Old Town Scottsdale

4.6 (44 reviews)

Shopping MallPoint of InterestEstablishment

Best time to visit

Late afternoon into evening, especially in winter when temperatures are pleasant and galleries and patios come alive; Thursday evenings feature the free ArtWalk.

Budget tips

No general entry fee, most streets and pedestrian areas are free to explore; paid parking meters and lots are common so use a parking app or park a few blocks away, and take advantage of weekday happy hours and the free Thursday evening ArtWalk in cooler months.

Recommended for

Art lovers, Foodies, Couples, Photographers

Plan your visit

2-4 hours

About

Quick facts: Low-slung adobe storefronts and neon signs create a walkable stretch where art galleries, souvenir shops, and Western boutiques sit cheek-by-jowl. Locals and visitors mix on brick sidewalks for a weekly ArtWalk, while a surprisingly diverse food scene spans tiny taquerias to chef-led restaurants.

Highlights: Warm gallery lights and live music transform Thursday nights, with over 40 galleries keeping their doors open until 9pm and art spilling onto the sidewalks. Shopkeepers often hand out samples, from prickly pear candy to mini pours of local craft beer, turning window-shopping into a sensory tasting tour.

Insider tips

Wear sun protection and comfortable shoes, summer afternoons get very hot.
Photograph murals and public art around Marshall Way and Main Street, and capture sunset from patio restaurants along Scottsdale Road.
Avoid weekend evenings if you want quieter browsing; weekday mornings or late afternoons are best for smaller crowds.
Skip expensive curbside parking by using nearby lots a few blocks away or the Scottsdale Trolley where it runs.