Phoenix in 1 Day: everything you need to know

To get to know the fifth largest city in the United States in depth, it is recommended to make room in the agenda to visit Phoenix in 3 days or more, given the amount of activities and interesting places to visit. However, by following this guide you can see the highlights of the Valley of the Sun in just 24 hours.

With a map of activities, prices and schedules, you'll be able to participate in the best things to see and do in Phoenix and make the most of your stay.

I propose an itinerary with 8 highlights and a variety of activities ranging from a hot air balloon flight, to entry to one of the best museums in Phoenix, lunch in the bars of Old Town Scottsdale to hiking. You have it all in 24 hours!

Once you've flown over the city, follow this map. It covers 23.5 kilometres with different places of interest that you can visit on your own by car, or if you feel like it you can book a bike tour to share the experience with other travellers, and also to have a local guide to customise the ride according to the season of your visit. Now let's get going!

Start the day floating over Phoenix in a hot air balloon. You'll see the city come to life from above as you enjoy one of Arizona's most evocative landscapes. At your feet will be Scottsdale and Monument Valley with its crimson mesas and iconic monoliths. You'll also be able to see the Sonoran Desert in the distance.

Best of all, many of the operators allow you to arrange airport shuttles - check at the time of your balloon ride booking. Also, to start the day with an adrenaline rush, you can participate in the preparation of the balloon, and at the end of the ride, breakfast is included.

The activity has an approximate cost of 190 € per person, it will be about 3 hours of fun. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture unforgettable moments of this fascinating aerial journey.

Once you land, your tour starts very close to the airport, at the Pueblo Grande Archaeological Museum, a must-see in the city. It is a National Historic Landmark and the largest preserved archaeological site in Phoenix. It tells the story of the ancient native Hohokam people who lived here for more than 1,000 years, until around 1450 AD.

You'll see what remains of houses, storehouses, playgrounds and burial grounds along an easy walking trail. Also on display are artefacts, artworks and ornaments discovered during excavations. This "hidden gem" was renamed in early 2023 to honour the original people.

It will now be known as the S'edav Va'aki Museum and anyone wishing to learn about the roots of Phoenix should stop by at 4619 East Washington St. Tickets are available from €6 per person, and the museum is open Monday-Saturday from 09:00-16:45 hours and Sunday from 13:00-16:45 hours.

1.8 kilometres from the S'edav Va'aki Museum is your next stop, the Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights. This Mediterranean-style castle with its elegant architecture and lush gardens is considered a**"Jewel in the Sonoran Desert**".

Walk through the castle grounds as you admire the castle's armoured towers. Learn about the history of this peculiar construction and its cultural importance in the area since 1920. Enjoy this place full of charm and mystery. Located at 5025 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, it is visible to all, but secluded by 18 hectares of desert surrounding the structure.

Tickets are available from 19 € per person, and opening hours are Friday-Sunday 07:30-12:30 hours and Thursday 09:00-12:00 hours.

Located 1.9 kilometres from Tovrea Castle, between 625 and 626 N. Galvin Pkwy, Papago Park or Papago Saguaro offers exceptional hiking trails and a wide range of recreational facilities. In addition, the park features an archery range, fishing activities and golf course, incidentally, home to the Arizona State Sun Devils golf team.

The park is composed primarily of sandstone, known for its massive hills that rise and fall throughout the area. The interlocking trails are easy-medium level, making it a popular place for running and biking.

You can also visit Hunt's Tomb, a pyramidal mausoleum where Arizona's first governor, George W.P. Hunt, rests. And that's not all, Papago Park is home to four of the region's most visited attractions:

Hole-in-the-Rock

Just 1.6 kilometres from the entrance to Papago Park is the Hole-in-the-Rock , a hiking trail famous for its distinctive character. Formerly quite crowded, it is now reported by National Geographic as one of Papago Saguaro's most uncrowded bends.

At only 5 kilometres round trip, it offers a spectacular finish, especially at sunset. Visitors must climb about 70 metres of steps to reach a viewpoint overlooking the nearby lagoons. According to historians, the ancient Hohokam civilisation that inhabited this region used the rock formation to track the position of the sun through a hole at the top.

This monument has public toilets, picnic areas and a car park nearby. You can visit during park hours from 05:00-19:00 hours or make it one of your things to do in Phoenix at night because the trails stay open until 23:00 hours at 625 N Galvin Pkwy. And guess what,it's free!

Phoenix Zoo

For those who want to enjoy nature with the kids, without worrying about keeping their attention, the Phoenix Zoo is a great option just 1.6 kilometres from the Hole-in-the-Rock.

The attraction features four trails that pass through the habitats of more than 3,000 animals including "Chutti", the one-horned rhinoceros and the shy giant anteater. For those with tired feet, the 25-minute safari cruise may be the best option if you agree to an additional supplement to your Phoenix Zoo ticket.

This zoo is open Monday to Sunday from 09:00 - 17:00 hours, except in winter when it closes at 13:00 hours. General admission costs approximately €35 per person.

Desert Botanical Garden

Continue the walk inside Papago Park for 800 metres to reach the Desert Botanical Garden where just over 56 hectares of land form an oasis in the middle of the desert. This is home to 50,000 species of plants.

Here you can stroll along the garden's tranquil paths, attend fun events, dine in its restaurants and learn about life in the desert. In addition, during the months of July to September they offer experiences such as lantern nights, storytelling and garden parties, a family delight from morning to night.

This is one of the recommended stops for things to do in Phoenix in the summer and admission is available from €27 per person to enter during its regular opening hours Monday to Sunday 07:00 - 20:00 hours.

Firemen's Flame Hall Museum

600 metres from the Phoenix Botanical Gardens, at 6101 E Van Buren St, the Hall of Flame Museum offers visitors an extraordinary insight into the rich and fascinating history of firefighting and the heroes who have been involved.

This museum focuses on relevant information as well as the history of technology in this field since 1725. It houses an impressive collection of restored fire engines from 1865, when they were still horse-drawn. The collection follows a timeline of firefighters' means of transport, as well as other iconic fire service implements.

Tickets for the Flame Hall Museum are available from €19 per person, and opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00-18:00.

After you've finished your stroll through Papago Park it's time to recharge your batteries and the options around here are quite varied. If you're in the mood for vegan food, head to Green New American Vegetarian where the cheesesteak and generally all the sandwiches are the talk of the town.

For traditional Mexican food Los Sombreros welcomes you with a feast at great prices. And if gourmet is your style, Olive & Ivy is the place to visit. In any case, within a 3-kilometre radius of the park you'll find at least 20 restaurants and cafes to choose from before moving on to your next stop.

After resting and recharging, admire the city from Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, one of the most scenic hiking destinations.

At over 700 metres high, the summit offers spectacular views of Phoenix and Scottsdale. You can reach this point from the 4-kilometre Echo Canyon Trail out-and-back, but be aware that it's a steep incline. If you prefer an easier hike, the 4.2km Cholla Trail on the east side of the mountain offers a gentler grade. You can also explore the beginner-friendly trails around the base of Camelback, such as Bobby's Rock Trail.

For a day trip through the Valley of the Sun, this hike allows you to see the town from the inside, just like the locals do. Travellers say the breathtaking views make the challenging trip worthwhile, but warn that it's not suitable for people with low stamina. If that's the case, you can also join one of Phoenix's desert tours.

Ten miles from Camelback Mountain is the Musical Instrument Museum, also known as the MIM, a one-of-a-kind attraction. This is the only musical instrument museum in the world that exhibits pieces from over 200 countries.

The collection exceeds 8,000 instruments, exhibits and iconic artefacts such as Berta Rojas' guitar, Elvis Presley's guitar, John Lennon's piano and pieces from many other notable artists such as Carlos Santana, Taylor Swift and Johnny Cash.

Visitors to this museum in Phoenix can enjoy many activities divided between interactive galleries such as the Encore Gallery, a favourite with the little ones, and the Experience Gallery where adults and children put their musical skills to the test. Best of all, almost all activities are included with the purchase of your ticket to the Musical Instrument Museum.

One of the special features of the MIM are its collections of folk, ethnic and tribal music instruments. The most notable instruments to remember are the Steinwig piano and the incredible 10-foot octabass that plays tones so low that humans can't detect them. If you're looking for things to do in Phoenix with kids that parents will also enjoy, this stop should be on your itinerary.

After visiting the Musical Instrument Museum, you can end the day by enjoying the vibrant bar scene in Old Town Scottsdale. This area offers a wide selection of bars and establishments to relax and enjoy a drink at the end of the day. Some popular bars in the area include:

• The Rusty Spur Saloon: an authentic old west saloon with live music and a lively atmosphere.
• Merkin Vineyards: a wine bar where the vineyard-to-table slogan is their motto. You can do a wine tasting and sophisticated cocktails.
• Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row: a country music venue and sports bar with good music and a lively atmosphere.
• Gilligan's Bar & Grill: an outdoor, tiki bar with a large terrace and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a cold beer.

I would recommend walking around the area and choosing the bar that most appeals to you, depending on your preferences, you will find the ideal place to end this fabulous day with a toast.