A lively mix of old and modern, downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is where historical monuments meet modern skyscrapers, and where many different traditions meet.
Whether you’re new to the area or an LA resident searching for fresh experiences, DTLA boasts an energetic blend of cuisine, art, history, and nightlife.
From stunning skyline vistas to little-known spots, here is your definitive list of the top things to do in LA.
Explore Grand Central Market – A paradise for food lovers
Grand Central Market is a must-see if you identify yourself as a foodie. Serving everything from gourmet tacos to handcrafted pupusas, this vibrant food hall has been a melting pot of tastes since 1917. The market is full of food stalls, every one of them offering something different.
Begin your food trip with a well-known Eggslut breakfast sandwich: fluffy scrambled eggs on a warm brioche sandwich with gooey cheese. Tacos Tumbras a Tomas offers among the finest carnitas tacos in Los Angeles for those yearning for tacos. If you’re feeling spontaneous, then try Sari Sari’s spicy Filipino rice bowls or The Oyster Gourmet’s fresh oysters.
Dessert is an essential part of every meal! Stop by McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams for some sea salt caramel or get a churro at Mr. Churros. Grand Central Market has something great for you, whether you are a casual diner or a devoted foodie.
Relax on the Perch’s rooftop.
Finish your night off with a Perch cocktail following a long day of sightseeing. Live jazz music, amazing views of the DTLA skyline, and a laidback but elegant ambiance define this rooftop bar.
Alternatively, savor a plate of truffle fries and sip a lavender-infused gin cocktail or simply soak in the city lights. Perch is the perfect spot to relax, whether you are there for a casual evening with friends or for date night.
Go see The Broad Museum – A Contemporary Art Wonderland.
Without checking out The Broad Museum, art enthusiasts will never leave DTLA. Some of the most famous modern artists—including Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Jean-Michel Basquiat—have worked in this free contemporary art museum.
Among the most sought-after features inside The Broad is Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, a brilliant exhibit crammed with infinite reflections of light. If you wish to enter this beautiful building, be sure you reserve tickets ahead of time.
Jeff Koons’ balloon animal sculptures, Roy Lichtenstein’s pop art paintings, and Takashi Murakami’s vivid, anime-inspired artwork are among other notes. The displays at The Broad are fascinating and quite striking even if you are not a big lover of art.
Stroll Little Tokyo—LA’s Japanese Slice.
Visit Little Tokyo in downtown LA for a taste of Japan. Authentic Japanese restaurants, unique stores, and cultural sites abound in this historic quarter.
Begin your trip with a Daikokuya ramen bowl, one of the most popular local ramen venues. Sushi Gen offers some of the freshest sashimi in town if sushi appeals more to your taste. Explore the delightful stores selling Japanese nibbles, anime products, and handmade pottery after dinner.
Make sure to visit the Japanese American National Museum, which showcases the history of Japanese Americans in the U.S. Stop your trip at FugetsuDo, a hundred-year-old store famed for its excellent handmade mochi.
Stroll down historic Olvera Street.
At Olvera Street, Los Angeles’ birthplace, step back in time. Colorful stands selling handcrafted Mexican wares, from woven covers to traditional leather sandals, line this delightful, pedestrian-only street.
Enjoy. Live Mariachi music as you walk, graze on a plate of taquitos from Cielito Lindo, one of the most well-known street food vendors. To see a peek of early day life in the city, you might also tour Avila Adobe, L.A.’s oldest house.
Learning about LA’s rich Mexican history while experiencing an honest and dynamic ambiance can be done first on Olvera Street.
Stroll around the Arts District – LA’s Creative Hub
Known for its amazing street art, hipster coffee shops, and industrial chic feel, the Arts District is one of the coolest areas in Downtown LA.
Begin with a trip to Hauser & Wirth, a huge modern art gallery located in a transformed flourmill. Next, walk on your own around the district’s well-known murals, among them those by Shepard Fairey as well as RETNA.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Maru Coffee are two top stops for coffee enthusiasts. For those who enjoy craft beer, Angel City Brewery is an energetic brewery with excellent beverages and an even better ambiance.
Go see the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
One of LA’s most visually appealing structures, the Walt Disney Concert Hall was created by renowned architect Frank Gehry. This architectural gem houses the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra with its elegant, metal lines.
You could still see the building for free during the daytime, therefore even if you’re not attending a concert. Make sure to go see the tranquil little-known gem of the rooftop garden where you can get up close to view the beautiful architecture.
Take Angel’s Flight – Earth’s Smallest Railroad
The longest railway line in the world, Angel’s Flight, started in 1901, connects Pershing Square to Bunker Hill, movies including La La Land have featured it, and for just $1 you can take a ride.
Even though the ride is quick (298 feet only), it’s an unusual and entertaining way to encounter part of LA’s past. Furthermore, it saves you the need to negotiate a steep slope.
Find the Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore is more than a bookstore; it is a literary paradise. Located in a stately, historic bank building, this shop is renowned for its book tunnels, hidden reading corners, and large shelves packed with uncommon treasures.
Apart from books, you will discover a cozy corner ideal for settling down with a fresh read, some artwork, and vinyl records. It is also among the most Instagrammable locations in LA!
Downtown LA is a city within a city—an eclectic mix of history, culture, food, and nightlife. Whether you’re admiring art at The Broad, tasting authentic Japanese cuisine in Little Tokyo, or watching the sunset from a rooftop bar, there’s always something exciting happening in DTLA.
