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Neighborhood in Los Angeles, California
Photo: Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Los Angeles is a city of diverse cultures, and many of them are showcased in and around the city's Downtown. While Downtown L.A. has been considered primarily a business and manufacturing hub for the last several decades, its long-heralded revival has really gained some traction as new restaurants, retail chains, boutiques, and trendy hotels open at a rapid pace. Some highlights for the visitor in Downtown include Grand Central Market, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Olvera Street, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and some unique and stunning examples of American and international architecture sprinkled throughout.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Los Angeles' Japanese district features numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops geared towards the local Japanese-American population or those who take an interest in Japanese culture. The district is centered along 1st and 2nd Streets between Los Angeles and Alameda Streets.
A museum devoted to the Japanese-American experience, with a particular emphasis on the Japanese internment camps of World War II, including numerous artifacts and historic photographs. Besides the permanent collection, the museum also holds changing exhibits on Japanese-American art and history.
A bustling urban mall with traditional Japanese architecture and lanterns.
A pedestrian shopping mall with a view of City Hall up the street and a monument to astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka, who perished in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
A monthly celebration of Downtown's art scene, this self guided tour of local art galleries and museums is held on the second Thursday of every month.
A branch of MOCA tucked away inside a former warehouse in Little Tokyo, regularly used to host large installations too big to be housed in the MOCA on Grand. Same opening hours and shared tickets as MOCA on Grand.
FIDM
Gorgeous campus of FIDM and ongoing free exhibits make this a pleasant way to kill a couple of hours.
History of music, with listening posts.
Built in 1893, the Bradbury Building is one of Southern California's most remarkable architectural achievements. Behind its modest exterior lies a light-filled Victorian court that rises with open cage elevators, marble stairs and ornate iron railings. The building has been a set for many movies, perhaps most notably the conclusion of Blade Runner. Visitors without business in the building are allowed into the lobby and up to the first landing of the staircase.
Completed in 1928, this towering Art Deco building is the center of the city's government, housing the mayor's office and the city council meeting chambers, and was the city's tallest building for nearly forty years after it was built. An observation desk on the 27th floor offers a marvelous view of Downtown; you'll have to check in at the security desk at the entrance, and they'll give you directions to the observation desk. On the way up admire the spacious rotunda on the 3rd floor and the "Hall of Mayors" on the 26th floor.
Art Deco classic. No longer owned by the LA Times as of 2024. No interior tours available.
A tranquil hideaway tucked in the heart of the Jewelry District.
The Theater District along Broadway had fallen into serious disrepair for decades, with most of the theaters being occupied by swap meets selling discount jewelry, electronics and $2 socks. Fortunately, most of the architecture and marquees remain, and are being renovated and turned into glorious destinations once again - starting with an Urban Outfitters and the Ace Hotel.
Home to three of LA's pro sports franchises; Lakers (NBA), Kings (NHL), and Sparks (WNBA), plus many concerts, shows and conventions.
Do they need an introduction? They are the most popular basketball team in the city. Prices are very high (the most expensive ticket in the NBA) but you will rarely be disappointed with the beautiful Crypto.com Arena.
LA's hockey team - One of the NHL's brightest young teams with stars like Anže Kopitar and Quinton Byfield. A fun hockey experience and a great, affordable way to experience Crypto.com Arena.
LA's women's basketball team - they especially need your support! A good, inexpensive family outing and a chance to be shown that women are just as capable of dazzling the crowd with their athletic prowess as men!!
Los Angeles' main venue for conventions and expositions, it is where Anime Expo and the Los Angeles Auto Show are held.
Built in 2007, it is Los Angeles' premier venue for rock concerts and awards shows.
A nightclub at L.A. Live specializing in Latin music.
Clifton's Cafeteria, Clifton's Republic
One of the inspirations for Disneyland, Clifton's is a bar, restaurant, and nightclub themed after the woods of California, full of taxidermy, fake plants, strange artifacts, and comfortable seating, with a multi-story design organized around a dancefloor with an enormous hollow fake redwood in the middle of it.
Food hall with stands to eat different types of food or buy seafood, spices, beans and peas, liquors and more. Very charming and lively place. Full of locals and tourists. Parking garage entrance 308 S Hill St ($5.50 min, $25 max).
The Pantry boasts that it has never closed or been without a customer since it first opened in 1924 (want proof? The front entrance has no lock on it). However that tradition unfortunately ended due to Covid-19. Come here on any morning and you will see a line stretching around the block; the wait is worth it, and the fast service will have hot plate of food in front of you within minutes of sitting down. Best place for breakfast after midnight. It is owned by former mayor Richard Riordan.
Not really authentic — it's sort of a variation on Baja-style Mexican — Senor Fish downtown does just one thing well, but they do it better than anyone. Luckily, that one thing is an important thing: grilled fish tacos. Grilled, not fried. Their Shrimp Taco is amazing as well.
Great rooftop setting on the 15th floor of a building, a nice place for a sunset meal, snack, drink, and to lounge with good company. French bistro style. 21+ after 9PM.
Features Brazilian-inspired dishes that are different from what most American restaurants serve as "Brazilian". Rice, beans and plantains are in use, but entrees such as a Brazilian-inspired pot pie and cinnamon water will be new to most diners. Jacqueline, the very gracious chef, will usually make the rounds once the kitchen closes and can tell some very interesting stories about her life after coming to the States.
Situated in the beautiful Arts Deco Oviatt Building, Cicada deftly blends elegance of design and superior Italian fare. A chic bar is upstairs, complete with marble dance floor. A perfect place for special occasions, a fine meal before the theatre or just any excuse to be dazzled, both by the atmosphere and the cooking.
The Palm is a casual white tablecloth restaurant with a mix of Italian, seafood and great steaks. Check out the collection of caricatures on the walls too.
Popular and excellent spot for coffee in the arts district.
Small coffee shop with sidewalk tables and delicious coffee.
Straight out of Portland, one of the newest coffee roasters to LA.
Housed in what was once Los Angeles' oldest power plant, this 1920s-themed lounge is a stunning reuse of the structure, even down to preserving the old generators, giving the place an industrial steampunk vibe. Besides the amazing decor, absinthe and craft cocktails are available and the place often puts on burlesque and live music shows, in keeping with its classical vibe. Dress code enforced.
Dark, popular spot featuring a bar in-the-round and a second floor smoking balcony.
Great singles spot downtown! Dress code is enforced. Be sure to check out the annual Lucha Vavoom (lucha libre and burlesque).
Ms. PacMan + Jukebox + Classiness. Also sells alcohol to-go.
Curious mix of Latinos and hipsters.
Hip little dive with a goofy but fun nautical theme. Live music, pub food.
No frills dive bar with lots of cool decor inside. Tropical Mexican design with micheladas and margaritas, very cool place.
Featuring spacious rooms, modern decor, and a variety of amenities in Little Tokyo.
Opened early 2014 in the historic United Artists building that was built in 1927 for what was then a maverick film studio. Includes free Wi-Fi and air-con. Terrace Suites are and include a private kitchenette, private terrace; some have Ace x Rega RP1 turntables and acoustic Martin Guitars.
For those looking for something unusual, Figueroa Hotel provides Moroccan styled luxury. Mystic and beautiful, this is where Cirque Du Soleil hosted their premiere party of Varekai.
A downtown Japanese hotel offering classic comfort accommodations, meeting rooms, and a health spa with Shiatsu massage, close to attractions.
This high-rise hotel is one of the newest in downtown, with stunning views from the upper floors. It's across the street from LA Live, the Convention Center, and the Staples Center.
The area is largely a manufacturing and wholesale showroom center, with hundreds of retail shops carry cheaply made and priced goods catering to budget shoppers and the large Latin-American community that work in the area. It's being injected with a dose of young trendy brands like Acne, Oak, and Aesop, mostly centered around 9th & Broadway, but still a good spot to stock up on cheap basics like socks and t-shirts, or, for the DIY crowd, hit one of the numerous huge fabric stores that stock just about every type of fabric, lace, and general bric-a-brac imaginable.
The Arts District houses a plethora of unique clothing, houseware and knick-knack boutiques, amidst a rapidly evolving area.
The cheapest place to buy flowers in the city, it's where most of the florists get their supply. Come very early for the best selection. Two huge warehouses spread across both sides of Wall Street (the Original Los Angeles Flower Market and the Southern California Flower Market).
Wonder where all of those West Coast Rappers get their bling bling? Well, if they are frugal, they get it in the Jewelry District. Bounded by Olive-Broadway and 6th-7th, it is conveniently close to Pershing Square (parking and Red line access).
Fashion District
A bustling outdoor flea market crammed in an alley, home of knock off designer labels and impossibly crappy jewelry. Come here for interesting atmosphere, or to buy cheap socks.
California's largest used/new book and record store in downtown LA. In a downtown LA loft totaling , it has over 250,000 used and new books and 10,000 records for sale on 2 floors with a yarn gallery, arts and rare book annex and a small art gallery. Events like book reviews, book signings and open mic nights are held here as well.
By car
Downtown LA can be accessed directly via the Pasadena Freeway (SR-110), the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10), and the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5 and US-101).
By train
Union Station, the main train station for Los Angeles, is located on the edge of downtown, with transfers available to the B and D line subways, Metro, or DASH buses.
By subway / light rail
For those visitors coming from within Los Angeles County, local subway and light rail service may be the best option to get to Downtown LA.
By bus
A. stop in Downtown: Greyhound has a bus terminal at 7th St and Decatur in Skid Row, while Megabus, Flixbus, and BoltBus stop at Union Station.
By plane
Downtown LA is not directly served by an airport, but can be accessed via public transportation from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Westchester and Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.
By public transit
Metro is the most extensive transit system in the region, operating buses, subway, and light rail across Los Angeles County.
By bicycle
Metro operates a bike share system, with numerous stations scattered across the Downtown area.75 for every thirty minutes after that.
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Los Angeles · International · LAX
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