Scottsdale, Arizona

Old Town Scottsdale Guide

Restaurants, nightlife, art galleries, shopping, and a 48-hour weekend itinerary — all within walking distance.

Stay Minutes Away →
Overview
The Heart of Scottsdale
Old Town is Scottsdale's cultural and entertainment core — a walkable mix of world-class restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, rooftop bars, and legendary nightlife. Most of it is within a few blocks.

🍽️ Restaurant Row (5th Avenue)

The epicenter of Scottsdale dining, with everything from acclaimed sushi to wood-fired steakhouses. Walkable, lively, best visited Thursday–Saturday.

  • Maple & Ash (wood-fired steakhouse)
  • FnB (local farm-to-table)
  • Citizen Public House

🌃 Entertainment District

East of Scottsdale Rd along Indian Plaza and 2nd St — this is where the nightlife concentrates. Bars, clubs, rooftop venues, bottle service.

  • Riot House Rooftop
  • Bottled Blonde
  • Almost Famous

🎨 Arts & Gallery District

West of the main strip — dozens of art galleries, Native American art, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Thursday ArtWalk is legendary.

  • Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Main Street Galleries
  • Thursday ArtWalk (year-round)

🛍️ Scottsdale Fashion Square & Shops

One of the largest malls in the Southwest, anchored by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. Also: 5th Avenue boutiques and Scottsdale Quarter for outdoor shopping.

  • Scottsdale Fashion Square
  • 5th Avenue Shops
  • Scottsdale Quarter (Kierland)

Stay minutes from Old Town

Our poolside retreat puts you close to everything in this guide — no long drives, no parking headaches. Full house, community pool, 5-star hosted experience.

Book Your Stay →
Weekend Itinerary
48 Hours in Old Town Scottsdale
A local's blueprint for making the most of a weekend — morning to late night, both days.
Day 1 — Settle In, Eat Well, Go Out
9am
Breakfast

Hash Kitchen — Brunch First

Start at Hash Kitchen on Scottsdale Rd — legendary Bloody Mary bar, creative hash dishes, and an energy that sets the weekend tone right.

💡 Weekend lines are long. Get there before 9:30am or expect a 45-min wait.
11am
Explore

Walk the Arts & Gallery District

Stroll Main Street and Marshall Way. Dozens of galleries are open mornings. Free to browse, with some genuinely stunning Southwest and contemporary art.

💡 The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is worth 45 minutes if you're into it.
1pm
Lunch

FnB or Citizen Public House

FnB is one of Scottsdale's most celebrated farm-to-table spots — small plates, great wine list, relaxed energy. Citizen Public House is excellent for a proper lunch.

3pm
Shop

5th Avenue Shops & Scottsdale Fashion Square

Boutiques, galleries, and Southwest goods on 5th Ave. If you want a full mall experience, Scottsdale Fashion Square is right there — one of the best in the Southwest.

5:30pm
Happy Hour

Wasted Grain or The Vig — Happy Hour

Wasted Grain has one of Old Town's best outdoor courtyards with live music. The Vig is a neighborhood gem with great patio deals. Go before 7pm.

💡 These fill up fast on Friday. Show up by 5:30pm for a spot on the patio.
7:30pm
Dinner

Maple & Ash or Steak 44

Maple & Ash's wood-fired menu is one of the best meals you'll have in Arizona. If you want something equally memorable with great views, Steak 44 is your move.

💡 Make reservations 2–3 weeks out for Maple & Ash on weekends.
10pm
Nightlife

Old Town Entertainment District

Hit Bottled Blonde or Riot House rooftop for nightlife. Boondocks if you want a more laid-back patio scene with games. Almost Famous for EDM.

Day 2 — Recovery, Culture, Sunset
9am
Brunch

The Canal at Andaz — Resort Brunch

Treat yourself to the poolside brunch at the Andaz resort. Elevated food, excellent cocktails, gorgeous setting. A great way to ease into Day 2.

11am
Walk

Scottsdale Waterfront & Canal Walk

A beautiful mile-long walk along the Arizona Canal from Scottsdale Rd to Camelback. Lined with restaurants, public art, and great city views.

1pm
Lunch

Rooftop Lunch — Outrider or Seven at Caesars

Catch a rooftop lunch at Outrider at Canopy by Hilton (craft cocktails, great views) or Seven at Caesars Republic — 7th-floor pool deck with 180-degree valley views.

3pm
Recovery

Pool Day at Home Base

Head back to the retreat for an afternoon pool session. Our community pool is the perfect recovery from two days of Old Town.

💡 This is where staying close to Old Town pays off — 10-minute drive and you're home.
6pm
Sunset

Sunset Dinner & Wrap

End the weekend with a sunset dinner — FnB, Citizen, or one of the rooftop spots. Or, catch sunset from South Mountain (20-min drive) and head back for a low-key final evening.

Local Favorites
Don't Miss in Old Town
1

Thursday ArtWalk

Every Thursday evening, October through May, Old Town's galleries open late with artists in attendance, food trucks, and live music. Free and genuinely one of the best things to do in Scottsdale.

Free · October–May · Thursday evenings
2

Old Town Farmers Market

Saturdays at Brown Ave — local produce, food vendors, artisans. Buzzy morning energy with great coffee and breakfast bites. Good for families and foodies alike.

Saturdays · Brown Ave · Year-round
3

Scottsdale Waterfront

The Arizona Canal walk between Scottsdale Rd and Camelback is a beautiful, underrated stroll with public art, great restaurant access, and canal views. Best in the morning or late afternoon.

Free · Year-round · Best morning or sunset
4

Dos Gringos — Spring Training HQ

During Spring Training season (Feb–March), Dos Gringos becomes the unofficial headquarters of the baseball crowd. Giant outdoor patio, cold beer, live music, nonstop energy.

7316 E Stetson Dr · Peak Feb–March
5

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)

Underrated gem right in Old Town. Rotating exhibitions, great architecture, affordable admission. Thursday evenings are free. A welcome break from the heat in summer months.

7374 E 2nd St · Thursday evenings free
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