Downtown Little Rock - Little Rock, AR Area Guide

In 1831, a small rough-hewn settlement known as Little Rock became an incorporated city. After the Civil War, the city grew rapidly. By the 1900s, skyscrapers gave new beauty to the skyline. Arkansas native Bill Clinton won the presidential election in 1992, bringing national attention to Little Rock.

The Arkansas Arts Center, nestled downtown on East 9th Street, shares multiple roles as an art museum and performing arts hub. A permanent collection and traveling exhibitions highlight the importance of the fine arts. Lessons for all experience levels let you flex your creative muscles.

Riverfest annually draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond. Taking place every Memorial Day weekend since 1978, this massive festival invites attendees to watch live performances, browse artisan goods for sale, sample gourmet food and beverages and rock out to headline acts.

The River Market district hosts trendy eateries in one convenient spot, but don't forget to explore the rest of the downtown neighborhood for an even broader range.

Have the full presidential experience at Forty Two, tucked inside the Clinton Presidential Center. Elegant yet laid-back, this eatery makes a great stop after a visit to the library. An outdoor patio overlooks the greenery of the surrounding area. Many of the recipes draw inspiration from Clinton's favorite dishes, and locals especially enjoy the grilled chicken panini served with an ample helping of house-made potato chips.

Those who enjoy locally sourced foods need to stop by The Root Cafe. Kitschy and cozy inside, this little eatery supports sustainable practices and makes appetizingly tasty meals at the same time. Complement your savory spicy Bahn Mi sandwich with something just sweet enough by trying the refreshing lavender lemonade or a praline salad.

The nightlife scene downtown steals attention away from other Little Rock neighborhoods. Midtown Billiards has a reputation as the city's liveliest dive bar. Open until 5 a.m., much later than most bars, this downtown staple allows indoor smoking and has a pool table for those who like friendly competition. An easy-going environment and chatty bartenders guarantee that nobody leaves feeling like a stranger.

Nearby Stickyz Rock'n'Roll Chicken Shack joins Midtown in providing a venue for both local and touring musicians and groups.

Proudly holding the title of the most walkable community in Little Rock, downtown offers a reasonable amount of amenities, attractions and destinations within walking distance. Exercise general caution when walking late at night.

Many Little Rock residents find it easiest to own a vehicle. Downtown stays well connected via freeways and highways. Some of the major roads in the area include the Wilbur D. Mills Freeway, US Route 67, Interstate 440 and Interstate 30.

You can bike to work or for recreation by observing the rules of the road. Events such as Biketoberfest help build support for the downtown biking community.

Expect to encounter metered street parking, often with time limits that expire at 2 hours. During the evening, metered spots become free. Both free public parking lots and paid lots, with fees around $3 a day, also serve the area. Be prepared to walk a few blocks to your destination.

You won't find enough taxis roaming the streets to reliably hail a cab, but companies such as Little Rock Yellow Cab offer reliable service when you call or access an app. Uber also serves the area with ride sharing.

Over 20 different Central Arkansas Transit Authority bus routes pass through the downtown area and connect to the greater Little Rock and North Little Rock regions.

The River Rail Streetcar service combines quick local transportation with vintage appeal. With a path that extends about 3 miles along the downtown thoroughfare, the electric trolleys hit many of the area's biggest destinations.

Arkansas's role as the Natural State shines through in downtown Little Rock, where the metropolitan landscape gives way to the lush greenery of city parks. Stretching across 11 blocks, Riverfront Park lies along the banks of the Arkansas River. Summers in this city get hot, but little ones can cool down at the Peabody Splash Park, designed with kids' interests in mind. Follow the River Trail on-foot to enjoy the scenic beauty and get an easy workout, finishing with a visit to the sculpture garden.

Riverfront plays home to an amphitheater, where outdoor concerts bring the community together year-round. Movies in the Park takes place at the amphitheater as well.

Historic MacArthur Park, situated near the Arkansas Arts Center and the Museum of Military History, meets your athletic needs. Here, you find trails for running, jogging and walking. Going beyond the typical tennis courts, MacArthur instead has bocce and bike polo courts.

An unleashed dog park near MacArthur includes a sizable parking lot, watering stations for thirsty pets and an area that allows smaller breeds and puppies to play safely.

Downtown living comes with a fairly affordable price tag. Residing here costs roughly the same as the Little Rock average. When you lease a one-bedroom residence within the downtown region, you find that monthly rates average out at $957.

Enjoying a glass of beer at a busy downtown pub typically costs about 2 percent less than the national average, setting you back by $8 to $9. Gas prices land at 3 percent more expensive than average prices nationwide.

One-way transportation via bus will cost you $2.70 with discounted fares for children and seniors.

Your best bet for shopping opportunities in the downtown region, the River Market district has an array of unique boutiques. The Freckled Frog keeps things local — Arkansan artists and designers craft everything in this store, including artwork and jewelry. Not just handy for souvenirs, The Freckled Frog lets you decorate your home with Little Rock talent.

When you need a wardrobe update, Fringe Clothing sells bohemian, on-trend dresses, tops and accessories. River Market Books & Gifts stands across from the Central Arkansas Library System's Main Library branch and right near River Market. Warm natural lighting, hardwood floors and cozy, eclectic decor make this multistory bookstore feel like a friend's home. Affordable used books in all genres line the bookshelves, and the store also carries novel gifts.

The Little Rock Farmers Market, held in the outdoor River Market pavilions, brings together local farmers and artists and connects them with the community. From May through October, you can fill up your crisper drawer with fresh produce.

Even during the farmers market off-season, the Ottenheimer Market Hall area of River Market hosts a line-up of international grocery vendors. Grab a fresh loaf of artisan bread at Boulevard Bread or browse the basics at Garden Square Cafe & Grocery. Stratton's Market, on East 3rd, carries essentials, great for when you need to pick up last-minute ingredients. Large chains, such as Kroger and Food Giant, also serve the downtown area.