Downtown Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Downtown LA. Learn local culture and customs. Plan your trip now!


Introduction to Downtown

Downtown is the central business district of Los Angeles and one of the most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods in Southern California. It is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, and Union Station. The bustling streets of Downtown are filled with skyscrapers, museums, art galleries, theaters, and a diverse mix of residents and visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Downtown

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Broad: A contemporary art museum, showcasing works by Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and other famous artists.
  • The Grammy Museum: A colorful tribute to the history of music and the recording industry.
  • The Los Angeles Central Library: A grandiose building that houses more than six million books and manuscripts.
  • The Museum of Contemporary Art: A museum that exhibits works by contemporary artists from around the world.
  • The Japanese American National Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Japanese Americans.
  • The Bradbury Building: A historic and iconic building known for its ornate ironwork and glass roof.
  • Olvera Street: A colorful street lined with shops and restaurants that celebrates Mexican culture and heritage.
  • The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels: A stunning architectural achievement that is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Natural Attractions of Downtown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Grand Park: A beautiful oasis in the heart of Downtown that hosts community events and offers views of the city.
  • Echo Park Lake: A serene lake that is perfect for picnics, paddle boating, and people-watching.
  • The Los Angeles River: A long, winding river that runs through the city and offers kayaking and hiking opportunities.
  • Vista Hermosa Natural Park: A hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the city and hiking trails.
  • Angels Flight Railway: A historic funicular that offers stunning views of the city and a unique mode of transportation.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Downtown

  • The Los Angeles River Trail: A seven-mile bike path that runs along the Los Angeles River.
  • The Downtown Art Walk and Gallery Tour: A self-guided walking tour that takes you through some of the city’s best art galleries and exhibits.
  • The Historic Core Walking Tour: A tour that takes you through the historic buildings and landmarks of Downtown.
  • The Echo Park Lake Hike: A one-mile hike around the stunning Echo Park Lake.

Best Things to Do in Downtown: Activities and Tours

  • The Downtown LA Food Tour: A food tour that takes you through the best eateries in Downtown, such as Grand Central Market and Little Tokyo.
  • The LA Conservancy Walking Tour: A tour that explores the historic architecture of Downtown’s landmark buildings.
  • The Arts District Bike Tour: A guided bike tour that explores the vibrant art scene of the Arts District.
  • The Dodger Stadium Tour: A behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Dodger Stadium.
  • The Walt Disney Concert Hall Tour: A tour of the renowned music venue designed by Frank Gehry.

Week-Long Itinerary for Downtown

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit The Broad, Grand Central Market, and Angels Flight Railway.
Day 2 Explore Olvera Street, the LA Central Library, and the Japanese American National Museum.
Day 3 Hike the Historic Core and Echo Park Lake.
Day 4 Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and take the LA Conservancy Walking Tour.
Day 5 Explore the Arts District and visit the Grammy Museum.
Day 6 Take the Dodger Stadium Tour and watch a baseball game.
Day 7 Visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall and see a performance.

Food and Drink Scene of Downtown

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacos at Guisados in Boyle Heights
  • Ramen at Daikokuya in Little Tokyo
  • Burgers at The Original Pantry Cafe in the Historic Core
  • Fried Chicken at Howlin’ Ray’s in Chinatown

Local Beverages

  • Craft beers at Angel City Brewery in the Arts District
  • Cocktails at Seven Grand in the Historic Core
  • Coffee at G&B Coffee in Grand Central Market
  • Wines at The Edison in the Historic Core

Where to Stay in Downtown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Ace Hotel: A trendy hotel with a rooftop bar and pool.
  • The Freehand: A chic hostel with a rooftop bar and a pool.
  • The NoMad: A luxurious hotel with a rooftop pool and restaurant.
  • The Stay on Main: A budget-friendly hotel with a historic ambiance.

What to Buy in Downtown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handcrafted pottery at Casa de Artisan in Little Tokyo
  • Vintage records at Permanent Records in the Historic Core
  • High-quality olive oil at The NoMad Store
  • T-shirts from Pyrrha in the Arts District

Local Culture and Customs of Downtown

Downtown is a diverse and inclusive neighborhood that celebrates different cultures and customs. Respectful behavior and open-mindedness are highly valued.

Best Time to Visit Downtown

The best time to visit Downtown is from September to November and from March to May when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot, and winters can be rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Downtown

Do:

  • Do explore the vibrant street art scene of the Arts District.
  • Do try the local cuisine, especially the tacos and ramen.
  • Do use public transportation, such as the Metro Rail and buses.
  • Do take walking tours to learn more about the history and culture of the neighborhood.

Don’t:

  • Don’t underestimate the walking distance between attractions and neighborhoods.
  • Don’t leave valuables unattended in your car or on the street.
  • Don’t harass or disrespect gentrification or other socio-economic issues.

Safety and Health

Safety in Downtown

Downtown is a safe area to visit, but like any big city, it’s important to use common sense and take precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and stay aware of your surroundings. Wearing a mask can also help protect your health in crowded areas.

Health in Downtown

Downtown has several hospitals and health clinics, including the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center and White Memorial Medical Center.

Getting to Downtown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Downtown

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Bus Stations Near Downtown

  • Greyhound Bus Station
  • Union Station Bus Terminal
  • Megabus Coach Stop

Other Options

  • Metro Rail: The Metro Rail offers several lines that go through Downtown, providing access to different areas of the city.
  • Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Lyft are popular options for getting around Downtown.
  • Bike rentals: Renting a bike is an excellent way to explore Downtown’s bike-friendly streets.

How to Get Around in Downtown

Downtown is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with plenty of bike lanes and public transportation options. The Metro Rail, buses, and bike rentals are the best ways to get around.

Where to Go Next from Downtown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • The Getty Center: A world-renowned art museum and garden in West LA.
  • Santa Monica: A beachside city known for its iconic pier and quirky shops and restaurants.
  • Griffith Park: A massive urban park that offers hiking trails and stunning city views.

Conclusion

Downtown LA is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood that offers something for everyone - from art and culture to food and drink. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your visit and discover the best places to stay, eat, play, and explore.

Union Station Union Station A Metro Gold Line train leaving Downtown A Metro Gold Line train leaving Downtown Los Angeles City Hall Los Angeles City Hall Chinatown Plaza Chinatown Plaza Olvera Street Olvera Street Inside the ornate Bradbury Building Inside the ornate Bradbury Building Walt Disney Concert Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall The flea market atmosphere of Santee Alley The flea market atmosphere of Santee Alley Philippe's Philippe's Grand Central Market Grand Central Market Los Angeles Central Library from the Bunker Hill Steps Los Angeles Central Library from the Bunker Hill Steps Arroyo Seco Bike Path Arroyo Seco Bike Path