Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown LA has some of the city's best dining and cultural attractions, but requires careful planning due to variable safety conditions. While the area has improved and has great restaurants and rooftop bars, stick to busy, well-lit areas and avoid solo exploration after dark, especially anywhere near Skid Row.

Downtown LA is really two different worlds depending on where exactly you are. The nice parts around Grand Central Market and the Arts District have great restaurants, rooftop bars like Perch, and cultural spots like Walt Disney Concert Hall. Grand Central Market is this cool 1917 food hall with everything from $3 tacos to fancy sandwiches. The Arts District has trendy galleries and breweries in converted warehouses. But here's what you need to know - safety changes dramatically by block. The Financial District and main areas get regular police patrols and feel relatively safe during the day. But you absolutely cannot wander around aimlessly here, especially at night. Skid Row is right nearby and it's genuinely dangerous - like, locals will warn you not to accidentally drive through it. If you go downtown, have a specific plan, use valet parking, and stick to the nicer restaurant areas. Don't stay here unless you're very familiar with exactly which streets are safe.