Sandra Avila
2 weeks ago
Great treatment, great staff that organizes your trip, excellent!
United StatesLos Angeles
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Destination guide
Los Angeles, where Hollywood, the Pacific and the sun meet
Beneath the white Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles sprawls in no hurry between the blue of the Pacific and the hills of Griffith Park. It is a city of wildly different neighbourhoods, from bohemian Venice to the glamour of Beverly Hills, best explored with the roof down and good music playing. This guide helps you decide what to see, when to come and where to stay.
Destination guide
What to see and do
The destination's essentials, hand-picked to spark your trip.
Griffith Observatory
Perched in the hills, it offers the finest panorama of the city and the Hollywood Sign, along with telescopes open to the public and exhibitions about the cosmos.
The Getty Center
A European art museum on a hilltop, with architecture by Richard Meier, sculpted gardens and views that reach the ocean on clear days.
Santa Monica and Venice Beach
The Santa Monica Pier with its Ferris wheel and miles of sand down to Venice, with its bohemian boardwalk, open-air gym and a set of hidden canals.
Hollywood Boulevard
The Walk of Fame, the stars' handprints outside the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars, pack the cinema capital into a few blocks.
Downtown flavours
At Grand Central Market, tacos, ramen and speciality coffee sit side by side; nearby, Little Tokyo and the Arts District sum up the liveliest side of culinary LA.
Universal Studios Hollywood
A theme park and working film studio where the tram rolls through real sets and the rides recreate sagas such as Harry Potter and Jurassic World.
When to go
Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with sunshine nearly all year, so it works in any season; the difference lies in the mood, the coastal morning haze and how busy it gets.
Spring (March-May)
Mild days, green hills and fewer tourists than in summer. It is one of the best times for wandering, though some mornings start cloudy near the coast.
Summer (June-August)
Dry heat, long evenings and beaches at their peak. It is high season, so book ahead and expect the typical morning marine layer by the sea known as June Gloom.
Autumn (September-November)
For many, the best season: clear skies, still-warm water and fewer crowds. It can get hot and coincides with the dry-wind period.
Winter (December-February)
Generally mild and sunny, with the odd rainy day. A good time to watch for whales off the coast and to escape to ski in the nearby mountains.
Destination guide
Where to stay
The neighbourhoods and areas with the most charm to stay in.
Santa Monica
Right on the beach, walkable and safe, it is the ideal base for first-timers or families; it combines hotels, the Third Street Promenade and sunsets over the pier.
Hollywood
Central and well connected, it puts the big attractions and nightlife within reach; a practical, mixed-price option for getting around much of the time without a car.
Downtown (DTLA)
The urban and artistic heart, with skyscrapers, museums like The Broad, music venues and a booming food scene; the best base if you travel by public transport.
West Hollywood
Stylish and lively, famous for the Sunset Strip, its trendy restaurants and buzzing nightlife; ideal for foodies and anyone who likes a night out.
Venice
Bohemian and laid-back, with its boardwalk, canals and a young, creative spirit; perfect for those after a beach with an alternative edge.
Destination guide
Featured hotels
Our selection: rating, location and that special something.
Destination guide
Practical tips
The small details that make travelling easier.
Get around by car or ride-share
Distances are huge and public transport is limited; renting a car or using ride-share apps will give you far more freedom to hop from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.
Plan by area
Traffic can be heavy at rush hour. Group each day's visits into nearby neighbourhoods and avoid crossing the whole city end to end without good reason.
Pack layers and sunscreen
Even when the sun is out, mornings by the coast can be cool and evenings turn chilly. A light sweater, sunglasses and sunscreen will save your day.
Cards and tipping
Almost everything is paid by card, but it helps to carry some cash. In sit-down restaurants, a tip of 18% to 20% is the usual custom.
Common sense with your car
It is a safe city for visitors who take normal care: don't leave valuables in view in the vehicle and check on neighbourhoods before walking around at night.
Book attractions online
Parks like Universal Studios and popular museums sell out and save queuing if you buy ahead; always check the official website for hours and prices.
Gallery
Glimpses of the destination to whet your appetite.
Frequently asked questions
You can travel year-round thanks to its mild climate. Spring and autumn offer good weather with fewer people, while summer is the busiest and hottest season.
