Often referred to as the “Land of the Desert Sun,” Phoenix is one of the more attractive metropolitan cities in the midst of the Arizona desert and mountain ranges. Much like many of the other desert regions, Arizona is a hotbed of cultural diversity and ethnic opportunities because of its proximity to the border of Mexico. The region also celebrates the Native American culture as it was once the home of several regional tribes. Currently, Phoenix is one of the top cities in the nation for commerce, entertainment and anything else you are looking for in an ideal vacation spot.

	Top rated hotels
	1. Residence Inn Phoenix Airport 801 North 44th Street (Downtown) 4. Hyatt Regency Phoenix 122 N 2nd Street (Downtown) 2. Doubletree Guest Suites Phoenix 320 North 44th St. 5. SpringHill Suites Phoenix Downtown 802 East Van Buren Street (Downtown) 3. Homewood Suites by Hilton® Phoenix-Metro Center 2536 Beryl Avenue 6. Courtyard Phoenix Airport 2621 South 47th Street (Downtown) View more Phoenix hotel info »«

	Top rated attractions
	In Phoenix 1. Walk around town in the Arizona Center This open mall is open for everybody who wants to go shopping or just people watch in the midst of it all. It is also close to the sports arenas and other large venues in the downtown Phoenix area. When there is a sporting event or another type of important event in the neighborhood, you will undoubtedly see a huge crowd meandering around the outdoor mall before and afterwards. The surrounding businesses include restaurants, various shopping opportunities and beautiful architecture that any visitor will be sure to appreciate.  « hide 2. Explore amazing architecture at St. Mary’s Basilica Inhabited and operated by actual Franciscan friars, St. Mary’s basilica has breathtaking architecture in the downtown Phoenix area. It was declared a National Historic Site in 1978 and it contains Arizona’s largest collection of stained glass windows. On Wednesday afternoons, you can take a tour of the glorious church and then purchase a souvenir at the gift shop at the end of the tour. The building is an important piece of Arizona history that you will definitely want to experience.  « hide 3. Get some culture at the Phoenix Art Museum Specializing in American, Asian, Latin American and Modern Art, the Phoenix Art Museum includes over 16,000 pieces of art altogether. At any one time, however, the museum displays approximately 1,000 pieces. The Phoenix Art Museum also has some of the premier traveling exhibits so you are sure to get the best that the art world has to offer every time you visit. You can take advantage of one of the guided tours and admission is free on Tuesdays. Don’t pass up this opportunity when you’re in the central Arizona region.  « hide 4. Watch the animals at the Phoenix Zoo With over 1300 animals in this huge zoo, this is one of the premier facilities in the nation. The Phoenix Zoo has several themes that make visitors interested and you can even take a safari train for a more exciting experience. With strollers and wheelchairs available, you can bring the entire family for a fun day of watching the animals together. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a lovely picnic in one of the picnic areas and then buy a souvenir at the gift shop to have a memento of your day.  « hide 5. Get your breath taken away by the Apache Trail’s scenery Along the Salt River in central Arizona, you can take a drive along the famous Apache Trail. Here is where you will see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the desert region. With over 48 miles of views of the mountains and man-made lakes, it’s the perfect tourist activity for everybody. You will also appreciate driving through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest because you can get out of your car and get a better look around at the surrounding nature.  « hide

	Top rated restaurants
	1. Carolina’s Mexican Food Carolina’s Mexican Food, Phoenix, gives diners the opportunity to enjoy authentic food with fresh ingredients. Regulars have enjoyed the menu items so much that the restaurant has added bulk items to their menu that you can take home with you to enjoy for many meals to come.  « hide 6. Bev’s Kitchen Bev’s Kitchen, Phoenix, is a local Phoenix favorite with southern favorites. Order one of their famous southern dishes with a side of something southern, too. You won’t be disappointed.  « hide 2. On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Mexican Grill and Cantina, Phoenix, is an excellent choice for Mexican food with flare. In addition to the delicious seafood and margaritas, enjoy the chips and salsa before your dinner arrives.  « hide 7. Lib's Ribs Lib’s Ribs, Phoenix, has a funny name but serious taste. The restaurant’s barbecue menu items have a local flavor with friendly service. The southern hospitality abounds in this relaxed dining facility.  « hide 3. Los Dos Molinos Los Dos Molinas, Phoenix, is ideal for cuisine characteristic of the Rio Grande. Located in the Phoenix Valley, you can expect to get very hot and spicy menu items from this well-established eatery.  « hide 4. Phoenix City Grill Phoenix City Grill, Phoenix, is a casual business eatery with a bar and excellent service. The dark and intimate atmosphere make it an ideal place for a relaxing evening dinner, too.  « hide 5. Mrs White's Golden Rule Cafe Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café, Phoenix, serves up authentic southern-style dishes with a friendly staff. Try the fried chicken or pork chops, but remember what you eat. Instead of writing it down, this restaurant relies on the honor system when it comes time to pay your bill.  « hide

	Phoenix Insider tips
	1. Go tubing along the Salt River Many Phoenix locals and visitors enjoy tubing down the serene and peaceful Salt River. Surrounded by wildlife and nature’s beauty, going down the river is a fun and relaxing activity that the entire family can enjoy. In recent years, the large number of people have polluted the river and it is often crowded. If you can find the right time, though, you can enjoy the Salt River with very few others around.  « hide 2. See Frank Lloyd Wright’s magnificent Talliesin West This residence and architectural school was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s revolutionary concepts. Even though it is in nearby Scottsdale, visitors to Phoenix have quick access to this attraction because of the highways that connect the two cities. At one time, this area was a natural scene but the buildings and triangular pool are the spot’s greatest attractions now.  « hide 3. Enjoy outdoor activities more during the winter months Since Phoenix is often unbearably hot during the summer months, outdoor activities are typically more enjoyable during the winter months. Between November and March, the region is home to several festivals and events that the people enjoy in weather that averages about 80 degrees. Some baseball teams even have their spring training in Phoenix because of its comfortable winter weather. You can even catch one of their practice sessions if you plan your trip during March.  « hide 4. Traffic in Phoenix is a pain Try to stay away from the highways and busy roads during the morning and evening rush hours if you want to keep your sanity. There are many more accidents during these two times of the day in Phoenix than any other part of the day. If you cannot avoid driving through this densely populated area during rush hour, drive carefully and be observant of what other drivers are doing. This will help you stay safe if you need to drive in the middle of horrible traffic in Phoenix.  « hide 5. The Phoenix sun can be harmful if you’re not careful No matter what you do in Phoenix, always keep a supply of water and sunscreen with you. Even if you are taking a driving tour, keep water with you in case something happens. In the dry desert heat and blistering Phoenix sun, you can quickly get dehydrated if you are outdoors for any amount of time. Also, wear a hat to shield your face and eyes from the sun as well as long sleeves and pants. Sunburns can occur in a matter of minutes so it is easier to err on the side of caution.  « hide 6. Public transportation in Phoenix isn’t that great Although the bus system reaches many points throughout Phoenix and the surrounding area, it is oftentimes inconvenient. The bus stops are not normally shaded which leaves riders exposed to the sun and 120 degrees of heat. The buses also stop running at 9 PM while others stop at 7 PM. You could get stuck somewhere if you miss one of the busses. To avoid this, you can take advantage of the taxi system in the city or rent a car from one of the local auto rental companies.  « hide

	Phoenix nightlife
	In Phoenix 1. Rhythm Room Not only does this favorite nightspot offer blues bands and local acts, but it also has a friendly staff that is dedicated to you having an enjoyable experience. Since 1991, the Rhythm Room has offered a place that fans of all types of music can gather and enjoy different genres together. Rockabilly, swing and R&B are just a few other options that patrons have when they visit.  « hide 2. Rednecks Saloon Pool, drinking and dancing are the three activities that define this bar. Live bands frequent throughout the week and you can even catch karaoke nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays. With no cover charge, Phoenix residents and visitors of all ages enjoy coming here for a night fun.  « hide 3. Alice Cooper’s Town Sports Bar and Grill The original shock rocker has arrived in the bar scene and created a successful sports bar that many people enjoy. The waiters and waitresses wear makeup in the fashion that Alice Cooper made famous so many years ago. An outdoor stage, huge TV screens and great food make this a great place to spend a weekend evening.  « hide 4. Merc Bar The upscale atmosphere of this posh hotspot is one of Phoenix’s main nighttime attractions. Hidden away from plain view, you can typically expect to run into celebrities and athletes that are vacationing in the area. Order a specialty martini in this trendy bar and enjoy the company of the thirty-somethings that frequent it.  « hide 5. Hidden House Cocktail Lounge This is a great spot to enjoy a drink after a long day at work, but it is also an upscale place. The bar offers a great happy hour with prizes and great food, too. The friendly service adds to the relaxing atmosphere that is neither snobby or pretentious.  « hide

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