Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building's nondescript, brick exterior belies any sense of significance—a Sprint store and the lingering smell of Subway don't exactly scream "architectural gem." Walk through the archway entrance on Broadway, though, and you're greeted with a stunning, light-flooded alley of wood, iron and brick. You'll have to do all of your gawking from the ground floor (and half a flight of stairs) as the rest of the building is private office space. History buffs will appreciate its place as Downtown's oldest commercial building (1893); movie buffs will recognize the zigzagging staircases from climax of Blade Runner. But for everyone else, that awe-inspiring first glimpse alone makes the visit worthwhile.