Hip and historic, Downtown Los Angeles (or simply DTLA) offers big-city excitement with stylish restaurants, cultural attractions, budget-friendly shopping, and major-league sports. But those are just the beginning of what this district has to offer.
Why Is Downtown L.A. Famous?
Easily accessible by Metro and perhaps one of the most pedestrian-friendly urban neighborhoods in Los Angeles, DTLA has been—and continues to be—transformed by a multitude of cultural offerings that have really upped its profile over the past few decades. Art walks and street festivals, innovative businesses, indoor/outdoor markets, hip boutiques, and pop-ups—they’re all here. Partially because of that newfound vitality, an influx of new residents has helped energize the area. Downtown L.A.’s reemergence as a preeminent L.A. nabe is also being driven by such attractions as Grand Park, an urban oasis with views stretching from the Music Center (including Walt Disney Concert Hall) to City Hall.
Restaurants in Downtown L.A.
Food is another big draw here. Start your dining exploration at the reinvented Grand Central Market, originally opened in 1917, which has a bevy of artisanal food purveyors selling of-the-moment items (For the Win grass-fed beef burgers, build-your-own ice-cream sandwiches at McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream) next to longtime vendors like Wexler’s Deli.
If you’re looking for something more substantial than a quick food hall meal,the neighborhood has plenty to offer. Zinc Cafe & Bar, which accommodates anyone with dietary restrictions, offers seating inside their window-filled dining room or in the sunny courtyard. (Grab a craft cocktail at Zinc’s latest addition, Bar Mateo, housed in a 1914 barn that sits inside an olive grove.)
Anyone into innovative takes on global fare will not be let down: Badmaash puts a playful spin on Indian cuisine with dishes like butter chicken samosas and chili cheese naan, while Holy Basil has earned a devoted following for its fiery Thai stir-fries and crispy rice salads. In the Arts District, Joyce spotlights contemporary Southern cooking, and Hatch serves creative Japanese-inspired breakfasts and sandwiches. Nearby, Pine & Crane DTLA draws crowds with Taiwanese comfort food favorites like dan dan noodles and beef rolls.
For an after-dinner treat, stop in at Little Damage, a soft-serve ice-cream spot offering black (charcoal) ice cream and unique flavors such as Unicorn Tears or Fresas Con Crema (don’t miss the photo booth!).
Where to Grab a Drink in Downtown L.A.
Downtown L.A.’s drinking scene runs the gamut from glamorous rooftop lounges to beloved old-school dives. For swanky cocktails with skyline views, head to the rooftop bars at the The Hoxton or Hotel Per La, where poolside drinks and DJ sets draw hip crowds. In the Historic Core, the restored The Wolves pairs ornate Parisian-inspired interiors with inventive cocktails, while the Arts District Brewing Co. remains a go-to for craft beer fans. Wine lovers can settle into the cozy, European-style atmosphere at Bar Covell nearby in Echo Park. For something more dive-y, longtime DTLA staples like Golden Gopher and The Redwood Bar & Grill offer stiff drinks, jukebox energy, and plenty of local character.
Angels Flight in Downtown L.A.
Across the street from Grand Central Market, the legendary funicular Angels Flight offers riders a chance to travel up and down the hillside in old-school train cars named Sinai and Olivet—updated versions of the 1901 originals. The narrow-gauge, funicular railway became a familiar sight in classic noir films, like 1952’s The Turning Point, M (1951), and Kiss Me Deadly (1955), and later in 2016’s award-winning La La Land when the couple played by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone ride up after eating across the street at Grand Central Market. You can ride the funicular for $1.50 one way.
The Arts District of Downtown L.A.
The Arts District of DTLA is thriving, with museums, galleries, and cultural attractions galoreThe whole area is essentially an open-air gallery, with massive murals, graffiti art, and installations covering warehouse walls and alleyways throughout the neighborhood. Take a self-guided tour; areas around Traction Avenue, Mateo Street, and 3rd Street are especially dense with colorful works and photo spots.
Check out what’s on view at one of the neighborhood’s anchor cultural spaces, Hauser & Wirth. This contemporary art gallery occupies a beautifully restored former flour mill; beyond the rotating exhibitions, the complex includes a courtyard, bookstore, gardens, murals, and the popular onsite restaurant Manuela. Worth exploring as well are the smaller independent galleries and design-forward shops tucked into converted warehouses. Spots such as Where Monsters Dream and Compound LA showcase the neighborhood’s mix of art, fashion, and experimental creative culture.
Downtown L.A. Museums
Don’t miss The Broad, the honeycomb-facade museum that houses 2,000 pieces of modern art by artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Recently relocated from Santa Monica, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles features colorful and provocative exhibits, often from lesser-known but truly inspired international artists. Regular events offer one-of-a-kind opportunities to learn about the history of famous painted signs you can spot in L.A.
Other notable museums include the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the California African American Museum (CAAM), and the Grammy Museum, where you can see music artifacts such as Elvis’s sheet music and Janis Joplin's custom-painted 1965 Porsche 356c Cabriolet.
Downtown L.A. Venues
Events, nightlife, and live music give DTLA an energetic vibe. Crowds flock to the sports and entertainment combo of Staples Center and Microsoft Theater L.A. LIVE, and the aforementioned Walt Disney Concert Hall pulls in fans of its incredibly diverse programming. And Grand Avenue, true to its name, is the city’s cultural hub, thanks to the Los Angeles Philharmonic performances at the spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall and the sandstone-clad Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
Where to Stay in Downtown L.A.
There’s no shortage of places to stay in the area, too. Several hotels are located within walking distance of the major attractions listed above, including Hotel Indigo Downtown, the Sheraton Grand, Los Angeles, and the Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. Live. You can even book a stay within some classic L.A. properties and trendy boutique hotels created inside transformed vintage buildings—the ornate 1927 United Artists building is now home to the stylish Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles; while The Standard, Downtown LA was originally the headquarters of Superior Oil.
Best View of Downtown L.A.
Want to see DTLA (and the surrounding areas) from above? Head up 1,000 feet to OUE Skyspace at the top of the U.S. Bank Tower. Soak up the panoramic views of the city from the observation terrace or try plunging down the outdoor all-glass, see-through Skyslide. There’s also a digital interactive area with a topography wall of L.A.—a cool way to learn about the city’s landmarks and history.
