Welcome to Downtown Phoenix
A diverse and vibrant city center offering bustling energy
Downtown Phoenix is undoubtedly one of the most highly sought-after and attractive areas of Phoenix for those looking for a city lifestyle. Some of the most recognized historic districts like Encanto-Palmcroft, Willo, F.Q. Story, and Coronado are also located in the downtown area, which attracts charm seekers from all over! The eclectic downtown neighborhood culture is full of energetic creativity, which has earned it a place in many hearts.
Downtown Phoenix is anything but dry and dusty, despite Arizona's fame for the Grand Canyon, Cathedral Rock, and its landmark desert landscapes. Downtown encompasses all the best that city life has to offer. Here, you will find live music, cocktail culture, amazing rooftops, and an abundance of events and activities to keep residents and visitors alike entertained. Not to mention, there's never a shortage of exciting restaurants or coffee shops to try!
What to Love
- Historical neighborhoods
- Museums and parks
- Excellent accessibility and walkability to shops, parks, and the Valley Metro Rail
- Plenty of events in Downtown Phoenix
- Lively and artistic landscape at Roosevelt Row
- A community atmosphere
Local Lifestyle
One of the many pleasures of living in this city center is the proximity to local dining and activities. Your favorite coffee shop could be just a short stroll away! Downtown Phoenix has so much to offer in terms of events and exploration opportunities. Whether that be farmers’ markets, ice skating rinks during the holidays, First Fridays, or Fall Festivals, you’ll find that you never run short of things to do!
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Downtown Phoenix is truly the place to be if you enjoy a diverse dining scene or consider yourself a food enthusiast. If you're looking for a trendy restaurant serving delectable dishes and expertly-crafted cocktails, make your way to Hanny's, located on the southwest corner of 1st Street & Adams. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of Hanny's makes it the perfect spot to indulge in your favorite classic cocktails, while enjoying a casual-chic dining experience. Pizzeria Bianco is the restaurant that put Phoenix on the map in the pizza world! Owner Chris Bianco is an award-winning chef who was recently featured in the Netflix show Chef’s Table. People from all over the nation long to get a taste of his pizza! Finally, The Farish House is the perfect place to enjoy wine and wonderful food. This spot offers a tranquil and quaint atmosphere in the heart of Downtown.
From The Rooftop is a great rooftop bar that provides 180-degree views of Downtown Phoenix’s city skyline. The bar's social environment brings a sense of fun and freedom. You’ll want to time your visit for sunset, as the views are spectacular! Arizona Wilderness is perfect for artisanal beers in a casual and fun environment. If a coffee fix is what you need, then pay a visit to the relaxed and urban Lola Coffee for an unforgettable brew.
While you won’t find any large shopping centers, the vibrant downtown area is home to many stylish, notable boutiques. The Phoenix General is a favorite for sustainable clothing and goods, many of which are sourced from local creators. For a curated selection of designer pieces, you’ll want to check out the shop Now or Never.
Things to Do
During the day, Downtown Phoenix is full of business professionals hard at work, along with ASU students making their way to class at the downtown campus. At night, downtown turns into a hub for locals to grab a bite or drink at one of the many hot spots, such as The Pemberton, Cornish Pasty Co., or Sazerac — the list goes on!
New restaurant concepts, like Palma and Cham Pang Lanes, have also recently made their way downtown and now draw residents from all over the city! Sottise- a modern French bistro, is another new must-try spot that’s hit the neighborhood. For a sophisticated, old-timey-inspired dinner and cocktail experience, check out Rough Rider!
Downtown is also never short of events, whether it be a big headline artist having a concert at the Footprint Center, a Phoenix Suns game, a Diamondbacks Game, and so on! If you’re into theater, you can even catch a live performance at the Orpheum or Phoenix Theatre.
Roosevelt Row is one of the most popular strips downtown, especially on First Fridays when local vendors line the street with booths and music. Roosevelt Row is full of street murals that animate the building walls of local businesses, making for a perfect photo opportunity!
The Phoenix Flea is an event that is hosted bi-annually at Heritage Square, attracting vendors from all over the state. Here, you’ll find all sorts of locally-made goods, not to mention food trucks galore!
Finally, despite being the city center, downtown still has amazing parks, two of the most notable being Margaret T. Hance Park and Civic Space Park. Civic Space Park is located in the midst of ASU’s downtown campus, so events are commonly held here, but the main attraction is the large colorful sculpture in the sky known as “Her Secret Is Patience.” On the other hand, Margaret T. Hance Park offers lush green areas for city dwellers to lay a blanket and read a good book or catch the sunset. It also neighbors The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix!
Schools
Located in the city's capital, Downtown Phoenix has a variety of institutions that offer exceptional professional and academic excellence.
- Vista College Preparatory, K-8
- Xavier College Preparatory, K-12
- Arizona School For The Arts, Public, 5-12
- Brophy College Preparatory, 6 -12
- Phoenix Union Bioscience High School, Public, 9-12
- Arizona State University