Top Attractions in Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles is overflowing with phenomenal sights and hidden gems, offering a perfect mix of culture, history, and modern flair.

So, you're in downtown LA, and questioning yourself about what to do in downtown LA? Ah, no worries, we have got you covered! Whether it's a stroll through the core of its cultural heritage, a visit to the shops, hanging out with your homies, or finding the ideal stay, this enchanting place of history, culture, and entertainment summons you. From buildings of architectural expressionism to galleries magnifying them, from the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall to the MOCA Grand Avenue, here's a list of the best places to visit in Downtown LA that will keep you yearning for more.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall, the crown jewel of The Music Center, has captivated audiences since its grand opening in 2003. Designed by the legendary Frank Gehry, this architectural masterpiece is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, offering world-class performances year-round.

Beyond its striking stainless-steel exterior, the venue is full of hidden gems. Take an audio tour to uncover its many secret corners or explore the serene rooftop garden for a quiet escape. For an exceptional dining experience, visit Asterid by Ray Garcia, located inside the hall, or venture across the street to The Grand LA, where acclaimed chef José Andrés presents a thoughtfully curated menu.

Regardless of the reason, hunger, or ambiance, a visit to Grand Central Market is a must. For over a hundred years, this bustling marketplace has been celebrating flavors worldwide. Stroll by neon-lit vendor stalls selling everything from pupusas at Sarita's Pupuseria to crispy carnitas at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas. Looking for something cool? Head to Shiku, Sticky Rice, or Eggslut's fare that follows current culinary trends. It doesn't matter if you're in for leisure time or on the hunt for good food; this will remain one of the best places to visit in downtown Los Angeles.

Three words: Infinity, Mirror, Rooms. The Broad, a contemporary art destination Downtown, has two installations by Yayoi Kusama that hold you captive, but that is not the end of artistic wonders. This free museum shines with post-war masterpieces by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons, among others. Make sure to secure a reservation to enjoy the most immersive experience of the Infinity Room; you won't want to miss this fun place to go in downtown LA.

Step inside the unassuming brick exterior of the Bradbury Building and you will witness a completely different world. Built-in 1893, this architectural relic features an iconic atrium with elaborate iron railings, wooden detailing, and a skylight ceiling. Movie buffs will easily recognize its famous staircases from Blade Runner. Although private offices occupy most of the building, and the interior is still so lovely, visitors can admire its London-style atrium from the ground floor and a short flight of stairs.

Do you want to experience some of the world’s best performances? Look no further than The Music Center, where Broadway magic meets classical elegance. The Ahmanson Theatre presents touring Broadway productions, while the Mark Taper Forum is famous for its cutting-edge dramas. Opera fans will be ravished by grand performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, home to LA Opera. And don’t forget that just on the other side of the street is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, making this one of the finest attractions in downtown Los Angeles for the performing arts.

Union Station is a stunning landmark, blending Mission Revival roots with elegant Art Deco details. Its grand waiting hall features magnificent tilework, while courtyards are adorned with lush greenery, offering a truly captivating experience. While Los Angeles gets geared up for high-speed rail and new transit expansions, Union Station still stands as a true icon for past, present, and future connectivity. If you find history and design intriguing, a visit to this area is one of the fascinating free things to do in downtown LA!

The best way to enjoy DTLA's skyline is by walking, and therefore the Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours are among the best ways to experience that. Whether you admire Art Deco greatness, historic theaters, or towering skyscrapers, these tours reveal the architectural splendor of the city. Instead of staring at buildings, participate and learn their history and significance. Truly, one of the best things to do in Downtown LA for any urban adventurer.

Amidst the busy streets of DTLA, Grand Park is a 12-acre urban oasis. Bright pink benches, lush picnic spots, and stunning fountains make it the perfect paradise for relaxation. Since its opening in 2012, the park has hosted concerts, cultural events, and community gatherings that permeated energy into the heart of the city. Pack the picnic basket, bring a book, or just do a little gazing, this is one of the most serene and lively places to be in Downtown LA.

For lovers of books, The Last Bookstore is not just a place to get your next best read; it is a whirlwind of experience. Within a former bank, there are grand columns and vaults converted into reading nooks, an endless maze of bookshelves. The whimsical book tunnel and artsy photo ops make it an instant destination for book lovers and Instagrammers alike. If there was ever a 'last' bookstore to be, we hope it will be something like this.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) located at Grand Avenue holds thousands of the most current works from the 1940s to the present. Whether you're captivated by a Rothko masterpiece or immersed in the dynamic abstraction of Jackson Pollock, this museum promises a captivating journey of artistic intrigue. Since 2020, free admission has been provided, thus marking it as one of Downtown LA's best free activities for art lovers wanting to widen their creative horizons.  

Wrapping up, while some see it as a 'concrete jungle,' for some, D.T.L.A. is the ultimate playground for expeditions, gourmet dinners, and culture vultures. Whether applauding the contemporary arts, indulging in worldly cuisines, or soaking in architectural beauty, the city's vivid heartbeat is hard to resist. So, strap on your walking shoes and plunge into the unforgettable experience called D.T.L.A.!