Table of Contents
Introduction
Looking for the best Los Angeles downtown places to visit? Downtown LA (DTLA) is full of exciting spots! From food markets to famous landmarks, there’s something for everyone. Whether you love art, history, or sports, this guide will help you discover the best places to visit in downtown Los Angeles.
Why Visit Downtown Los Angeles?
Downtown Los Angeles is the hub of the city. It’s full of history, food, and fun activities. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, DTLA has many places to explore. From the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall to hidden gems like Angels Flight, you’ll find many things to do in this part of LA.
Top 10 Los Angeles Downtown Places to Visit
Here are the top 10 Los Angeles downtown places to visit. These spots offer a little bit of everything!
| Attraction | Why Visit | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Central Market | Food paradise with a variety of cuisines | 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 | Free entry, food: $5–$20 |
| Walt Disney Concert Hall | Stunning architecture, world-class performances | 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Free tours, concerts: $50+ |
| The Broad Museum | Free modern art museum | 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Free |
| Angels Flight Railway | Historic funicular ride | 351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 | $1 per ride |
| Olvera Street | Lively Mexican marketplace | 845 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Free entry |
| LA Live & Crypto.com Arena | Sports, concerts, and Grammy Museum | 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 | Events: $15–$50+ |
| Union Station | Historic train station with beautiful design | 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Free |
| Pershing Square | Public park with events and activities | 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 | Free entry |
| Arts District | Street art and galleries | Between Alameda St. and the LA River | Free to explore |
| Los Angeles City Hall | Observation deck with city views | 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Free |
1. Grand Central Market
If you love food, Grand Central Market is the place to go. It has been open since 1917. Here, you can find tacos, burgers, and even vegan options. It’s a fun place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Why visit: Great food choices from around the world.
- Location: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
- Price: Entry is free. Food prices range from $5 to $20.
| Vendor | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Eggslut | Breakfast Sandwiches | $10 – $15 |
| Tacos Tumbras a Tomas | Mexican | $5 – $10 |
| Belcampo Meat Co. | Burgers & More | $10 – $20 |
2. Walt Disney Concert Hall
This concert hall is a must-see for music and architecture fans. Frank Gehry designed the building, which is a true work of art. You can take free tours or attend a live concert here.
- Why visit: Stunning architecture and top performances.
- Location: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Price: Free tours; concert tickets start at $50.
3. The Broad Museum
Love art? Then visit The Broad Museum. It contains modern art from prominent artists such as Andy Warhol. Admission is free, but it’s good to book your tickets online to avoid long lines.
- Why visit: Free modern art museum.
- Location: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Price: Free entry.
4. Angels Flight Railway
Want a fun and quick adventure? Take a ride on Angels Flight Railway. This tiny train takes you up and down the steep hills of Downtown LA. It’s been in operation since 1901!
- Why visit: A short, fun ride on a historic train.
- Location: 351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
- Price: $1 for a one-way ride.
5. Olvera Street
Step into the oldest part of LA at Olvera Street. It’s a lively marketplace with vendors selling handmade goods and delicious Mexican food. It’s great for families and tourists who want to experience local culture.
- Why visit: A lively market full of history and culture.
- Location: 845 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Price: Free to walk around, food and items vary in price.
6. LA Live and Crypto.com Arena
Are you a sports or music fan? Head to LA Live. This area is home to the Crypto.com Arena, where you can catch a Lakers or Kings game. Nearby is the Grammy Museum, which celebrates music history.
- Why visit: Sports games, concerts, and the Grammy Museum.
- Location: 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
- Price: Game tickets start at $40, and Grammy Museum tickets are $15.
| Event | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Game (Lakers) | Crypto.com Arena | $50+ |
| Grammy Museum | LA Live | $15 |
| NHL Game (Kings) | Crypto.com Arena | $40+ |
7. Union Station
Union Station is one of the most beautiful train stations in America. It’s a great place to explore or catch a train to another part of the city. The building’s design is a mix of Spanish and modern architecture.
- Why visit: The historic train station has a beautiful design.
- Location: 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Price: Free to explore, train ticket prices vary.
8. Pershing Square
Pershing Square is a large public park in the middle of Downtown LA. The park often hosts events, including concerts and outdoor movie nights. During winter, you can even ice skate here!
- Why visit: A great place to relax with events year-round.
- Location: 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
- Price: Free, some event prices vary.
9. The Arts District
The Arts District is perfect for anyone who loves street art and galleries. You’ll find colorful murals in almost every building, and this area is full of trendy cafes, art galleries, and creative spaces.
- Why visit: Street art, galleries, and cool cafes.
- Location: Between Alameda St. and the LA River.
- Price: Free to explore, gallery prices vary.
10. Los Angeles City Hall
Want to see the best view of LA? Visit the observation deck at Los Angeles City Hall. You can see the entire city from the top, and it’s free to visit!
- Why visit: Great views of the city from the observation deck.
- Location: 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Price: Free.
Best Time to Visit Downtown LA
The best time to visit Downtown LA is during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). The weather is nice, and the crowds are small. Summers can be hot and hectic, so plan appropriately.
Tips for Visiting Downtown Los Angeles
- Use Public Transport: Parking in downtown can be expensive. Using the metro or buses will save you time and money.
- Stay Hydrated: LA can get hot, so bring water with you.
- Plan Your Day: Many attractions are close to each other, so plan your day to avoid backtracking.
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Conclusion
Downtown LA has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for food, art, history, or just a fun day out, there are plenty of Los Angeles downtown places to visit. From the delicious food at Grand Central Market to the stunning views from City Hall, you’ll always have things to do in Downtown Los Angeles.
Start planning your trip today and enjoy all that DTLA has to offer!
