Scottsdale, Arizona: where it is, when to go, and what to see

Despite not being a large metropolis, the small but populous Scottsdale manages to attract visitors thanks to some incredible attractions that include parks, museums, shopping areas, and concert halls. Like the rest of Arizona, Scottsdale is known for its scorching summer temperatures and landscape dotted with saguaro cacti, but there is much more: the Old Town, the Art District, cultural attractions, natural parks, as well as bars, restaurants, and vast golf courses.
Here's where it's located, when to go, and what to see in Scottsdale.

Population: 255,310

Language: English, Spanish

Local currency: U.S. Dollar (€1.00 = $1.11)

Climate: The climate is arid. Temperatures range from -8.9 °C in January to 50 °C in June

Time zone: GMT-7 (-7h compared to Italy)

Entry requirements: A passport valid for at least 6 months, round-trip ticket, ESTA authorization, visa if ESTA is denied

Safety information: The overall crime rate is 11 percentage points below the average of U.S. cities. The official website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides useful information on the country's safety.

Nearest airports: Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport is 15 km away, the city can be reached in about 30 minutes. The most economical way to do this is to take the ValleyMetro light rail; a daily pass costs $4.00 (€3.63).

Scottsdale is located in the Salt River Valley, also known as the "Valley of the Sun". It is also situated in the metropolitan area of Phoenix, the state capital, and in Maricopa County. The city is named after its founder, Winfield Scottsdale.

From Rome or Milan, there are no direct flights; a layover in Phoenix is always required (from Rome a layover in Calgary International; from Milan a layover in Dublin and Seattle). With American Airlines, you can depart from Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and arrive in Phoenix in about 15 hours and 30 minutes with a layover at Los Angeles International - Compare flights from Rome or Milan
See also: Arizona: where it is, when to go and what to see

Climate: The climate is arid, with very high temperatures in summer (averaging 30°) and mild in winter (averaging 12.5°). Precipitation is sparse throughout the year

Best period: Spring or late autumn, when temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities

Period to avoid: Summer, due to extremely high temperatures and the monsoon period; winter frequently sees nighttime frosts

Advice: Due to temperature fluctuations, layered clothing is recommended. Light clothing and comfortable shoes are good for excursions, and heavier clothing for the evening and nighttime. Be sure to have a hat and sunscreen.

Butterfly Wonderland is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a tropical rainforest that is home to thousands of butterfly species from around the world. There are also galleries with interactive insect exhibits and educational workshops. An ideal visit even for children! Get directions

Old Town Scottsdale is the historical corner of the city. This neighborhood, characterized by colorful houses, is full of souvenir shops, trendy boutiques, award-winning restaurants, lively bars, large art galleries, and fun and educational events held every Thursday evening on Art Walks. Not to be missed! Get directions

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the gateway to the Sonoran Desert, with over 160 km of trails for hiking or mountain biking. A paradise for birdwatching and climbing, the preserve offers outdoor activities for the whole family. Get directions

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a unique theme park dedicated to the history of railroads, featuring a variety of objects and artifacts related to the railroad industry. The park has playgrounds, rides, and picnic areas to relax with family. Get directions

The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a rehabilitation center dedicated to animals living in the area. The center rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife and releases animals once they are restored. It houses black bears, bobcats, coyotes, jaguars, mountain lions, Mexican gray wolves, and porcupines. Get directions

The Scottsdale Historical Museum is an important local museum that tells the story and cultural heritage of Scottsdale through a fantastic collection of photographs, artifacts, and themed exhibits. We recommend visiting it: the collection is very concise and doesn't require much time. Get directions

The Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West is one of the most important museums in the city. It celebrates and showcases the history of the American West, including the mistakes made, through interpretive experiences, traveling galleries, and an intimate sculpture courtyard to relax and refresh. Definitely one of the most interesting visits to make in the city, to learn not only about Scottsdale but the entire region. Get directions

The Arizona Taco Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Scottsdale. It takes place in mid-October, attracting an average of over 40,000 people, and, as the name suggests, is dedicated to tacos, a classic street food of Tex-Mex cuisine. It features over 60 taco restaurants, musicians, a Tequila and Margarita showcase, wrestling, and contests for who can eat the most spicy peppers and burritos. If you are here in October, you can't miss it. Get directions

Often when thinking of the West and these areas, the mind immediately turns to the figure of cowboys. If you have ever wanted to experience being a cowboy or cowgirl, you should know that the Arizona Cowboy College is located here. Open since 1969, it is a sort of school that organizes daily horseback riding and ranching technique courses, an experience for families and suitable for all ages. Get directions

Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, one of the must-do experiences in Scottsdale is the Chocolate Tour. During this guided tour, you can taste the most delicious chocolates ever, in every shape and flavor, from truffles to cakes and more, with the beautiful downtown serving as the backdrop for this sweet journey.

Do you have only one day in Scottsdale? This itinerary will help you discover the culture of the West, a bit of nature, and the historic Old Town:

Old Town Get directions / Visit time: 1.5 hours

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West To reach this stop: 5 min walk (Get directions) / Visit time: 1 hour

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center To reach this stop: 40 min by car (Get directions) / Visit time: 2 hours

With three days at your disposal, you can experience the true essence of Scottsdale: desert landscapes, West history, unique experiences, and attractions for all ages. Here's the recommended itinerary:

Old Town Get directions / Visit time: 1.5 hours

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West To reach this stop: 5 min walk (Get directions) / Visit time: 1 hour

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center To reach this stop: 40 min by car (Get directions) / Visit time: 2 hours

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Get directions / Visit time: 6 hours

Butterfly Wonderland Get directions / Visit time: 2 hours

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park To reach this stop: 10 min by car (Get directions) / Visit time: 2 hours

A vacation in Scottsdale during the recommended periods, spring and fall, costs on average $180.00 per day (about €163.00). The main expense is the round-trip flight to Phoenix Airport, starting from €480.00, and car rental (around $26.00 per day, €23.50) although it is possible to use the Scottsdale Trolley, a free bus that travels through the nine blocks of downtown and also in the southern part of the city and surrounding areas.

Food is quite affordable, thanks to the abundance of stalls and small restaurants serving good and inexpensive street food. Entry to parks and museums costs, on average, $15.00 (€13.60). Scottsdale is not very extensive and accommodation options are limited, so the average cost for lodging is $96.00 (about €87.00).

Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs starting at €90.00 per room - view offers

Low-cost flights: Flights to Phoenix (18 km) starting at €479.00 - view offers

Flight + hotel: Round-trip flight + 7 days/6 nights from €1,350.00 per person - view offers

Costs for getting around: Car rental cost $26.00/€23.50 per day. The Scottsdale Trolley, a free bus, operates throughout the nine blocks of downtown and also in the southern part of the city and surrounding areas.

Meal costs: Food is quite affordable, thanks to the abundance of stalls and small restaurants serving good and inexpensive street food. Average cost €15.00

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