The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

From $49.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee

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You can select up to 15 travelers in total.

Adult (13-110) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15

Child (3-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15

Infant (0-2) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15

Book online or call: +1 437 970 2890

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

The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

2 Adults x $49.00

$98.00

Approx Total

$98.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Every guest will get a Japanese treat in Little Tokyo.

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 parts 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!

Meeting points

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

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

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.

10 minutes
Pershing Square (Pass By)

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.

15 minutes
Bradbury Building

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

10 minutes
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.

30 minutes
City Hall (Pass By)

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 (Pass By)

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!

10 minutes

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

Free Cancellation

February 05100% refund

February 06No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

47 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

5 stars

46
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 46 reviews with 5 stars

Best guide ever

Published on Jan, 2025

Chris was amazing , knowledgeable and personal . Would have booked more tours with him if I had more time available

Incredible!

Published on Jan, 2025

Chris was amazing! Our tour was full of fascinating facts and great conversation! I’m not sure how his brain works but he is amazing with remembering details and facts! It was a seamless tour and I would do it again!

Great walking tour of downtown

Published on Dec, 2024

Our guide was superb. Informative without being irritating. A truly enjoyable experience. Would highly recommend

The best tour guide ever

Published on Dec, 2024

Chris is by far the most knowledgeable guide we’ve ever encountered. His ability to recollect historical facts and dates is amazing. He’s a walking encyclopedia! Make sure to bring some cash with you because you’re going to want to give him a huge tip after his walking tour of LA.

Wonderful tour- don’t miss it!

Published on Nov, 2024

Chris was a wonderful, engaging and hugely informative guide. We learned so much and he has such a lot of knowledge and love for this area!

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