MiM & Taliesin West

My wife and I will be staying in downtown Phx at end of May25;we are dependent on public transport/uber/lyft...which of these offer the most reliable method of doing both attractions in one day? Is that practical to try and do both? Thanks

Visiting both the Musical Instrument Museum (MiM) and Taliesin West in one day is doable, but it requires careful planning, especially if you’re relying on public transportation, Uber, or Lyft. Both attractions are located in the northern part of the Phoenix metro area, but they are in different directions from downtown Phoenix.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Musical Instrument Museum (MiM): Located in north Scottsdale, roughly 25–30 minutes from downtown Phoenix by car. Public transport options exist but are limited, so Uber or Lyft is generally the most practical method for a visit. Plan at least 2–3 hours for the museum itself, plus travel time.
  • Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and architectural school is further north in Scottsdale, approximately 15 minutes from MiM by car. It operates primarily on guided tours, so timing your visit is important. Expect a tour duration of 90–120 minutes.

For reliability and convenience:

  • Using Uber or Lyft is the most practical approach for visiting both sites in a single day. Public transport is possible but requires multiple transfers and significantly more time.
  • Consider booking tours in advance for Taliesin West, as they often sell out. Morning or early afternoon slots work best for coordinating both visits.
  • Plan to visit MiM first in the morning, followed by Taliesin West in the afternoon. This sequence allows for optimal daylight and reduces the risk of running late for your guided tour.

Additional tips:

  • Check opening hours for both attractions before your trip—MiM usually opens at 9 a.m., Taliesin West tours start mid-morning.
  • If relying solely on rideshare, factor in potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
  • Bring water, comfortable shoes, and allow extra time for traffic between downtown Phoenix and north Scottsdale.

Overall, it’s practical to do both in one day with rideshare. Public transport is less reliable and would likely make the day feel rushed.


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