Downtown Los Angeles is a hub of many sights to see. From strolling around art collections at The Broad, dining at Grand Central Market where La La Land was filmed, to getting lost in books at The Last Bookstore. There is so much to experience in Downtown LA for a day!
📅 Trip Dates: January 18-22, 2023
How to Get to Downtown LA
I used the Metro to and from Downtown LA. You can also take a Uber/Lyft or a rental car. I took the Metro E Line (Expo) to 7th St. which was a short trip to my first destination. When on the Metro, I love to read a book or listen to a podcast on while waiting to get to the city.
Navigation Tip: Use Google Maps to track train arrivals, departures, and stops status’.
Is Downtown LA Safe?
I felt very comfortable solo walking around the city! I stayed in safer areas, such as the Financial District, and tried to be near groups of people. I strongly don’t recommended walking alone at night—especially as a woman.
Safety Tip: Stay in well-populated areas when walking around downtown.
Navigate Around Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown LA is a very walkable city. I mainly walked around 4th St. and the Financial District. I enjoyed walking around everywhere because it’s a great form of exercise and during the day it’s a safe way to navigate the city.
Things to Do in Downtown LA
Try a Smoothie at Sunlife Organics USC Village
I LOVE Sunlife Organics!!! One of my favorite parts of traveling is being able to try new wellness and health food shops. Sunlife Organics is by far my favorite smoothie wellness shop I have ever tried—and I’ve tried many—because of their quality organic ingredients, brand, and execution of their menu products. The bang for your buck is unparalleled.
Each morning during my trip, I went to USC Village and grabbed a smoothie or smoothie bowl to fuel my day of adventures! I love making my own protein smoothies and smoothie bowls at home, but if I were to buy one my go-to spot would be Sunlife Organics.
Order Recommendation: Order the Shroom Shake and or Samurai Bowl, they were divine and you must try!
Gaze at Timeless Art at The Broad Museum
The Broad Museum is an iconic spot that has several well-known art pieces, such as the Balloon Dog and the Andy Warhol collection. There is even an audio self-guided tour that explains the current exhibitions. Being able to walk around and learn a deeper meaning about the art was a very cool experience. Admission is free, so I would definitely recommend reserving a free ticket.
See The Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a beautiful architectural sight to see. I didn’t actually go inside, but it was only a 2-minute walk from The Broad Museum. A very neat spot to checkout after strolling around the museum.
Get Lost in Books at The Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore is a shop you must see if you are in Downtown LA! The aesthetic of the bookstore has such cool vibes and you could spend hours browsing books—I did! They offer current popular publications as well as vintage books. I was able to snag a vintage copy of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Billy Graham’s World Aflame.
Eat where La La Land was Filmed at Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market is easily one of my favorite food places I went to in Downtown LA—besides Sunlife Organics hehe. The market offers several authentic cultural cuisines to dine and experience. There’s so many good options to choose from, but I came across Sarita’s Pupuseria! This restaurant is awesome for two reasons:
- The scene from La La Land where Mia and Sebastian had their first date was filmed at Sarita’s Pupuseria.
- Sarita’s cuisine is Salvadorian food
I LOVE the movie La La Land. So stumbling across this gem and trying a new cuisine was a memorable moment!
Order Recommendation: Order a shrimp pupusa, it is similar to a flatbread.
Shop at FIGat7th
Stroll around FIGat7th, which is the downtown shopping mall. The area has a lot of stores to offer: Zara, Target, Nordstrom Rack.
Downtown Rooftop Dinner at Takami Sushi
To end the night, my friend—Kenzie—and I went to Takami Sushi which is a rooftop sushi bar. The experience was so cool because the view of Downtown LA was so pretty at night and a perfect photoshoot moment. The sushi was okay, but the view was definitely what you pay for. Worth it!
I want to give a huge thank you to Kenzie for letting me crash on her couch—literally—and helping me curate my Santa Monica and Downtown LA travel diaries!
carpe diem,
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