15 Downtown LA Experiences That Are Actually Worth It

Downtown LA, or DTLA, has its own energy. It’s not a coastal beach town—it’s more urban, more layered. Some areas feel rougher, others more polished. It’s full of contrast, but it can surprise you if you give it a chance. If you’re searching for things to do in Downtown LA, these are the ones we’ve actually enjoyed ourselves.

We live in Pasadena, just about 20 minutes away, so we’ve spent plenty of afternoons and evenings wandering through DTLA. Sometimes it’s dinner at a great restaurant. Other times it’s food stalls, museums, or just soaking up the architecture.

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Union Station is one of Downtown LA’s architectural gems and the city’s main transit hub. It is a beautifully preserved 1930s-era station that connects metro lines, Amtrak, and regional rail.

The main hall has high ceilings, detailed tilework, and art deco touches that make you feel like you’ve entered the past. The old ticketing area is just past the information booth, now blocked off and mainly used for filming and special events. You might recognize it from movies like 500 Days of Summer or Catch Me If You Can.

One of the more unexpected things inside is a hidden interactive art display called A Train by Bill Bell. It’s been around since 1996 and sits near the escalators that lead down to the B and D train platforms. On one side of the escalators, there’s a colorful LED screen. On the opposite wall, you’ll find a plaque labeled A Train—where the hidden microphone is.

Stand in front of the plaque and say clearly and loudly, “Hey, Billy, Old Pal, play me some Judy Garland.” If it works, Somewhere Over the Rainbow will play on the display screen. Try “Duke Ellington” or “Johnny Weissmuller” to trigger other sounds. It may take a few tries before it responds, but it’s a fun surprise when it does.

If you’re looking for a place to sit and unwind, Traxx Restaurant and Bar is just off the main hall. It’s a good spot to meet a friend for a cocktail or a bite before heading into the city or home.

Right across from Union Station is Olvera Street, often called the oldest street in Los Angeles. This small pedestrian stretch is full of color, energy, and history. You’ll find shops, food stands, and restaurants celebrating Mexican culture.

It’s a fun place to wander. Grab a bite, browse the stalls for souvenirs or handmade goods, and, if you’re lucky, catch mariachi players performing outside. It’s especially great for kids or if you want to do something casual but memorable downtown.

You’ll also find the Avila Adobe here—the oldest residence in Los Angeles. If the building is open, it’s free to walk through, and it adds a layer of local history to your visit.

Día de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo are especially festive, with live music, dancers, altars, and many people filling the streets.

If you’re hungry, grab taquitos from Cielito Lindo. They’ve been serving them here since 1934.

Philippe’s has been serving French-dipped sandwiches since 1908 and claims to have invented the French dip. It’s considered a true California original food, and whether that’s true or not, it’s become an LA institution.

Philippe’s usually comes up if you mention Downtown LA to a local. It’s also a big deal at my office—whenever someone gets to head downtown, there’s talk of grabbing a sandwich at Philippe’s. We’ve been more than a few times. Is it the best sandwich in the city? No. But the experience is what makes it worth the visit.

The sawdust-covered floors, cafeteria-style ordering, and old-school booths give it a throwback vibe that feels like a time capsule. The staff still wears crisp uniforms, and you’ll likely spot regulars who’ve been coming for decades. It’s always busy, but the line moves fast.

Foodie tip: Order your sandwich double-dipped and add the house mustard. It’s spicy, so go easy at first. Behind the glass counter, you’ll also find classic sides like macaroni salad and pickled eggs.

Chinatown feels colorful and lived-in, with red lanterns hanging across the plazas and Xie Shan rooftops lining the streets. The Central Plaza is usually our first stop. It’s where you’ll find Bruce Lee’s statue, the Chinese gate, and some of the most photo-friendly corners in the neighborhood.

We’ve browsed herbal shops, picked up pastries from the bakeries, and wandered into gift shops over the years. There’s also the pagoda-style building that always catches our eye, and a few spots that feel like they haven’t changed in decades. You’ll still find a mix of old-school storefronts and new businesses trying to make their mark.

A great time to visit is during Chinese New Year. The whole area fills with people. There’s usually a parade, dancing dragons, and a festive energy that turns the neighborhood into a celebration.

When it comes to food, Chinatown has a little of everything. Golden Dragon is a long-standing dim sum spot. Howlin’ Ray’s is also here, known for their spicy Nashville hot chicken. People line up early for it—and yes, it’s worth it if you’re in the mood.

Little Tokyo is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Downtown LA. It’s just a short walk east of the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Grand Central Market, but it feels like its own world—packed with great food, shops, and culture. It’s an easy place to spend an afternoon without overthinking it.

We usually start at the Japanese Village Plaza. There are ramen spots with lines down the block, bakeries selling fresh mochi, and shops full of snacks, toys, and gifts. One of our favorites is the market inside the plaza—fun to browse and always something new to try.

If you’re looking for something cultural, the Japanese American National Museum is right there. It’s not a huge museum, but it’s thoughtful and worth visiting.

Nearby, the Japanese garden behind the cultural center is quiet and peaceful, with a little stream running through it. Not everyone knows it’s there.

Little Tokyo is one of those places we’ve returned to more than once. It’s easygoing, good for food, and feels like a break from the rest of downtown. Our go-to for years was Shabu Shabu House—we had our first shabu shabu experience there and kept returning. It recently closed, but that memory still sticks with us. On our last visit, we finally tried Daikokuya and had a delicious bowl of ramen instead.

It’s hard to miss the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Designed by Frank Gehry, its curved stainless steel panels catch the light in a way that makes the whole building look different depending on when you’re there. It’s easily one of the most recognizable buildings in Downtown LA—and even if you’re not seeing a performance, it’s worth stopping by.

The concert hall is home to the LA Philharmonic. You can book tickets to hear them perform, but you don’t need a show to appreciate the space. Self-guided tours are available, or you can simply walk around outside. The small garden terrace behind the building is a quieter spot that’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.

[Self-guided tour info here.]

Tour Ideas:
DTLA Architecture Walking Tour [Book Tour Here]

Don’t Skip The Broad – It’s Free

Just steps from Walt Disney Concert Hall is The Broad, a contemporary art museum that opened in 2015. It’s home to over 2,000 pieces, including works by artists like Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The building itself is worth seeing—it has a honeycomb-looking design that really stands out. Inside, the layout feels open and bright, and the collection is easy to move through at your own pace.

General admission is free, but you’ll need a separate timed reservation to see Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room. It’s best to plan ahead so you won’t be stuck waiting in the standby line.

If you’re into art, it’s also worth carving out time for the Arts District, just a few minutes away. It’s packed with galleries, murals, and some of the city’s best coffee and dining spots.

From the outside, the Bradbury Building doesn’t look like much. But walk through the doors, and you’ll see why it’s one of the most photographed interiors in Downtown LA—and one of my personal favorites.

Built in 1893, this National Historic Landmark has been used as a filming location for movies like 500 Days of Summer and Blade Runner. The intricate ironwork and open “birdcage” elevators still catch your eye, and natural light pouring through the glass atrium make the whole space feel airy and dramatic.

When the building is open, you can visit for FREE. Access is usually limited to the ground floor, but that’s enough to appreciate the details.

Tour Idea:
Old and New Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour [Book Tour Here]

Angel’s Flight is a tiny orange funicular that climbs one of the steepest hills in Downtown LA, connecting Hill Street and Grand Avenue. It’s a quick ride—just 298 feet—but it’s a small piece of LA history that’s fun to experience at least once.

The railway has been closed and restored a few times over the years, most recently reopening in 2017. For now, it’s still running. We say ride it while you can.

It costs $1 each way or $2 round trip, and yes, it’s the same one featured in La La Land.

It’s also right next to Grand Central Market, so if you’re already there grabbing food, it’s an easy stop to tack on.

The Last Bookstore is one of those Downtown LA spots we always tell people about. It’s a mix of books, art, and a little bit of organized chaos in the best way. Set inside a former bank building, the space is huge and full of surprises, from vaulted ceilings to little upstairs corners filled with $1 books.

We’ve spent hours just browsing, flipping through records, walking through the book tunnel, and poking into the side rooms that sell comics, art, or even yarn. You’ll probably lose track of time if you’re a book lover.

They also host events, so it’s worth checking their calendar if you’re in town.

As tempting as it is to just go for the photos, we always say: if you visit, support the place. Buy a book or two. It’s a great indie spot; we’d love to see it stay.

Plan Your Sunday Around Smorgasburg LA

Smorgasburg, LA, is one of the best reasons to head to downtown LA on a Sunday. It’s an outdoor food market that takes place every week at ROW DTLA, and it’s a must if you love trying different bites in one place.

The market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and brings together dozens of food vendors—from tacos and BBQ to creative desserts and vegan eats. There’s even a bar area if you want to grab a drink while you eat.

We’ve only scratched the surface, but a few of our favorites include the sugarcane juice from Sweet Grass, the arepas from Sus Arepas, and the triple-fried fries in beef tallow from Super Frites.

Tip: Want to skip the lines? Use Uber Eats to place a pickup order—just enter “Smorgasburg” in the location field to see who’s available.

Admission is free, but the food isn’t—how much you spend is really up to you. There’s plenty to try, and it’s a fun way to spend a Sunday with friends or family.

When Smorgasburg isn’t happening, ROW DTLA is still worth a visit. This former rail hub has been transformed into a modern industrial space with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and art galleries.

Parking: There’s a large parking garage on-site; the first two hours are free.

Have Drinks at a Rooftop Bar in DTLA

Downtown LA has no shortage of rooftop bars, and they’re a fun way to take in the city, especially around sunset. Two popular spots locals often recommend are Spire 73 at the InterContinental and Perch, both known for great views and solid drink menus.

Spire 73 is perched on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Hotel and claims the title of the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Perch offers more of a relaxed, French-inspired vibe with live music on select nights.

One of Downtown LA’s Best Free Views at City Hall

Not many people realize you can actually go inside Los Angeles City Hall and head up to the 27th floor for a panoramic view of Downtown LA. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the mountains. It’s a surprisingly quiet spot, and best of all—it’s free.

You’ll need to check in at the front desk and take a couple of elevators up, but once you’re there, you’ll get a different perspective on the city. We went on a rainy day and still thought the view was worth it.

We’d Recommend a DTLA Food Tour, Even If You’re Local

One of the best ways to explore any city is through its food, and Downtown LA has a lot to offer. A guided food tour is a fun way to try a mix of local spots, including places you might not find on your own.

We’ve done food tours in other cities and always leave full, happy, and with a better feel for the neighborhood. Downtown LA’s food scene is layered and always changing, and a tour gives you a low-stress way to experience it.

It’s a great option if you’re new to the area or want to try something different.

Tour Idea:
Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour [book now]

🚶Getting Around Downtown LA

Downtown LA is its own pocket of the city, and if you’re not already nearby, you’ll probably need to drive in, take the Metro, or grab a rideshare to get there. Once you’re in the area though, a lot of the places in this post are within walking distance or a short ride from one another.

Union Station is a great place to start your day, especially if you’re taking the train. Scooters and shareable bikes are everywhere, or you can use rideshare if you’d rather skip the walking.

We always recommend sticking to the well-known areas and being aware of your surroundings. Some parts of DTLA can feel gritty, especially if you wander too far from the main spots. Use your judgment and plan your day around the places that feel active and welcoming.

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