By CITIEA
Old Town Scottsdale is the heart of the city, where western history meets modern dining, art, and nightlife. Packed into a walkable grid, you will find award-winning restaurants, independent galleries, and some of the best nightlife in Arizona. As a top-rated team across Scottsdale and the East Valley, we love pointing buyers and neighbors toward the spots that make this area special. Here is our local guide to the best of Old Town Scottsdale.
Key Takeaways
- Old Town Scottsdale packs dining, shopping, art, and nightlife into a walkable grid.
- The Arts District is home to galleries, the Museum of the West, and the Thursday ArtWalk.
- The Entertainment District comes alive after dark with bars and live music.
- Fifth Avenue and the Historic Old Town district offer boutiques and western charm.
The Best Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale
Dining is one of the biggest reasons people come to Old Town Scottsdale. The area holds everything from chef-driven kitchens to a classic ice cream parlor that has been serving since 1958. Whether you want a quick bite before a show or a long dinner out, the range here is one of the widest in the Valley.
The Mission is known for modern Latin cooking, while FnB has earned national recognition for its vegetable-forward menu. Citizen Public House and Virtu Honest Craft round out the sit-down options, and local roasters like Press Coffee and Cartel Coffee Lab are go-to morning stops. For something sweet, Sugar Bowl remains a beloved Old Town institution.
The Mission is known for modern Latin cooking, while FnB has earned national recognition for its vegetable-forward menu. Citizen Public House and Virtu Honest Craft round out the sit-down options, and local roasters like Press Coffee and Cartel Coffee Lab are go-to morning stops. For something sweet, Sugar Bowl remains a beloved Old Town institution.
Old Town Restaurants Worth a Visit
- The Mission for modern Latin cuisine
- FnB, a James Beard Award-winning local favorite
- Citizen Public House and Virtu Honest Craft for elevated dining
- Sugar Bowl, an ice cream parlor serving since 1958
Shopping and Galleries in Old Town
Shopping in Old Town Scottsdale ranges from luxury retail to one-of-a-kind boutiques. Scottsdale Fashion Square anchors the high end with more than 200 stores, while the Fifth Avenue district is full of independent shops.
The Arts District along Main Street and Marshall Way is lined with fine art galleries and wine tasting rooms. In the Historic Old Town core, you will find western wear and Native American jewelry, along with longtime shops like Sphinx Date Co., which has sold local Medjool dates since the 1950s.
The Fifth Avenue district is also home to the Bob Parks Horse Fountain, a well-known local landmark and a fun meeting point while you browse. Between the boutiques, galleries, and national brands, most visitors find they can spend an entire afternoon here without moving the car.
The Arts District along Main Street and Marshall Way is lined with fine art galleries and wine tasting rooms. In the Historic Old Town core, you will find western wear and Native American jewelry, along with longtime shops like Sphinx Date Co., which has sold local Medjool dates since the 1950s.
The Fifth Avenue district is also home to the Bob Parks Horse Fountain, a well-known local landmark and a fun meeting point while you browse. Between the boutiques, galleries, and national brands, most visitors find they can spend an entire afternoon here without moving the car.
Where to Shop in Old Town Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Fashion Square for luxury and national brands
- The Fifth Avenue district for independent boutiques
- The Arts District for galleries and wine tasting rooms
- Historic Old Town for western wear and local jewelry
Nightlife and Entertainment After Dark
When the sun goes down, Old Town Scottsdale turns into one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Arizona. The Entertainment District fills with bars, clubs, and live music within a few walkable blocks.
Longtime spots like AZ88 are known for craft cocktails and rotating local art, while the Canal Club brings a 1950s Cuban style to the district. Rooftop patios and lounges give you plenty of options, and the area is easy to explore on foot, which makes an evening out simple to plan. On weekends, the Entertainment District often features celebrity DJs and live bands, so there is usually something happening close by.
Longtime spots like AZ88 are known for craft cocktails and rotating local art, while the Canal Club brings a 1950s Cuban style to the district. Rooftop patios and lounges give you plenty of options, and the area is easy to explore on foot, which makes an evening out simple to plan. On weekends, the Entertainment District often features celebrity DJs and live bands, so there is usually something happening close by.
Old Town Nightlife Highlights
- The Entertainment District for bars, clubs, and live music
- AZ88 for craft cocktails and local art
- Rooftop patios and lounges across the district
- A walkable layout that makes it easy to explore
Arts, Culture, and Events
Old Town Scottsdale is also the cultural center of the city. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West sit within easy walking distance of each other.
Every Thursday, the Scottsdale ArtWalk brings galleries, artists, and visitors together for one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country. The nearby Scottsdale Waterfront and Southbridge districts add restaurants, boutiques, and public art along the Arizona Canal. Just south, the Scottsdale Civic Center offers gardens, museums, and performing arts venues in one walkable campus.
Every Thursday, the Scottsdale ArtWalk brings galleries, artists, and visitors together for one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country. The nearby Scottsdale Waterfront and Southbridge districts add restaurants, boutiques, and public art along the Arizona Canal. Just south, the Scottsdale Civic Center offers gardens, museums, and performing arts venues in one walkable campus.
Cultural Stops in Old Town Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for modern exhibits
- Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West for regional history
- The Thursday night ArtWalk in the Arts District
- The Scottsdale Waterfront for dining and public art
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Old Town Scottsdale Known For?
Old Town Scottsdale is known for its walkable mix of dining, shopping, art galleries, and nightlife, all wrapped in western character. It is the cultural and social heart of Scottsdale and a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Is Old Town Scottsdale Walkable?
Yes. Old Town Scottsdale is one of the most walkable areas in the Valley, with restaurants, shops, galleries, and bars packed into a compact grid. Most people park once and explore the district on foot.
What Is There to Do at Night in Old Town Scottsdale?
The Entertainment District is the center of nightlife, with bars, clubs, and live music within a few blocks. You will also find rooftop patios, craft cocktail lounges, and late-night dining throughout Old Town Scottsdale.
Contact Us Today to Explore Scottsdale Living
Old Town is just one reason people fall in love with Scottsdale. If you are thinking about living near the energy of this walkable district, we can help you find a home that puts it all within reach.
When you are ready to explore Scottsdale living near Old Town Scottsdale, reach out to us, CITIEA, and put our local expertise to work for you.
When you are ready to explore Scottsdale living near Old Town Scottsdale, reach out to us, CITIEA, and put our local expertise to work for you.
