Downtown Los Angeles: The Heartbeat of the City
Discover the vibrant culture, rich history, and dynamic atmosphere of Downtown Los Angeles, where modernity meets tradition in an urban paradise.
Explore the vibrant Downtown Los Angeles, a cultural and historical hub that offers a blend of modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks, and diverse culinary delights. Whether you're interested in art, shopping, or nightlife, Downtown LA has something for everyone.
A brief summary to Downtown Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles, California, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Plan your visit during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds, especially at popular attractions.
- Explore the Arts District for unique street art and local galleries that showcase emerging artists.
- Use public transportation or rideshares to navigate the area easily, as parking can be challenging.
- Don't miss the rooftop bars for stunning views of the skyline, especially during sunset.
- Take a guided walking tour to fully appreciate the history and hidden gems of Downtown LA.
Getting There
-
Public Bus
To get to Downtown Los Angeles from Burbank, find the nearest Metro bus stop. You can board the Metro 92 or 94 bus lines. If you're near Burbank's Metrolink station, you can take the Metrolink train towards Union Station. The ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Get off at the 'Union Station' stop, which is in the heart of Downtown LA. From there, follow the signs to the various attractions or use the Metro Red Line to explore further.
-
Metro Link Train
Start at the Burbank Downtown Metrolink Station. Purchase your ticket to Union Station in Los Angeles. Board the train on the Antelope Valley Line, which runs every hour. The journey to Union Station takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at Union Station, you can walk into Downtown Los Angeles or take a short ride on the Metro Gold or Red Line depending on your final destination within Downtown.
-
Walking
If you are staying in Burbank and wish to explore locally before heading to Downtown LA, consider walking to a nearby bus stop or the Burbank Metrolink station. From the center of Burbank, head south on San Fernando Blvd towards Olive Ave. Turn right onto Olive Ave and continue until you reach the Metrolink station. This is a pleasant walk that allows you to enjoy local sights before hopping on the train.
-
Ride Share (Uber/Lyft)
If you prefer a more direct route, use a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft. Open the app and set your destination to 'Downtown Los Angeles.' The trip may take around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Make sure to confirm your pickup location in Burbank to ensure a smooth trip.
Discover more about Downtown Los Angeles
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Court of Historic American Flags
0.4 km
Explore the Court of Historic American Flags in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles - A breathtaking tribute to America's rich history and spirit of patriotism.
Vietnam Memorial
0.4 km
Discover the Vietnam Memorial, a poignant historical landmark in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, honoring the sacrifices of Vietnam War veterans.
Historic Broadway
0.5 km
Explore the stunning architectural beauty and vibrant culture of Historic Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles, a true gem for every tourist.
Angels Flight Railway
0.5 km
Experience the charm of Los Angeles at Angels Flight Railway, a historic funicular offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the city's vibrant past.
Civic Center
0.5 km
Explore the Civic Center in Los Angeles, a vibrant cultural hub with stunning architecture, green spaces, and a rich history waiting to be discovered.
Bradbury Building
0.6 km
Experience the beauty and history of the Bradbury Building, a stunning architectural landmark in the heart of Los Angeles, California.
Biddy Mason Memorial Park
0.6 km
Explore Biddy Mason Memorial Park in Los Angeles, a serene tribute to resilience and empowerment with rich historical significance.
Spring Street Courthouse - Los Angeles Superior Court
0.7 km
Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of the Spring Street Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles, a must-see landmark.
Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial
0.7 km
Discover the Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial, a serene historical landmark in Downtown Los Angeles celebrating the legacy of early settlers and the city's rich heritage.
US Bank Tower
0.8 km
Experience the awe-inspiring U.S. Bank Tower, an architectural icon in downtown Los Angeles, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's vibrant business life.
Library Steps / Bunker Hill Steps
0.8 km
Explore the Library Steps in Los Angeles, a stunning cultural landmark that blends art and nature in the heart of the Financial District.
Bill Keene Memorial Interchange
0.8 km
Discover the Bill Keene Memorial Interchange, a historic engineering marvel in Downtown Los Angeles, showcasing the city's intricate freeway systems and urban evolution.
Continental Building
0.8 km
Discover the architectural beauty and vibrant culture of the Continental Building in Los Angeles' Historic Core, a must-visit for every traveler.
Merced Theater
0.8 km
Discover the Merced Theater, a historic landmark in Downtown Los Angeles that showcases the city's rich cinematic history and architectural beauty.
Old Bank District
0.9 km
Explore the Old Bank District, a historical gem in Los Angeles, blending rich cultural heritage with modern artistry and vibrant community life.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
0.1 km
Discover the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, a premier performing arts theater in Los Angeles showcasing opera, concerts, and cultural events in a stunning setting.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
0.1 km
Explore the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a stunning architectural marvel and premier venue for live performances in the heart of Los Angeles.
The Music Center
0.1 km
Discover the cultural heart of Los Angeles at The Music Center, where world-class performances and stunning architecture await every visitor.
Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain
0.2 km
Discover the serene beauty of Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, where tranquility meets rich cultural heritage.
The Broad
0.2 km
Explore the modern art marvel of The Broad in Downtown Los Angeles, featuring exceptional contemporary artworks and immersive cultural experiences.
Colburn School
0.2 km
Discover the rich musical heritage and vibrant performances at Colburn School in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Mark Taper Forum
0.3 km
Experience world-class theater at the Mark Taper Forum, a cultural center in Los Angeles known for its innovative performances and unique architectural design.
Ahmanson Theatre
0.3 km
Discover the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, where captivating performances and stunning architecture come together for an unforgettable cultural experience.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
0.3 km
Discover the essence of modern creativity at The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, a hub for contemporary art enthusiasts.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
0.4 km
Experience the stunning architecture and serene atmosphere of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles, a must-see tourist attraction.
Essential places to dine
San Laurel
0.0 km
Discover authentic Spanish flavors at San Laurel in Downtown Los Angeles—where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Kendall's Brasserie
0.1 km
Experience exquisite modern French cuisine at Kendall's Brasserie in Los Angeles' vibrant Music Center—where elegance meets flavor.
Abernethy's
0.2 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Abernethy’s in Little Tokyo, where culinary artistry meets cultural richness.
Otium
0.3 km
Discover Otium in Downtown LA - where contemporary American cuisine meets artistic elegance for an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Vespaio
0.3 km
Experience exquisite Italian cuisine at Vespaio in Downtown Los Angeles – where tradition meets modern elegance.
Noe Restaurant & Bar
0.4 km
Experience exquisite grilled flavors and fresh seafood at Noe Restaurant & Bar in Downtown LA, where elegance meets culinary excellence.
BADMAASH Downtown LA
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant fusion of Indian cuisine and American flavors at Badmaash Downtown LA – where tradition meets innovation.
Maccheroni Republic
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Italy in Los Angeles at Maccheroni Republic - where fresh pasta and authentic flavors come alive.
Redbird
0.7 km
Discover Redbird: An exceptional New American dining experience in Downtown LA featuring seasonal flavors and an inviting atmosphere.
71Above
0.7 km
Experience exquisite dining at 71Above with stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles from the 71st floor.
Perch
0.8 km
Experience the elegance of French dining at Perch in Los Angeles—where culinary artistry meets breathtaking views.
Orsa & Winston
0.8 km
Experience culinary excellence at Orsa & Winston, where Asian flavors meet modern innovation in a historic setting.
Le Petit Paris
0.8 km
Indulge in exquisite French cuisine at Le Petit Paris, where elegance meets culinary artistry in downtown Los Angeles.
Peking Tavern
0.8 km
Savor authentic Chinese cuisine at Peking Tavern in Little Tokyo - where every dish is crafted with passion and tradition.
Water Grill
0.9 km
Discover Water Grill: An upscale seafood restaurant in Los Angeles offering fresh catches and exquisite flavors in an elegant setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
LA Phil Store
0.1 km
Explore the LA Phil Store in Downtown Los Angeles for unique music-inspired gifts and art that celebrate the city's vibrant cultural heritage.
Alvarado Clothing
0.8 km
Discover your unique style at Alvarado Clothing in LA's Historic Core, where fashion meets the vibrant culture of the city.
The Library Store
0.9 km
Explore The Library Store in Los Angeles for unique gifts and books that celebrate literature and creativity in a charming atmosphere.
East West Shop
1.1 km
Explore the charm of vintage fashion at East West Shop in Chinatown, Los Angeles, where each piece tells a story and sustainability meets style.
Bunkado
1.1 km
Discover unique gifts and traditional Japanese crafts at Bunkado in the heart of Little Tokyo, a perfect stop for every traveler seeking a cultural experience.
Space City Vintage
1.1 km
Uncover vintage gems and eclectic finds at Space City Vintage in the heart of Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
Raggedy Threads
1.1 km
Explore the charm of vintage fashion at Raggedy Threads in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, where unique treasures await every fashion enthusiast.
Ginza-USA Gifts & Music
1.1 km
Explore a unique blend of Japanese collectibles, musical instruments, and vintage records at Ginza-USA Gifts & Music in Little Tokyo.
A & K Gift & Fashion
1.1 km
Explore the cultural charm of Chinatown at A & K Gift & Fashion, where unique gifts and local artistry collide in a vibrant shopping experience.
Wishing Glory Gift Shop
1.5 km
Explore Wishing Glory Gift Shop in Old Chinatown, where unique gifts and cultural treasures await every visitor.
K & A Co.
1.5 km
Explore K & A Co. in Old Chinatown, Los Angeles for unique handcrafted gifts and souvenirs that reflect the city's vibrant cultural heritage.
The House of Woo
1.6 km
Discover a treasure trove of unique gifts and local creations at The House of Woo in Los Angeles' Arts District.
Quirk
1.7 km
Explore Quirk, a vintage clothing store in Los Angeles, where unique fashion meets custom tailoring and timeless style.
Sunset Shop
1.7 km
Explore Sunset Shop, a vintage clothing store in Echo Park, Los Angeles, where timeless fashion meets community spirit and creativity.
Alchemy Works
1.7 km
Explore the artsy Alchemy Works boutique in Los Angeles, a treasure trove of unique artisanal products and eclectic home decor.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Slipper Clutch
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant live music scene at The Slipper Clutch, a unique bar in the Historic Core of Los Angeles, perfect for music lovers and night owls.
Bar Franca
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Bar Franca in Los Angeles, where expertly crafted cocktails meet an intimate and stylish atmosphere.
The Love Song Bar
1.0 km
Experience the enchanting vibes of The Love Song Bar in Los Angeles, where creative cocktails and live music intertwine for an unforgettable night.
Library Bar
1.0 km
Experience the chic ambiance of Library Bar in Los Angeles, where unique drinks and delightful dining converge in a stylish lounge setting.
Bar Jackalope
1.2 km
Discover Bar Jackalope: A hidden gem in Los Angeles offering an exquisite selection of whiskey and cocktails in a cozy, upscale atmosphere.
Seven Grand
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Los Angeles at Seven Grand, a premier bar with an extensive whiskey selection and live music events.
Wolf & Crane Bar
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant cocktail culture at Wolf & Crane Bar in Little Tokyo, where traditional Japanese flavors meet modern mixology.
The Varnish
1.2 km
Discover The Varnish, a cocktail bar in Los Angeles blending classic drinks, live music, and a vintage ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles
1.4 km
Discover Broken Shaker in Los Angeles, a rooftop cocktail bar offering creative drinks, stunning skyline views, and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Crane's Bar Downtown
1.5 km
Discover Crane's Bar Downtown, where vibrant sports culture meets a casual dive bar experience in the heart of Los Angeles.
Good Clean Fun
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant wine culture of Los Angeles at Good Clean Fun, where every sip tells a story and every visit feels like home.
Death & Co Los Angeles
1.6 km
Discover innovative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere at Death & Co Los Angeles, a must-visit cocktail bar in the Arts District.
Pattern Bar
1.7 km
Discover the eclectic atmosphere of Pattern Bar, a unique cocktail bar and breakfast spot in Los Angeles' Historic Core.
Everson Royce Bar
2.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Everson Royce Bar in Los Angeles' Fashion District, where creative cocktails meet an electric atmosphere.
Lock & Key
4.3 km
Discover Lock & Key in Koreatown, a lively cocktail bar and gastropub offering a unique speakeasy experience with live music and delicious cuisine.
