Phoenix offers a surprising variety of ways to see its sights, especially if you’re looking for a city experience with a twist. Known for its sprawling metro area, impressive architecture, and lively arts scene, Phoenix isn’t just about desert panoramas — it’s also a city with vibrant neighborhoods, historic sites, and stunning views. Whether you prefer a quick introduction, a private guided tour, or an interactive scavenger hunt, there are options that fit different interests and schedules. Many tours also include special features like photo lessons, custom itineraries, or fun challenges, making your exploration both informative and engaging.
With so many choices, it can be tough to decide which tour suits you best. Do you want a fast-paced overview in just a couple of hours? Or a tailored, in-depth experience that takes you around the city and nearby Scottsdale? Perhaps an interactive game sounds more your style, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. This guide walks through the 11 best city tours in Phoenix, comparing what makes each one special and helping you pick the perfect way to discover the Valley of the Sun.
1. Discover Phoenix! 2 hr City Tour
This tour is a fantastic introduction to Phoenix’s highlights in just over two hours. It’s a photo sightseeing experience that hits several key neighborhoods, including the historic districts, Roosevelt Row, and Papago Park. The tour is fast-paced but offers a good mix of walking and driving, making it ideal if you’re short on time. It includes a walk in the Sonoran desert with free photo lessons, so you can improve your photography skills while capturing the vibrant street art, colorful murals, and desert scenery.
What sets this tour apart is its ability to combine urban culture with natural beauty—from the murals of Roosevelt Row to the panoramic views from Hole in the Rock at Papago Park. Tour guides are praised for their enthusiasm, with reviews calling the guide “awesome” and “very knowledgeable.” The tour’s value is high at $85 per person, especially considering the inclusion of a walk in the desert and street art viewing. It’s perfect for visitors who want a quick, energetic overview that blends art, architecture, and nature.
Bottom line: If you want a lively, photo-rich snapshot of Phoenix, this tour offers excellent value and a balanced mix of sights.
2. Custom Private City Tour of Phoenix
For those who prefer a personalized experience, the Custom Private City Tour is a standout. It’s a flexible half-day tour tailored to your interests, whether that’s exploring downtown, Scottsdale, or other parts of the metro. You meet with your guide beforehand to craft an itinerary spanning 3 to 6 hours, focusing on sites like Arizona State University, the Arizona Biltmore, or even local neighborhoods.
Tour guides here are noted for their extensive knowledge and flexibility. With a price of $495 for up to five people, you get a private, intimate experience that’s more about quality and customization than quantity. This is especially good if you’re interested in specific sights or themes and want to avoid the cookie-cutter approach of group tours. The itinerary includes stops at iconic spots like Wrigley Mansion and the Capitol, plus scenic drives to Camelback Mountain.
Reviewers appreciate the guide’s attentiveness and the ability to see areas that are harder to access on your own. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want an in-depth, private day with complete control over what to see.
Bottom line: Perfect for groups wanting a bespoke tour with maximum flexibility and expert guidance.
3. Gilbert City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest
If you’re after a fun, interactive way to explore, the Gilbert scavenger hunt by Operation City Quest is a brilliant choice. For just $10 per person, your team will use an app to find items and complete challenges around Gilbert, earning points and competing on the real-time leaderboard. The tour lasts about two hours, making it a quick but engaging activity.
What makes this outing special is its game-based approach — it’s less about sightseeing and more about teamwork and silly challenges. It’s ideal for families, friends, or even corporate groups wanting a casual but memorable experience. The app guides you through the city, and a remote guide is there to help if needed, ensuring you stay on track.
One reviewer called it “the best,” highlighting how much fun they had running around doing “the most random things.” It’s a great value at only $10, delivering active fun and a different perspective on Gilbert.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a lighthearted, interactive experience that mixes sightseeing with games.
4. Private Phoenix and Scottsdale Half-Day City Tour
This tour is a perfect way to see both Phoenix and Scottsdale without renting a car, covering two major cities in about five hours. For $450, you get a private guide who takes you through downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, and scenic spots like Camelback Mountain. It’s especially useful if your time is limited but you want to experience the diversity of the region.
Highlights include a drive through the historic Arizona Capitol, views of Camelback Mountain, and a visit to the Arizona Biltmore, with comments on Wright’s architecture. The guide’s local knowledge provides a richer context for each site, and the door-to-door pickup and drop-off make it effortless. Reviews note the guide’s entertaining style and the value of seeing multiple highlights in a single day.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible overview of Phoenix and Scottsdale, especially if they’re interested in architecture, scenic views, or specific landmarks.
Bottom line: An efficient way to cover key sights in both cities, ideal for those with limited time but wanting depth.
5. Phoenix City Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks
For a family-friendly, budget-friendly activity, this Phoenix Scavenger Hunt offers a fun way to explore downtown for only $10 per person. It includes solving puzzles and completing challenges with an easy-to-use app, making it suitable for children and adults alike.
Participants work together to find clues and snap photos of landmarks, all while learning about the city in a playful manner. The remote host is available via chat if you need assistance, helping keep things smooth. This experience is flexible, allowing you to pace yourself and choose the order of challenges, which makes it very accessible.
Reviews mention the “giggles” and “connecting with family,” showing how well it works as an engaging activity for groups. It’s a great alternative if you prefer interactive discovery over traditional tours.
Bottom line: Best for families or groups seeking a light, playful way to see Phoenix on a budget.
6. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Mesa by Operation City Quest
This scavenger hunt in Mesa offers a similar interactive experience for $10 per person, lasting about two hours. It features object-finding and challenge completion around the city, with the added twist of live rankings to motivate friendly competition.
Designed for a casual, informal outing, it’s ideal if you’re exploring Mesa rather than Phoenix itself. The remote host helps guide you along, and the app makes starting easy. While some reviews suggest room for improvement, most find it a fun and affordable way to get around and see local sights.
If you’re traveling with a group that enjoys solving puzzles and doing challenges, this hunt adds a bit of game play to your day.
Bottom line: A good pick for families or friends wanting a relaxed, competitive activity in Mesa.
7. Prescott – Territorial Arizona’s Capital City – From Phoenix – Private Tour
For a full-day escape, this private tour to Prescott offers a comprehensive look at Arizona’s first territorial capital. It lasts about 7 to 8 hours and includes visits to the Sharlot Hall Museum, Whiskey Row, and the Phippen Museum. The tour is customizable, allowing you to focus on history, Western art, or scenic views.
Guides are passionate about Arizona’s past, sharing fascinating trivia and detailed stories. The included lunch at the historic Palace Restaurant and Saloon adds a special touch, making it a delightful cultural experience. Reviews are limited but suggest excellent personal service and a flexible itinerary.
This tour suits those interested in Arizona’s early history, Western art, or architecture, and who prefer a personalized experience outside the city bustle.
Bottom line: Ideal for history and art lovers wanting an in-depth, private day trip.
8. Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City
Starting your trip smoothly matters. This private transfer ensures you skip taxi lines and get door-to-door service from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to your hotel or destination in Phoenix.
Priced at just over $106 per person, it includes meet-and-greet, a luxury vehicle, and a hassle-free experience after a long flight. Reviews are silent, but reliability and comfort are the main benefits. It’s perfect for travelers arriving late or those who prioritize convenience and comfort.
Bottom line: A stress-free way to start your Phoenix trip, especially if you have lots of luggage or early flights.
9. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Chandler by Operation City Quest
This Chandler-specific scavenger hunt, also from Operation City Quest, offers the same interactive, app-guided challenges as the Gilbert version. It’s a great way to explore Chandler’s local sights and hidden corners while competing for points in approximately two hours.
Ideal if you’re staying in Chandler or want a fun activity to break up your sightseeing. The remote host and easy app make it accessible, and the playful atmosphere suits families, teens, or groups of friends.
Reviews are limited, but the focus on challenges and exploration makes it a solid choice for a light, engaging afternoon.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a budget-friendly, active way to see Chandler.
10. Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX
When it’s time to leave, this private transfer service makes your departure smooth. It’s a 15-minute ride with a private vehicle, costing around $103 per person. It includes meet-and-greet and door-to-door service, removing the stress of long shuttle lines or taxi waits.
While reviews are not available, practical travelers appreciate the reliability and comfort of private transfers, especially after a long trip or with tight schedules.
Bottom line: A practical choice for stress-free airport departures, ensuring you leave Phoenix relaxed and on time.
11. Play a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Phoenix by Operation City Quest
The final option, this Phoenix-based scavenger hunt, offers another interactive way to discover the city. Using an app, you’ll find objects and complete challenges at your own pace. It’s very similar to the Chandler and Gilbert hunts but tailored for Phoenix itself.
Ideal for families or groups of friends looking for an affordable, active, fun experience. The remote host helps if needed, and the $10 price point makes it accessible for many.
Reviews are sparse, but the emphasis on photo challenges and puzzles makes it a good option for those who enjoy games and exploring.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly, flexible activity perfect for casual explorers.
How to Choose the Best City Tour in Phoenix
When selecting a tour, start by considering your budget, schedule, and interests. For quick overviews, the Discover Phoenix! 2 hr City Tour offers a lively snapshot, while the Custom Private City Tour suits travelers who want a tailored experience. If interactive fun appeals, the scavenger hunts and Operation City Quest hunts provide engaging ways to see the city on a budget.
For an in-depth exploration, the Prescott private tour offers a full day of history and culture, whereas transfers like the arrival and departure ensure smooth logistics.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, and think about your fitness level and interest in art, history, or outdoor scenery when choosing. Whether you want a quick overview or a personalized adventure, Phoenix has options to suit your style.
To sum it up, Phoenix’s city tours cover everything from speedy snapshots to detailed explorations, making it easy for every traveler to find a fitting experience. For those short on time, the Discover Phoenix! Tour delivers a lively introduction, while history buffs will appreciate the Prescott private tour. Families and groups seeking fun can’t go wrong with the scavenger hunts, which turn sightseeing into a game.
No matter your choice, booking ahead is wise — these tours fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Carefully consider what you want to see and how much time you have, and you’ll discover that Phoenix offers many ways to enjoy its vibrant streets, scenic views, and fascinating neighborhoods.