10 Things to do in Downtown That You Shouldn't Miss

May 17, 2022 Layne Dawes

Hollywood beckons to tourists who long for a brush with Tinseltown glamor. Tour movie studios, slip your hands into the famous prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or indulge in a celeb sighting at one of LA’s white-hot nightspots. Spot your favorite star while shopping at The Grove, or forget all about the famous eye candy as you take in the iconic artwork at The Getty Center. For a different type of star-gazing, peek through the telescopes at the Griffith Observatory.
Restaurants in Los Angeles

1. Orpheum Theater

842 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014-3202 +1 877-677-4386 http://www.laorpheum.com/
Excellent
67%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Orpheum Theater

Elaborate French Renaissance theater dating back to 1926.

Reviewed By permia

Unveiled in 1926, it underwent a major renovation beginning in the late 1980s. Thus it is the best preserved movie theatre on Broadway. With gorgeous Beaux Arts styling it makes for a striking picture, especially if viewed from across the street. It now hosts concerts, movie premiers and is also a popular setting for film and video scenes.

2. Japanese American National Museum

369 E 1st St Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3901 +1 213-625-0414 http://www.janm.org/
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 369 reviews

Japanese American National Museum

Museum dedicated to the history and culture of Japanese-Americans.

Reviewed By SFO45

JAMM has two primary exhibits: one on the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and one on the Japanese experience in the US internment camps following Pearl Harbor. Both exhibits have extensive photographs and narratives. The museum is spacious and should not be missed if you are interested in these topics. It is located in Little Tokyo in LA.

3. Bradbury Building

304 S Broadway Downtown, Los Angeles, CA 90013-1224 +1 213-626-1893 http://www.laconservancy.org/locations/bradbury-building
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 623 reviews

Bradbury Building

Famous 19th-century Italian Renaissance building in downtown Los Angeles.

Reviewed By overeasy

I did a very quick visit here years ago, but was thrilled to come back again. This is a truly special building, which is why it has appeared in many movies and TV shows. My fav was "Demon With A Glass Hand," an original Outer Limits episode with Robert Culp. I saw that show over 50 years ago and even then was enthralled by the location. You can only go on the ground floor and up the stairs to the first level, but that is enough to let you understand how beautiful this place is. Read the history, which is fascinating as well. It's open on the weekends and you'll have more of a chance to nab a parking spot on the street then, too.

4. Los Angeles Central Library

630 W 5th St Free Tours Daily, Los Angeles, CA 90071-2002 +1 213-228-7000 http://www.lapl.org/central/
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 422 reviews

Los Angeles Central Library

Restored, historic library with Egyptian influenced architecture.

Reviewed By 615kimberlyc - Toledo, United States

I wandered into the Central Library after a friend told me about the gift store! I spent over an hour trying to decide what to buy. There are funny cards , paper fans, pencils, erasers, books, socks, jewelry - too many to list! Unique gifts that are representative of Los Angeles.

5. City Hall

200 N. Spring St. between First and Temple, Los Angeles, CA 90012-4801 +1 213-485-2121 [email protected] http://www.lacity.org/RESTORE/index.htm
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 345 reviews

City Hall

After an impressive seismic rehabilitation, completed in 2001, the beloved 28-story landmark can withstand an earthquake up to magnitude 8.

Reviewed By TPAT75 - Oulu, Finland

Beautiful building that offers great views over the city for free! So take some time to visit here if you're in downtown.

6. Flower Market

700 Wall St Downtown, Los Angeles, CA 90014-2316 http://www.laflowerdistrict.com/
Excellent
56%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Flower Market

Get the pick of the crop at this huge flower market located along the 700 block of Wall Street in Los Angeles.

Reviewed By Zoehoward1152 - Glendale, United States

The LA flower market is a joy to walk around. There is easy parking and Poppy and Rose is a wonderful organic restaurant for breakfast or lunch right opposite. The vendors are friendly and helpful and if you need flowers for an event you can check out my daughter, Tayah Howard at @orignelsewhere she does events and runs floral workshops for group of friends.

7. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2707 +1 213-680-5200 [email protected] http://www.olacathedral.org
Excellent
56%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 543 reviews

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Located in the midst of downtown Los Angeles, only the second cathdral to be built in a US city in the past 50 year, the structure has been compared to Notre Dame in its magnificense.

Reviewed By ShermanOaks2019 - Los Angeles, United States

Easy parking- beautiful modern sanctuary. Great cafeteria where you can sit outside. Close to Disney Hall and the Los Angeles Music Center.

8. Walt Disney Concert Hall

111 S Grand Ave Inglewood Can Day Has Was Year Day Was, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3034 +1 323-850-2000 http://www.laphil.com/
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,038 reviews

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this concert hall is designed to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated in the world.

Reviewed By dcm_boticelli - Orlando, United States

LA Phil under Gustavo Dudamel is one of the greatest orchestras of the world and Disney Hall is an ideal place for their magical performances.

9. Staples Center

1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015-1300 +1 213-742-7340 https://www.staplescenter.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,452 reviews

Staples Center

Reviewed By MG02116 - Boston, United States

Had the distinct pleasure of taking in a Kings hockey game while in LA last weekend. As a first time visitor to the Staples Center, I was impressed. Seating was comfortable, admission was smooth and professionally handled. There were plenty of venues for food and drink. A great time was had by all!

10. Microsoft Theater

777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles, CA 90015-4603 (213) 763-6030 https://www.microsofttheater.com/
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Microsoft Theater

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