Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History of Downtown Los Angeles
• Safety in Downtown Los Angeles
• Where to Stay in Downtown Los Angeles
  • Hotels
  • Room Rentals
• Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Downtown Los Angeles
• Things to Do in Downtown Los Angeles
  • Intercontinental Hotel
  • The Broad Museum
  • The Grammy Museum L.A.
  • The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
  • Angel’s Flight Railway
  • Gloria Molina Grand Park
  • Pershing Square
  • The Last Bookstore
  • Walk Around and Eat in Grand Central Market
  • The Walt Disney Concert Hall
  • Visit El Pueblo de Los Angeles
  • Watch a Game at the Crypto.com Arena
  • Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck
  • Visit Chinatown
  • Visit Union Station
  • Visit Little Tokyo
  • Visit Smorgasburg
  • Watch a Show at the Peacock Theater
• What and Where to Eat in Downtown Los Angeles
  • Spire 73
  • Bestia
  • Grand Central Market
  • Roscoe’s
  • 85 Degrees Celsius Bakery
  • Camphor
• General Tips About Visiting Downtown Los Angeles
  • Expect Some Crowds
  • Expect Noises
  • Smells
  • Traffic
  • Drinking
  • The Homeless
• Conclusion
• Los Angeles Blogs

Introduction

Downtown Los Angeles is the second-largest city in L.A. and has so much to offer visitors. There are museums, stadiums, restaurants, observation areas, parks, shops, and more. There is truly no end to this part of L.A. This post will not cover Little Tokyo, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, and Chinatown in detail, since they will be discussed in separate blog posts. This blog post will cover everything from history, accommodation, transportation, things to do, safety, what and where to eat, and other general tips while visiting Downtown Los Angeles.

History of Downtown Los Angeles

The history of Downtown Los Angeles coincides with the main city of Los Angeles. Major developments such as Old Chinatown and the Santa Fe Railway connecting Los Angeles to the East Coast, allowed the city to grow and reach new heights. As the town began to shift into the city we know today, the downtown area began to arise as the main center of L.A. Many business and finance areas were moving in and making the area more busy. Buildings, theaters, restaurants, the Grand Central Market, and later skyscrapers, started to define Los Angeles.

Safety in Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles can be safe to visit but does require precaution. Downtown now stands as some of the best and unfortunately, the worst L.A. has to offer. Although the area has prestigious museums and popular points of interest, it also contains the most dangerous part of Los Angeles, Skid Row. Skid Row is popular due to its mention in popular media and countless documentaries and the rumors are true. The area is inhabited by drug addicts and mentally unstable people and is best avoided. The good news is that as a tourist you will not find yourself in Skid Row accidentally.  

The unfortunate reality of downtown is that there are still people using drugs on the street. On my last visit, I saw an individual convulsing due to what I can only assume was heroin (there was a needle on the floor). This is just a reality of the area, and one that I hope gets better in the coming years.

I would recommend you stick to the natural flow of where tourists are walking. This part of Los Angeles is not an area where you want to walk the unbeaten path. Much of the downtown area is safe to visit, but it is possible to be a victim of petty theft or something more violent. Please keep to yourself while practicing good traveler awareness and common sense, and I’m sure you’ll be fine.

Where to Stay in Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles has great walkability (some of the best in L.A.) and three metro stations to utilize the L.A. metro. The downtown area tends to be very lively and hosts some great nightlife. The tallest open rooftop bar on the entire West Coast can be found downtown as well as countless bars and clubs. The centrally located downtown can be an okay place to stay if you do not have a car but can get a little more dangerous at night.

Please don’t wander too far at night since the surrounding areas can be sketchy. If I’m completely honest, there are better places to stay than downtown, but if you want to stay in Downtown L.A. there are two primary accommodation options. There are hotels and room rentals, which will all be discussed in detail below, and specific recommendations below each option.

Hotels

There are dozens of hotels in Downtown Los Angeles, and they are costly. Almost all the hotels offer parking spots (call to make sure), so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. However, some hotels charge an additional fee to park your car, so be sure to ask at the front desk, and they will give you a parking hanging tag or sticker for your vehicle. 

Hotels can be found all around the safer parts of the city, but also in more dangerous areas. One hotel to avoid downtown is the Stay on Main (previously called the Hotel Cecil). If you want to learn more about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles: Complete Guide” blog post.

Most hotels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, which can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in most cases, it will cost extra. Prices can change depending on the time you are going and for how long. Average rates that I’ve seen range from $100.00 to $120.00+ / €93.16 to €110.83+ per night.

Room Rentals

The last opinion you have in Downtown Los Angeles is room rentals. Airbnb and Vrbo are popular rental companies and offer guests opportunities to rent private and/or shared spaces for a few days to a few weeks. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, I recommend you use Airbnb as they have smaller accommodation options. All rooms offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. There are a good amount of options on both platforms but are pretty expensive. I’ve also noticed that ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, both companies have charged a very high cleaning fee. Sometimes close to $200.00 / €185.54!

Costs and availability can vary depending on the time you go and for how long, but the prices range from $90.00 to $100.00+ / €83.83 to €92.77+. It is also possible that many options do not have any parking spots, so if you rent a car or have a personal vehicle, check to make sure it has a parking spot. Generally speaking, most places have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but it can vary depending on the location. 

Normally if you want an early check-in and/or late check-out they can accommodate you without an extra fee. Air conditioning does not come in all the units (sometimes at an extra fee), so if you come during summer, I’d recommend finding a place with air conditioning since it can get very hot in central Los Angeles. To check out Airbnb’s official website, click here. For Vrbo’s official website, click here.

Recommendations:

1. Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown ($$$)
2. Freehand Los Angeles ($$)
3. Metro Plaza Hotel ($$$)

It is worth noting that hostels are popping up more around Los Angeles, and although I don’t know of any in the main part of Downtown Los Angeles, there are a few around the outskirts of the city. If you stay at a hostel around the main part of the city, it can be a bit annoying getting around if you do not have a car. If you do have a car, make sure there are parking spots available before you book. If you want more information about accommodation in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Where to Stay in Los Angeles Guide” blog post.

Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Downtown Los Angeles

• Arrival

Arriving to Downtown Los Angeles can be done by three means. You can drive/take a ride-share app, take the L.A. Metro, or take city buses. In general, the best way to get to downtown is by taking the L.A. Metro. If you plan on taking the L.A. Metro, the A, B, D, and E Lines (blue, red, purple, and yellow lines) are the ones you will be utilizing to get to downtown. All four lines run throughout a good portion of L.A. and all end or start in Union Station which can get you anywhere else you may need to go. 

There are six stations in downtown, and they are located all around downtown, but are more concentrated in the center of the area. The stations are 7th Street/ Metro Center Station, Pershing Square Station, Grand Ave Arts/Bunker Hill Station, Civic Center/ Grand Park Station, Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, and Historic Broadway Station. These stations will take you all around Downtown Los Angeles and make it so much easier and cheaper to traverse.

If you want to use the L.A. Metro, the first thing you will need to get is a TAP Card. The TAP Card is required to ride the L.A. Metro. You can either download the TAP L.A. application here or purchase one at any of the metro stations. Once you have a physical or digital card, just put your card or phone on top of the device and “tap” to pay for the fare. The price is $1.75 / €1.61 for a two-hour ride. Reloading the TAP Card or the Tap LA app is very easy and can be done online.

Once you are on the metro, find your way to the A, B, D, and E Lines (blue, red, purple, and yellow lines), as those are the ones that get you to Downtown Los Angeles. Once you arrive, you will tap once more. The main hours of operation of the L.A. Metro are from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. / 05:00–00:00 but can differ. 

Driving is very straightforward, as you put your desired destination in your map application and drive over. You can also just order an Uber or Lyft to your final destination. If you drive expect a lot more traffic since you are in Downtown Los Angeles. Parking will be discussed in the next section.

The last option is the city buses, and they should just be voided unless you are with a local. Although affordable, the buses are raw and unpredictable even more so in Downtown L.A. since the drug problem is so prevalent here. Drive or use the L.A. Metro. To learn how to use the Los Angeles metro, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportation Within Los Angeles” blog post.

• Parking

Every single location in Downtown Los Angeles is paid parking only. Sometimes around Los Angeles, the parking can be free for the first hour or so, but not here. The parking is paid for only and not cheap. The parking normally starts around $15.00 / €14.47 for the day, but there can be some structures that offer per-hour parking. Always check to see if areas will validate your parking to ensure you are getting the best price possible. Spaces should be abundant, but the prices will make it a much bigger headache.

• Transportation Within Downtown Los Angeles

Although Downtown L.A. is not small, I think the best way to get around the city is walking. I always say that downtown is the most walkable part of L.A. since so many of the tourist activities are within walking distance (less than 20 minutes). If you are not a fan of walking or physically disabled you can drive, take a ride/share app, or use the L.A. Metro. 

Driving is the most expensive and annoying due to high parking fees and horrible traffic. Using ride-share apps like Lyft and Uber can also be very expensive due to traffic costing more than $30.00 / €27.81 for a 10-minute ride.  The best option is using the L.A. Metro, as many stations are located near popular landmarks like Pershing Square, Little Tokyo, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Broad Museum. To conclude the best ways to traverse Downtown Los Angeles in order of worst to least are:

• Driving
• Taking a Ride-share App
• Using the L.A. Metro
• Walking

Things to Do in Downtown Los Angeles

There are so many things to do in Downtown Los Angeles. There are museums, parks, restaurants, observation decks, and cultural points of interest. Downtown L.A. does not lack when it comes to tourist destinations. In no particular order, here is what I recommend you do and see in and around Downtown Los Angeles.

Intercontinental Hotel

A hotel is on this list? Yes, it is, and let me explain. The Intercontinental Hotel is located right in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles and offers amazing views of not only Downtown Los Angeles but also the surrounding areas. The views can be seen from the 72nd and 73rd floors giving gorgeous views of the skyline. The building is not intended to be solely an observation deck so don’t be alarmed if there are no places to sit down or patios. 

The views up on the top are free to enter, but not to park. Parking is very expensive being $15.00 / €13.85 for the first hour going up after that. They do validate parking if you go eat at one of their restaurants or go for drinks at Spire 73 (which will be discussed later on). The best way to get here is by using the L.A. metro. If you do, then this experience can be 100 percent free.

The Broad Musuem

The Broad is one of the most famous museums in Los Angeles and stands as an architectural gem in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles. The Broad has been on the top of many “best museums in L.A.” lists for years, and it is clear why. Opened in 1984, this museum stands as an amazing art museum showcasing contemporary art from the 1950s. The museum is located near other important landmarks like the Grand Central Market and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). There are beautiful works of art and amazing temporary exhibitions on display.

The Grammy Museum L.A.

The Grammy Museum L.A. is a very L.A. museum offering the history and information related to the Grammys. For people who may not be aware, the Grammy Awards are a very prestigious award show that rewards the best of the best in all things music-related. The museum was well done focussing on major music legends like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Shakira, and Micheal Jackson. The museum is located right next to Crypto.com Arena and the Peacock Theater. This was a very good museum and I easily spent hours here.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Located across the street from the Broad, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) focuses on contemporary art. This museum offers similar gorgeous pieces of art just as the Broad does but at half the congestion. The MOCA was very fun, and I was left wondering why it was not as busy as the Broad. I enjoyed the exhibit highlighting global warming and its impact on our planet. Did I mention that the MOCA has free entry? If you want a less busy museum experience conveniently located in Downtown Los Angeles go visit the MOCA.

The Grammy Museum and MOCA both utilize an app called Bloomberg Connects. This free app has online museum guides that can give you a somewhat virtual tour and help guide you throughout the two museums. In fact, Bloomberg Connects has online guides for 20 institutions in Los Angeles. The app also has almost every major language so you can get information in your native tongue. Click here to go to the Bloomberg Connects website to learn more and download the app for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

Angel’s Flight Railway

The Angel’s Flight Railway has become very popular due to the 2016 film La La Land. Ever since that film, the area has seen a resurgence in tourism. This is the world’s shortest railway going only 298 feet / 90.8 meters. The iconic railway goes from South Hill Street to South Grand Avenue. The fare costs $1.00 / €0.92 for a one-way trip, or you can pay $2.00 / €1.84 for a two-way trip and a souvenir ticket. This is a very photo-friendly spot for you to take some romantic pictures. There is not any dedicated parking, but there is parking available around the attraction.

Gloria Molina Grand Park

The Gloria Molina Grand Park is located near the Broad Museum and in front of Los Angeles City Hall. The 12-acre / 4.8-hectare park has a massive fountain and green spaces for people to interact with each other. The park is a peaceful area and offers nice views of Downtown Los Angeles. Parking is available in lot 10 on N Broadway between First Street and Temple Street.

Pershing Square

Pershing Square is an urban area that has gotten upgraded a lot and more safe as the years go on. Throughout the year you can find community events and even an ice skating rink during winter. It is a great place to relax and catch a breath from walking the streets of Downtown Los Angeles. The surrounding areas still seem to be a bit dirty and riddled with homeless and individuals under the influence so be prepared if you start to wander too far.

The Last Bookstore

Located next to the previously mentioned Pershing Square, the Last Bookstore is one of the most unique stores in Downtown L.A. For all intents and purposes it is a bookstore but the atmosphere and architecture is so much more. The area seems like an art store and a bookstore had a child. The bookstore features whimsical architecture and a great vibe with a small coffee bar. Don’t let the surrounding sketchy areas deter you. Visit the Last Bookstore.

Walk Around and Eat in Grand Central Market

The Grand Central Market is the most popular place to eat downtown. The market is located right next to Angel’s Flight Railway. It is not a traditional market, but rather a collection of different eateries. Virtually any type of food can be found. Pupusas, tacos, sushi, pad thai, and seafood can all be enjoyed here. This is a great place for lunch and is in a convenient location.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is the most beautiful building in Downtown L.A. The building is a concert hall and features a variety of shows throughout the year. There is a free audio tour that you can take. They are available every day from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. / 10:00–15:00 with the last tour being available at 2 p.m. / 14:00. The tours last about an hour and there are docents scattered throughout the building that can answer any questions you may have. Please keep in mind that you will not be able to see the actual concert hall unless you are attending a show.

Visit El Pueblo de Los Angeles

El Pueblo de Los Angeles is a small section of Downtown Los Angeles in front of Union Station. It contains many popular tourist destinations like Olvera Street, the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Plaza Park, and the Avila Adobe. Olvera Street is lined with Mexican shops that offer souvenirs and snacks for purchase. The Los Angeles Plaza Park is the main part of the Pueblo de Los Angeles and can sometimes be home to music and food vendors. Avila Adobe is the oldest home in Los Angeles being built in 1818. This was just a quick overview but there is so much to do in Pueblo de Los Angeles, be sure to check it out.

Watch a Game at the Crypto.com Arena

The Crypto.com Arena (previously called the Staples Center) is one of if not, the most recognizable stadiums in Los Angeles. Crypto.com Arena is home to the L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers (Both NBA Teams), and L.A. Kings (NHL Team). The time of year dictates on who will be playing, but I’m sure the energy will be amazing either way. The stadium has statues of some of the best players and commentators to have played or worked at Crypto.com Arena. 

Statues of Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neil, Ervin “Magic” Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Oscar de la Hoya, Chick Hern, Luc Robitaille, and Wayne Gretzky can be found in front of the arena. The main arena will be closed if there is no event going on, but it’s still fun to check out the statues.

Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck

Many tourists who come to Los Angeles don’t know that an amazing spot to overlook Downtown Los Angeles is in City Hall, and it’s free! Once you enter the City Hall building from the side (not the front entrance), you will walk through a metal detector and check in with security. They will need to see an I.D. or a passport and then give you a sticker. You then head to the elevator and go up to the 27th floor. The views are amazing, but it can be a bit windy and chilly so be prepared. There is no parking in the actual building, but there are paid options around the area.

Visit Chinatown

Although Chinatown is not officially located in Downtown Los Angeles it is close enough to add it to the list. Chinatown is one of the oldest parts of Los Angeles and is home to Chinese culture and restaurants. It is located about a 20-minute walk from the Gloria Molina Grand Park and can be a very beautiful area to explore. Keep in mind that it is not as busy as downtown but is just as beautiful. To learn more about Chinatown, click here to go to the “The Complete Guide to Chinatown” blog post.

Visit Union Station

Union Station is not just a transportation hub. The infamous station has been featured in many movies and is a beautiful place to just walk around and admire the old building. There are galleries, some places to eat, and will occasionally have events on campus. There is parking in the station and in my opinion, is some of the cheapest in Downtown Los Angeles. The 24-hour parking garage is $8.00 / €7.38 for the day ($2.00 / €1.84 every 15 minutes) and is a 20-minute walk to Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and the skyscrapers downtown.

Visit Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo is the last cultural part of downtown and as you could probably guess, highlights Japanese heritage and culture. Little Tokyo is home to Japanese shops and restaurants in Los Angeles. Compared to Chinatown, Little Tokyo is more lively and offers a much more busy vibe than Chinatown does. There are people throughout all hours of the day exploring the Japanese Village or waiting in line to eat at some of the most delicious restaurants in the area. Little Tokyo is so much fun to explore especially on an empty stomach.

Visit Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg is a hidden gem in Los Angeles. Every Sunday in Downtown Los Angeles, lies the biggest food market in the city. There is almost anything you can imagine. Brightly colored dumplings, loaded lobster fries, or pancakes in the shape of….male parts. The market is only on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. / 10:00–16:00 but is well worth a visit. The food scene shows a lot about a city’s culture and history and this market highlights Los Angeles’ melting pot of cuisine and people.

Watch a Show at the Peacock Theater

The Peacock Theater is a theater right in downtown located next to the Crypto.com Arena. It is an entertainment venue home to many shows. You can top preformances, concerts, and see some of the funniest comedians in Los Angeles. The theater is moderatley prices costing ~$120.00 / €116.40 per person for decent tickets. A show here will certainly make for a livley night.

What and Where to Eat in Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles is not known for a specific type of food but is home to many prime dining locations and more posh establishments. Almost everything can be found here from sushi, to steakhouses, to burger places. With downtown’s restaurant culture, you will not go hungry. In no particular order, these are the locations I recommend you eat in Downtown Los Angeles.

Spire 73 (Bar)

Spire 73 is located in the Intercontinental Hotel on the 73rd floor. Although this place is primarily a bar, they do have some good food, but this place is not known for its drinks or food but rather for its spectacular views. Spire 73 is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Ever since the closure of Skyspace L.A. in 2020, the Intercontinental now offers the best view of Downtown Los Angeles and you can see them while enjoying some good food or a cocktail.

Bestia (Italian)

Bestia is an amazing Italian restaurant downtown. If you are not driving this place may be a little out of the way, but if you are driving, it is worth going to. They have excellent pasta and would personally recommend the squid ink spaghetti.

Grand Central Market (Mix)

The Grand Central Market (as previously discussed) is a must-visit and home to many excellent eateries. Virtually any food can be found here from oysters to Thai food. Alongside the amazing food, you get a taste of L.A. history. My two favorite places in the Grand Central Market are Eggslut and Saritas Pupuseria. Eggslut focuses on breakfast sandwiches and Saritas Pupuseria focuses on El Salvador’s national dish, pupusas. Both delicious.

Roscoe’s  (Chicken & Waffles)

Roscoe’s is an institution in Los Angeles and one of the most popular restaurants in the city. Roscoe’s is known for one thing, chicken and waffles. This place has the most succulent waffles paired with whipped butter and crispy fried chicken. The location in South L.A. became notably popular after President Barack Obama visited the establishment. Roscoe’s is a must-try on your visit to L.A.

85 Degrees Celsius Bakery (Café)

85 Degrees Celsius is an amazing café with decadent pastries and tasty coffee. It is a French-Korean bakery and one thing I love about the pastries is that they are not too sweet. Some pastries at other locations are just overloaded with sugar, but this place does it perfectly. There are a few around L.A. but they are all amazing.

Camphor (French)

Camphor is a delicious French-based restaurant with some Asian influence. Just as in Bestia, Camphor can be a little out of the way if you do not have a car, but still manageable to walk here.

General Tips About Visiting Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles is such a large and diverse part of the city that there are a lot of contrasts. As previously stated, downtown hosts come of the best and worst that L.A. has to offer. For that reason, different tips will be useful for this specific part of L.A. In no particular order, here is a list of tips I’d recommend on your trip to Downtown Los Angeles.

Expect Some Crowds

Downtown Los Angeles is very busy. As the main financial part of Los Angeles (the second-largest city in the U.S.) there are a lot of people. It’s a wide range of tourists, locks, and homeless. Usually It’s not an overwhelming amount of people (unless you are coming on a holiday or important date), but enough to give it a great vibe and excellent energy.

Expect Noises

Since Downtown Los Angeles is in the middle of the metro area it sees a lot of activity. You will hear cars, traffic, honking, sirens, helicopters, and the occasional heated debate or argument. Some of the noises can be heard anywhere throughout L.A. but I’ve always felt as if it’s all channeled in the downtown area.

Smells

Los Angeles is not the cleanest city in the United States, so as you are walking around Downtown Los Angeles you will undoubtedly smell something not so pleasant. Some of the most common odors you may smell are garbage, vomit, urine, and feces. There are a lot of dogs in Los Angeles, but there are also a lot of homeless individuals, so you never know where the pee and poop are coming from. Watch your step and the smells shouldn’t last too long.

Traffic

Los Angeles has some pretty bad traffic, and it is concentrated in Downtown Los Angeles. It is not on the same level as other places on Earth, but for the United States, it’s pretty bad. It can add hours of diving time. The worst time to drive is from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. / 06:00–10:30 and from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. / 15:00–18:30. These times are the busiest for traffic (rush hour), but the weekends can see less traffic as many people do not work, so the hours can narrow on the weekends.

A safe piece of advice would be to start driving to your destination an hour before you want to arrive if you are driving within the above times. Remember that Downtown Los Angeles is a very popular area for tourism and business so it does backup. I use an app called Waze, which is a good way to check for traffic in the city. Click here to download the app on either the Apple Play Store or the Google Play Store.

Drinking

With the number of bars that Downtown Los Angeles has, drinking is something you may encounter and may partake in. So why is this on the list? Well, the drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. NO exceptions will be made. I do understand that much of the world has a drinking age of 19 years old or younger (if drinking is legal), but the United States has stood strong at keeping it at 21. If you’re under this age and look under the age of ~45 years old, you will be asked to show your ID. It is U.S. law and heavily enforced in California. You also cannot walk around in public with alcohol, which can result in a ticket or worse. Keep your drinks at the bar and in the establishment.

DO NOT drive under the influence of anything (alcohol, marijuana, etc.). This is called a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and it is a big deal in the United States. You can get a fine of up to $1,000.00 / €927.07, suspension of your license, and possibly jail time. If you are drinking, use a ride-share app or have a designated driver (dd) ready to take you home. Lastly, you cannot walk around the city or drive with open bottles of alcohol. If you are drinking, keep it in the building or at the bar.

The Homeless

Unfortunately, Los Angeles is going through a homeless crisis at the current moment. I’m not going to discuss why, but I mention it because you will see it on your trip to Downtown Los Angeles. You may see many makeshift shelters and tents where the homeless sleep. These shelters can be found in downtown or around the beaches. They also panhandle a lot, and it is not uncommon for many homeless people to have dogs. I always advise if you want to give them something, give them something that is not straight money. Food, water, or even dog food are good options since you don’t know what that money will be used for.

Many people who live on the streets are addicts and/or mentally unstable individuals, and although they keep to themselves on most occasions, they can cause some trouble and discomfort. It is not uncommon to hear them yell into the sky, move erratically, or using drugs out in public, so just ignore them and if they make you uncomfortable, walk to the other side of the street or turn around. Not all homeless are bad people. I have noticed an improvement in homelessness in the area. However, I think it is just preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that will take place in Los Angeles. So hopefully, the improvement stays.

For more general tips about visiting Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling to Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.

Conclusion

This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of everything regarding Downtown Los Angeles, including where to stay, how to get around, safety, what to do, what to eat, and general tips. What has been your experience in Downtown L.A.? What is your favorite thing to do in downtown? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.