic handset with some credit can be had for under $40.

Post

The US Postal Service is a very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. Although some might keep longer hours, most are open at least between 9:00am and 5:00pm. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. First-class international airmail postcards and letters (up 28.5 grams) cost $1.10. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS, TNT and DHL, which might be better value sometimes and are generally very quick and reliable too.

External Links

• Official Phoenix Governmental Website
• Official Tourism Website