10 Things to Do in Phoenix at Night

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is a city of natural wonders and a vibrant nightlife that delights visitors from all over the world. As well as being the most populous city in Arizona, it is only 4 hours from the Colorado Canyon, making it an interesting starting point for exploring this region of the United States.

From trendy bars and clubs where you can listen to live concerts, to night-time visits to museums, mystery-filled hikes or hot air balloon rides, there are plenty of things to see and do in Phoenix at night, and end your days in a very special way.

Phoenix is a city that invites you to immerse yourself in the mysteries of its streets, so one of the best excursions in Phoenix is to take a walk through the most haunted places of the city, to learn the chilling stories of its past.

Must-see sites include the San Carlos Hotel, which has witnessed many unexplained phenomena over the years; the Rosson House Museum, a Victorian mansion famous for its ghostly apparitions; and the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park Cemetery, a nighttime visit to which might give you a fright.

You can take this walk on your own or join a tour with a paranormal guide who can tell you the city's darkest secrets. Taking a guided tour is a great way to explore these hidden corners of Phoenix, as the guide will tell you all the details of these haunting events.

Roosevelt Row Arts District is a great walking neighbourhood in Phoenix, especially if you're an art lover. You'll be amazed by the diversity and creativity of the works on display in its street murals and art galleries. These include MonOrchid, known for its interesting collections, and Modified Arts, which also often hosts events.

The Roosevelt Row Arts District street where you'll see the best murals is known as 1 ½ Street and is located near The Churchill building. Some 12 local artists have painted their art in this alley. Remember to dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear to enjoy the walk.

In the Roosevelt Row Arts District you will find a variety of bars and restaurants where you can go after your tour. You can enjoy dinner at some of these restaurants, such as Cibo Pizzeria, known for its wood-fired pizzas; and The Lost Leaf, a bar and art gallery that offers craft beers and live music.

One last suggestion is that, if it coincides with the day of your visit, go to First Fridays, an event where art galleries open their doors to the general public, and you can enjoy live music and special activities. It takes place every Friday night.

If you want to experience Phoenix in a unique way, I recommend you join a bike tour at night to enjoy the most beautiful views of the illuminated skyscrapers and see what life in the city is like when the sun goes down.

During the tour, you'll see some of Phoenix's most iconic landmarks, such as Chase Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks' stadium, and the Phoenix Art Museum, one of the city's most important museums. You can also stop by Roosevelt Row, a neighbourhood famous for its street art and art galleries, where you can admire the modern architecture of the CityScape shopping centre.

The best way to do a night bike tour is to join a guided tour for a safe and fun experience. You can also do it on your own, as the city has a public bicycle service that you can use by the hour.

If you decide to embark on this two-wheeled night tour, don't forget to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, as Phoenix can be quite hot even at night. This tour is ideal if you plan to stay in Phoenix for two days and want a different activity after sunset.

Desert Botanical Garden is an ideal place for a night tour, thanks to its combination of natural wonders, lighting and art. Desert Botanical Garden's illuminated walking trails are beautiful to walk along, with its cacti and exotic plants to amaze.

The garden features illuminated sculptures, as well as light and sound shows. There are also live music concerts, while refreshing drinks are served. Visiting the garden is definitely one of the most interesting things to do with children in Phoenix, as they can learn a lot about the flora of the region.

The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Phoenix's Papago Park and covers about 20 hectares. I recommend that you visit the garden's website and check out the events taking place so you don't miss out on the ones that interest you.

Please note that the tour of the garden can take about an hour, but this can vary depending on your interest and the events taking place on the day of your visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to plan to go on a weekday, or in the morning if it's a weekend day.

Details of interest

• Location: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008. USA.
• Hours: daily from 7am to 8pm.
• Price: from €15 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free.

If you're looking for a night full of live music and atmosphere, you've come to the right place: this desert city's bars and clubs are full of talented musicians, as Phoenix boasts one of the most exciting music scenes in the southern United States.

Your first stop may be at The Rebel Lounge, an intimate bar that's perfect for enjoying emerging local bands and established artists. It also offers an exclusive selection of beers and cocktails. Another highly recommended venue is Crescent Ballroom, a club with two different stages, rock bands and DJs, which is also a great option for dinner.

You can also visit Valley Bar, a bar located in the city centre that will transport you to another era. Finally, a great last option is to go and listen to live music on weekends at the Musical Instrument Museum, one of the city's iconic museums.

It's definitely a great idea to hit the bars or clubs to enjoy the music that has made Phoenix famous, especially in the warmer months of March and April in Phoenix.

Details of interest

Musical Instrument Museum

• Location: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050. USA.
• Hours: The museum is open from 9am to 5pm, with concerts starting at 7pm.
• Price: from approximately €22 per person.

One of the best ways to get to know the city is to sample the local cuisine after a tour of Phoenix. In the evening, it's time to find a place to dine, so it's a great opportunity to enjoy the cuisine of Phoenix and Arizona.

Arizona's cuisine has been heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine, and cuisine from around the world, but has retained the spirit of a cuisine all its own. In Phoenix you'll find restaurants of all kinds, offering everything from home-cooked meals to the most elaborate dishes.

Some of Phoenix's signature dishes include hot artichoke cream, fried fish, torta ahogada, which is made with French bread and pork, and chimichanga, a kind of fried burrito. You can't miss the tacos and burritos either, especially if you like Mexican food.

Also famous in the city are the pizzas at Pizzeria Bianco, which has managed to stand out with its selection of local ingredients and its careful preparation. That's why you should book a table in advance to enjoy these world-renowned pizzas, but they are well worth the wait.

If you visit Phoenix, you'll have the opportunity to fly over the Arizona desert at sunset in a hot air balloon. This is a unique experience, with breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, saguaro cacti and the vast desert landscapes of Arizona.

Also, on this nighttime hot air balloon ride in Phoenix you will be able to see the city lit up from above, and appreciate the surrounding rivers and lakes. It is an ideal experience for those who seek more adventurous experiences and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Many of these night balloon rides will treat you to a champagne toast or cocktails during the ride, or as a celebration after landing. You'll also often receive a certificate of participation as a souvenir of the experience.

And if you're lucky enough to visit Phoenix in February, you can attend the city's annual Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Details of interest

• Duration: around 3-4 hours.
• Price: from approximately €237 per person.

Every Wednesday and some Fridays, the Phoenix Art Museum is open late, making it a great place to enjoy the evening. The evening atmosphere will certainly add a magical touch to your experience, and you'll be able to explore the museum's exhibitions in a more intimate setting.

The Phoenix Art Museum is one of the best museums in Phoenix, with its 20,000 carefully selected pieces spanning different periods and artistic techniques. These include works of American, Latin American, Asian and European art.

If you visit the museum at night, in addition to touring the collections, you can attend the museum's regular events such as lectures, artist talks, live performances and other interactive activities. On the museum's website you can consult the calendar of events to make sure you don't miss anything.

If you are interested in a guided tour, you can join the guided tours at 6pm and 7pm on Wednesdays and some Fridays. These tours are in English.

Useful details

• Location: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
• Hours: The museum is open Wednesdays from 10am to 9pm, and Thursdays through Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Some Fridays it offers interactive guided tours at 6pm and 7pm.
• Admission: General admission to the museum is approximately €22, but on Wednesdays there is no fixed price, so you can pay whatever you want.

If you're looking for a place in Phoenix for shopping, dining and entertainment, Desert Ridge Marketplace is your destination. As you pass through its grand entrance arches and fountain, you'll be amazed by the explosion of colour, music and energy.

Inside the mall you'll find a myriad of trendy shops, electronics shops, bars, restaurants, movie theatres, children's play areas and plenty of entertainment offerings such as painting studios, theatres, skate ramps, arcade games and more.

You can also enjoy a variety of events, such as concerts, fitness classes and art performances, which are offered often, especially if you visit Phoenix in the summer or spring. Or you can simply sit in a coffee shop and sip ice cream, or dine at one of the restaurants, where you'll find a selection of dishes from around the world.

Interesting details

• Location: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday 11am to 9pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm.

Talking Stick Resort and Casino is a premier entertainment destination in Phoenix, located in the setting of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation, about 35 km from the city. This resort and casino combines classic gaming tables, slot machines and poker rooms with unique activities and events.

Talking Stick Resort and Casino offers renowned live entertainment, concerts and special events on the main stage. It features bars, restaurants and lounges offering everything from fine dining to more casual options, where you can also enjoy live music.

The Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Phoenix is a complete destination resort for those who enjoy gambling, but also for those who are looking for quality dining experiences and exclusive entertainment. In addition, this casino is one of the most sought after places to celebrate Christmas in Phoenix.

Interesting details

• Location: 9800 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
• Hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 9pm, Sun 12pm to 6pm.