Los Angeles City Guide — Attractions, Food & Tips

Los Angeles City GuideA sprawling, sun-soaked metropolis where Hollywood glamour, world-class museums, iconic beaches, and an extraordinary food scene stretch from the mountains to the Pacific.Key Facts

Country: United States

Currency: USD (US Dollar)

Language: English

Time Zone: UTC-8

Best Time to Visit: March–May

Top Places to Visit

Hollywood Sign & Walk of Fame — The iconic 14-metre-tall letters perch on Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains. Hike to the sign via Griffith Park trails. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame's 2,700+ stars along Hollywood Boulevard.

Santa Monica Pier & Beach — The iconic pier with its solar-powered Ferris wheel, vintage carousel, and Pacific Park amusements marks the end of Route 66. The wide sandy beach stretches for miles with excellent swimming and cycling.

Getty Center — Richard Meier's stunning white travertine campus houses European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The gardens are impeccable and the views from the terrace span from downtown to the ocean. Always free.

Griffith Observatory — A 1935 Art Deco observatory perched on the slopes of Mount Hollywood. Free admission, free telescope viewing, and arguably the best panoramic views of LA, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific. Sunset is unmissable.

Venice Beach & Boardwalk — The 4-km boardwalk is a non-stop show of street performers, bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, skateboarders, artists, and Venice Canals. The Abbot Kinney Boulevard strip is lined with boutiques and restaurants.

Local Food

Tacos — LA's taco scene is unrivalled — from birria tacos dipped in consommé to al pastor carved from a trompo to mariscos (seafood) tacos in the style of Baja. Street vendors and taco trucks are often better than restaurants.

In-N-Out Burger — California's beloved fast-food chain serves fresh, never-frozen burgers, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes. Order 'Animal Style' from the secret menu. A rite of passage for every LA visitor.

Korean BBQ — Grill marinated meats at your table in Koreatown's endless BBQ restaurants. Galbi (short ribs), bulgogi, and samgyeopsal (pork belly) come with banchan (side dishes). An essential LA dining experience.

Ramen — LA has some of the best ramen outside Japan. Tsujita's tsukemen (dipping ramen) on Sawtelle, Daikokuya's rich tonkotsu in Little Tokyo, and Shin-Sen-Gumi in the Valley are all outstanding.

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