Downtown Los Angeles is full of fascinating sights and sounds, with many historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and great dining options to explore. Here are some of the best things to see and do in downtown LA.
Disney Building
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a stunning piece of architecture designed by Frank Gehry. It is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building to learn about its design and history.
Angel’s Flight
Angel’s Flight Railway is a historic funicular railway that runs up and down Bunker Hill in downtown LA. It was built in 1901 and has since become an iconic part of the city’s landscape. Riding the railway is a quick and fun way to get a sense of LA’s history and enjoy some great views of the city.
City Hall
The Los Angeles City Hall is a beautiful Art Deco building that towers over the downtown area. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building to learn about its history and see some of the beautiful artwork and architecture inside.
Murals
Downtown LA is home to some of the most vibrant street art and murals in the city. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the area to see some of the best works of art or join a guided tour to learn more about the artists and their work.
Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore Hotel is a historic landmark in downtown LA that has hosted some of the city’s most famous residents and visitors over the years. You can take a guided tour of the hotel to learn about its history and see some of the beautiful architecture and artwork inside or just explore it yourself just like we did. The hotel is open for visitors.
Lunch at Public Market
The Grand Central Market is a bustling food hall in downtown LA that is home to dozens of vendors serving up a wide variety of cuisines. It’s a great place to grab lunch and soak up some of the city’s vibrant energy.
Coffee at Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle is a beloved coffee roaster that has several locations throughout LA, including one in downtown. Visitors can stop in for a cup of their famous coffee and enjoy the bright and airy atmosphere of the shop.
Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building is a historic landmark in downtown LA that was built in 1893. It is known for its stunning wrought-iron balconies, ornate tile work, and unique glass ceiling. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the building to appreciate its beauty and history.
The Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore is a popular independent bookstore in downtown LA that is known for its vast collection of new and used books, as well as its whimsical and unique decor. Visitors can browse the shelves and take in the quirky atmosphere of the store.
Urban lights at Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Urban Light is an iconic light installation located at the entrance to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). It features 202 restored cast-iron street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s arranged in a grid pattern on a concrete plaza.
The installation was created by artist Chris Burden and was unveiled in 2008. Burden began collecting street lamps in the 1990s with the idea of creating a sculpture that would pay homage to the city’s history and architecture.
