So basically, all of the snapchat memories keep coming up and making me nostalgic, and I realized I never actually posted a lot of the LA based blogs that I meant to. I posted the bucketlist of over 50 places to go, but I never posted any guides…

One of the first things I did in Los Angeles was tour downtown. I was super excited about it because I was going to explore the new city I’d be living in and meeting my penpal of over two years! It was both of our first times in Los Angeles, so we made the agenda together (thanks Jonny). And, not to brag, but it was such a success. We had so much fun walking through DTLA and seeing some of the iconic sites . I literally have over 300 photos from this day, there were so many cool things we did, and this is only scrapping the surface of what LA has to offer.

Our walking tour is less than two miles but you can visit at least the six destinations mentioned here, but there are so many more on the way. This is perfect for a quick day trip, or any USC students who want a quick intro to DTLA. So with out further adieu, here’s our walking tour.

The Route

City Hall Observation Deck

Getting to City Hall was really easy, and it was completely free. All you had to do was show a form of ID, and your vaccination card (but that was in 2022), and they gave you a visitors pass. The 360 views from the observation deck were gorgeous, and they have maps so you can tell what you are seeing. This is a great spot for photos, and honestly just to be amazed at how pretty the city is from a birds eye view.

Walt Disney Concert Hall & Garden

Less than a 15 minute walk away is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which is so pretty to visit, even if you can’t get a tour. We also visited the garden upstairs, and had a full photoshoot and looked at all the flowers it was gorgeous.

If you have the time the Broad museum is across the street, and I highly recommend checking it out too. There is an infinity mirror room there, and it is so much fun (and its free).

Angels Flight

The worlds shortest railway is a cool stop, that’s only seven minutes away! On the walk you’ll pass a mall plaza where you can drop in if you need some AC. I think riding Angels Flight was fun, but definitely not a must, visiting it though was pretty if nothing else.

Grand Central Market

Around the corner, is foodie paradise. Grand Central Station is jam packed with different cuisines and a delicious variety of ways to get full. I visited often while in LA and not once did I get something I didn’t enjoy. If I had time to try out every stall, I probably would. And this historic hotspot has a Easter egg for all the cineophiles out there, because you can sit and eat at the very same stand that Mia and Sebastian from La La Land did! You can check out some of my other favorite places to eat in LA on my IG Guide, but until then, Grand Central Station is an absolute must!!

The Last Bookstore

This was the last stop and my favorite! It’s eight minutes away from GCM and it’s breathtaking (but I am biased as someone who literally has a tattoo of books because of how much I love them). If you’re a big reader, then this place is paradise. There are so many options and floors it was such an ambiance to be a part of. And even if your not a big fan of reading, the designs and shapes or the book sculptures and wall decor alone are pretty enough to justify visiting this iconic store.

The end.

A fairytale ending to the walking tour of the city of Angeles. I hope it was a helpful first look to DTLA, and if you go on the tour, definitely reach out and let me know what you think. And if you want to find more things to do in LA check out my other posts, follow me on TripAdvisor, and read articles by locals like Heydy Vasquez!

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