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The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

Overview

If you want to truly understand LA, you need to visit downtown. This is where it all began! Over 3 hours, you'll learn so much about LA and the downtown area. We'll discuss history, architecture, food, city planning, shopping, art, and more! Guests frequently walk away from the tour amazed by how much they underestimated downtown LA.

This tour focuses on a few major part of DTLA. We will cover the Historic Core, Little Tokyo, the Civic Center, and Bunker Hill. These areas will give you a deeper understanding of how much variety there is in downtown. Every block in downtown has its own unique feel.

In Little Tokyo, you'll get to try traditional Japanese sweets from a family owned confectioner that has been around since 1903! This is the only tour in LA that visits this legendary institution.

See LA in a Day offers the best walking tours in LA, heavily researched and delivered by guides with a passion for sharing the city they call home. See you on the tour!

City: Los Angeles

Mon 09 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Mon 09 Sep

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Every guest will get a Japanese treat in Little Tokyo.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We follow CDC guidelines.

What To Expect

Angels Flight Railway

Start the tour by learning about the shortest train in the world! We will discuss Angels Flight and its connection to Bunker Hill. The tour will end by riding Angels Flight down to our meeting point.

Pershing Square

The architecture deep dive begins at Pershing Square. The historic core in DTLA is home to some of the best art deco, beaux arts, and modern architecture in the world!

The Last Bookstore

Go inside one of LA's coolest hangouts! The Last Bookstore is a readers paradise, but it is also full of great spots to take an amazing photo. You'll head upstairs and discover that the building used to be a bank for the wealthy in downtown.

Bradbury Building

The Bradbury is one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Discover the incredible story behind this 1893 masterpiece!

Little Tokyo

The Japanese communities have shaped California in an incredible way, and LA especially. One of the oldest bakeries still open today is a Japanese candy store from 1903! The tour includes mochi from this one of a kind stop. The tour will break here for about 20 minutes for the bathrooms and snacks.

City Hall

Back to architecture and civic history! The tour is beginning to wind down with a visit to the political heart of LA. You'll walk right through Grand Park and discover how LA morphed from a town of just 44 into a city of millions.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Discover some of LA's incredible modern architecture and the struggles to develop one of LA's most striking buildings.

Grand Central Market

This foodie destination is a treat for locals and visitors alike. This historic food hall has been operating for over 100 years now and shows no signs of slowing down!

Show 5 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews (3)

Steve_C

Dec 2022

Chris was a wonderful guide. Great tour. Cannot recommend enough. Chris was extremely knowledgeable and flexible. This was our fifth walking tour in DTLA and certainly the best.

Response from Host

Dec 2022

Thank you so much for taking the tour! I'm so happy that you thought my tour was the best that you've taken in DTLA!!!

Tammy_d

Nov 2022

Chris was so knowledgeable and shared so much great information and history with us. He also gave me some great tips on vegetarian places to eat.

Response from Host

Nov 2022

Thank you so much for taking the tour!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

Noelle_M

Sep 2022

Chris is a phenomenal tour guide! We learned so much about the history, architecture, and culture of LA. Highly recommend this tour, whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local wanting to learn more about your city. If I could give this more than five stars, I would!

Response from Host

Sep 2022

Thank you so much for the review! I'm so glad you enjoyed the tour and feel like you learned a lot about DTLA!