L.A. is a city of diverse cultures and many are showcased in or around Downtown. Area's highlights include Grand Central Market, MOCA, Disney Concert Hall, The Music Center, Olvera Street, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Natural History Museum, and the Japanese-American Museum. Downtown is also home to some of the most unique and stunning examples of American and international architecture.

Los Angeles City Hall

Get in

Drive your car to a parking lot and go it by foot from then on. Downtown isn't all that big. And most likely a DASH shuttle has a stop where you want to go.

The easiest option for getting in is to use the Metro Red Line, which passes through the Civic District to Union Station. If you must drive, park at the NE corner of Hill and 9th to check out the Fashion/Garment District. Incredible deals, great restaurants, beautiful architecture (check out the Orpheum and Eastern Columbia Buildings across from the lot). There is also Cliftons further up Broadway, The Arcade Building which, like many of the historic building downtown, is being converted into upscale lofts.

• Parking: Some people are partial to parking at any one of the lots around the Music Center or Civic Center in roughly the area bounded by Grand to Spring and Temple to 2nd. But Pershing Square has good centralized parking. If you are checking out the Convention Center (only do if you are actually going to a convention there) consider parking there, although it is adjacent to Staples Center, which is a block from the Hotel Figueroa (check out the bar and the Moorish architecture), which is a block from the Pantry, which is, well you get the idea.

Get around

Downtown is probably the only part of LA that can be reasonably covered on foot.

• DASH',[1] A shuttle service run by LA Dept. of Transportation. When your feet get tired or to better expand your travel area use the DASH. It has several convenient routes that whisk you to almost all of the worthwhile spots Downtown. A ride currently costs a quarter and pamphlets can be had from most MTA stations (Union, 7th/Olive) and convenience stores Downtown (spotty weekend and after hour service though).

See

Downtown has something for everyone.

Ethnic districts

Olvera Street

• Chinatown, [2]. Primarily centered around N. Broadway; unlike Chinatowns in many other cities, it has a wide, main, busy street filled with small shops and restaurants. At about the middle point of N. Broadway in Chinatown is an open market much like those found in Hong Kong. Be sure to haggle!
• Little Tokyo, [3]. Also known as J-Town, LA's Japanese district features restaurants, museums, and shops. J-Town sits in the area between Temple and about 5th and Spring through Alemeda.
• Olvera Street, [4]. This is where LA was founded as El Pueblo de Los Angeles, but the birthplace of the city is now a plaza filled with Mexican trinket stands and Mexican restaurants. Right across the street from Union Station.

Museums

• Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), 250 S Grand Avenue, phone 213-626-6222, [5]. The permanent collection is fairly interesting, but the changing exhibitions can be more hit or miss. The museum has no 'traditional' art, so bring an open mind. The gift shop (free entrance) is fun for at least 20 minutes of wonder and awe. Open Thu-Mon 11 AM–5 PM. $8 (includes admission to Geffen Contemporay).
• Geffen Contemporary, 152 N Central Avenue. A part of MOCA tucked away in Little Tokyo. Same opening hours and shared tickets.
• Japanese American National Museum, [6]. Covers the Japanese-American experience, with a special emphasis on the concentration camps of World War II. Open Tue-Sun 10 AM-5 PM. $8.

Arts

Walt Disney Concert Hall

• Music Center and Disney Hall,[7] Impressive hall architecture complete with tours most days. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is open to the public Christmas Eve day with almost round the clock performances by amateur cultural arts groups. The Walt Disney Hall has daily tours, check website for schedules.
• The Los Angeles Central Public Library,[8] Huge library rebuilt in the '80s and '90s. Almost always has a public exhibition going.
• Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, [9], Gorgeous campus of FIDM and ongoing free exhibits make this a pleasant way to kill a couple of hours.

Architecture

• Union Station: No trip to downtown LA would be complete without a visit to Los Angeles's historic Train Station. The station was built in 1939 with a Spanish mission exterior. The large waiting room and restaurant appears like it would have looked like in the 1940's. They also use Union Station in lots of movies, including Blade Runner, where the main hall was used as the Police Station.
• The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels ,[10] Standing in the midst of downtown Los Angeles, the Cathedral serves as a "model Church for all Parish Churches" in the style and content of its liturgical celebrations.
• St. Vincent Court, 7th Street between Broadway and Hill.[11] A tranquil hideaway tucked in the heart of the Jewelry District.
• The Bradbury Building, 304 S.Broadway. Built in 1893, the Bradbury Building is one of Southern California's most remarkable architectural achievements. Behind its modest exterior lies a magical light-filled Victorian court that rises 50 feet with open cage elevators, marble stairs and ornate iron railings. The building has been a set for many movies, including Blade Runner in 1982.
• The Theater District along Broadway has been converted to discount jewelry, electronics and ethnic shops, but much of the architecture and the marquees remain.
• Library Tower (or US Bank tower), 633 West Fifth Street across fifth street from the downtown central library, at 73 floors and 1,017 feet, is said to be the tallest building between Chicago and Hong Kong.

Do

Tours

Various groups offer free or cheap walking tours of Downtown LA.

• Downtown Art Walk,[12] A free monthly self guided tour, held on the second Thursday of every month, to art galleries and museums in Downtown LA.
• L.A. Conservancy Walking Tours,[13] See the grand Vaudeville/Movie theaters of the 20s and the impressive Art Deco office buildings in several easy to handle walking tours. Strongly recommended for those wanting to grasp a feel of LA's history. Reservations are strongly recommended.
• Las Angelitas del Pueblo,[14]: is a group of volunteer docents who give free tours of El Pueblo de Los Angeles to the public.

Sports

• Staples Center, [15], Home to five of LA's pro sports franchises; Lakers, Kings, Clippers, Avengers and Sparks, plus many concerts, shows and conventions.

Buy

Downtown's shopping districts are sights in themselves.

• Fashion District,[16] Where style and cheap textiles smash together. Important for the addicted shopper. You can find the district in the Southeast corner of Downtown roughly where Spring and Main meet going Southeast.
• Flower District (766 Wall Street} [17], The best place to get the best cut and potted flowers and plants, plus just a great site to see.
• Jewelry District,[18] 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).

Some shops stand out:

• Mikawaya (800 E. 4th St. Little Tokyo) [19], Their moto says it best: "The finest name in Japanese pastries since 1910"
• Capucci Optics (7th+Fig Mall), Great place to get a pair of great glasses, sunglasses or contacts at a reasonable price. Ask for Fatima for friendly service.
• Santee Alley (Fashion District), Home of knock off designer labels and everything else you could possibly imagine, located between Santee Street and Maple Avenue, starting on Olympic Boulevard.

Eat

Philippe's

• Engine Co. No. 28, (Figueroa Corridor), [20]. Comfort food at its best. A restored actual fire station that churns out LA's best meatloaf, fried chicken and lemonade, all in an elegant atmosphere with great service.
• Capperi Ristorante, 318A E. 2nd St (Little Tokyo), [21]. This may be an unlikely place to look for a great Italian eatery, but that's exactly what you get at Capperi. They also offer free delivery to downtown residents and businesses.
• Empress Pavilion, (Chinatown). Most people come here for the dim sum on carts but there is also a menu.
• Philippe's, 1001 N. Alameda St (Chinatown, one block from Union Station), phone (213) 628-3781, [22]. Famous for their 'French Dip' sandwiches soaked in gravy ($4.90), but the real reason to go is the atmosphere and the pastrami — the joint opened in 1908 and the menu still features things like pickled eggs and pig's feet. Coffee is ten cents a cup, but their 60-cent lemonade is even more popular. Expect to queue at any time and the place is mobbed on the nights of Lakers and Dodgers games. 6 AM to 10 PM daily.
• Clifton's Cafeteria, (Downtown), [23]. Since 1935, located on Broadway, serves cafeteria style food. One should experience the history, the food at affordable prices, and of course view the mountain theme.
• Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, (Downtown), [24]. In continuous operation since 1908 and the REAL home of the French Dip.
• The Original Pantry, 877 S. Figueroa (Figueroa Corridor). A 24 hour restaurant that has been around since 1924. The place is known for its great food and speedy service. Best place for breakfast after midnight. Cash only accepted.
• Water Grill. (The Old Bank District) [25] The best seafood and overall service period. Perhaps a bit pricey, but elegant and wonderful.
• Angelique Cafe, (Fashion District). Great French food with real French people running the place. Lunch is their best meal.
• Grand Central Market, (317 S. Broadway) [26]. Huge indoor bazaar of Central and South American vendors. Get fresh tortillas, huge Mexican papayas and tasty Tortas. On Hill and Broadway between 3rd and 4th (closer to 3rd). Conveniently near the Bradbury Building (unique architecture) and the Pershing Square Red line stop (Northeast access).
• Traxx, (Union Station). Fancy-Schmansy restaurant in Union Station. Good food, pricey but the ambience of Union Station makes it worth a splurge.
• Nick and Stef's. (330 South Hope St.) [27], Fantastic steak house, run by the Patina restaurant empire. If you like beef, this is some of the best in town, with a glass-enclosed aging room where you can view the meat as it ages. Try the dry-aged Ribeye, it will make your head spin. They also have 12 kinds of potatoes on the menu. Not sure why, but they're all good. In the Wells Fargo Center, across from MOCA.
• Cafe Pinot (Central Library Courtyard) [28] . A romantic French/Italian restaruant and a unique setting as part of the central library's front yard.
• Kendall's Brasserie (Music Center) [29]. Great French menue at a perfect location to catch any of the great evening programs at the surrounding venues. Whatever you order, do not miss their French Fries!
• The Palm (Across from the Staple Center) [30] , 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.
• Pete’s Café & Bar (The Old Bank Distric) [31] Pete's is another downtown staple for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open 'till 2 AM from Monday to Saturday.
• Pacific Dining Car (1310 West 6th Street) [32] Don't be surprised if you run into a city politician or other public figuers in this LA landmark that is located inside a railway train car since 1921.
• Ciao Trattoria (815 W. Seventh St. near Figueroa) [33] Harry Hagani's homage to fantastic Italian food is a cozy and elegant restaurant popular with the lunch time busy executives of downtown Los Angeles.
• Weiland Brewery, Central and First. The cheese fries are to die for.
• Yang Chow in Chinatown was award winning restaurant in the Zagat survey.

Drink

• Golden Gopher. [34] Ms. PacMan + Jukebox + Classiness. Wishes it were New York?
• Ciudad[35]. Great Mojitos and live Jazz music on certain nights.
• The Rooftop Bar @ The Standard, 550 S. Flower St. (at Sixth), [36]. This unique bar offers a hipster hangout with excellent views of the city from thirteen stories up. Wear warm clothes during cold weather, and be prepared for drink prices in the $10+ range for mixed drinks. Don't forget to try the waterbeds or even jump in their pool for a swim. Open daily 12:00 PM until 1:30 AM.
• Cole's. Dive on 6th and Los Angeles, claims to be more Original with their french dip than Philippe's!
• Broadway Bar. [37]
• 410 Boyd. Happy hour 4-7 weekdays for the loft-dwellers and (last time i was there, anyway) hot, hot staff!
• Club Mayan. [38] Best singles spot downtown! Dress code is enforced.
• Grand Avenue Sports Bar (inside Millennium Biltmore Hotel) [39] Downtown's best sports bar happens to be located inside its most glamorous hotel. But don't shy away expecting a stuffy joint filled with tuxedo wearing guests from the next door ball, you can relax here in your jeans and enjoy the multiple big screen TV's tuned to your favorite game.

Sleep

Downtown has a marvelous selection of excellent hotels that cater primaruily to business travellers. That means that if you time your visit right (for example use weekends), you can get a great room at a very reasonable price.

• Westin Bonaventure, [40]. Recognizeable from various movies it has appeared in.
• Marriott, [41]. Across the street, has a small older theatre in its basement where you can still see first-run movies for under $8.
• The Standard, [42]. For the very hip and trendy crowd.
• Millennium Biltmore, [43]. Grand daddy of all downtown hotels, with its gorgeous lobby and fancy restaurants.
• Figueroa Hotel [44], for those looking for something unusual.
• The New Otani [45], in Little Tokyo
• Wilshire Grand [46]. Going through a major update and renovation.

There are numerous residential hotels in the area. You may rent weekly or monthly here. It will be very economical. Some were clearly formerly glorious, but don´t expect much in terms of cleanliness now. You will meet interesting people. The Alexandria was actually used by famous stars and has marble bathrooms. Some of the rooms were favorites of particular stars, and the door has a little plaque for that star. The stars probably won´t mean anything to you unless you are old enough, but it is still kind of interesting, and most of the residents will be older than you as well. You can wander around the public areas. There is even laundry in the basement. Be prepared to use gallons of Febreze of get lots of incense. You might want to bring your own mattress and bedding. The advantages would be price and being at the center of the transit system where you can get buses and trains to different places. Note that some would argue that no one in their right mind would stay at the Alexandria since it is used for film shoots depicting decrepit, sleazy plots.

Stay safe

The area bounded by 3rd St, 7th St, Alameda St and Main St houses a large homeless population and is known as Skid Row. Steer clear, especially after dark.

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