Sam & Andrew Go

Downtown Los Angeles has so much to offer that it can be a bit overwhelming if you’ve never been before. Lucky for you, we’ve put together this guide on the best way to spend an easily walkable day in DTLA!

The Broad

221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A visit to The Broad Art Museum is a great way to start any day in Downtown Los Angeles. Opened in 2015, The Broad houses a massive collection of modern art including works by Ruscha, Whorhol, Basquiat, Kusama, Lichtenstein, and many more. 

Beyond the art inside, the museum itself is a sight to behold. Constructed of honeycomb sections that were made off-site and then assembled together like Legos, it’s positively alien in its form (friendly aliens, of course). Inside, the museum’s lobby features an organic form with curved walls and ceilings, and even an escalator leading up through a hole into the second story, where most of the permanent art collection is located. 

The Broad is also right next to the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall, another DTLA architectural icon. Just head on over to the next block to walk around its undulating, stainless steel curves.

Oh, and it’s pronounced Br-O-de as it’s someone’s name. Don’t worry, we’re still learning to say it correctly as well.

On-site parking is available for a reasonable fee, although it’s first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive a little early if you plan to park in their lot, as it’s not massive.

The Broad offers standby tickets, but entry isn’t guaranteed on busy days. Reserve tickets online in advance using the link below.

Learn more about The Broad and reserve tickets here – The Broad

Angel’s Flight

350 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (Upper station) & 351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (Lower station)

After your visit to The Broad, exit onto Grand Avenue and head south for about three minutes on foot to reach Angel’s Flight. Here, you can take the world’s shortest railroad down the hill to an ideal spot for a meal (more on that shortly).

Opened all the way back in 1901 as the “Los Angeles Incline Railway,” Angel’s Flight is a funicular railway, meaning it goes up and down a steep hill, and because of this, features cars that are permanently slanted. 

Even though the ride is very short (We’re talking 2 minutes short, if that), it’s worth it. I mean, where else are you going to ride in an over 100-year-old slanted train car down a steep hill? Exactly.

Hours of operation – 7 days a week from 6:45 am to 10:00 pm

Learn more about Angel’s Flight here – Angel’s Flight

Grand Central Market

317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

After all that walking and riding, you’re probably going to be in the mood for a little sustenance. Luckily, the legendary Grand Central Market food hall is located right across the street from Angel’s Flight’s bottom station. 

Grand Central Market is packed with food stalls and small stores selling everything from breakfast sandwiches to pupusas and everything in between. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but take your time here. GCM is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place to experience Los Angeles’s diverse food culture. After a walk around the offerings, one is bound to pop out at you!

We ate at China Cafe, which has been in operation at Grand Central Market since 1959. They’re bright old-timey neon sign might have had something to do with our choice.

Learn more about Grand Central Market (including a list of their vendors) here – Grand Central Market Food Court

Once you’ve finished your meal, head back outside to take Angel’s Flight back up the hill, or work off some of that delicious food by taking the stairs that parallel the tracks, and then walk the short walk back to The Broad’s parking structure. We promise, you’ll be super satisfied with your day in DTLA!

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