Los Angeles, also known as the city of angels is usually a hit or miss for tourists. Some travelers have no interest in visiting LA, based on the assumption of everyone being materialistic, and some visit or even move to LA for the weather, the beach, and juice shops. LA has tons of super cool neighborhoods worth exploring, with car rental (recommended). If you’re a foodie, this city will be your paradise. Heaps of taco trucks, Korean bbq, Thai food, vegan/vegetarian food, farmers markets and more. This Los Angeles city guide is a list of the best things to do and eat in some of the neighborhoods in LA.
Los Angeles Neighborhoods/Area
The Arts District
This artsy neighborhood is home to great coffee, art galleries, cool stores and great food. The Arts District has around 20 galleries located on Traction Ave and E 3rd St. If you’re around on a Thursday, stick around at 5 pm for the farmers market and get a chance to meet local artists. Eat at Wurstkuche, Zinc Cafe, Bestia Cerveteca, and Church and State. Drink coffee at Blactop Coffee, Cafe Gratitude and The Springs. Have dessert at the Pie Hole, and booze it up at The Arts District Brewing.
Highland Park
Home to the best Mexican food in Los Angeles, Highland Park which is predominantly a Latino neighborhood is one of the coolest neighborhoods in LA. The neighborhood’s beaming art scene features galleries like co-LAb Gallery, and Avenue 50 Studio. Besides the abundance of Mexican food found throughout the neighborhood with Figueroa St being in the forefront, there’s plenty other restaurants, coffee shops, and bars worth checking out. These places are Cafe De Leche (Horchata Latte), The York, Donut Friend, Sonny’s Hideaway, ETA bar, and much more.
West Hollywood
West Hollywood also referred to as “WEHO” is another gem in Los Angeles. Melrose ave is great for shopping, here you can find everything from high end boutiques, to thrift shops. A local favorite Wasteland, a designer second hand store. Melrose also offers heaps of fitness studios from hot yoga to cycling and great cafe’s and a farmers market on Sundays. Favorites include Alfred’s Coffee, Urth Caffe,Toast Cafe, Joan’s on Third, Lemonade, Sweet Rose Creamery, Baby Blue’s BBQ, Gracias Madre, Stir Market, and Shaky Alibi. If you’re looking for a night out, places like Black, Bootsy Bellows, Doheny Room, E.P & L.P, Pour Vous, and the best gay bar The Abbey.
Things to Do
The Broad Museum
Spend some time at LA’s newest museum located in the heart of downtown. Free admission tickets are available online and highly recommended to avoid incredibly long waiting hours.
Grand Central Market
Come hungry and make room for dessert. Here, you will find some of LA’s best foods and coffee. Your options are endless, and it will get a bit overwhelming. This market has over 20 vendors to choose from including a brewery. Some of the best vendors are Egg Slut, Tacos Tumbras A Tomas, Berlin Currywurst, Horse Thief BBQ, and McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream.
Griffith Observatory
Not only does is this a cool exhibition of space, it also provides some of the best views of Los Angeles fromt the Pacific Ocean to downtown LA. I find that it’s easiest driving there but if hiking is your thing, go for it. The Observatory is free admission.
Mulholland Drive
This drive offers beautiful views of the city with stops and hiking trails along the way. During this ride, you will also see have the Hollywood Bowl overlook. Bring your camera, bring some food, and enjoy the ride.
Food Trucks
LA has heaps of food trucks most being Mexican food and ice cream. Food trucks will be your best friend, and are located every where. Some of the best trucks are Free Range LA, Yeastie Boys, and Tacos Arizas.
This post was written by Welile Vilane. Welile is pronounced (weh-lee-leh), She is a 24 year old backpacker from Swaziland living in the US. In August 2016, she quit her job, sold everything she owned and started her backpacking trip. Welile loves the outdoors, taco trucks, ice cream and happy hour. You can follow Welile's journey on her blog, facebook, instagram, and pinterest!
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