Discover Downtown Los Angeles with iBestTravel

Downtown Los Angeles (or DTLA) is experiencing an exciting renaissance of art, food, and culture thriving in its historic spaces. With plenty of public plazas to enjoy, rich with history and new sights alike, DTLA is a must-visit for any California traveler.

Immerse yourself in California’s rich multicultural past, artsy enclaves, and film history at these neighborhoods and attractions around the city center. Be sure to bring along an appetite – LA’s reputation as a foodie hot spot is on full display here.

Olvera Street

History lovers should head straight for Olvera Street, where Los Angeles began. Stroll through the furnished rooms of the Avila Adobe, built in 1818 and the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles. Then swing past the city’s first church, firehouse, and theater. Here, history is anything but old and stuffy. Moreover, there’s a bustling Mexican marketplace offering handmade goods, as well as a plaza that hosts lively music and dancing.

Central Plaza, Chinatown

Chinatown is full of multi-generational businesses in buildings that were erected in the 1930s and 1940s. The neighborhood was conceived as a place where Chinese-Americans could live and thrive. Longtime businesses like Phoenix Bakery have flourished for generations. Stop in for a slice of famous strawberry cake at this family-owned bakery and take a short stroll to nearby shops that offer unique gifts and refreshing tea services on their patios.

Grand Central Market

Home to 40 vendors, Grand Central Market features a little something to please every palate. The market, opened in 1917, is home to a typically DTLA mix of longtime vendors and hip new restaurant outposts — a fusion of the cultures and cuisines that make Los Angeles unique. Try food from a few different vendors and sit at any of the communal tables dotting the open spaces between market stalls. Therefore, it’s the perfect spot to grab lunch while exploring the city.

Broadway Theater and Commercial District

Broadway St. is known for its row of vintage movie palaces, spanning 6 blocks. Some theaters, like the Orpheum, still host events, while others have been repurposed for retail and public use. Before World War II, these theaters saw countless film premieres, making this area a hub for LA’s early entertainment scene. Even if tickets aren’t within your budget, you can admire the architecture along this historic street. Additionally, you can visit the historic Tower Theater, restored to its original glory as an Apple store.

Arts District

The Arts District is a vibrant downtown neighborhood with artists and the city’s hottest restaurants occupying old industrial buildings. Head into the free art gallery to greet the live garden chickens and browse the bookstore. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, the building also houses a restaurant that whips up its own ginger beer and delicious biscuits. Furthermore, venturing down the street, you can enjoy a sweet treat at West Coast favorite ice cream shops. The Arts District is most concentrated in the triangle formed by 3rd and Traction Avenue.

Little Tokyo

Bordering The Arts District is Little Tokyo. This neighborhood alone could fill an entire day of exploring. Japanese shops, grocers, and tea stores line the plazas and surrounding streets of this trend-setting area. Don’t miss trying mochi from one of the sweet shops or grocery stores, which was made famous in the U.S. thanks to local innovations. Little Tokyo is home to two prominent museums that welcome visitors to enjoy art and historical exhibitions.

ROW DTLA

An arts and culture hub south of the Arts District, ROW DTLA is a shopping center based out of buildings built by the Southern Pacific Railroad. This site offers a blend of retail space, restaurants, and creative offices. Moreover, ROW is known for its abundant public plazas, outdoor seating, and art displays, making it an excellent place to relax with a coffee. If you’re looking for some hands-on activities, creative classes and workshops are available for both kids and adults. Before you leave, stroll through the produce market and enjoy seasonal snacks!

The Flower District

Home to three major flower markets and a slew of surrounding plant and flower stores, the Flower District is one of the most colorful places to browse in downtown LA. Thanks to Southern California’s climate and daily shipments, you can find most flowers year-round at wholesale prices. Originally established by Japanese-American growers, the markets are now open to the public, offering deep discounts as shops close for the day. It’s advisable to have cash on hand for purchases.

St. Vincent’s Court

A tiny, dead-end street in the heart of downtown LA, St. Vincent’s Court transports visitors to Old World Europe. Originally part of Southern California’s first higher learning institution, St. Vincent’s Court was decorated with colorful plaster facades in the 1950s. Today, you can grab a sandwich at local delis or enjoy a cappuccino at cozy cafes while dining al fresco and admiring the kitschy details above the shops.