Los Angeles is most commonly nicknamed the City of Angels. With a population of 3.8 million, it is the most populous city in California and the second most populous in the United States. In this article, you will find tips on the most interesting places to visit, affordable ways to travel around the city, and areas where you might not feel completely safe. Once, while waiting for a bus late at night in the Watts neighborhood, I witnessed an incident just a few blocks away where two people were shot on the street.
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Table of Contents
Basic Information About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is located in Southern California on the western coast of the United States.
The entire Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area is the second most populous in the U.S., after New York. The term “Los Angeles” is often mistakenly used to refer to several independent cities, including Santa Monica, Long Beach, Anaheim, Riverside, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena, and Burbank.
The landscape around Los Angeles is diverse. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can see mountains, valleys, forests, deserts, and beaches that border the Pacific Ocean on the city’s western edge.
A major economic sector in Los Angeles is the television and film industry. If you walk around the city for a day, you are likely to come across at least one film or television crew. Hollywood isn’t the only filming hotspot—other popular filming locations include Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Culver City. The large Warner Bros. film studios are also located in Burbank.
Los Angeles’ economy is also driven by tourism, culture, finance, trade, pharmaceuticals, media, and food processing.
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Current Time in Los Angeles
Los Angeles operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC-8), with Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC-7) in effect from March to November.
The current time in Los Angeles is 12:48.
To quickly determine the time in Los Angeles, subtract 8 hours from UK time. This applies year-round except for a few days in March, October, and November when daylight saving time transitions occur. In the U.S., daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November, creating a temporary 7-hour difference.
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Weather in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
The sunniest and driest period is from May to October, with little rainfall and daytime temperatures ranging from 63°F to 79°F. The hottest months are August and September when temperatures are even more favorable.
Rain showers in Los Angeles are infrequent. The wettest period is from December to April, when daytime temperatures typically reach a maximum of 68°F. At night, temperatures usually drop to around 48°F, with even colder conditions further inland. Freezing temperatures in Los Angeles are rare.
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Languages Spoken in Los Angeles
Demographically, Los Angeles is as diverse as New York, with residents from hundreds of different national backgrounds.
The largest ethnic group in Los Angeles is Hispanics and Latinos, who make up approximately 48% of the population. The Mexican community here is the largest outside of Mexico. Mexicans and other residents of Latin American descent have a significant influence on the city’s culture and atmosphere. You will encounter them in restaurants, public transportation, and hotels.
In addition to English, Spanish is widely spoken in Los Angeles. Some metro lines have announcements in both English and Spanish, and store signs or billboards often feature both languages.
People in Los Angeles are generally friendly and willing to help. A few years ago, I found myself without small change for a bus fare, and several people immediately offered to pay for my ride. On one occasion, while taking a night bus in a Los Angeles suburb, the driver even went off-route to drop me off directly in front of my hotel.
Don’t hesitate to engage with people. Be friendly and ask for recommendations on interesting places to visit.
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How to Get to Los Angeles
🛬 Airports in Los Angeles
There are several public and private airports of national and regional significance around Los Angeles. The main airport serving the entire area is Los Angeles International Airport, which has the IATA code LAX. This massive airport, with nine terminals, offers flights worldwide, including exotic destinations such as French Polynesia.
A free shuttle bus labeled “A” operates 24/7 between the terminals. To board, go to the lower level of your terminal and look for the sign “LAX Shuttle and Shuttle Connections”. You can also use the Los Angeles Airport map for guidance. If transferring between adjacent terminals, walking is often the fastest option.
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the terminals.
🚍 How to Get from Los Angeles Airport
Transportation from Los Angeles International Airport to downtown is not as convenient as in other major cities. However, improvements are underway due to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. In 2024, the K Line metro route opened, running near the airport, though direct terminal connections are not yet available.
The most budget-friendly option is the city bus system. Follow the “Ground Transportation” signs at the terminal, leading you to buses that take you to the nearest metro station, “Aviation/LAX Station,” on the Green Line. Buses to downtown Los Angeles depart from the LAX City Bus Center on West 96th Street.
Buses operated by LAX FlyAway run every 30 minutes to downtown’s Union Station. Tickets can be purchased with a contactless card directly on the bus, costing $9.75 (as of February 2025).
Alternative transport options include rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. There are usually plenty of available drivers near the airport. Fares are dynamically set based on the destination and current demand. Sometimes Uber is cheaper; other times, Lyft offers a better price. It’s always worth checking both apps.
There are also several car rental agencies at and around the airport. For better rates, it’s recommended to reserve a rental car in advance. Given the vast distances in Los Angeles and its surroundings, having a rental car is a convenient choice.
For a detailed guide with personal experiences, check out the article The Best Guide to Renting a Car in the USA (4 318 Words!).
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in the USA?
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If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference. - Cancellation Is Free of Charge
Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
✈️ Cheap Flights to Los Angeles
The cheapest flights from Europe to Los Angeles start at around $426, with rare deals as low as $320. However, these budget fares often come with restrictions.
Flights depart from various locations across Europe, and in some cases, the departure and return airports may differ. Additional travel costs and time for airport transfers should be considered. Some flights have multiple layovers, leading to long waiting times at airports.
The lowest fares typically include only a carry-on bag. Checked baggage can be purchased separately, but this significantly increases the ticket price. On some budget airlines, in-flight meals are not included in the ticket price.
Available travel dates for discounted tickets are usually limited, often falling outside peak tourist seasons. These deals must be booked and paid for immediately, as they can sell out quickly.
Check current deals for flights to Los Angeles here:
In Los Angeles, you can also transfer to other U.S. cities. Budget airlines such as Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines offer affordable domestic flights.
🚆 Traveling to Los Angeles by Train
Train travel in the U.S. can be quite expensive. Depending on the destination, flying or taking a bus might be a more cost-effective option.
The main train station in Los Angeles is Union Station, located at 800 N. Alameda Street. The station has a Metro Gold Line commuter train stop, and the Red and Purple Line metro stations are within walking distance.
Long-distance Amtrak trains from Los Angeles travel to Seattle, San Diego, Chicago, Kansas City, New Orleans, Sacramento, and even the East Coast.
The greater Los Angeles area is also served by Metrolink commuter trains, connecting cities like Anaheim, Burbank, Glendale, Irvine, Palmdale, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Santa Ana. Compared to Amtrak, Metrolink trains are generally more affordable.
🚌 Traveling to Los Angeles by Bus
Buses provide an economical way to travel to Los Angeles from nearby cities. Ticket prices vary based on departure location and demand. To get the best price, it’s advisable to book tickets up to three months in advance.
Major bus operators in Los Angeles include Megabus, Greyhound, and FlixBus. Each company charges a booking fee of $3.99 (confirmed as of February 2025).
Buses offer relative comfort, featuring electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi. The most comfortable seats are usually in the back, especially when the bus is not full.
Find more tips in the article How to Get around the USA Cheaply – Flights, Buses & Trains.
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How to Travel Around Los Angeles
🚗 Rental Car
Renting a Car in Los Angeles gives you the freedom to move around. It is especially beneficial when traveling with a group and planning to visit multiple locations. You can rent a car directly at the airport or at various rental agencies throughout the city.
Parking is paid in almost all of Los Angeles. The parking fee varies by area and time of day, typically ranging from $0.50 to $6.00 per hour (last verified in February 2025).
Parking meters are located next to each parking spot. After parking, you can pay with coins, a credit or debit card at the meter, via phone, or conveniently through a mobile app. The remaining paid parking time is displayed directly on the meter.
🚕 Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft
A convenient and often the cheapest way to get around Los Angeles is by using ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. This option is particularly cost-effective when splitting the fare among multiple passengers.
To use these apps, you’ll need mobile data, so I recommend the service Airalo.
Simply enter your destination in the app, and your pickup location is automatically detected based on your current GPS position. The app will then display ride prices for different vehicle types. You can choose a standard car, a luxury limousine, or a budget option where the driver picks up and drops off additional passengers along the route.
In all cases, passengers see the total ride cost upfront, and the ride is only confirmed once they accept the fare. The price remains fixed after confirmation.
Uber and Lyft fares depend on several factors, including distance, current demand and supply, the type of car selected, and the chosen route. While in the U.S., I recommend having both apps installed and checking prices in both before booking. One service may be cheaper than the other at any given moment.
🚏 Public Transportation in Los Angeles
Public transportation in Los Angeles is not the most efficient way to get around the city. Unlike New York City’s subway, which offers relatively fast transit, Los Angeles relies heavily on bus routes, and its metro system is not very extensive. However, the city is making significant investments in metro expansion in preparation for the upcoming Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.
Traveling around Los Angeles usually requires multiple transfers and waiting for connections. In the downtown area, buses generally run every 5–10 minutes, but in outlying neighborhoods, they may only run every 30 to 90 minutes. The metro operates from approximately 4:00 AM to midnight, with limited service on some lines between midnight and 4:00 AM.
Using public transportation in Los Angeles can be time-consuming. On a weekday evening, I traveled a 9 mi route by metro and two buses, which took about 2.5 hours. I spent several minutes waiting in the Watts neighborhood while a shooting occurred just two blocks away.
If you plan to rely on public transit in Los Angeles, consider purchasing a TAP Card for $2.00. You can also add it to your phone via Apple Wallet. Fares are calculated in addition to the card’s purchase price.
The TAP Card is valid on all metro lines and most bus services in Los Angeles. However, be cautious—some transit companies in the city use their own tickets, and the TAP Card is not accepted. You can identify these companies by their differently colored signs and buses.
For metro and bus fare prices in Los Angeles, visit Metro.net.
🛴 Bike Paths in Los Angeles
Cycling in downtown Los Angeles is not very convenient. The distances between key attractions are vast, and the city’s infrastructure is not particularly bike-friendly.
If you want to explore the city by bike or scooter, a great cycling route is the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Also known as The Strand, this scenic trail stretches 22.3 mi from Santa Monica to Torrance.
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What to See in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world. Many tourist attractions are related to Hollywood, film, television, and celebrities.
While walking through the city, you may come across a film or TV crew. You can recognize them by the large sign with a long notice informing passersby that their presence constitutes consent to appear in the recorded production. Many other experiences in Los Angeles are also free.
📌 Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-famous sidewalk embedded with stars bearing the names of legendary figures from the entertainment industry. The stars extend along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
You can explore it for free, as it is located along public streets. The nearest metro station is Hollywood/Highland Station on the Red Line. Plan to spend at least an hour touring the Walk of Fame. If you think you are seeing the same names multiple times, you are not mistaken—some celebrities have earned multiple stars for achievements in different categories.
- Navigating Hollywood Walk of Fame: Map, Stars, and Fun Facts
- Hollywood Walk of Fame – Stars Map and Full List
📌 Hollywood Sign
You can catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign from certain sections of the famous sidewalk, but if you want to take a picture with it, you’ll need to get closer. You can’t get directly to the individual letters, but you can take great photos from the intersection of Mt. Lee Drive and Deronda Drive. I recommend using a car for the trip; alternatively, you can walk, but the path is uphill and physically demanding.
On your way to the sign, you can take a stroll along the famous Mulholland Drive, made famous by the David Lynch film of the same name. If you have time, you can visit the iconic Griffith Observatory. The hills above Los Angeles offer a stunning view of the city.
📌 Universal Studios Hollywood
The Universal Studios Hollywood theme park is a favorite stop for all movie fans. The park features virtual roller coasters alongside real movie studio sets where TV shows like Desperate Housewives, The X-Files, and House, M.D. were filmed.
A visit to Universal Studios takes an entire day. To experience all the attractions, I recommend arriving right when the park opens. The entrance fee is quite expensive, but the experience is well worth it.
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Where to Eat in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers a wide selection of restaurants and fast-food options for everyone. In addition to classic American diners and steakhouses, the city boasts a diverse range of ethnic cuisine, with Mexican food being the most prevalent. Food trucks remain a popular choice, especially around office buildings during lunchtime. These trucks typically serve fresh hamburgers, tacos, or burritos.
In every district of Los Angeles, you’ll find a branch of a major fast-food chain. Some of the most well-known include McDonald’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Subway, and Wendy’s. Among chains primarily found in the U.S., you can try burgers at Jack in the Box, fried chicken at Chick-fil-A, pizza at Little Caesars, or sandwiches at Arby’s.
For personal recommendations, I suggest three restaurant chains. My top choice is Chipotle Mexican Grill, which focuses on Mexican cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. In-N-Out Burger specializes in burgers and is still run by the same family. The restaurants offer great meals for a reasonable price. Five Guys also focuses on burgers, offering higher quality at a higher price.
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Where to Stay in Los Angeles
When deciding where to stay in Los Angeles, consider your plans first. Think about the places you want to visit, where you’ll be spending most of your time, and how long you’ll stay. Commuting between locations can take up several hours each day.
One of the most popular neighborhoods among tourists is Hollywood. Here, I recommend staying at the budget-friendly hostel Samesun Hollywood, which offers private rooms and is conveniently located near the famous Walk of Fame and the metro. Another option is Economy Inn, an affordable motel that includes free parking.
In Santa Monica, I recommend the highly rated Hi Los Angeles Hostel, which offers private rooms and is in an excellent location.
For accommodations near the airport, consider Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles LAX. The room price includes a free shuttle service and hearty breakfasts.
For a complete list of my recommendations, check out the article 10 Best Tips for Cheap and Safe Hotels in Los Angeles.
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Safety in Los Angeles
Popular tourist areas such as Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westwood are generally safe during the day. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of homeless individuals and drug users in these areas. Always stay alert to pickpockets and avoid leaving valuables in your parked car, as break-ins are very common. After dark, safety levels may decrease, though in most cases, staying cautious and sticking to crowded areas is sufficient.
Crime rates in Los Angeles vary significantly by neighborhood. Downtown Los Angeles and some suburban areas have higher crime rates, often due to gang activity. Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods include West Adams, Skid Row, Watts, and Compton.
Common issues in these areas include drug-related crimes, muggings, break-ins, thefts, and gun violence. Many of these problems are driven by social issues, as a large portion of the population consists of impoverished immigrants. Even something as simple as wearing a shirt in the wrong gang color can put you at risk.
Suburbs with high crime rates are usually not of interest to tourists. However, you may pass through these areas if you rely on public transportation.
I have personally traveled late at night through high-crime neighborhoods like Watts, Crenshaw, and Compton—some of the most dangerous areas in terms of violent crime. I regularly took the metro or buses without any incidents. However, while waiting for a bus at 103rd/Graham, two people were shot just two blocks away. On that same day, a neighborhood with a population of 37,000 reported five assaults with deadly weapons, two home burglaries, and one car break-in.
My experience shows that not every visitor to these areas will encounter problems. However, I strongly recommend staying alert, researching neighborhoods in advance, and recognizing the increased risk of danger. To check safety levels in specific areas of Los Angeles, visit CrimeGrade.org, CrimeMapping.com, or NeighborhoodScout.com.
📌 Attend a TV Show Taping
Many years ago in Los Angeles, I attended a taping of the then-popular The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Although I hadn’t watched his late-night talk show before, getting a behind-the-scenes look was fascinating. The guest that day was singer Justin Timberlake, and we missed an episode featuring then-President Barack Obama by just a week.
TV show taping tickets are usually free, and you can see world-famous shows in person. You can find an updated list of available tickets on On-Camera-Audiences.com. Tapings typically occur in segments throughout the day and last several hours. The schedule is usually released 60 days in advance, so I recommend securing your tickets early.
📌 Walk Along the Beaches Near Los Angeles
In recent years, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach have been occupied by homeless individuals and questionable characters, yet they remain places worth seeing in person. These tourist hotspots are well known for their boardwalk, souvenir shops, and skate park.
At Venice Beach, you can work out at the famous outdoor gym Muscle Beach, where Arnold Schwarzenegger used to train regularly. If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the amusement park on Santa Monica Pier. While it doesn’t have large roller coasters and attractions like Six Flags, kids will still enjoy it.
For fewer tourists and more locals, visit Hermosa Beach, located south of the airport. The beautiful boardwalk, The Strand, is lined with volleyball courts, restaurants, and cafés, and the long pier enhances the atmosphere.
If your schedule allows, I recommend dedicating a full day to exploring the beaches around Los Angeles.
📌 Watch an NHL or NBA Game
Sports fans can choose from a variety of top-tier sports, as Los Angeles is home to numerous teams. Attending a game is an exciting experience, even for those who don’t typically follow sports. I recommend checking the schedules of all local teams in advance.
NHL Hockey: The Los Angeles Kings play in Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) in downtown Los Angeles near Pico Station on the Metro Blue Line. Watching an NHL game live is a great experience.
NBA Basketball: Los Angeles is home to two NBA teams. The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most popular teams in America and play at Crypto.com Arena. Tickets to their games can be quite expensive. A more affordable option is their rival team, the Los Angeles Clippers, who play at Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
MLB Baseball: Baseball is incredibly popular in the U.S. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at Dodger Stadium near Chinatown. The closest Metro station is Chinatown on the Red Line, or you can take a shuttle from Union Station. The Los Angeles Angels play at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
NFL Football: Los Angeles has two NFL teams: the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, both playing at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
MLS Soccer: Two teams represent Los Angeles in Major League Soccer. The LA Galaxy, where David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimović played, host games at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Since 2018, Los Angeles FC has played at BMO Stadium downtown.
Tickets for NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, and MLS games purchased through official sales channels tend to be quite expensive. A more affordable option is usually ticket resale platforms like TickPick.com or StubHub.com.
Season ticket holders who can’t attend a game often sell their tickets at a discount on these platforms. I have personally purchased tickets through TickPick several times, and I have always been able to enter the stadium without any issues and enjoy the game.
📌 Getty Center
The Getty Center, located in the hills above Santa Monica, is famous for its extensive art collection and breathtaking views of Los Angeles. The displayed artwork changes periodically, but the stunning view remains the same.
Admission is free, but you must reserve a timed entry. Parking is expensive: $25, reduced to $15.00 after 3:00 PM, and $10.00 after 6:00 PM on Saturdays.
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