There is so much for you to do in Scottsdale, so how do you narrow it down to only the best? We have put together a seven-day guide to help you navigate the historical and exciting section of Old Town Scottsdale. This bustling neighborhood truly has it all, featuring culinary restaurants, cool cafes, unique shops, boutique stores, and fun things to do during Scottsdale getaways.
Old Town is so special because it has pedestrian-friendly streets, so you can walk out of your rental property and explore this buzzing area on foot anytime, day or night. You can walk into the art galleries and museums to soak in the culture, followed by going to one of the many retail shops or restaurants to see what is on offer. You will never get bored here. Keep reading to see a few must-do items on our list for exploring Old Town—and of course, there is so much more to do!
Day 1
You might wake up on day one feeling groggy and tired after traveling all day yesterday to reach your destination—we know how that feels—but the best way to combat jet lag and fatigue is to wake up early, get started, and start your vacation off on the right foot. With coffee, of course! Fortunately for you, there are many cafes and cool coffee shops right in the heat of Old Town that bring in people from all over the city and surrounding neighborhoods to get a fresh brew early in the morning.
On your first day, we recommend going to Alo Cafe to try international foods and pastries from around the world. We recommend ordering the pastrami three-egg burrito with cheese and crispy potatoes, lox omelet with smoked Nova Lox and cream cheese, or the super-sweet Waffle Barge deluxe, featuring Belgian waffles with grilled pineapple, banana, Nutella, whipped cream, and powdered sugar.
Feeling full of caffeine and energy post-breakfast? Good! Now it is time to head to the Old Town Farmers Market to wander around the local vendors, chat with farmers, pick out some organic produce, and purchase spreads, veggies, fruits, and pastries to bring back home later.
Day 2
Wake up bright and early to head to Arcadia Farms Cafe in Old Town Scottsdale to enjoy their strong cups of coffee and laid-back atmosphere. This lovely, high-end breakfast spot makes you feel like you are dining right by the Louvre in Paris rather than in Old Town Scottsdale, featuring French-inspired plates, flaky croissants, buttery pastries, and strong espresso cups. We recommend ordering the potato frittata with caramelized onions, peppers, thinly sliced Yukon potatoes, ceramic eggs, fresh herbs, Gruyere cheese, and Provencal tomato. Or, if you want something sweet, the peach French toast casserole with praline pecan caramel sauce and whipped cream is to die for.
After a Euro-inspired breakfast, head to Old Town Gypsy to check out this vintage and unique women’s clothing store that sells linen clothes, flowy items, and cool pieces that you won’t find in your typical chain store. We love this eclectic shop that offers the perfect date night outfit or flowy shirt for sitting outside and listening to live music in the summer months.
Day 3
Need a little pick-me-up early in the morning and tons of fuel before you head on a hike? We don’t blame you. Hikes in Scottsdale can be hot and demanding, so you need extra energy on reserve to power up those hills and reach the tallest peaks. And there is no better place to carb load than U.S. Egg Breakfast and Lunch Old Town Scottsdale on Scottsdale Road.
Once you are done with your huge stack of pancakes, continue your search for Old Town Scottsdale things to do and walk to Carmen, a beautiful boutique bookstore that sells jewelry, small items, trinkets, and clothes that are great for souvenirs. You can purchase postcards, posters, and journals to track your fun holiday excursions.
Day 4
On the fourth day of your Scottsdale adventure, head to a local favorite, Zuzu. Although this restaurant is located in a hotel, it churns out tasty plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can head here any time you would like. Order one of the brunch specialties, like the carne asada breakfast burrito chock full with all of the fixings or the crunchy fried chicken and waffles with pork belly, hot honey, sweet corn, pickled chiles, and scallions for a little extra crunch on top.
After sitting at breakfast for a couple of hours, we love going to Leela Market to check out this expansive boutique-like store that offers room after room of modern clothing, cool home decorations, jewelry, shoes, and much more. You can even find authentic Native American-influenced pieces here, like arts, crafts, paintings, and engravings.
Day 5
If you are health conscious and want to wake up every day feeling refreshed and excited to see all that Old Town has to offer, you need to fuel yourself properly. That is why we think visiting Farm and Craft is a perfect spot for any meal of the day, especially breakfast, to kick the day off on the right foot. This health-conscious and sustainable food eatery in Old Town features organic food, farm fresh ingredients, and seasonal offerings, so you look and feel great. We love the harvest avocado toast, salmon poke bowl with marinated salmon and pickled cucumber, or steak and farro wrap with toasted farro, wilted kale, arugula, cheddar, mushroom, and caramelized onions.
Post-coffee, it is time to head to Brown Avenue Historic Sites to learn a little more about Old Town Scottsdale And really appreciate the history of this burgeoning city. The Old Adobe Mission is a building from the early 1930s that features modern celebrations, incredible architecture, and memorabilia dating back to the early 20th century.
Day 6
Try some Southern-influenced cooking during your time in Scottsdale, and head to Belle’s Nashville Kitchen for huge plates and a great time! This rip-roaring spot is perfect for brunch, cocktails, happy hour, or a few post-dinner drinks. For the morning, we love mimosas, French toast sticks with bourbon glazed cream cheese, and ‘pig candy’ — two bourbon-soaked bacon strips with pralines.
Learn more about the history of this incredible city and state by going to the Scottsdale Historical Society Museum post-breakfast, featuring beautiful botanical gardens for sitting outside in the sunshine, the Water and Fog Plaza, event lawns, and more.
Day 7
If you are in a hurry on the last day of your Scottsdale getaways to see the last of the sights, it might be time for just coffee on the go this morning. Head to one of the many coffee shops, like Cartel Roasting Co. Sip Coffee and Beer, or Press Coffee on the waterfront to taste strong and sweet coffee that will give you a little pep in your step.
On the last day, it might be time to head inside and check out the sprawling museums and cultural areas present in Scottsdale! We love the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts for its new artwork and design. In contrast, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts hosts concerts and performances that will be one of the main highlights of your trip.
