A Day in Downtown Los Angeles: What To See, Do & Eat
Have you ever taken a trip to Los Angeles and became overwhelmed with how spread out the city was? Well you’re in luck, here’s what you can do in Downtown Los Angeles in 24 hours without having to battle traffic to get to another neighbourhood!
SIBLING RIVAL
We start the day off with a decadent breakfast at Sibling Rival, a modern diner in the new Hoxton Hotel. This is located on Broadway in the Fashion District and is the sister restaurant to their Brooklyn counterpart Sunday in Brooklyn.
Their Hazelnut Maple Praline and Brown Butter Pancakes are an absolute must when visiting this diner! We also recommend the Breakfast Burrito and Sibling Scramble, which are both equally as delicious.
An added bonus during the holidays is their Snowday in LA, a seasonal pop-up, where you can find holiday inspired cocktails! Who said you can’t have a drink for breakfast?
Snowday in LA runs until December 30.
THE LAST BOOKSTORE
Next up, we skip over to The Last Bookstore, the largest new and second-hand bookstore in California. This bookstore is a labyrinth filled with treasures, books and records. Visit the mezzanine level and find their instagram worthy spots such as their tunnels made out of books, vaults filled with horror and sculptures ready for your selfies. Just remember to please be mindful of other patrons when taking your perfect shot.
PERSHING SQUARE
Pershing Square is a small public park in downtown LA, just blocks away from The Last Bookstore. During the winter months, you can find a beautifully maintained ice rink in Pershing Square. Yes you read that right, an ice skating rink outside in Southern California.
Holiday on Ice runs until January 20th, so sharpen those skates and get ready for some triple axels.
TACO 1986
After building up an appetite, we head on over to Taco 1986. Serving Tijuana style tacos, this taqueria took LA by storm, and is a must when visiting Downtown LA.
Each taco is wrapped in a handmade corn tortilla, topped with a generous dollop of guacamole and filled with your choice of carne asada, adobada pork, mushroom or chicken. And on the side are various different salsas you can add to your taco. Be warned the salsa fresa may look like a good idea, but its deathly spicy and i made the mistake of eating a whole spoonful! Thank god for horchata!
BOTTEGA LOUIE
For dessert we’re going to Bottega Louie, a restaurant, gourmet market, patisserie and café. Here you can find an extensive assortment of pastries. Our favourite? The Macarons!
GRAND CENTRAL MARKET
If brunch, tacos & macarons weren’t enough, stop into Grand Central Market for a diverse and delicious assortment of things to eat. This downtown landmark houses something for everyone: from burgers and wood-fired pizzas to tacos and Thai food.
Some favourites? G&B Coffee where you can get a fluffy yeasted waffle, Eggslut for their infamous breakfast sandwiches, and Sarita’s Pupuseria (as seen in La La Land) for pupusas and other delicious Salvadorean fare.
OUE SKYSPACE LA
Last on our list is Oue Skyspace. With their interactive phone app in hand, you can watch graffiti artworks come to life while you make your way to the top of the building to experience an unparalleled 360 degree view of Downtown LA. Nearly 1000 feet up, the open-air observation deck is equipped with the Skyslide, a fully enclosed glass slide with scary, yet phenomenal views of the beautiful city 70 stories below. And don’t forget to stick around for the amazing and romantic sunset!
Well there you have it, a fun filled day in Downtown Los Angeles. If you have any must-do things that we’ve missed, please leave us a comment and we’d be sure to check it out the next time we’re in town!
Looking for more good eats DTLA? Far East Plaza in Chinatown is a hidden gem.
