Guided tour

Downtown Los Angeles: Food, Arts and Culture Walking Tour

Guided tour

Downtown Los Angeles: Food, Arts and Culture Walking Tour

Activity provider: ExperienceFirst California

From US$ 39 per person

See some of the city’s most treasured museums and architectural jewels while you learn about downtown's history and culture. Angels Flight, The Bradbury Building, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Union Station are among the many interesting sites to discover.

About this activity

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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Private group available

Experience

Highlights
  • Hear about the original settlers, the Spanish Empire, Pio Pico and other prominent men who helped build and shape this city over the years
  • Learn about the history of public transportation in LA, an underrated and extensive metro system
  • Revel in notable architecture such as Union Station, The Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Bradbury, The US Bank Tower and much more
  • Hear stories about the gentrification of downtown in recent years and how it's changed the landscape dramatically
Full description
Your tour will begin by learning about Los Angele’s public transportation. Most people picture just one thing when driving in Los Angeles, traffic jams. Few realize, however, that LA is home to a world class metro system which you’ll learn about on this tour. Come hear about the struggle between mass transit and car culture and learn about the demise of the original Red Line, and experience it for yourself later in the tour when you hop on the world famous Angels Flight. Your next few stops will take you to several unique and fascinating locations: The Last Bookstore, The Bradbury Building and the Grand Central Market which are all distinctly LA and shouldn’t be missed. Next up, you will see where locals and travelers visit to experience world renowned symphonies and art in the notable institutions that line Grand Street such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Pavilion, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Broad Museum. Next you’ll go to the Civic Center of LA, where you will see and learn about all of the administrative functions that help bring order to this large and sprawling city. You will also hear about local legends such as former Mayor Tom Bradley and retired police chief William Parker. Following this is the cultural hub of Downtown LA, and the oldest street in Los Angeles, Olvera. Immerse yourself in the local flavor and experience first hand what pueblo life was like in LA. Learn about the namesake of this great city and come to understand how the Spanish Empire helped shape this city. For your last stop, marvel at the incredible mission revival and Art Deco infused building that is Union Station. Learn about the history of this transit hub officially known as the Grand Central of the west. After this tour you will be able to impress the locals with your insider knowledge of the subway and never get stuck on the freeway again.
Includes
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Meals, drinks or entrance fees to museums

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

541 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (outside of Spring Arcade building)

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 18 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.8/5

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Star rating:

Excellent walking tour with a very helpful and friendly guide (sorry cannot recall his name but he was from Michigan) . The inside of the Bradbury building (which you would miss if it were not for this tour) and the Angels Flight being the highlights. Overshadowed by Hollywood and the coast Downtown LA may not the first place one would consider to visit but there are some hidden gems here and seeing them on a tour such as this is highly recommended.

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March 23, 2023

great to join a small walking tour of downtown LA with a knowleagable guide. 2 hours was just right to get some great insigghts into the history of the downtown area & then wasy to go back to spots after the tour as well - id definately recommend it!

March 23, 2023

We were surprised that we were the only 2 people on the walking tour. It was a very informative tour however were disappointed that there was no food served since we booked a food, arts and culture tour. I have been on many food tours in various cities and have been able to sample food at different businesses. I assumed this would be similar however this tour only walked through a food hall. It was 90+ degrees and I had to ask to stop and buy a drink from a street vendor. Overall a good tour however eat before you arrive for the tour!

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March 23, 2023

Product ID: 178808