When you think of LA, the first things that probably come to mind are Hollywood Boulevard, palm trees, and celebrities. But we’re here to tell you, it’s so much more than that.
When you travel to the City of Angels, spend a little less time in Hollywood and a little more time in the heart of the city. Somewhere in downtown Los Angeles also known as DTLA. Since DTLA is no longer the downtown area you knew 20 years ago, it’s now a vibrant neighborhood with a lively scene.
Before you start looking for flights, we’ve put together the ultimate guide for four days in the DTLA.
Arrival and departure to LAX
Los Angeles International Airport (Stanislav Fosenbauer / Shutterstock)
Ah yes, transportation is key when visiting Los Angeles. As most people know, LA has the worst traffic in the world … but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Arrange a pick-up from the Wilshire limousine, where a driver will meet you at the airport and drive you directly to your hotel. That way, you can ditch “Party In The USA” without shame. Once you’re in downtown, Uber is the best way to get around (especially if you want to enjoy a few cocktails) or you can walk to the shops for a firsthand look at the neighborhood.
Stay in a hotel with style and history
To really experience the city center, accommodations are important. The Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, an industrial-chic hotel centrally located in the Broadway Theater District, has it all. From its eclectic decor to an acoustic guitar and record player in your room, the Ace Hotel emphasizes every little detail. Hot tip: Happy hour is served in your room on weekends from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mimosa, anyone?
Ace Hotel DTLA Lobby (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
Regardless of the occasion, there is always something to do at Ace DTLA. You can take a dip in the pool on the rooftop and upstairs bar, or enjoy evening drinks and evening events like live music and DJs. Whether you’re out with friends or just a quick business trip, it’s a great place to catch a sunset and take in the epic views of LA.
Ace Hotel DTLA Roof (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
To make the most of your stay, the theater is located in the Ace Hotel right next door, where you can watch live music, movie screenings, dance performances and more. The theater itself is breathtaking with so much history that it is a must see while in town.
The theater at the Ace Hotel DTLA (Kelsey Watson / Daily Hive)
And of course, Ace DTLA is right in the middle of the Fashion District if you want to do some shopping. At stores like BNKR, Urban Outfitters, and Acne, you need to indulge in retail therapy.
Eat by these hidden gems
Another big bonus for staying at the Ace DTLA is Best Girl, an all-day dining restaurant right in the hotel lobby. Best Girl offers a variety of healthy dishes and home cooking. The menu is offered in collaboration with the award-winning chef Michael Cimarusti. We recommend a fresh salad with the ‘Surf Wax’ to drink, or go big or go home with the Tonkatsu-style chicken sandwich.
Tonkatsu-style chicken sandwich at Best Girl (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
Just a short Uber away LADY, A Latin American bar and restaurant in City Market South. The relaxed ambience and the open concept give it the feeling of a beach resort. The large outdoor terrace is decorated with pink cushions and palm leaf cushions that take you to a tropical island. And when it comes to the food, everything is a dream. Our tip: get a few items to share so you can try a bit of everything – but make sure to add the vegan tacos to your order!
DAMA, Fashion District (@ damafashiondistrict / Instagram)
Another must is Bavel, a Middle Eastern restaurant tucked away in the Arts District. Don’t be fooled by its almost hidden location, this place is hopping and reservations are highly recommended. The room itself is beautiful with lush greenery and plants hanging from the ceiling giving us an important secret garden vibe. Our personal recommendation, oAdd the creamy hummus and ask for extra pita.
Bavel DTLA (@ baveldtla / Instagram)
Good time is a modern French restaurant on an alley in the Arts District, but it’s not your average alley. As soon as you step through the alley doors, you enter a two-story room in an industrial-chic style. When dining at Bon Temps you MUST try the crab cakes and eat s’mores for dessert. You can thank us later.
Design the perfect floral arrangement
Did you know LA has an entire district devoted to flowers? We neither!
Los Angeles Flower Market (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
If you’re looking for something to brighten up your trip, book a flower arrangement course with Oldvine Florals. Itika Oldwine, the owner of the shop, takes you on a tour of the flower market while you choose the flowers you want for your arrangement. After choosing your favorite flowers, head back to their shop to design the perfect bouquet. Not only do you learn how to create a beautiful arrangement, but you can keep it, which will add a nice touch to your hotel room.
Flower arrangement at Oldvine Florals (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
With all morning busy as a florist, you can really whet your appetite. Poppy + rose is a delightful, casual cafe in the heart of the flower district, which makes it the perfect place to have a bite to eat. The menu features classic American home-style cooking made from fresh, sustainable ingredients. They are known for fried chicken and waffles, but we went for the avocado toast and we have no regrets! Side note: do yourself a favor and order the Rose Mojito.
Avocado Toast at Poppy + Rose (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
Burn some calories with a fitness tour
Bikes + Walks LA “Hollywood Hills Hike” (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
If you’re feeling adventurous, book a tour with Bikes + Hikes LA for the morning after a night of indulgence. You won’t regret it, we promise! Not only will you work up a sweat (aka alcohol and carbohydrates), you’ll get a guided tour from a local expert while you take in the views of LA. Whether you go hiking or biking, you have options that suit your preferences.
Maple Tahini Toast at Botanica (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
While it may seem contradictory, after all this hard work, you deserve a post-workout brunch. Visit Botanica in Silver Lake, a nice combination of restaurant and market. It is The perfect place for brunch and topping up with local eggs, fruits, vegetables, and other goodies. We recommend the Turkish eggs, maple tahini toast and the buratta (delicious fact: the burrata is flown in from Italy once a week). We don’t drool, you drool!
Take a tour of ROW DTLA
There is no doubt that LA has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Take a trip to ROW DTLA, a revitalized hub that supports local creatives. ROW DTLA transformed from an abandoned space into a growing community of restaurants, independent stores, and offices, including Shopify’s brick and mortar location.
DTLA SERIES (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
As you walk around you will come across many popular spots, such as the “You Are Going To Be Fine” mural by Leta Sobierajski. And you can’t leave ROW without stopping at Bodega. This spot is a dream for sneaker lovers and even if you don’t like sneakers, the concept is worth it. You just have to search a little to find the hidden place (note: the entrance is disguised as a warehouse).
Mural “You Will Be Fine” (Vanessa Shakespeare / Daily Hive)
And finally, you can’t visit ROW without taking a bite. Spots like Picunico, A quick, casual eatery that serves crispy Japanese karaage (fried chicken) is perfect after an afternoon of fun. Take a sandwich and sit at the pIcnic style bench and enjoy a good meal.
Now that you’ve planned your itinerary, you’re one step closer to the best weekend in La La Land!
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Disclaimer: Travel, accommodation and meals were made possible by Los Angeles Tourism. All thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the authors.
For more information and to plan your trip to Los Angeles, visit the official tourism website now or visit the website for updates Facebook and Instagram.
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