Broadway is the spine of downtown Saratoga Springs — a mile or so of Victorian commercial architecture, now occupied by restaurants, independent shops, wine bars, and cafes. The streetscape is well-preserved and genuinely pleasant to walk, especially in the early morning before the summer crowds arrive. The historic buildings have been maintained rather than sanitized; it feels like a real town.
In August during the racing meet, Broadway is packed and prices spike. The rest of the year it's lively but manageable. The best coffee is a short detour off Broadway on the side streets; the best people-watching is at the outdoor tables when the weather cooperates.