Getting up there can be tricky, so click through this slide show for an easy-to-follow guide to LA’s best—and cheapest—urban observation deck.
Views of the humble but far-reaching LA cityscape usually come at a price to your wallet or feet. Not so at City Hall. The white concrete tower's free perch above Downtown offers a privileged look without any obstructions (i.e. other buildings or tourists' heads that you'll encounter at other Los Angeles attractions). Whether you're begrudgingly stopping at a government building or just rolling by on a clear day and looking for things to do—public hours are weekdays 8am-5pm—you owe yourself a visit.
Good for: Iconic Art Deco architecture and panoramic views sans crowds
For that moment when: You need a reminder that LA isn't just one big suburb.
Getting there: Street parking is sparse and surface lots are overpriced (albeit plentiful), so consider walking if you're already nearby. Otherwise, take advantage of the adjacent Civic Center/Grand Park stop on the Metro Red Line, or the slightly farther Gold Line stops at Union Station and Little Tokyo.
RECOMMENDED: See more in our guide to Downtown Los Angeles
