Often, when we travel, we hardly have time to visit all the places we imagined we would, especially if we’re visiting a big city such as New York or San Francisco. There are too many sights to explore but not enough time, and before you know it, the time comes to pack your bags and leave. With the busy schedules we have, it’s quite hard to find time to travel or go on vacation. Even when we manage to get a couple of days off from work, the idea of planning a trip and spending three or four hours cramped in a bus or car just doesn’t seem too appealing. What does seem appealing is staying home and doing absolutely nothing.
However, if you did manage to find the strength to get out of bed and plan a short trip, we applaud your efforts. As Arizona is rightfully named the “sunny state,” we highly recommend it as a destination for your short trip. Its capital and most populated city, Phoenix, is a great location for any visitor and tourist, as there is much to explore. And don’t worry if you’re short on time. In this article, we’ll give you four suggestions on what to do and see in Phoenix in just 24h.
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
This is a place you absolutely must visit when traveling to Phoenix. The site is rich in flora, and you’ll be impressed by the peacefulness you’ll find here. It’s really a great opportunity to spend some time in nature, breathe in the fresh air and catch some vitamin D. As we’ve already mentioned, it’s almost always sunny in Arizona, so you can rest assured that you’ll be accompanied by nice weather on your trip. You’ll get to familiarize yourself with various types of cacti and admire the mesmerizing garden pavilion.
Don’t Forget the Museums
If you get tired from all the heat and walking, you can opt for a change of scenery and make a list of nearby museums to visit and learn more about different areas of life and history. There are some interesting museums to explore in Phoenix, and you’ll be sure to find one that fits your interests. Some of the museums we suggest visiting are:
- The Heard Museum-All fans and connoisseurs of American Indian art and culture should definitely add this museum to their itinerary.
- The Phoenix Art Museum-Probably one of the most well-known museums in Phoenix where you can explore traditional and contemporary art pieces.
- Musical Instrument Museum– The museum is one of the largest of its kind, and it features a collection of more than 15 000 musical instruments from all countries around the world.
Go Shopping
Let’s face it—no matter how much you’re limited with time, there’s always room for shopping and treating yourself to something new. Phoenix is home to many spacious shopping malls and quaint local stores where you can get everything, ranging from clothes to vintage jewelry. Plus, Phoenix and its surroundings are also known for their local jewelry stores, where you can get a good deal on a second-hand Rolex or have your old pearl necklace polished at an affordable price.
The most appealing aspect of these stores is that many jewelers will also offer to buy old jewelry pieces that you no longer wear. So, if you do have some used or broken pieces lying around the house, use the opportunity to find a gold buyer near Phoenix and earn some cash you can spend on something you actually need.
Enjoy Some Fine Dining
After a long day of sightseeing and exercising your credit card, it’s best to head downtown and visit some of the top-rated Phoenix restaurants before you have to head back home. It’d really be a shame to visit the capital of Arizona and not try some of its food, as there are many interesting restaurants to visit. Depending on your preferences, you can either choose a more extravagant and fancy restaurant, or you can opt for something a bit smaller and more intimate—the choice is up to you. We recommend that you take a look at Google Maps to see the best-rated restaurants close to you or maybe consult Trip Advisor before making a decision.