When people envision a trip to Los Angeles, the first few things that pop to mind are Hollywood stars, beaches, warm weather, cocktails, delicious food and Livin’ la Vida Loca. That’s definitely all true, but Downtown LA has so much for more to offer its giddy visitors. Here’s a sneak peak of all the spots that light up the night.
Location, Location, Location
Los Angeles is one of the most populated cities in California, boasting close to four million residents. With such a culturally and ethnically diverse population, the activities on offer are just as diversified. It’s good to keep in mind that LA is huge, from the beaches of Santa Monica past the iconic stores and malls in Beverley Hills, all the way to Pasadena nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, there’s almost too much to see and do in one trip. Right in the middle of all this action is Downtown LA, known for its heaps of classy and trendy restaurants, bars and clubs. If you’re keen on hitting the town after a long beach day, Los Angeles nightlife will keep you busy all night (and the following day).
A Culinary Delight
Whether it’s Michelin-rated restaurants that you’re after, a rooftop bar to enjoy some tapas, or a romantic restaurant to celebrate, Downtown LA has got you covered. Many eateries in the Downtown area have an Italian or Mexican influence, so get ready for dynamite traditional handmade pizza and pasta at The Factory Kitchen, aptly named as it’s an open-kitchen restaurant in a reclaimed factory space, or visit the elegant Pez Cantina to devour ceviche tostadas, tacos asador and many other delicacies. There’s not much that LA doesn’t offer in terms of food, and once you’ve finished dinner and are ready to burn off those calories, it’s high time to hit the dancefloor with your nearest and dearest (or perhaps a group you’ve just met, LA is all about networking).
Never Miss a Chance to Dance
With so much to do, who can decide? It really depends on what’s your poison and how loud you’re keen to get. From a Latin dance club crawl experience, which is just what the name suggests, going from club to club practicing those salsa moves, to watching (and maybe even joining on) a cabaret and the renowned Mambo Craze Cabaret, which is bound to be a good time with everyone dressing up and letting their hair down.
If dancing is on the agenda, then it’s wise to first research opening times and prices, since LA has a reputation for being up there in price. Avalon Hollywood is a favorite, along with the Viper Room, where you might just spot a celebrity, as well as 1 OAK. Pack those dancing shoes and get out of your comfort zone, LA is the place to do it because anything and everything goes. There’s no judgement and no rules in LA; while the saying is, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”, the same 100% applies to the City of Angels.
Downtown is the Way to Go
So many suburbs and places, so little time. Downtown LA is said to be the city’s historic heart. What started out as a bustling high-rise business district, has over time evolved into a diverse entertainment, cultural and dining destination, including many old neighborhoods and buildings that have been imaginatively revived or redeveloped. Because Los Angeles covers such a large space, it’s not a bad idea to choose one burrow at a time to explore. You won’t run out things to check out and experience; definitely worth visiting is the Broad Museum, which is one of the most popular new museums in Los Angeles. It has gained popularity and tourists are flocking there as it’s deemed “Instagram-able”, with many attractions including the mirror rooms, the big tulips and the America sign.
Once those running shoes are tightly fastened, take a walk through Union Station where you can explore the unique architecture or take the train if you’ve got your eye on places outside of Los Angeles. A stone’s throw from the famous Union Station, featured in many well-known Hollywood blockbusters, is another worthwhile tourist attraction, namely Olvera Street. For visitors who are lucky enough to sightsee around the Halloween time, Olvera Street is also where the Day of the Dead Festival is held every year. Other attractions include Chinatown, the perfect place to eat, shop and admire lots of unique architecture, Grand Central Market, which is Downtown LA’s food court, and The Last Bookstore, an old bank building transformed into a floor-to-ceiling reader’s paradise with other features and activities as well.
Visitors to Los Angeles are spoilt for choice when it comes to culinary delights and nightlife, and one month probably wouldn’t even be close to enough time to see everything. Don’t be shy, dive into the warm evenings and cool bars.
