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The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

5 (25)
Los Angeles, US
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The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

5 (25)
Los Angeles, US
Share
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Discover the rich history and breathtaking architecture of downtown Los Angeles on this captivating tour. In just three hours, guests will delve into the heart of LA, exploring its vibrant past and diverse neighborhoods. From the Historic Core to Little Tokyo, the Civic Center to Bunker Hill, each district offers its own unique charm. And for a truly authentic experience, indulge in traditional Japanese sweets from a legendary confectioner that has been delighting taste buds for over a century. Led by passionate guides who call LA home, See LA in a Day offers the best walking tours in the city. So lace up your walking shoes and get ready to be amazed by the hidden gems and incredible stories that await you in downtown LA. Book your adventure now and see LA like never before!

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 3 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Snacks

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the vibrant history and breathtaking architecture of downtown Los Angeles with the captivating tour, "The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles". This 3-hour walking tour promises to take you on a journey through time, showcasing the rich heritage and stunning landmarks that make up the heart of LA. From the iconic Angels Flight Railway to the renowned Bradbury Building, every step will uncover a new layer of the city's fascinating past.

What to expect?

Prepare to be enthralled by the wealth of features and benefits this tour has to offer. As you explore downtown LA, you'll gain a deep understanding of its history, architecture, food, city planning, shopping, art, and more. Immerse yourself in the distinct atmosphere of each neighborhood, from the Historic Core to Little Tokyo, the Civic Center, and Bunker Hill. Marvel at the blend of art deco, beaux arts, and modern architecture that adorn the streets, capturing the essence of the city's evolution.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone seeking to uncover the hidden gems and hidden stories that shape downtown Los Angeles. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply curious about the cultural tapestry of LA, this tour will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the city. Everyone from locals looking to dive deeper into their hometown's heritage to tourists eager to discover the true essence of LA will find immense value in this experience.

Why book this?

Embark on this tour and unlock a world of unique selling points and advantages. Led by knowledgeable guides who possess a genuine passion for sharing their expertise, this tour offers an in-depth exploration of downtown LA like no other. You'll have the exclusive opportunity to visit the legendary Japanese candy store, indulging in traditional Japanese sweets and experiencing a piece of history. Discover the remarkable stories behind iconic landmarks such as the Bradbury Building and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, gaining insights into the struggles and triumphs of their creation. With See LA in a Day's meticulously researched and expertly delivered tours, you can trust that every moment will be filled with awe and wonder.

Good to know

Be prepared for an unforgettable 3-hour journey that will invigorate both your mind and senses. The tour starts at the bottom of the Angels Flight trolley, conveniently located across from Grand Central Market. It covers major highlights including Angels Flight, Pershing Square, the Last Bookstore, City Hall, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Grand Central Market. Please note that certain attractions will be passed by without entry. The tour includes a 20-minute break at the historic Japanese candy store for refreshments and a chance to explore. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture, and get ready to be enchanted by the soul of downtown LA.

Reviews

Past participants of the tour have shared their utmost satisfaction, praising the well-rounded knowledge and captivating storytelling of the guides. Many were pleasantly surprised by the depth of history and the variety of architectural styles they encountered. The visit to the legendary Japanese candy store was a delightful highlight for many, offering a unique cultural experience. Overall, the tour left guests with a newfound appreciation for downtown LA and a desire to further explore its hidden treasures. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a journey of discovery and let the history and architecture of downtown Los Angeles come alive before your eyes.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Angels Flight Railway

Start the tour by learning about the shortest train in the world! We will discuss Angels Flight and its connection to Bunker Hill. The tour will end by riding Angels Flight down to our meeting point.

Admission Included

Pershing Square

(Pass by)

The architecture deep dive begins at Pershing Square. The historic core in DTLA is home to some of the best art deco, beaux arts, and modern architecture in the world!

The Last Bookstore

Go inside one of LA's coolest hangouts! The Last Bookstore is a readers paradise, but it is also full of great spots to take an amazing photo. You'll head upstairs and discover that the building used to be a bank for the wealthy in downtown.

Bradbury Building

The Bradbury is one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Discover the incredible story behind this 1893 masterpiece!

Little Tokyo

The Japanese communities have shaped California in an incredible way, and LA especially. One of the oldest bakeries still open today is a Japanese candy store from 1903! The tour includes mochi from this one of a kind stop. The tour will break here for about 20 minutes for the bathrooms and snacks.

Admission Included

City Hall

(Pass by)

Back to architecture and civic history! The tour is beginning to wind down with a visit to the political heart of LA. You'll walk right through Grand Park and discover how LA morphed from a town of just 44 into a city of millions.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

(Pass by)

Discover some of LA's incredible modern architecture and the struggles to develop one of LA's most striking buildings.

Grand Central Market

This foodie destination is a treat for locals and visitors alike. This historic food hall has been operating for over 100 years now and shows no signs of slowing down!

Reviews

(25)

5 (25)

Rachel_B

Chris was an outstanding guide!! Chris was very personable and has a wealth of knowledge. He was able to adapt his talk to meet the interests of the group. HIs delivery of facts mingled with humor made for a very interesting and fun walk! Highly recommend this walk.

Chris_R

Loved the narration and history. Not just an architecture discussion. Fantastic tour. Amazing buildings.

Grant_B

We have taken dozens of tours around the world and Chris might be the best tour guide we ever have experienced. He took a somewhat challenging subject matter - Downtown LA - and made it extremely interesting to anyone who loves history, people, urban development, and culture. We highly highly recommend Chris and this tour to anyone remotely interested, I cannot imagine there is anyone better.

Katie_S

This was a fantastic tour. We learned so much about the history and architecture of this fascinating place. Chris has encyclopedic knowledge and was very engaging. Highly recommended.

Nina_G

Chris was a fantastic tour guide. He is obviously passionate about the history and architecture of DTLA. He shared lots of great stories and made the past 'come alive' with his narration as we walked.

Loretta_R

Chris was probably one of the better, most knowledgeable guides we’ve had. We take a lot of tours when we are visiting a new city. He would be at the top of our list in every way. He is knowledgeable. He was flexible. Fun and interesting. He was helpful when we ran into a problem with another tour. And finally, he was a nice guy. Highly recommend this tour & this guide.

Trevor_B

My wife and I really enjoyed this scenic tour of downtown LA, despite going on a rare rainy day. Our tour guide, Chris, was full of information on all the sights and kept things moving at a brisk pace. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to get to know this city better!

Dulce_C

This tour was wonderful. Our guide, Chris, was knowledgeable about the history, architecture and hidden gems of Downtown LA, and he even recommended places to eat after the tour.

Barbara_D

Very knowledgeable guide!! Tour packed with city history and fun facts. Would recommend to anyone on an LA trip. Walking tour and the guide keeps the pace moving well. We all loved it!

SoloTraveller100

Had an awesome tour of downtown with Chris. He is an encyclopedia with lots of great info. We went inside buildings, admired architecture from outside, saw hidden locations and great view points. I highly recommend if coming to LA.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-25 05:39