How to Spend a Perfect Day in Downtown LA From a Local
Downtown Los Angeles is packed with history, culture, and a little chaos that’s worth spending a day exploring. Forget the beach vibes and palm trees; here, it’s all about indie bookstores, historic street vendors, street art, and a mashup of old-meets-new. You’ve got iconic spots like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, hidden gems in Little Tokyo, delicious food at Grand Central Market, and even architectural gems like the retro-futuristic Bradbury Building.
It’s one of the few places in Los Angeles where you can ditch the car and explore on foot (yes, really). So allow me (an LA native) to show you the other side of LA with grit, glamor, and wonder.
Summary of the musts in Downtown LA
- 💃 Top tour: Culture and Arts Tour of DTLA (best if you aren’t comfortable doing a self-guided walking tour solo)
- 🇲🇽 Must see: Olvera Street, aka the birthplace of Los Angeles and home to the city’s oldest Mexican marketplace
- 🛏️ Where to stay: Silver Lake Pool & Inn for elevated, comfortable stay, or this rental property for a more budget-friendly stay, but still comfy and safe
Map of Your 1 Day in DTLA
Downtown Los Angeles Itinerary
Pssst before I dive in, if you’re looking for a quick, downloadable version, I turned this blog post into a free PDF download for you.
Just tell me where to send it.
Okay let’s get into it!
Breakfast at Grand Central Market
Start your morning at one of the most essential foodie spots in downtown LA, Grand Central Market. This collection of vendors has been around since 1917 and while the vendors have changed throughout history, the food is still some of the best in the city.
For breakfast there are a few options. Depending on the availability and seasonality of strawberries, I highly recommend the strawberry donut from The Donut Man. It’s very popular and for good reason.
This decadent donut is a simple strawberry filled glazed yeast donut. It’s so well known that it’s wormed its way into TV screens through the popular Netflix show You. And I promise, it lives up to the hype!
If you’re looking for a more savory option, Eggslut was founded in Los Angeles and now has a stall at Grand Central Market. Wexler’s Deli is another classic option with bagels and the works!
Walking Tour of DTLA Highlights
After taking some time to explore the market, it’s time for a mini walking tour of the area.
Angel’s Flight Railway
Head across the street to Angel’s Flight Railway, the shortest railway in the world. It costs $1 to ride the car each way. It takes you to the top of a landing with nice views of downtown.
If you have a Metro card (LA’s public transit system), you can also use that for 50¢ off your fares.
Bradbury Building
Then pass through Grand Central Market and back out the other side. Crossing Broadway will take you to the Bradbury Building, which is an architectural wonder.
This building was built in 1893 and is known for it’s open interior, wrought iron detailing, and skylight. It’s been used in films like Blade Runner and 500 Days of Summer, but it’s actually an office building.
Because it’s still used for business purposes, you can’t go to the upper floors, but entry is free. It is magnificent to see in person!
Last Bookstore
Continue walking southwest to the corner of Spring Street (one street south of Broadway) and 5th Street where you’ll approach The Last Bookstore.
This bookstore is known for it’s book sculptures like the flying books, a book tunnel and window, and even a giant wave.
This stop is also free to enter. There’s of course lots of books to purchase and even local artists who have studios on the upper floor.
Lunch Options
Philippe the Original (where French Dip sandwiches were invented!)
As you make your way to the next areas of downtown LA, one great spot for lunch is Philippe the Original, which is where it’s said the french dip sandwich was invented/originated.
You can either order online and pick up, or get in line and order at the counter. Sometimes the line is long, but it’s worth it.
There’s lots of seating inside, too!
As delicious as the French dip sandwich is, don’t sleep on the desserts. They have some of the best chocolate cake in the whole city!
Yang Chow (a taste of Chinatown)
Another option would be to walk to Chinatown and have lunch at Yang Chow, my personal favorite spot in Chinatown. Their menu features both Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine.
Some of my favorites are kung pao chicken, sizzling rice soup, and sautéed string beans. Their most famous dish however is their slippery shrimp!
Afternoon Cultural Exploration of DTLA
Chinatown
Regardless of what you choose for lunch, I do recommend walking toward Chinatown to tour the area.
The current Chinatown neighborhood was built for LA’s Chinese community who were displaced in the 1930s after facing racial discrimination and civil development of the original settlement area. Chinatown remains an area of pride and a place for community with beautiful architecture, shops and restaurants that have been around for generations.
Don’t miss Chinatown Central Plaza with a Bruce Lee statue and Far East Plaza, which is an indoor shopping mall with some of the oldest vendors and restaurants in Chinatown.
Visit Thien Hau Temple for a glimpse at the spiritual, serene side of Chinatown. The architecture is unparalleled and I guarantee that you’ll feel a sense of calm walking the temple halls.
Olvera Street
Continue your cultural walking tour by making your way to Olvera Street, which is said to be the birthplace of Los Angeles.
Olvera Street is a historic brick street with historic structures, museums, and a Mexican marketplace, with vendors from as early as the late-1800s.
Be sure to visit the Avila Adobe, Los Angeles’ oldest home. Entry is free and inside you’ll see the open structure of the home, furnishings, and artifacts from those who lived during this time period.
Depending on what you’re in the mood to eat, you may want to grab dinner here. I love Cielito Lindo, which has some delicious taquitos with avocado sauce and salsas!
Little Tokyo
There’s one more area that’s within walking distance and definitely worth a stop on your cultural exploration of downtown LA. And that’s Little Tokyo.
Certainly one of the best things to do in Little Tokyo is the Japanese American Museum as it tells the history and stories of this community. However, the museum is closed for renovations in 2025 and will reopen in 2026. Keep it on your mind if you’re planning a trip in 2026 and beyond!
Little Tokyo is best explored without a plan as the best thing to do is walking and shopping through Japanese Village Plaza.
Some of my favorite shops are Nijiya Market for Japanese snacks, Anime Jungle for pop culture finds, and Kinokuniya, which is a book and paper store outside Japanese Village Plaza.
If you’d rather have dinner in Little Tokyo instead of Olvera Street, Marugame Monzo is one of the best spots. They have udon and you can watch them stretch the noodles!
Men Oh Ramen is also a great option in the area for ramen!
Drinks and Views at Perch LA
To cap off the night, walk over to Perch LA, which is a French rooftop bar, which is 21+. It’s on the 16th floor of the building and naturally, has some of the best views of downtown LA.
For a fruity cocktail, try the Midnight in Paris with cognac, peach, lemon and orange, or for a sweet take on an espresso martini try La Finale, which has vodka, espresso, chocolate bitters, and banana foam.
Example Timing for This DTLA Itinerary
- 9:00 am: Breakfast at Grand Central Market (The Donut Man, Wexler’s Deli, or Eggslut)
- 9:45 am: Angel’s Flight Railway
- 10:30 am: Bradbury Building
- 11:00 am: The Last Bookstore
- 11:45 pm: Lunch at Philippe the Original
- 1:00 pm: Explore Chinatown
- 3:00 pm: Wander Olvera Street
- 5:00 pm: Discover Little Tokyo
- 6:30 pm: Dinner at Marugame Monzo
- 8:00 pm: Drinks and views at Perch LA
How much does it cost to spend a day in DTLA?
- Parking: $20
- Meals: $50
- Activities: free
*Save money on parking by taking public transit to downtown LA – Union Station is central to this itinerary
FAQs About Visiting Downtown LA
Is downtown LA safe?
Answering questions about safety is always challenging because the feeling of safety is relative.
Statistics and the rate of crime is something we can quantify. Objectively, downtown Los Angeles is more “unsafe” than other large cities.
But it’s important to know that some areas within downtown are more safe than others. Everywhere on this itinerary is a bit more safe than other areas like Skid Row. And even within the popular tourist areas, you’ll be surrounded by people, and there is safety in numbers.
That said, I write this not to scare you, but to prepare you to have the best time when visiting. The most common type of crime is property theft. So, when you visit, don’t leave valuables in your car or visible on your person.
I like to travel with my pickpocket-proof PacSafe bag that has locking mechanisms and is reinforced with steel mesh to prevent slashing.
Another note is that if you have traveled or are from a big city, you’ll likely feel more safe than someone visiting from small rural towns. If you’ve been exposed to diversity and homelessness, you may more accustomed to that in downtown LA.
If you feel uncomfortable exploring the area on your own, consider joining a guided group tour!
Where to stay in Downtown LA
The closest and safest place to stay in downtown LA is Silver Lake, in my opinion, which has lots of house rentals over hotels.
However, you can still find a few traditional hotels. Consider the Silver Lake Pool and Inn for an elevated stay that feels like an oasis in the city.
Alternatively, you can go to neighboring areas like Culver City or Mid-Wilshire.
How to get around LA and Downtown
A car is always easiest in LA. However, if you’re only visiting for a short period of time, you can also use ride shares.
Just for reference, I recently went back home in January for one week and spent $75 for a rental car for the week. Of course, factor in $5 per gallon gas prices when budgeting for a rental car.
Public transit is available in Los Angeles, and covers downtown LA well. However at night, consider opting for ride shares instead.
Where to park in Downtown LA
Street parking is available in downtown LA and is metered. Also the big attractions like museums and Grand Central Market, for example, have parking structures.
Plan to pay $20 for parking in downtown LA for a day.
Other things to do in Downtown Los Angeles
This itinerary was written as a cultural exploration of the area. But of course, there are lots of other highlights in the downtown area. Specifically, for the arts, which is a big component of downtown.
The Broad
One of the city’s best art museums is The Broad (pronounced broh-d not brawd), which is a contemporary art museum.
It’s actually within walking distance to Grand Central Market, so if you want to switch out some things on this itinerary, you can walk here too!
While the museum is free and you can walk-in, be sure to make a free reservation for Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room exhibit. It’s incredible and while you can only be inside for literally one minute, it’s worth taking the extra step in making a reservation online.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Right next to The Broad is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which is an architectural wonder. Designed by Frank Gehry, the sweeping reflective metal makes the Walt Disney Concert Hall a must see.
You can walk the exterior of the building anytime for free. Look for the stairs at the street level on S Grand Ave. to go up and behind the building.
There’s a zen garden back there, too!
Of course, you can also end this itinerary with an evening performance by the LA Philharmonic inside the concert hall.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA)
Also within walking distance is the Museum of Contemporary Art, which (you guessed it) houses contemporary art (oooh, ahhhh).
It’s actually the only artist founded museum in Los Angeles, so that makes it quite special. They have over 8,000 contemporary pieces of art that are historic, ground-breaking, and diverse.
While they do have free admission and are open every day, you do need to pay for the special ticketed exhibitions.
LA City Hall Observation Deck
For some of the best (free) views of the city, head to the Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck on the 26th floor of the building.
It’s open to visitors Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and it’s not ticketed so you can just walk in. If official business needs to be conducted in the space, it may be closed without notice.
LA City Hall is between Grand Central Market and Little Tokyo, if you’re walking, which I recommend at this short of a distance.
Spending more time in Los Angeles? These posts will help:
My Travel Essentials
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- Booking.com – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com, the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
- Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
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