What To See on a Walking Tour of Downtown LA

If there is one thing Los Angeles natives, transplants, and tourists have all agreed upon it’s that Los Angeles is not a walking city. But, there is an exception to every rule and downtown Los Angeles is one of them. With its towering, historic buildings, bustling pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, and the explosive food scene, downtown Los Angeles was intended for walkers! Here is what to see on a walking tour of Downtown LA. 

  

Union Station and Olvera Street

Next time you find yourself in Los Angeles, venture to downtown LA and embark on your own walking tour. We guarantee you won’t regret it! Start your day at Union Station, the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and sign up at unionstationla.com/tours to get a free guided tour of the artwork and architecture at this historic landmark. From there head over to Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles. This colorful Mexican marketplace is lined with dozens of shops, historic buildings, and delicious, authentic Mexican food. Don’t leave without a taquito from Cielito Lindo, a taco stand dating back to 1934!

Museums and Grand Central Market

Pay a visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels, a Roman Catholic Church dating back to the 1800s and considered the oldest church in Los Angeles. Are your feet hurting yet? I hope not. You can’t leave without checking out one of the museums! The Broad, Natural History Museum, and The Museum of Contemporary Art are some of our favorites. The Grand Central Market is a must for every foodie, too! Go inside and let your taste buds run wild with the assortment of cuisines. We suggest a falafel at Kismet Falafel or some panang curry at Sticky Rice– the hub for Thai food!

For Foodies

As enjoyable as a walking tour in downtown LA can be on your own, we assure you it’s much more fun with a guide, a local who knows the lay of the land. Our culinary tour of downtown Los Angeles will not only expose you to the rich history of downtown Los Angeles, but it will also feed you! Stroll through this historic neighborhood, explore four trendy restaurants, and go behind-the-scenes to meet chefs and industry experts. On our walking tour of downtown LA be prepared to try some of the hottest, tastiest food in the city like one of the most popular French dip sandwiches, a delicious bowl of pozole soup at one of LA’s top restaurants, or a braised taco tasting.