Old Town Scottsdale
Art galleries and the Thursday ArtWalk, Western heritage storefronts, top restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and the Scottsdale Waterfront — Old Town is the heart of the city.
Old Town Scottsdale is the city's walkable historic core, where Scottsdale's Old West roots meet a polished modern scene. Its compact streets blend frontier-style storefronts and the 'Old Adobe' character with one of the densest concentrations of art galleries in the Southwest, boutiques, and Native American and Western art dealers.
The neighborhood is famous for the Scottsdale ArtWalk, a long-running free gallery night held on Thursday evenings year-round, when the galleries of the Marshall Way and Main Street arts districts stay open late with receptions and street energy. By day it's shopping and museums; by night Old Town turns into one of the Valley's premier dining and nightlife districts, packed with restaurants, patios, bars, and clubs.
Just north, the Scottsdale Waterfront lines the Arizona Canal with upscale shops, restaurants, and walking paths, connecting to the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. Old Town is the easiest place to base a Scottsdale visit on foot, and it's at its liveliest in the cooler months and on event weekends.
Common questions
What is the Scottsdale ArtWalk?
A free, long-running gallery night held Thursday evenings year-round, when Old Town's galleries along Main Street and Marshall Way stay open late with receptions, art, and a lively street scene. Just show up and stroll — it's self-guided.
What is there to do besides galleries?
Old Town is a top dining and nightlife district — restaurants, patios, bars, and clubs — plus boutiques, Western and Native American art shops, and historic photo spots. The nearby Scottsdale Waterfront and Fashion Square add upscale shopping and canal-side strolling.
When should I visit?
The cooler months (roughly October-April) are prime for walking the district and enjoying patios. Thursday evenings are great for the ArtWalk, while weekend nights are busiest for nightlife. Summer days are hot, so save outdoor strolling for the evening.
Is it easy to get around?
Yes — Old Town is very walkable, and a free local trolley loops the area and connects to the Waterfront and Fashion Square. Parking garages are available, but they fill on busy event nights, so arrive early or use rideshare.
