• Olvera Street, The birthplace of the city is now a plaza filled with Mexican trinket stands and Mexican restaurants. Right across the street from Union Station. This is actually historically significant and very old.
 • Las Angelitas del Pueblo, : is a group of volunteer docents who give free tours of El Pueblo de Los Angeles to the public.
 • Chinatown, Filled with small shops and restaurants.
 • Little Tokyo or J-Town, LA's little Tokyo district features restaurants, museums, and shops. J-Town sits in the area between Temple and about 5th and Spring through Alameda.
 • Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Has two locations, one up near Civic Center and the Music Center and another in J-Town at 1st and Alameda. The gift shop (free entrance) is fun for at least 20 minutes of wonder and awe. But the museum has no 'traditional' art. Don't be surprised if you don't like some of it if you don't have an open mind. Check out the Weiland Brewery at Central and First- the cheese fries are to die for.
 • Union Station: No trip to downtown LA would be complete without a visit to Los Angeles's historic Train Station. The station was built in 1939 with a Spanish mission exterior. The large waiting room and restaurant appears like it would have looked like in the 1940's. They also use Union Station in lots of movies, including Blade Runner, where the main hall was used as the Police Station.
 • Music Center and Disney Hall, Impressive hall architecture complete with tours most days. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is open to the public Christmas Eve day with almost round the clock performances by amateur cultural arts groups. The Walt Disney Hall has daily tours, check website for schedules.
 • The Los Angeles Central Public Library, Huge library rebuilt in the '80s and '90s. Almost always has a public exhibition going.
 • L.A. Conservancy Walking Tours, See the grand Vaudeville/Movie theaters of the 20s and the impressive Art Deco office buildings in several easy to handle walking tours. Strongly recommended for those wanting to grasp a feel of LA's history. Reservations are strongly recommended. Check their website:
 • Fashion District, Where style and cheap textiles smash together. Important for the addicted shopper. You can find the district in the Southeast corner of Downtown roughly where Spring and Main meet going Southeast.
 • Jewelry District, Wonder where all of those West Coast Rappers get their bling bling? Well, if they are frugal, they get it in the Jewelry District. Bounded by Olive-Broadway and 6th-7th, it is conveniently close to Pershing Square (parking and Red line access).
 • The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels , Standing in the midst of downtown Los Angeles, the Cathedral serves as a "model Church for all Parish Churches" in the style and content of its liturgical celebrations.
 • St. Vincent Court, 7th Street between Broadway and Hill. A tranquil hideaway tucked in the heart of the Jewelry District.
 • The Bradbury Building, 304 S.Broadway. Built in 1893, the Bradbury Building is one of Southern California's most remarkable architectural achievements. Behind its modest exterior lies a magical light-filled Victorian court that rises 50 feet with open cage elevators, marble stairs and ornate iron railings. The building has been a set for many movies, including Blade Runner in 1982.
 • Downtown Art Walk, A free monthly self guided tour, held on the second Thursday of every month, to art galleries and museums in Downtown LA.