Spotlight.
This week the Spotlight shifts from the Tunisian desert island of Djerba, and focuses itself on the urban desert oasis nicknamed the Valley of the Sun. The Phoenix metropolitan area is one of the largest in the United States, sprawling across the unforgiving terrain of Sonoran Desert, the financial centre of Phoenix branches out to unravel numerous surrounding areas that are bustling and full of vibrant nightlife.
The exhilarating hubs of Downtown Phoenix and neighbouring city of Scottsdale—which falls under the metropolitan area—are constantly abuzz with rowdy locals and tourists, who mingle at raucous live country music venues, trendy craft beer bars and everything in between.
To assist any travellers taking a trip to Phoenix—and those who may be considering it—we have compiled an Interactive Map to help you navigate the expansive area with ease. If you are on the ground in Phoenix already, open up our map on your Google Maps app to see the best spots near you!
Direct flights between the UK and Phoenix are available via British Airways from Heathrow, typically beginning from around £800 return. You can obtain return flights for almost half the cost if you are willing to incorporate a connecting flight into your travels. Utilise the handy search tools on Skyscanner to view your intended month of travel, and pinpoint the cheapest dates on offer.
Some of the best museums in the US are located here in Phoenix, so if you need to escape the blistering heat during the day-time, a trip to some of these should be on your itinerary. Despite its Desert View location—half an hour north of Central Phoenix—the vast exhibit at the Museum of Musical Instruments continues to prove one of the most popular tourist draws in the area, even boasting a perfect rating on TripAdvisor from several thousands of verified reviews.
Nestled between Central Phoenix and Scottsdale, a definitive sight is the illustrious Desert Botanical Gardens, flaunting a formidable assembly of native vegetation that is hardy enough to flourish in the unforgiving desert environment. Marvelling at the array of giant cacti and dainty desert flowers is an easy way to pass the hours in the city. Straddling the fringes of the Phoenix urban area, the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is another essential visit for those willing to get active, offering panoramic views and truly beautiful hikes through unique terrain.
Rounding off the list of museums that you should visit, the most fascinating and culturally poignant museum in the area is the heralded Heard Museum, which preserves artefacts from the local Native American tribes who inhabited the area. It is a vital inclusion to any trip to Phoenix.
When the sun sets on the Valley of the Sun, locals seek refuge from the impending chill inside lively bars, clubs and live music venues scattered across the area. Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix are the places to be at the weekend especially, when the locals really let loose! Consider a visit to ThirdSpace to hang out with the alternative crowd of music lovers in Phoenix in the on-site beer garden, which is regularly a hive of activity with planned events across the year. On the other hand, if you are a fan of country music—or are just open to absorbing the local culture—look no further than Scottsdale's iconic Whiskey Row club, which is a rowdy night out for all involved!
💡 Apologies for breaking the secret here—but there's this really cool place 3 hours north of Phoenix called the Grand Canyon that quite a lot of people seem to dig a lot. Tours are available here—don't miss out when in town! If you want to know the best sights outside of the city, out Desert States Map also has you covered.
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