Los Angeles is a city that, in its own way, is part of our everyday lives. That is because after a long day, when we switch on the TV to watch a film or a series, there is a good chance it was shot in one of the many film studios in Los Angeles.
The city was named by Spanish conquerors in the 18th century, and a touch of Latin culture can still be felt today. Also known as "La La Land", it is the second largest city in the US, located in the state of California on the west coast of North America. Los Angeles is home to nearly four million people and is a really diverse city with all sorts of experiences to enjoy.
Hollywood is the most famous and most visited part of Los Angeles. This is largely thanks to the film industry, which decided to move its studios out west in the early 20th century. The centre of it all is the Hollywood Boulevard. It is home to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where 2,817 stars are embedded into the pavement. Each star represents a big name of the entertainment industry. The same street is home to some of the most important venues, including the Chinese Theatre, where premieres of the latest films are shown, and the Dolby Theatre, which hosts the annual Oscars ceremony.
The major film studios are a little way north of Hollywood Boulevard and are open for visitors. I recommend a visit to Universal Studios, where a train ride takes you around the studios, and the same ticket also gives access to the theme park. The famous Hollywood sign sits on the hills overlooking the city. You cannot reach it directly by car and the only way up is on foot, which takes at least three hours. For a great view of the sign, I recommend visiting the Griffith Observatory, which also offers one of the best views over the city.
Beverly Hills is definitely the most stylish and upmarket part of Los Angeles. This reputation comes largely from Rodeo Drive, a street just over three kilometres long, which is one of the world’s most famous and high-end shopping areas. Here you will find the menswear store House of Bijan, said to be the most expensive store in the world. If you walk along Rodeo Drive, there is a good chance you will spot a celebrity, as Beverly Hills is home to the luxury villas of Los Angeles’s wealthiest residents.
Heading into the hills above Los Angeles, you come across more exclusive areas such as Bel Air and Brentwood. At the top of Brentwood is the Getty Center, an art museum. To visit, you need to take a train up the hill, and then you can enjoy the striking architecture and amazing views over the city.
To explore the Los Angeles coastline, it is worth visiting Santa Monica. The main attraction on Santa Monica Pier is the Pacific Park amusement park. There, you will find a roller coaster that circles most of the pier and a Ferris wheel that is the only one in the world powered by solar energy. The pier is also the end point of the famous 3,940-kilometre Route 66, which begins in Chicago.
The most popular beach in Los Angeles is Venice Beach, which is not only good for surfing but also famous for its promenade, just over three kilometres long. Along the promenade there are plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as sports facilities such as basketball and volleyball courts and a skate park. The beach inspires street performers and the promenade is full of graffiti. Just north of the beach is a residential area, where canals were built over one hundred years ago. Today they are one of the most picturesque parts of Los Angeles.
Fairfax is right in the heart of Los Angeles, between La Brea and Melrose, and is one of the quieter areas of the city. It is best known for its modern shopping mall, The Grove. Next to it, a farmers’ market has been running since 1934, with over 100 local vendors.
A little further south, in the Miracle Mile area, you will find the city’s most important museums. Definitely worth a visit is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which hands out the Oscars each year for the best achievements in film. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western US, but its main attraction is the so-called Urban Light installation at the entrance, which is especially magical after dark.
Downtown is seen as the city centre and the business heart of Los Angeles, with its tallest skyscrapers and city offices. There you can find several popular attractions, including The Broad modern art museum and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Crypto.com Arena is home to the Lakers and Kings and also hosts the Grammy Awards. The Central Market is full of popular stalls from all over the city, and right next to it is the world’s shortest funicular, which goes up just 29 metres.
Even though it is the city centre, it is also one of the less safe areas, so extra caution is advised. Especially in the evening, it is recommended to avoid Skid Row, where many homeless people live in tents. To the north of Downtown, you will find the main transport hub Union Station, along with the distinctive neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Little Tokyo.
When visiting the city, it is worth taking the chance to explore more than just the main tourist attractions. About 30 kilometres outside the city, you can visit Malibu as you continue from Santa Monica. There, you can enjoy a much calmer atmosphere on the beach, which is why many celebrities have moved there. About 15 kilometres north of the centre are the Glendale and Pasadena areas where many people live. Glendale is home to several high-profile businesses, while Pasadena is known for several recognised educational institutions. Because of its beaches and fine weather, it is very hard to say goodbye to Los Angeles at the end of your trip.
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