Los Angeles
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28°
Time
6:12 PM
Los Angeles
Home to Universal Studios, Hollywood, Beverley Hills, the Sunset Strip and the Walk of Fame, Los Angeles has long lured many into its glittering fantasy world. With endless sunshine, palm trees, shopping malls and beautiful people, this city is like no place you’ve ever been before, and yet is strangely familiar. Los Angeles is a wonderful, vibrant, exhilarating multi-cultural hub with a plethora of things to do and see.Find your trip
Street performers, tattoo artists, novelty vendors, Gen-X nomads, hippies, people-watchers and freaks of all kinds come together to create this unique bazaar you have to explore at least once. And don't forget the three-mile beach or the streets that are lined with edgy boutiques. No wonder why this is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Southern California!
Spread over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is the largest urban park in the United States and has been used as the backdrop for several movies, including "Batman" and "Jurassic Park." It houses the Griffith Park Observatory, and the Los Angeles Zoo. Also within the park are the Autry Museum of Western Heritage and the Travel Town Transportation Museum. Fifty-three miles of picturesque hiking trails as well as swimming, biking and horseback riding ensure something for everyone. Griffith Park is also home to the Hollywood sign, which stands on Mt. Lee.
Between Crescent Heights Boulevard and Doheny Drive, you can indulge in all the glitz, glamour and spectacle of L.A. without traveling more than a few blocks. Sip a poolside or rooftop drink at exclusive bars, or hear live music at rock clubs like the Viper Room and House of Blues.
Go behind the scenes on the world famous Studio Tour to explore where Hollywood movies are made. Then, enjoy thrilling rides, shows and attractions that put you inside some of the world’s biggest movies. End your day at Universal CityWalk® with acres of L.A.’s hottest entertainment – from indoor skydiving to live music, movies, clubs and mouth-watering food – why would you go anywhere else?
One of the largest art museum in the western United States, this cultural mecca houses a superb permanent collection of pieces from all over the world and maintains a vibrant program of events, exhibitions, art house films and jazz concerts. LACMA attracts almost a million visitors annually and displays more than 150,000 works spanning from ancient times to the present.
The first theme park in the world, Disneyland is where you'll be able to meet famous Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Tinker Bell, Aladdin, Anna & Elsa, Cinderella, Peter Pan just to name a few. Not only that, but also Star Wars-themed experiences await you, such as "Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland", where you'll be able to build your own droid.
Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has one of the finest permanent collections of contemporary art, as well as rotating exhibitions. There are two different centers, the main one being on Grand Avenue, which has a great gift shop and café. The Geffen Contemporary, situated in Little Tokyo, houses larger works and installations.
One of the world's largest arts organizations, The Getty has two locations in Los Angeles and one of them is The Getty Centre. The Getty Center houses a stunning art collection in beautiful surroundings with a breath-taking view over the city. It invites critical thinking and questioning of the world’s artistic legacy.
Street performers, tattoo artists, novelty vendors, Gen-X nomads, hippies, people-watchers and freaks of all kinds come together to create this unique bazaar you have to explore at least once. And don't forget the three-mile beach or the streets that are lined with edgy boutiques. No wonder why this is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Southern California!
Spread over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is the largest urban park in the United States and has been used as the backdrop for several movies, including "Batman" and "Jurassic Park." It houses the Griffith Park Observatory, and the Los Angeles Zoo. Also within the park are the Autry Museum of Western Heritage and the Travel Town Transportation Museum. Fifty-three miles of picturesque hiking trails as well as swimming, biking and horseback riding ensure something for everyone. Griffith Park is also home to the Hollywood sign, which stands on Mt. Lee.
An old school diner, The Original Pantry Café hasn’t closed its doors since it opened 75 years ago. Every type of character can be found at the Formica counter digging into its no nonsense fare. Very popular place so it can get crowed, especially on the weekends.
The Palm is a celebrity, local and tourist favorite. If there is any place where you can taste high quality meat, beautifully served then it is here. This is also the perfect restaurant for special occasions.
The Electric Lotus serves authentic North Indian dishes in atmospheric saffron-colored surroundings to trendy Los Feliz folk. What gives this spot its edge are the weekend DJs playing Indian-inspired ambient sounds and the relatively late hours. Lunch Specials 11am–3pm.
If you are looking for authentic American deli food, Nate'n Al is the place. As soon as you step through the door, you will feel transported back to the 60s. The menu offers all the classics: bagels, turkey sandwiches on rye, matzo ball soup and much more.
Those looking to take a break from upscale restaurants will surely enjoy the tacos served from this food truck. Expect some finger-licking good seafood tacos.
This famous restaurant and bar was founded in early 1972, and is located on the Sunset Strip. Here they offer you a broad menu where you can choose from pizza, chicken, fresh fish, vegetarian delights and meat. On the walls you can see pictures of celebrities and rock stars throughout the restaurant.
An old school diner, The Original Pantry Café hasn’t closed its doors since it opened 75 years ago. Every type of character can be found at the Formica counter digging into its no nonsense fare. Very popular place so it can get crowed, especially on the weekends.
The Palm is a celebrity, local and tourist favorite. If there is any place where you can taste high quality meat, beautifully served then it is here. This is also the perfect restaurant for special occasions.
For something different, check out the world-famous Rose Bowl Flea Market. With more than 2,500 vendors selling everything from apparel, crafts, old furniture to vintage clothes and accessories, you will basically find everything here. The market attracts bargain hunters, collectors and antique aficionados.
The famous Rodeo Drive sits at the center of the ‘Golden Triangle’ – Santa Monica Boulevard to the north, Wilshire Boulevard to the south and Canon Drive to the east. This is where the big people buy big names for big money. A familiar backdrop in lots of movies, it is certainly worth a look – even if you can’t afford anything. Some of the streets off Rodeo Drive are slightly more affordable. West Third Street (between Fairfax and Robertson Boulevards) is a fun shopping street and one of the most popular in the city, with great boutiques, some gorgeous antique shops and trendy cafés.
If the attitude is getting to you in LA’s ultra trendy shopping spots, check out the more chilled out streets around the beaches. Main Street (between Pacific Street and Rose Avenue, and Santa Monica and Venice Boulevards), which connects Santa Monica and Venice, combines trendy with beach bum chic and has all the mall standards as well as some individual boutiques. The street is dotted with laid back cafés and restaurants. Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice is another great place for a stroll with its vintage clothes, galleries and antique furniture. Montana Avenue in Santa Monica (between 17th and 7th Streets), is full of specialty shops with home furnishings, fashion and gourmet food.
Located east of Hollywood and populated with artists and musicians, Silver Lake and Los Feliz have become centers for the "bohemian chic." This is a great area to explore for its excellent music shops, vintage clothes and furniture among other offerings. Several designers have set up shop here too, with small individual boutiques.
Opened in July 1934, this sprawling marketplace with over 100 grocers, shops and eateries has been a Los Angeles institution for over 60 years. The stalls are providing fresh local produce, ethnic food stalls and carnival-style entertainment to Angelenos and visitors alike.
Downtown L.A. is an eclectic mix of bargain stores, markets and ethnic enclaves and is well worth a bit of exploration. A good place to start is Santee Alley, between Santee and Maple Streets and Olympic Boulevard and 12th Street, where designer clothing can be found at very low prices. Olvera Street is a wonderfully lively pedestrian street near Union Station (www.olvera-street.com), where stalls selling Mexican goods and food of all sorts line the sidewalks and musicians wander up and down making nice sounds. Another spot worth checking out is the covered Grand Central Market (317 South Broadway, between 3rd and 4th Streets), which has been open since 1917. For a bargain price, you can pick up all manner of ingredients, both usual and unusual, and eat your way through the ethnic food stalls.
Hollywood Boulevard is one of Los Angeles’ most famous streets, and it has become a bit of a tourist Mecca with souvenir, T-shirt and poster shops lining its sidewalks. Melrose Avenue, between Fairfax and La Brea, is one of L.A.’s most exciting shopping streets, and great for people-watching. The latest fashions in everything can be found on this street, as well as a great selection of trendy restaurants. Even the storefronts are works of art. A true LA experience.
The Grove is a one-stop shopping destination which is like an adult Disneyland – complete with a trolley to transport shoppers from one end to the other. Here you will find everything from clothes, accessories to beauty and more. There are some great eateries, too, and the rooftop car park has a superb view of the city. Michael Kors, Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Barneys New York, GAP, Swarovski, MAC cosmetics, Tiffany & Co. are just some examples of stores located here.
For something different, check out the world-famous Rose Bowl Flea Market. With more than 2,500 vendors selling everything from apparel, crafts, old furniture to vintage clothes and accessories, you will basically find everything here. The market attracts bargain hunters, collectors and antique aficionados.
The famous Rodeo Drive sits at the center of the ‘Golden Triangle’ – Santa Monica Boulevard to the north, Wilshire Boulevard to the south and Canon Drive to the east. This is where the big people buy big names for big money. A familiar backdrop in lots of movies, it is certainly worth a look – even if you can’t afford anything. Some of the streets off Rodeo Drive are slightly more affordable. West Third Street (between Fairfax and Robertson Boulevards) is a fun shopping street and one of the most popular in the city, with great boutiques, some gorgeous antique shops and trendy cafés.
Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.
The warm and sunny weather in Southern California makes Los Angeles an enjoyable city practically all year round, but in general, the best time to visit L.A. would be from March to May, when there are fewer tourists and the temperatures are more pleasant. Summer can be unbearably hot. It also brings more tourists and that's when the smog levels and room rates peak. However, during this period, L.A. is booming with music festivals, free summer concerts, and outdoor movie screenings. The rain falls mostly during the winter. In January, Pasadena’s historic Rose Parade takes place and most awards shows such as the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the Grammys.
Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, as it is locally known, is the third busiest airport in the world. It is located about 30 km (19 miles) southwest of Downtown L.A. Public transport from LAX is slow, but cheap. The “C” shuttle leaves from the LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections sign on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal and brings passengers to the Metro Bus Center, where they can catch city buses serving the Los Angeles area. Information on city bus services is available by telephone on the Information Display Board in the baggage claim area in each terminal. In addition, passengers can obtain local transit information by calling +1 800 266 6883. L.A. city’s easily navigable website also gives routes and timetables for public transport to and from the city. Private shuttle buses do hotel drop-offs right to the door, cheaper than a taxi and quicker than the public bus. These can be found on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal under the red sign Hotel & Parking Lot Shuttles. Taxis are readily available but expensive (they add a service charge from the airport). They can be found on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal. Passengers are given a ticket stating typical fares to major destinations. There are also plenty of car rental agencies at the airport with competitive prices.
Smaller airports in the Los Angeles area avoid the LAX gridlock and provide connections to almost anywhere within the US. Check the individual websites for details on flights and ground transport. Also check www.mta.net for public transport routes and timetables. Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport is located 25km (15 miles) northwest of Downtown.
Long Beach Airport is located 40 km (25 miles) south of Downtown. Transportation network companies such as Lyft, Opoli, See Jane Go and Uber are available on the outer curb in front of the terminal. The bus service is run by Long Beach Transit and they have four routs that are connected to the airport. Taxis are offered at the Taxi stand outside the terminal. You will find the car rental offices in the Airport Ground Transportation Center.
Los Angeles is in the Pacific time zone, and all times are reflected in Pacific time.
Los Angeles is a city designed for cars. Getting around without one is generally slow and complicated. Most visitors rent a car for their stay, but if you decide not to, there are options. Buses, trains and trams are run by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority. The Metro, which runs both over and under ground, is sometimes handy for getting from Downtown outwards. The Transit Authority’s website is easily navigable and provides all necessary information on routes, timetables and fares (www.mta.net). The Downtown Area Short Hop (DASH) shuttle system operates buses throughout Downtown, Hollywood and the west side of L.A. Service runs roughly every 5 to 20 minutes. Contact the Department of Transportation for routes and timetables.
Cabs do not usually stop when hailed down. There are cab stands at all major hotels and stations. Check that your cab has the official City of Los Angeles Taxicab Seal, which ensures that it is insured, inspected and driven by a trained driver. If not, it is illegal. The website below provides all the necessary information, with company listings, phone numbers and service areas. To order a cab in advance: Taxi Yellow Cab LA County +1 323 792 9494 United Taxi +1 800 822 8294 Other options for lower fares are the rideshare companies Uber, Lyft, and Curb. For airport services: Jayride and Wingz.
Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.
The warm and sunny weather in Southern California makes Los Angeles an enjoyable city practically all year round, but in general, the best time to visit L.A. would be from March to May, when there are fewer tourists and the temperatures are more pleasant. Summer can be unbearably hot. It also brings more tourists and that's when the smog levels and room rates peak. However, during this period, L.A. is booming with music festivals, free summer concerts, and outdoor movie screenings. The rain falls mostly during the winter. In January, Pasadena’s historic Rose Parade takes place and most awards shows such as the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the Grammys.
