The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

5.0 (155 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

155 reviews

5.0

City Hall and Civic Center — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The Incredible Bradbury Building — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

My name is Chris, and I'll be your guide to Downtown. I've led tours for KTLA, Spectrum News1, and NHK Japan. There's a chance you've come across my other 5 star experiences, like the Sunset Strip True Crime tour. When you book with me, you're guaranteed to get the tour creator as your guide - not a person reading from a script.

This isn't your average walking tour. Over 3 hours, you will dive deep into the history, architecture, and landmarks of Downtown Los Angeles! Our tour starts with a ride on historic Angels Flight. Your ticket for this 1901 train from La La Land and Bosch is included as a part of the experience!

You'll see famous LA buildings, like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Bradbury Building, and City Hall. We will discuss their film history, architects, and styles. From Art Deco to postmodern, there's amazing variety along our walk.

We will also visit Little Tokyo for sample from LA's oldest candy store and explore the history of this fascinating part of Los Angeles.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: See LA in a Day

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–110 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Snacks: Every guest will get a Japanese treat in Little Tokyo.
Included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.): We will ride on Angels Flight as a part of our tour! (Sometimes Angels Flight has mechanical errors and may be closed.)

Itinerary

Angels Flight Railway

10 min Admission included

Start the tour by learning about the shortest train ride in the world! We will discuss Angels Flight and its connection to the Victorian community of Bunker Hill. The tour will start with a ride on Angels Flight! (Cost of Angels Flight is included with the tour.)
California Plaza

Passing by

Learn what happened to the Victorian homes of old Los Angeles and how the modern financial district was established. See famous LA skyscrapers from movies like Independence Day!
The Museum of Contemporary Art

5 min

Bunker Hill is home to two amazing free art museums. The first of the museums we will see is the Museum of Contemporary Art. We will discuss the Pritzker prize winning architect behind this building and his early architectural struggles.
The Broad

5 min

The second free museum is the Broad (take the tour to learn the correct pronunciation!) The stunning architecture of the museum is only surpassed by the quality of the Pop Art collection in the gallery. There are big plans for the Broad, you'll hear all about them and the ambitious additions.
Walt Disney Concert Hall

15 min

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural wonder from a master starchitect at the top of his game. Frank Gehry has been called the "most important architect of our age" and buildings like the WDCH are proof of his abilities. The story behind the making of the Concert Hall is just as fascinating as the building itself!
City Hall

10 min

More architecture and civic history! The tour is now getting into 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.
Little Tokyo

30 min Admission included

The Japanese communities have shaped California in an incredible way, and LA is no exception. I will point out the legacy businesses, best restaurants, historic markers, and make sure that you leave Little Tokyo impressed by this vibrant section of downtown.
Fugetsu-Do

10 min

Running a small business can be hard. Running a small business through 2 world wars, the Great Depression, and 120+ years of life's ups and downs is nearly impossible. Yet, that is exactly what the Kito family in LA have been doing since opening their family business in 1903. Our tour will stop by this legendary establishment and sample their incredible mochi!
Stop 9

5 min

The oldest building along our tour route is St. Vibiana's Cathedral from 1876. This cathedral was built at a time when nearly 1/5th on LA's entire population could fit in the building!
Million Dollar Theater

5 min

Broadway in Downtown LA is home to the largest collection of historic "Movie Palaces" left in the United States. The grand theatres of Broadway hosted the premieres of Hollywood legends, like Charlie Chaplin. The Million Dollar Theatre is one of the most grandiose of the still standing theatres.
Bradbury Building

10 min

The Bradbury is one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Discover the incredible story behind this 1893 masterpiece!
Stop 12

Passing by

The architecture of LA's old bank district reflects the vast wealth and ambition of LA at the start of the 20th century. As we progress down Spring St., our buildings progress in styles and materials. Iron, steel, Beaux Arts to Art Deco, walking along Spring St. is an architectural timeline of what was once "The Wall Street of the West."
The Last Bookstore

10 min

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 will learn about the original bank building and learn the secrets of the original vault.
Grand Central Market

10 min

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!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet at the BOTTOM of the Angels Flight trolley. This is right across from Grand Central Market. Your guide will be standing off to the side, near the stairs.

End point

We meet at the BOTTOM of the Angels Flight trolley. This is right across from Grand Central Market. Your guide will be standing off to the side, near the stairs.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.