36 hours in Phoenix, AZ: What to see, eat and do

Planning a weekend in Phoenix, AZ? Here’s how to plan the perfect 36 hours in this sunny city.

I’ve been to Phoenix twice now, and both times this low-lying city has surprised me.

The first thing that surprised me about Phoenix? The capital city of Arizona is the fifth largest city in the United States.

What else surprised me about this fast-growing city? Amazing food (I never ate a bad meal), a fun art scene and a warm, welcoming community. And palm trees! I never expected palm trees.

If you’ve never been to Phoenix, now’s the time to plan a trip to discover why it’s so great. To help you out, I’ve put together this 36 hours in Phoenix travel guide (I’m feeling so New York Times right now!) so you can plan the perfect long weekend.

This guide is cobbled together from my separate visits to the city, curating only the best things to do, see and eat.

A clear sky with several palm trees of varying heights, their fronds illuminated by the sunlight. You'll see plenty of palm trees on a weekend in Phoenix!

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What's in this article (Click to view)

Itinerary snapshot

Here’s a quick overview of how I recommend spending a weekend in Phoenix.

Day 1 (Friday night): Dinner + cocktails downtown
Day 2: Murals + Desert Botanical Garden + museum visit
Day 3: Sunrise hot air balloon ride or visit to Taliesen West before flying out!

Do you need a car for this Phoenix visit? For everything I’ve suggested Uber/Lyft will be fine for most stops, but a car will help for some of the recommendations I have that are further out of the city. Check DiscoverCars to compare rental cars.

Map of Phoenix things to do

Here’s everything on this Phoenix weekend itinerary in a map so you can plan out your trip.

Friday PM

Your 36 hours in Phoenix is going to be packed, so start by easing into the weekend somewhere that lets you graze and sip without overwhelming you.

The Churchill (901 N 1st St) is the perfect first stop. It’s a lively little hub built from a mishmash of shipping containers, with multiple food options and bars in one place – ideal if you’ve just stumbled off a flight and want something low-fuss. Grab a cocktail or beer, pick whatever you’re craving (tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas – it changes depending on what’s open), and take a seat. It’s casual and buzzy, especially on a Friday night.

An indoor dining area with an industrial ceiling, pendant lights, and a mix of patrons seated at wooden tables, enjoying their meals. The Churchill in Phoenix AZ is a fun place for a drink or bite to eat. — The Churchill (chilled during the day, buzzier at night!)

If you’re keen to keep the night going after The Churchill, you’ve got two excellent options nearby. Bitter & Twisted (1 W Jefferson St) is the go-to for cocktails — it’s set inside the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters (how ironic), and the cocktail list is as fun as it is seriously well done. Prefer something more playful? Head to Cobra Arcade Bar (801 N 2nd St #100) for pinball, retro games and a drink with the young crowd.

All of these spots are in/near Downtown, so it’s an easy Uber hop if you’re staying nearby.

Saturday AM

Rise bright and early and start the weekend in Phoenix by grabbing a table at Phoenix breakfast staple Matt’s Big Breakfast (825 N 1^st St). The line gets long here pretty early on – but never fear: if you want to sleep in, breakfast is served all day.

The breakfasts here are hearty, and I recommend the omelette bursting with mushrooms and cheddar cheese or the fluffy pancakes dripping with maple syrup.

A vibrant mural on a wall depicting a cartoon chicken in a blue truck with the words "Keep Your Sunny Side Up". Matt's Big Breakfast is one of the most popular places to eat in Phoenix.

After filling up, head across the street to Roosevelt Row to stroll the mural-lined street and alleyways, and check out the art galleries.

A large mural on a building featuring two bears standing against a backdrop of a heart, with a blue sky behind them. There are so many great murals to see on a weekend in Phoenix.

A colorful mural covering a long wall, with cloud-like patterns in vibrant hues and two abstract door shapes in the center. Make sure you include street art on your Phoenix itinerary.

Later in the morning head over to the Desert Botanical Garden (1201 N Galvin Pkwy) to learn about the more than 55,000 plants that fill the 140-acre garden. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Phoenix, and for good reason.

As the name suggests, the garden showcases plants that have adapted to harsh desert conditions. You’ll be wowed by the colourful desert flowers and Instagram-worthy cactus plants that tower over visitors.

Check the website before you book tickets to see if they have any special events on, such as the regular flashlight tours. Try to be there before midday to avoid the hottest part of the day, especially in the summer months.

A desert garden with various cacti, including tall saguaros and prickly pears, with a mountain backdrop under a partly cloudy sky. The flowers and plants at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix are stunning. — Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden

After all that walking around, you’ll need more food. 36 hours in Phoenix doesn’t give you enough time to eat at all the best restaurants in Phoenix, but one you must try is Pizzeria Bianco (623 E Adams St). This restaurant has received acclaim for having the best pizza in the entire United States.

Owned by Bronx-born, James Beard award-winning chef Chris Bianco, you know you’re in for some serious New York-style pizza. Nosh on the Sonny Boy, draped with fresh mozzarella, salami and olives. Prepare for a wait during peak times, but don’t let this deter you from putting it on your Phoenix itinerary.

The front facade of Pizzeria Bianco, a brick building with a large sign over a covered patio where patrons are seated. Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix AZ serves up some of the best pizza in the entire country.

Saturday PM

In the afternoon, pick a museum or two from Phoenix’s outstanding collection to explore.

The Musical Instrument Museum (4725 E Mayo Blvd) may not sound that exciting, but once you’re inside this popular Phoenix attraction, roaming through more than 6,000 musical instruments (including pieces played by Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Maroon 5), you’ll find it hard to drag yourself away. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Pizzeria Bianco.

Visitors observing a collection of musical instruments, including a large upright bass, in a museum exhibit. The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is a must-visit on a weekend in Phoenix itinerary. — The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix

The Heard Museum (2301 N Central Ave) highlights American Indian culture and art, both historical and modern. A key exhibit is the American Indian Boarding School Stories collection, which shares the impacts of a little-known period of American history. From the late 1800s, American Indian children were taken from their families and sent to boarding schools to become “civilised”. It’s a haunting exhibit about a policy that bears remarkable similarities to the Stolen Generation period of my own country, Australia.

The Phoenix Art Museum (1625 N Central Ave) has more than 19,000 works in its permanent collection, covering American, Asian, Latin American, and modern and contemporary art. Prepare to spend a few hours exploring.

If you’re visiting Phoenix with little ones, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix (215 N 7^th St) should be next on your list of places to visit in Phoenix. The museum focuses on hands-on learning for kids up to the age of 10.

For dinner, try the small sharing plates or a cheese and charcuterie board at Postino (5144 N Central Ave), paired with a glass of wine or two from their extensive menu.

A table with dishes of food including sweet potato fries, skewered meat on a creamy white sauce, and a tomato and cheese salad, with a glass of white wine. Grab dinner at Postino when you visit Phoenix.

Indulge your sweet tooth at Sweet Republic (6054 N 16^th St), one of Phoenix’s best ice cream shops. And if it’s summer when you visit, eating ice cream is by far one of the best things to do in Phoenix to help you cool down!

After you’ve sampled as many flavours as you want, choose the Campfire S’more sundae: heavenly chocolate ice cream and hot fudge in a waffle bowl, topped with a marshmallow that’s toasted right in front of you.

A hand holding a waffle cone with a scoop of ice cream topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce against a brick wall. The ice cream at Sweet Republic is divine - a must-eat when you're in Phoenix for 36 hours!

Sunday AM

Since it’s your last few hours in Phoenix, get up early and make the most of them.

Like, really early.

Set the alarm for 3am because this morning you’re heading up, up and away in a hot air balloon.

One of the most beautiful ways to see the desert is from above, and on a ride with Hot Air Expeditions. From above, you’ll see the desert waking up, the sun slowly stretching across the vast expanse, rabbits and coyotes darting across the dirt, and more cacti than you can count.

A hot air balloon with a cactus design floating in a clear sky at dawn, with a distant landscape below. Soaring over the desert as the sun rises is a beautiful thing to do in Phoenix.

The hot air balloon ride departs about half an hour from Downtown Phoenix, but they’ll arrange a pick up so you can catch some extra z’s in the van.

The balloon ride finishes with a breakfast on the ground as the sun continues to rise – with champagne of course!

If this is all too early, then have a lazy morning before heading to Taliesen West. The former winter home of late architecture great Frank Lloyd Wright is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark. You can take a self-guided audio tour, which lasts around 60-75 minutes. You’ll learn more about the man himself, including that he had no formal education in architecture.

The first tours start at 9am (10am for some months of the year), so you’ll be able to squeeze in a visit before you head back to your hotel or Airbnb, pack up, check out and fly home.

Hopefully next time you visit you’ll have longer than just 36 hours in Phoenix!

If you have longer than 36 hours in Phoenix…

If you’ve got some more time up your sleeve, here are a few suggestions for more things to do in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. There are several smaller neighbourhoods that make up the greater Phoenix area, and each is easily accessible and filled with plenty of fun things to do!

Visit Scottsdale, an arty hub that’s home to plenty of hiking, golf courses and spas. Read more about what to do on a weekend in Scottsdale.
Discover the friendly community of Gilbert. There are plenty of things to do here, including goat yoga!
Explore Mesa, a suburb about 20 miles east of Phoenix, with many cultural and outdoor activities to keep you busy.

For some longer day trips from Phoenix (although I’d recommend planning a weekend around each so you can really enjoy them), go further afield in Arizona.

Visit Sedona and explore the stunning red rocks that surround this popular town. Here are my tips on what to do on a weekend in Sedona.
Visit the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You can hike down into the canyon or simply view it from the top of the rim. You could even hire an RV or campervan in Phoenix and take a few days to enjoy Arizona. Check out Motorhome Republic to find the right vehicle.

Where to stay in Phoenix

For this itinerary, the Downtown area is a good base. It’s walkable (although you’ll still need a car or plan to take Ubers).

As you’d expect, most hotels in the downtown area cater toward business travellers. But they’re still stylish and suitable for couples, families and groups of friends. Some recommended hotels include:

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape – get a great view of the city from the hotel’s rooftop terrace. There’s a swimming pool and spa. Check rates and book online at Expedia today.
The Westin Phoenix Downtown – all the comfort you’d expect of the Westin brand. It also has an outdoor pool to stay cool in the summer heat. Check rates online and book a stay.

How to get to Phoenix and how to get around

Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is super close to downtown, so you won’t be spending tonnes of time in an Uber or taxi when you land. PHX receives plenty of domestic flights from all across the country on a daily basis.

To get around Phoenix on this 36-hour itinerary, I’d recommend sticking with Uber or Lyft. Most of the locations I’ve recommended in this article are fairly close to each other (except for the Musical Instrument Museum and Taliesen West). However, if you have longer than 36 hours in Phoenix or want to get out to a few areas outside of town, you’ll need to rent a car.

A cityscape with various buildings, including a historic brick building and modern high-rises against a blue sky. Phoenix's downtown area is easy to get around, but you'll need a car to visit the outskirts of the city.

When to visit Phoenix

The all-important question: how hot is Phoenix? I’ve been twice, once in September and once in June and both times it was hot. June was SWELTERING. When I was out in the sun, my skin felt like it was on fire.

Still, Phoenix is worth a visit in summer, as you’ll find hotels going cheap and fewer crowds. You’ll just need to plan your activities to avoid prolonged time in the sun, and stay hydrated! Temperatures can easily rise beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Summer also brings monsoons, which means rain, wild thunderstorms and often flash floods.

The best time to visit Phoenix is from November to April, when temperatures are milder.

What to pack for a trip to Phoenix, Arizona

Plenty of sunscreen! The sun is strong in Phoenix. I love this non-greasy Neutrogena lotion.
A reusable water bottle so you stay hydrated in Phoenix’s dry heat. A collapsible water bottle like this one makes for easy carrying.
Moisturiser for even more hydration. This one is my favourite. It smells divine (and comes in a travel size which is perfect when packing for a weekend getaway to Phoenix).

Final thoughts: Weekend in Phoenix

Phoenix really surprised me. Both times I’ve visited I’ve left wanting to spend more time here. But in just 36 hours you can get a sense of this city: creative food and cocktails, genuine desert beauty, and an interesting art, culture and history scene.

This itinerary is pretty packed, so don’t stress if you skip a stop or swap things around. If you’ve only got a weekend in Phoenix, you can still make it count… and you might just find yourself as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Phoenix in 36 hours: FAQs

Do I need a car for this 36-hour Phoenix itinerary?

Not strictly. If you’re staying Downtown (around Roosevelt Row / Central Avenue), you can cover a lot with Uber/Lyft plus walking. That said, a car makes things easier if you’re planning to add anything further out.

Where’s the best area to stay for a quick weekend in Phoenix?

For a short trip, Downtown / Roosevelt Row is the easiest base: you’ll be close to bars, restaurants, murals and plenty of the spots in this itinerary. Midtown is also a nice area that’s still central.

Is 36 hours in Phoenix enough?

It’s enough for a really fun snapshot – great food, a hit of desert scenery and a few cultural stops. But it’s also the kind of place where you’ll leave with a list for “next time”, especially if you want to explore more hikes, day trips or the broader Valley.

What’s the best time of year to visit Phoenix?

The sweet spot is generally when days are warm but not scorching. Autumn through spring tends to be the most comfortable for being outdoors. Summer can be brutally hot, so you’ll want early mornings, indoor activities in the middle of the day and plenty of hydration.

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Have you been to Phoenix, Arizona? Any more tips for planning 36 hours in Phoenix? Drop them in the comments below!

Before you go… you might like these USA travel articles!

USA TRIP ESSENTIALS

Book flights to and around the USA online with Skyscanner. I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
Find a great hotel in the USA. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
Check out the huge range of day tours throughout the USA on GetYourGuide or Viator. I love a good food tour in particular!
Saving money? Check out the huge range of free walking tours across the USA with GuruWalk (don’t forget to tip!).
A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to the USA will be handy.
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