Downtown L.A.
Photograph: Unsplash/Jordan Rubin

A guide to Downtown Los Angeles

Get to know Downtown Los Angeles with the city center's best restaurants, bars, attractions, hotels and more

Michael Juliano
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Downtown Los Angeles has been swept up in a cultural resurgence unlike any other in L.A.’s recent history. The city center snapped out of decades of decline and—though it’s far from perfect—become a bona fide modern metropolis. Downtown is a worthwhile destination for tourists and locals alike, whether to check out the museums and cultural institutions atop Bunker Hill, restaurants and bars in the Historic Core or concerts and sporting events in South Park. Though its old, beautiful buildings and contemporary skyscrapers may never steal the global spotlight from the Venice beachfront and faded glamor of Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles is quickly becoming the city’s heart.

Though many major venues in Downtown L.A. are temporarily closed, we’ve updated our guide with some of the restaurants, bars and attractions that are still open for service.

Upcoming events in Downtown Los Angeles

KCRW Summer Nights
Music

KCRW Summer Nights

Everyone’s favorite NPR member station has a hand in a slew of summer concert slates at public plazas and beloved museums, and this...

USC/Exposition Park
Rooftop Cinema Club
Movies

Rooftop Cinema Club

  • price 2 of 4

The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screenings to LEVEL in Downtown L.A. Known for excellent film choices...

Downtown
Grand Performances
Music

Grand Performances

This epic (and free) outdoor concert series features live performances by artists from around the world at the totally overhauled California...

Downtown
Street Food Cinema
Movie theaters

Street Food Cinema

  • price 2 of 4

For dinner and a movie, all in one, just follow the food trucks. During the spring, summer and fall, Street Food Cinema throws together a series of...

Griffith Park