L.A. is a city of diverse cultures and many are showcased in or around '''Downtown.''' The 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.
Get in
Downtown LA is simultaneously the hub of the freeway network, road network, commuter rail network, subway / light rail network, and bus network in the region. It is thus accessible from multiple entry points.
By freeway
Downtown LA can be accessed directly via the Pasadena Freeway (SR-110), the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10), and the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5 and US-101). Just outside Downtown LA, these freeways connect to the Golden State Freeway (I-5), the Hollywood Freeway (US-101), the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10), the Harbor Freeway (I-110), and the Pomona Freeway (SR-60).
Drive your car to a parking lot and go by foot from then on. Downtown isn't that big. Most likely, a DASH shuttle has a stop where you want to go.
By commuter rail
If your point of origin is within the urban and suburban areas of Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, or San Diego Counties, you may be able to avail of the growing commuter rail network known as [http://www.metrolinktrains.com '''Metrolink'''] to visit Downtown LA. Six of the seven Metrolink commuter rail lines terminate at Union Station in Downtown LA's El Pueblo district. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at each station, and fares are determined by time (peak or non-peak hour, weekday or weekend) and distance:
The '''San Bernardino Line''' runs 34 trains on weekdays between Downtown LA and the eastern suburbs (the "Inland Empire"), running through the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, and San Bernardino County. There is also limited weekend service, and terminating in Downtown San Bernardino.
The '''Riverside Line''' runs 12 trains on weekdays between Downtown LA and the eastern suburbs (the "Inland Empire"), running through the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, and Riverside County, and terminating in Downtown Riverside.
The '''91 Line''' runs 8 trains on weekdays between Downtown LA and the eastern and southeastern suburbs (the "Inland Empire"), running through the Orange and Riverside Counties, and terminating in Downtown Riverside.
The '''Orange County Line''' runs 20 trains on weekdays between Downtown LA and the southeastern suburbs, running through Orange and San Diego Counties, and terminating in Downtown Oceanside. There is also limited weekend service.
The '''Ventura County Line''' runs 20 trains on weekdays between Downtown LA and the northwestern suburbs, running through the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County, and terminating in Ventura's Montalvo neighborhood.
The '''Antelope Valley Line''' runs 24 trains on weekdays between Downtown LA and the northern suburbs, running through the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valleys, and terminating in Downtown Lancaster. There is also limited Saturday service.
By subway / light rail
For those visitors coming from within Los Angeles County, local subway and light rail service may be the best option to get to Downtown LA. Four of the five subway and light rail lines in the [http://www.metro.net '''Metro Rail'''] system terminate in Downtown LA's Union Station and 7th/Metro Center. Each boarding requires a $1.25 fare. For unlimited rides on Metro Bus and Metro Rail, purchase a $5 day pass on any Metro Bus or in any Metro Rail station.
The '''Red Line''' subway brings riders from the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, and parts of the Eastside, cutting across the Financial District, the Jewelry District, the Civic Center, and El Pueblo, passing near the Historic Core and Bunker Hill, making four stops in Downtown LA (7th/Metro Center, Pershing Square, Civic Center, and Union Station).
The '''Purple Line''' subway brings riders from Mid-Wilshire, joining with the Red Line subway to cut across the Financial District, the Jewelry District, the Civic Center, and El Pueblo, passing near the Historic Core and Bunker Hill, making four stops in Downtown LA (7th/Metro Center, Pershing Square, Civic Center, and Union Station).
The '''Blue Line''' light rail brings riders from South Los Angeles (also known as "South Central"), Long Beach, and other southern suburbs, to two Downtown LA stops: Pico Station in the South Park district, and 7th/Metro Center in the Financial District.
The '''Gold Line''' light rail brings riders from Pasadena and parts of the Eastside to two Downtown LA stops: Chinatown Station in the Old Chinatown district just north of the Civic Center, and Union Station.
By bus
By air
Downtown LA is not directly served by an airport, but can be accessed via public transportation from Los Angeles International Airport (IATA: [http://www.lax-airport.net/ '''LAX''']) in Westchester and Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.
From LAX in Westchester
From LAX Airport [http://www.lax-airport.net/] , there are two relatively frequent public transportation options to Downtown LA: the FlyAway Bus, and Metro Rail.
For the '''FlyAway Bus''' option, simply walk to the nearest platform with a green shuttle sign outside your terminal. The FlyAway Bus will stop at each terminal to pick up passengers bound for Van Nuys, Westwood, and Union Station. Be sure to board the Union Station-bound FlyAway Bus, or you will end up far away from Downtown LA. This express bus uses the carpool lanes and busways on major freeways from LAX straight downtown, and costs $5 each way. Buses run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For the '''Metro Rail''' option, which is usually slower due to the many transfers necessary, first board a free LAX G-shuttle to the Metro Green Line platform at Aviation Station. Then take a Norwalk-bound Green Line train to Imperial/Wilmington station, where you will walk down the stairs and board a Los Angeles-bound Blue Line train. The Blue Line ends in the Financial District, at 7th/Metro Center, connecting to the Red and Purple Lines. Each boarding costs $1.25. If you are planning on using the system further, it may be worth it to purchase a $5 Day Pass before boarding the Green Line train. Trains run until about 1AM everyday.
From Bob Hope Airport in Burbank
Bob Hope Airport is served by two rail networks, both of which use the Burbank Airport train station - walking distance from the main terminal building.
'''Metrolink commuter rail''': Use the ticket vending machines to purchase a ticket from Burbank-Bob Hope Airport to Union Station, the main train station downtown. Metrolink runs 15 trains in each direction on the Ventura County Line on weekdays during commute times (use Amtrak at night and on weekends). See the Metrolink Burbank-Bob Hope Airport schedules on the web [http://www.metrolinktrains.com/schedules/html.php?id=52] for exact departure times. This trip costs $5.25 each way and takes from 14 to 31 minutes.
'''Amtrak''': Use the ticket vending machines to purchase a ticket from Burbank-Bob Hope Airport to Union Station, the main train station downtown. Amtrak runs 5 trains in each direction on the Pacific Surfliner Line 7 days a week, with the last train departing at 9:13pm from Burbank-Bob Hope Airport. This trip costs $4 and takes about 26-43 minutes.
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...well, you get the idea.
Get around
Downtown is probably the only part of L.A. that one can reasonably cover on foot.
'''Metro Bus'''[http://www.metro.net] is the most extensive bus system in the region. All major streets have at least one (and in some cases, several) bus lines running daily. Base fare is $1.25 and an unlimited-use day pass costs $5. Both can be purchased on board any Metro bus.
'''Metro Rail'''[http://www.metro.net] is the subway and light rail system for Los Angeles County. Downtown LA can be traversed using the six downtown rail stations that are served by four of the five lines in the Metro Rail system. At the northern end of Downtown LA, the Gold Line stops at '''Chinatown''' on its way northeast to Pasadena. The Red and Purple Line subways meet with the Gold Line light rail in '''Union Station''', where connections can be made to buses, Metrolink commuter trains, and Amtrak. From Union Station, the Red and Purple Line subways run along Hill Street, making stops at the '''Civic Center''' and '''Pershing Square''', before turning west under the Financial District. There they connect to the Blue Line light rail at '''7th/Metro Center'''. From there the Red and Purple Lines run northwest and west, respectively, and the Blue Line runs south through Downtown LA's redeveloping South Park district, with a stop at '''Pico''', towards the city of Long Beach.
'''DASH'''[http://www.ladottransit.com] is a shuttle service run by L.A. Department 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 are available 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
Chinatown. ttp://www.chinatownla.com. Primarily centered around North 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
'''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
Budget
Banquette Cafe and Wine Bar. 00 South Main Street. lose to the Pershing Square Metro Station. 1 213-626-2768. AM - Midnight Monday-Friday 9AM - Midnight Saturday 9AM - 3PM Sunday. Located in the heart of the Histroic Core, the cafe offers a wide variety of homemade pastries, delicious sandwiches, fresh made soups, and rich wines by the glass. Go in for coffee and camaraderie or a romantic date with someone special.
Philippe's. 001 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90012. hinatown, one block from Union Station. 1-213-628-3781. ttp://www.philippes.com. aily: 6AM-10PM. Aaaah...an LA landmark situated a couple of blocks north of Olvera St. and Union Station is a nostalgic shop with hay and sawdust covered floors. 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.
Senor Fish. 22 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90012. 1-213-625-0566. Not really authentic -- it's sort of a variation on Baja-style Mexican -- Senor Fish downtown does just one thing well, but they do it better than anyone. Luckily, that one thing is an important thing: grilled fish tacos. Grilled, not fried. Their Shrimp Taco is amazing as well.
The Original Pantry Cafe. 77 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90017. 1-213-972-9279. The Pantry boasts it has never closed or been without a customer since it first opened in 1924. (Want proof? The front entrance has no lock on it). Come here on any morning and you will see a line stretching around the block - the wait is worth it, and the fast service will have hot plate of food in front of you within minutes of sitting down. Best place for breakfast after midnight. Cash only.
Empress Pavilion. 88 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90012. hinatown. 1-213-617-9898. Most people come here for the ''dim sum'' on carts but there is also a menu.
Grand Central Market. 17 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, 90013. 1-213-624-2378. ttp://www.grandcentralsquare.com. aily 9AM-6PM. 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).
Clifton's Cafeteria. 48 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, 90014. owntown. 1-213-627-1673. ttp://www.cliftonscafeteria.com. aily: 6:30AM-7:30PM. 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.
Original Tommy's. 575 W. Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90057. n the corner of Beverly and Rampart just west of Downtown Los Angeles. 1-213-389-9060. ttp://www.originaltommys.com. pen 24 hours/7 days a week" price". A Los Angeles landmark since 1946 Tommy's is a can't-miss for any hamburger lover. Serving hamburgers, french fries, hot dogs, and tamales with their "secret blend" of chili you will always find a line for food at all hours, especially late night/early mornings.
Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet. 18 E. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90014. n 6th, between Main and Los Angeles. 1-213-622-4090. mazarei@colespebuffet.com. ttp://www.colespebuffet.com. aily: 9AM-10PM. Great local watering hole in continuous operation since 1908 and the ''real'' home of the French Dip.
Pete's Cafe & Bar. 00 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90013. he Old Bank District. 1-213-617-1000. ttp://www.petescafe.com. on-Fri: 11:30am-2:00am, Sat-Sun: 11:00am-2:00am. Pete's is another downtown staple for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open 'till 2 AM from Monday to Saturday.
Weiland Brewery. 00 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90012. n Little Tokyo, on Central and First. 1-213-680-2881. ttp://www.weilandbrewery.net. onday-Friday: 11AM-2AM, Sat: 5:00pm-2:00am. The cheese fries are to die for. Very affordable place for drinks. One of the few bars with a weekend happy hour lasting until 2 a.m.
Spring Street Smokehouse. 640 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. n China Town, on Cesar Chavez and North Spring. 1-213-626-0535. ttp://www.sssmokehouse.com. onday-Tuesday: 10:30AM-8PM, Wednesday-Friday: 10:30AM-9PM, Sat: 12:00pm-9:00pm. The best barbecue in town. 27 microbrews.
Mid-range
'''Angelique Cafe''', (''Fashion District''). Great French food with real French people running the place. Lunch is their best meal.
'''Capperi Ristorante''', 318A E. 2nd St (''Little Tokyo''), [http://www.capperila.com/]. 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.
'''Engine Co. No. 28''', (''Figueroa Corridor''), [http://www.engineco.com/]. 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.
'''J Restaurant & Lounge''', 1119 S. Olive St. (''at 11th St.''). 800-850-6074. [http://www.jloungela.com/]. Dining and entertainment, located near the Staples Center. The vibe is equal parts hip and casual; the large space has a glitzy lounge, featuring live music, and a mega patio with fire pit and skyline views of the city. Inspired decor. Menu is Mediterranean-meets-American.
'''Kendall's Brasserie''', 135 N. Grand Ave, (''at the Music Center''), +1 (213) 972-7322, [http://www.patinagroup.com/kendallsBrasserie/]. Great French menu 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! Mains from $15.
'''Royale''', 2619 Wilshire Blvd. (''inside Wilshire Royale Hotel''). ''+1'' 213-388-8488. Located in the renovated Wilshire Royale Hotel, Chef Eric Ernest_fs new, culinary digs features a groovy cocktail lounge and menu that_fs described as _gsophisticated yet approachable._h
'''Yang Chow''', 819 N Broadway (''at Alpine Street''). ''+1'' 213-625-0811. [http://www.yangchow.com]. Located in Chinatown. Award-winning restaurant in the ''Zagat survey''.
'''Zucca''', 801 S. Figueroa St. (''at Eighth Ave.''). ''+1'' 213-614-7800. Joachim Splichal (of Patina) and chef Giancarlo Gottardo strike the right chord with their sleek, alluring bistro featuring classic Italian fare. The pastas and fresh fish are wonderful - one entree representing every major region in Italy. Between the cuisine and pleasing milieu, it_fs quite a lovely dining experience.
Splurge
'''Water Grill'''. (''The Old Bank District'') [http://www.watergrill.com/] The best seafood and overall service period. Perhaps a bit pricey, but elegant and wonderful.
'''Traxx''', (''Union Station''). Fancy-Schmansy restaurant in Union Station. Good food, pricey but the ambiance of Union Station makes it worth a splurge.
'''Nick and Stef's'''. (''330 South Hope St.'') [http://www.patinagroup.com/nickStef/], 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'') [http://www.patinagroup.com/cafePinot/]. A romantic French/Italian restaurant and a unique setting as part of the central library's front yard.
'''The Palm''' (''Across from the Staple Center'') [http://thepalm.com/] , 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.
'''Pacific Dining Car''' (''1310 West 6th Street'') [http://pacificdiningcar.com/] 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'') [http://ciaotrattoria.com/] Harry Hagani's homage to fantastic Italian food is a cozy and elegant restaurant popular at lunchtime with the busy executive crowd.
'''Cicada''', 617 S. Olive St. (''at 7th St.''). ''+1'' 213-488-9488. M-Fr 5:30PM-9PM. Situated in the beautiful Arts Deco Oviatt Building, Cicada deftly blends elegance of design and superior Italian fare. A chic bar is upstairs, complete with marble dance floor. A perfect place for special occasions, a fine meal before the theatre or just any excuse to be dazzled, both by the atmosphere and the cooking.
Drink
Library Bar. 30 W. 6th Street. 1 213 488-1931. An upscale pub style bar with a floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall library that houses a wide range of literary classics, while playing great music from Jim Hendrix to The Who. Knowledgeable bartenders offer an extensive beer selection and cocktails that are both classic and innovative.
Cafes
Lost Souls Cafe. 24 W 4th St. Great cafe in downtown, good coffees, teas and snacks, and host various events.
Alcohol
'''Golden Gopher'''. Ms. PacMan + Jukebox + Classiness. Wishes it were New York?
'''Ciudad'''[http://www.ciudad-la.com/]. Great Mojitos and live Jazz music on certain nights.
'''The Rooftop Bar @ The Standard''', 550 S. Flower St (''at Sixth''), [http://www.standardhotel.com/]. 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.
'''Elevate Lounge '''@ Penthouse, 811 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2100, Los Angeles - +1 213-623-7100, www.elevatelounge.com, Excellent views of the city
'''Broadway Bar''', [http://www.thebroadwaybar.net/].
'''410 Boyd'''. Happy hour 4-7 weekdays for the loft-dwellers and (last time i was there, anyway) hot, hot staff!
'''Club Mayan''', [http://www.clubmayan.com/]. Best singles spot downtown! Dress code is enforced.
'''Grand Avenue Sports Bar''', (''inside Millennium Biltmore Hotel''), [http://www.millenniumhotels.com/MCIL.nsf/LU_RES/115$$DiningEntertainment$$GrandAvenueSportsBar?OpenDocument&de]. 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 primarily to business travelers. That means that if you time your visit right (for example use weekends), you can get a great room at a very reasonable price.
'''Clarion Hotel''', [http://www.clarionhotel.com/hotel-los_angeles-california-CA623]. 1901 West Olympic Blvd. Tel. +1 213 385-7141 This hotel is conveniently located one mile from the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Staples Center.
'''Omni''', [http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/LosAngelesCaliforniaPlaza.aspx]. 251 South Olive St. Tel. +1 213 617-3300 At California Plaza, in Bunker Hill. The OJ jury was sequestered here. Convenient to MOCA, Disney Concert Hall, upscale Noe Restaurant and Bar is onsite.
'''Westin Bonaventure''', [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1004]. 404 South Figueroa St. Tel. +1 213 624-1000 Recognizable from various movies it has appeared in.
'''Marriott''', [http://www.losangelesmarriottdowntown.com/].333 South Figueroa St. Tel. +1 213 617-1133 Across the street, has a small older theater in its basement where you can still see first-run movies for under $8.
'''Miyako Hotel''', [http://www.miyakoinn.com/]. 328 East 1st St. Tel. +1 213 617-2000 A downtown Japanese hotel offering classic comfort accommodations, meeting rooms, and a health spa with Shiatsu massage, close to attractions.
'''The Standard''', 550 South Flower St, Tel. +1 213 892-8080, [http://www.standardhotels.com/los-angeles/]. A very hip and trendy hotel with designer rooms and a bar and swimming pool on the roof. Price starts at US$99/night. There is also a Hollywood location.
'''The Vagabond Inn USC Hotel''', [http://www.vagabondinn-los-angeles-hotel.com]. 3101 South Figuera St. Tel. +1 213 746-1531 Close to the campus of USC in the heart of Los Angeles. Prices start at $85/night.
'''Millennium Biltmore''', [http://www.millenniumhotels.com/MCIL.nsf/lu_hoteldoc/115$$hotelDescription?opendocument]. 506 South Grand Ave. Tel. +1 213 624-1011 The Grand-daddy of all downtown hotels, with its gorgeous lobby and fancy restaurants.
'''Hilton Checkers''', [http://www.hiltoncheckers.com/] 535 South Grand Ave. Tel. +1 213 624-000 Toll-Free +1-800-HILTONS Located adjacent to the Central Library and the Millennium Biltmore in the Financial District. AAA Four diamond, renovated 1920's luxury hotel. Weekend packages are offered.
'''Figueroa Hotel''' [http://www.figueroahotel.com/] 939 South Figueroa St. Toll-Free: 1-800-421-9092 Tel. +1 213 627-8971. For those looking for something unusual, Figueroa Hotel provides Moroccan styled luxury. Mystic and beautiful, this is where Cirque Du Soleil hosted their premiere party of Varekai.
'''Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens''' [http://www.kyotograndhotel.com], 120 South Los Angeles St. Tel. +1 213 629-1200. This Japanese style hotel in Little Tokyo has rooms starting at $110.
'''Wilshire Grand''' [http://www.wilshiregrand.com/]. 930 Wilshire Blvd. Tel. 1-888-773-2888 Going through a major update and renovation.
'''Ramada Limited Los Angeles''', 611 S. Westlake Ave, Tel. +1 213 483-6363, [http://www.ramadalimitedla.com]. One of the closest hotels to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Offers free shuttle and free parking.
Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel. 11 South Hope St. 866) 716-8130. ttp://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1598.
Stay safe
The area bounded by 3rd Street, 7th Street, Alameda Street and Main Street is often referred to as "Skid Row" or "the Nickel" and has one of the largest homeless populations in the United States. The Greyhound Station is located here, but the area is unsafe for pedestrians regardless of the time of day.
Contact