DTLA Or Bust: A Guide To Downtown Los Angeles
While outsiders claim Los Angeles is a bunch of suburbs in search of a city, insiders beg to differ. In fact, downtown is one of the most vibrant areas in this vast metropolis. Consider the following five favorite haunts in the heart of this very diverse Los Angeles.
A Blooming Bounty
Los Angeles Flower Market
745 Wall St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 627-3696
www.originallaflowermarket.com
Hours: Market open to the public Mon, Wed - 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Tues, Thurs - 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Fri - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat - 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Downtown Los Angeles comes to life very early in the morning when all sorts of flowers are
purchased in a market devoted to fresh blooms. The earlier you rise, the better your choices and the more exciting your experience, so get to this Southland mainstay before the sun comes up. Some vendors only sell to wholesalers while others are free to peddle to the general public.
Related: Orange County Farmers Market Guide
Into the Drinks
The Varnish
118 E 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 622-9999
www.thevarnishbar.com
Hours: Daily - 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
While downtown has been gentrified in the past couple of decades, some of its old school assets are still on the minds of those who seek out this part of the City of Angels. The Varnish is one such place in which to enjoy vintage drinks (like the Kentucky Maid and the Moscow Mule) while chatting about contemporary topics in a veritable hipster's den of divine beverage mixing. Special cocktails vary on a nightly basis.
A French Toast
Philippe The Original
101 North Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-3781
www.philippes.com
Hours: Daily - 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sawdust on the floor, nine-cent cups of coffee and the best French-dipped sandwiches anywhere in town; this is Philippe's. The perks don't stop there because Philippe's also offers convivial communal seating and a regular and very colorful breakfast crowd. Seeing is believing, and dining in this fabled eatery is what makes going downtown worth any extra effort that may be required. Cash only.
Downtown Disney
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 972-7211
www.laphil.com
Hours: Click here for schedule
Architect Frank Gehry made his unmistakable mark on downtown when this genius came up with his futuristic, stainless steel building, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The 3.6-acre complex is not only striking from a design standpoint, but also acoustically superior to any other in the City of Angels. Enjoy a concert here or simply drop by for a self-guided tour of this impressive salute to various different versions of fine art.
Related: A Guide To The Walt Disney Concert Hall
Strict Training
Los Angeles Union Station
800 N Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 683-6875
www.metro.net
Hours: Daily - 24/7
Whether you are planning to take a train elsewhere or simply planning to stick around downtown, this station is a must-see. Designed by the celebrated team of John and Donald B. Parkinson, this architectural masterpiece was erected in 1939 to be dubbed "The Last of the Great Railway Stations." While there, be sure to note the unique combination of Dutch Colonial Revival, Mission Revival and Streamline Moderne styles. Also, take in the massive amounts of travertine marble, circular Art Deco rafter lights and a pair of charming enclosed garden patios flanking each side of the main waiting room.
Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.