Downtown Los Angeles Travel Guide

Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles
Once a hardworking industrial neighbourhood, today’s Downtown LA is a destination reborn with an emphasis on culture and green spaces.

From the magnificent beasts and dinosaurs of the Natural History Museum to Chinatown’s exotic buildings and temples to the Mexican music, traditions and foods of Olvera Street, Downtown LA is rich with artistic, cultural, ethnic and historic experiences.The area spans eight square miles (21 square kilometers) and is split into 16 distinct districts, including the uber-trendy Fashion District, the educational institutions of Figueroa Corridor and the cultural delights of Bunker Hill. Venture into the ethnic enclaves of Chinatown and Little Tokyo for a bounty of rich tastes, sights and sounds. Try some sizzling sliced eel in Chinatown, enjoy taquitos in Olvera Street and sample sushi in Little Tokyo. Downtown LA is instantly recognizable for its collection of head-turning architectural gems, including a skyline of gleaming skyscrapers, Union Square’s fusion of art deco and Spanish Colonial Revival and the striking stainless steel curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.The Frank Gehry-designed building is part of LA’s thriving performing arts scene. Here you can see classical music performed by choirs, orchestras and artistes with global reputations, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.If there are kids in your party, check out the Natural History Museum, where you can see T-Rex roar and prehistoric beasts roam. The California Science Center features interactive exhibits, shows and spectacles that explore how the planet and the universe work.Though it’s often considered an urban jungle, Downtown LA has a surprising number of parks and green spaces. Kick back for a few lazy hours on the hillside haven of Angels Knoll, by the fountains of Maguire Gardens or on the rooftop of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, where you’ll find a public garden.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Los Angeles

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
The price is £118 per night from 1 May to 2 May
£118
per night
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,783 reviews)
"Friendly service"

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Freehand Los Angeles
Freehand Los Angeles
4 out of 5
416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £126 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
£126
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,413 reviews)
"If you don't expect a lot, you'll be extremely pleased with the Freehand. Some odd things weren't there — like only two tiny plastic cups in the room. No coffee maker. The street noise was noticeable, but not overwhelming. The bed was comfortable the room was clean."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Freehand Los Angeles
Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles
Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles
4 out of 5
506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £163 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
£163
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this historic hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,052 reviews)
"Elegant old hotel but very clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £234 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
£234
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,464 reviews)
"This place is amazing. Yes it is pricey but in my opinion it is well worth the price. The valet staff is always on top of it when it came to parking and retrieving my car."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
4.5 out of 5
251 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA
The price is £210 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£210
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this luxury hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,854 reviews)
"Sabrina & Tim were the best employees ever. Made sure every commodification was met and went and above and beyond for my stay! I would recommend them to be promoted to vacation planners because they did the BEST!"

Reviewed on 19 Apr 2024

Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
The Delphi Hotel
The Delphi Hotel
3.5 out of 5
550 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA
The price is £150 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
£150
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star boutique hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"It was an amazing experience"

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

The Delphi Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Los Angeles

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Silver Lake

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Lake views, live music and theatres are just a few things travellers enjoy about Silver Lake. Check out Melrose Avenue or Naya's Garden while you're exploring the area.

Silver Lake
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Koreatown

Travellers choose Koreatown for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Wilshire - Western Station or Wilshire - Normandie Station and check out top sights like Wiltern Theatre.

Koreatown
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Los Feliz

You'll enjoy the coffee shops and architecture in Los Feliz. You might want to make time for a stop at Hollywood Boulevard or Griffith Park.

Los Feliz
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Commerce

Commerce is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Outlets or Commerce Casino.

Commerce
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Hollywood

4/5(208 area reviews)

Travellers love Hollywood for its popular shops, and you can see more of Los Angeles by jumping on the metro at Hollywood - Vine Station or Hollywood - Highland Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard.

Hollywood
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Mid City

5/5(2 area reviews)

While you're in Mid City, take in top sights like Koreatown Plaza and jump on the metro at Wilshire - Vermont Station to see more of the city.

Mid City

More to explore for Downtown Los Angeles


Downtown Los Angeles Travel Guide

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