Welcome to the City of Angels
Los Angeles is one of those cities that feels like you already know it before you arrive — and then completely surprises you once you do. From sun-drenched beaches to world-class museums, buzzing food markets to iconic Hollywood landmarks, LA rewards every type of traveller with something unforgettable.
Overview
Sprawling across more than 500 square miles of Southern California coastline, Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States and one of the most visited destinations on the planet. The city enjoys around 284 sunny days per year, with average temperatures sitting between 65°F and 85°F, making it a genuinely year-round destination. Whether you are chasing culture, cuisine, outdoor adventure, or pure entertainment, LA delivers on every front. The sheer variety of neighbourhoods — from the bohemian energy of Silver Lake to the glamour of Beverly Hills — means no two visits ever feel the same.
Top 10 Activities in Los Angeles
- Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame: Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and hunt for your favourite star embedded in the pavement. It is free, endlessly photogenic, and the surrounding area is packed with classic LA kitsch.
- Explore Griffith Observatory: Perched in the hills above Los Feliz, Griffith Observatory offers sweeping views over the city skyline and the famous Hollywood Sign. Entry to the observatory itself is free, and the hike up is absolutely worth it.
- Rent a bike along the Strand, soak up the sun, and grab a taco from one of the beachside stands. Venice Beach has an unmistakable energy — street performers, murals, and the legendary Muscle Beach outdoor gym.
- Visit the Getty Center: This stunning hilltop museum in Brentwood houses an exceptional collection of European paintings and offers jaw-dropping views of the city. Admission is free; there is a parking fee.
- Explore the Grand Central Market: Located in Downtown LA, this historic food hall has been running since 1917. Sample everything from house-made pupusas to artisan ramen — meals are inexpensive.
- Take a Studio Tour: Warner Bros. and Universal Studios both offer behind-the-scenes studio tours. Universal is the full theme park experience, while Warner Bros. is more intimate and genuinely fascinating for film fans. Tours are available for a fee.
- Drive Mulholland Drive at Sunset: Few experiences capture the romance of LA quite like cruising Mulholland Drive as the sun dips behind the Pacific. Pull over at one of the lookout points for a panorama that stretches from the Valley to downtown.
- Discover the Arts District: This revitalised neighbourhood in East LA is packed with galleries, independent coffee shops, and some of the city's most creative restaurants. It is endlessly walkable and far less touristy than the Westside.
- The famous pink wall outside Paul Smith is an Instagram institution.
- Day Trip to Malibu: Drive the Pacific Coast Highway north to Malibu for dramatic clifftop scenery, celebrity-spotting, and some of California's most beautiful beaches. El Matador State Beach is a particular gem and free to visit.
Practical Tips
- Getting around: LA is famously car-dependent, but ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft work well. The Metro is improving and connects key areas including Hollywood, Downtown, and Santa Monica. Check the current fare on the operator's website.
- Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season, so book accommodation well in advance.
- Budget: LA can be expensive. Budget travellers can get by on a modest daily budget including accommodation, food, and activities. Mid-range travellers should expect to spend a moderate amount per day.
- Tipping culture: Tipping is standard — 18 to 20 percent at restaurants is the norm.
Getting There
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with direct flights arriving from dozens of international hubs including London, Tokyo, Sydney, and Toronto. Major airlines including American Airlines, Delta, United, British Airways, and Qantas all serve LAX regularly. Domestic travellers can also fly into the smaller Bob Hope Airport in Burbank or Long Beach Airport, which can be more convenient depending on where you are staying. Flight prices vary considerably, but booking two to three months in advance typically secures the best fares.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: The Freehand Los Angeles in Koreatown offers stylish hostel-style rooms, with a rooftop pool that punches well above its price point.
- Mid-range: The Grafton on Sunset in West Hollywood delivers a great location and comfortable rooms at mid-range prices.
- Luxury: The Chateau Marmont is the definitive Hollywood indulgence, with rooms at luxury prices. For beachside luxury, Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica is simply spectacular.
Plan your trip to Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city that gets under your skin — endlessly vast, endlessly surprising, and never quite what you expect.