Phoenix is a fascinating city full of surprises – get a professional guide to show you the many sides of the capital of Arizona.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Think Arizona and you might think of a desert landscape with not much happening. This definitely isn’t the case, or at least not in the capital Phoenix. Phoenix (or the ‘Valley of the Sun’ to locals) is a city with a lot to discover. The fifth-largest city in the US has sophisticated eating and drinking options, from craft beer to innovative restaurants, with world-class resorts and golf courses, captivating arts and nature reserves, as an historic downtown. All this plus year-round sun – what’s not to love? Here are five of the best Phoenix city and sightseeing tours.
Phoenix Family Fun: Art, Parks & Culture Walk
Checking out arts and culture can be a cue for the kids to say ‘we’re bored’. This guided tour aims to change all that with a journey into the heart of Phoenix’s vibrant culture and tranquil green spaces. It’s aimed at families so the guides know how to keep the little ones engaged, taking in the fascinating corridors of the Phoenix Art Museum, embracing the free spaces of Margaret T. Hance Park, and then finding peace (hopefully) in the Japanese Friendship Garden. The key to making this tour a great day out is its canny mix of relaxation, education, and entertainment, with some great photo opps to remember the two-hour slice of family time. From €500 per group up to four.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Phoenix’s Pulse: A Vibrant Urban Adventure
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Another tour that tries to do things a bit different from the average history trudge is this one, excitingly-named ‘a vibrant urban adventure’. It’s not quite an Indiana Jones-spec adventure but it is a bubbly whisk around the delights of Phoenix’s downtown, taking in the different facets of the city’s history and character. You’ll be checking out Art Deco towers, historical theatres and public buildings, as well as landmark buildings such as the 1931 Orpheum Lofts. This is the kind of tour where you don’t need to be a a history buff or architecture addict, but if you are you’ll love it too – it’s fun and informative. From €346 per group up to four.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Downtown Phoenix Food Tour
This top-rated tour in Phoenix is as much about the tastes of Phoenix as the sights and sounds. It’s perfect for anyone new to the city, with tastings and drinks included as you tour Downtown. Foodies get to check out the offerings at five Phoenix restaurants, with a knowledgeable guide explaining the most popular items on the menu, as well as a background on the city’s gastronomy. Tastings on offer are a diverse range, from Birria taco to Thai tom yum soup with chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. As an added bonus, you’ll get a history of Phoenix and its historic buildings and hidden tunnels as you travel between eateries. From €86.35.
Book at Viator.com
Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghosts with Ghost Hunting Tools
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Now for something completely different. For anyone who prefers exploring the charms of the paranormal rather than normal city life, this tour turns tourists into modern-day ghostbusters. OK so you won’t be catching Slimer to take back as a souvenir but you will get to use professional ghost hunting equipment, including spirit boxes and emf detectors. The tour starts at the infamous Heritage Square Park, the only remaining historic block from early Phoenix, and then on to some of the city’s spookiest haunted spots, undertaking mini paranormal investigations as you go. It certainly is a tour with a difference. From € 36.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour
What’s great about doing a haunted pub tour is that you’ll probably get to see some sort of spirits before the night is done. This tour is all about having fun away from the standard city walking tours, visiting haunted pubs and hotels with colorful reputations. The guides really know their stuff, with tales of true-crimes to stories of the city’s seedy underbelly. The tour is brisk and engaging, with the chance to try some of Phoenix’s beers along the way. It’s all done with a small group to ensure everyone can get involved, listen to the spooky tales and ask questions if needed. From €70.39.
Book at Viator.com