Downtown L.A.
Photograph: Unsplash/Jordan Rubin

A guide to Downtown Los Angeles

Get to know Downtown Los Angeles with the city center's best restaurants, bars, attractions, hotels and more
Michael Juliano
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Downtown Los Angeles has been swept up in a cultural resurgence unlike any other in L.A.’s recent history. The city center snapped out of decades of decline and—though it’s far from perfect—become a bona fide modern metropolis. Downtown is a worthwhile destination for tourists and locals alike, whether to check out the museums and cultural institutions atop Bunker Hill, restaurants and bars in the Historic Core or concerts and sporting events in South Park. Though its old, beautiful buildings and contemporary skyscrapers may never steal the global spotlight from the Venice beachfront and faded glamor of Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles is quickly becoming the city’s heart.

Upcoming events in Downtown Los Angeles

126th Golden Dragon Parade
Things to do

126th Golden Dragon Parade

Join in one of L.A.’s oldest traditions at the 126th annual Golden Dragon Parade (rescheduled from February). The...
Chinatown
Olafur Eliasson: OPEN
Art

Olafur Eliasson: OPEN

  • price 2 of 4
This spectacular exhibition from the Icelandic–Danish artist brings a new series of optical installations to MOCA’s Little Tokyo location....
Little Tokyo
Smorgasburg LA
Things to do

Smorgasburg LA

Every Sunday, you can find dozens of food vendors at this market at ROW DTLA, a Brooklyn import that boasts a mix of much-loved pop-ups and future foodie...
Downtown Arts District
Rooftop Cinema Club
Movies

Rooftop Cinema Club

  • price 2 of 4
The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screenings to LEVEL in Downtown L.A. Known for excellent film choices...
Downtown