Holiday in Phoenix
City in USA — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇺🇸
Country
USA
Type
City
Best time to travel
October to April (20-30 °C, pleasant). May-September extremely hot (40-47 °C). Spring ideal for desert blooms.
Budget/day
130-280 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX, about 12-14 hours with a layover). ESTA required (online, 21 USD).
Deals for Phoenix:
What makes Phoenix special as a destination?
Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and with over 1.6 million inhabitants, it is the fifth largest city in the USA. The metropolis is located in the middle of the Sonora Desert and is the sunniest major city in the world — with an average of 299 sunny days per year and summer temperatures that regularly exceed 45 °C. Camelback Mountain, the 824-meter high local mountain, rises dramatically from the desert plain and offers two challenging hiking trails with spectacular panoramic views over the Valley of the Sun. The Echo Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Southwest USA — steep, rocky, and most beautiful at sunrise. The Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park showcases the fascinating flora of the Sonora Desert: over 50,000 plants, including gigantic Saguaro cacti that can live up to 200 years and grow 15 meters tall. These iconic cacti with their raised arms only grow in the Sonora Desert and are the symbol of Arizona. Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most significant architects of the 20th century, made the desert his home: Taliesin West, his winter studio and architecture school in Scottsdale, is a masterpiece of organic architecture that blends seamlessly into the desert landscape. The Heard Museum Downtown comprehensively documents the art and culture of the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest. Scottsdale, the neighboring city, is known for luxury resorts, golf courses (over 200 in the Phoenix metropolitan area), galleries, and spas. Old Town Scottsdale offers Western charm with boutiques and restaurants. From Phoenix, the Grand Canyon (about 3.5 hours), Sedona (2 hours), and Monument Valley (5 hours) are accessible for day trips or short getaways.
What are the top highlights in Phoenix?
The top highlights in Phoenix include Camelback Mountain, Desert Botanical Garden, Taliesin West, Heard Museum, Papago Park & Hole in the Rock.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Camelback Mountain
824-meter high local mountain with Echo Canyon Trail: challenging hike with panoramic views over the Valley of the Sun, ideal at sunrise.
Desert Botanical Garden
Over 50,000 desert plants in Papago Park: gigantic Saguaro cacti, sculptures, and nighttime lantern events.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's winter studio in Scottsdale: masterpiece of organic architecture, UNESCO World Heritage since 2019.
Heard Museum
One of the best museums for indigenous art and culture: 40,000 exhibits from the peoples of the American Southwest.
Papago Park & Hole in the Rock
Red sandstone rock with a natural rock hole: easy hike with a view, landmark of Phoenix.
Hotels in Phoenix
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
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Reise-SIM für Phoenix
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Phoenix?
The best time to visit Phoenix is October to April (20-30 °C, pleasant). May-September extremely hot (40-47 °C). Spring ideal for desert blooms.. 35-47 °C, extremely hot and dry, monsoon rain July-September In winter: 10-22 °C, sunny and dry, perfect travel weather
Recommended travel time
October to April (20-30 °C, pleasant). May-September extremely hot (40-47 °C). Spring ideal for desert blooms.
Summer
35-47 °C, extremely hot and dry, monsoon rain July-September
Winter
10-22 °C, sunny and dry, perfect travel weather
How much does a holiday in Phoenix cost?
Budget travellers: 60-110 €/day, mid-range: 130-280 €/day, luxury: 300-800 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
60-110 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
130-280 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
300-800 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Phoenix?
Flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX, about 12-14 hours with a layover). ESTA required (online, 21 USD).
Book a package holiday to Phoenix
Compare thousands of package holidays to Phoenix and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Phoenix?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
ESTA required — Germans do not need a visa, but an electronic travel authorization (ESTA, 21 USD). Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
US Dollars (USD) — 1 € ≈ 1.08 USD. Credit card essential, tipping 15-20% in restaurants expected.
Take the heat seriously — summer temperatures over 45 °C. Drink at least 3 liters of water per day, hike only early in the morning.
Rental car necessary — Phoenix is extremely sprawling. Public transport is limited, Valley Metro Light Rail useful for downtown.
Grand Canyon day trip — only 3.5 hours drive to the South Rim. Leave early, sunset at the canyon is unforgettable.
What should you eat in Phoenix?
Typical specialities in Phoenix: Sonoran Hot Dog — hot dog wrapped in bacon with beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, and mayonnaise: Arizona's street food classic with a Mexican influence., Chimichanga — fried burrito with meat, cheese, and sauce: allegedly invented in Arizona, crispy and hearty., Navajo Taco — frybread with beans, ground meat, cheese, and lettuce: indigenous dish, popular at markets and festivals., Prickly Pear Margarita — margarita with prickly pear syrup: bright pink and typical of the Sonora Desert., Green Chile Stew — stew with roasted green chili, pork, and potatoes: spicy comfort food of the Southwest..
These specialties you must try!
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