🌆 This Route Will Show Everyone Downtown LA In Just 1 Day

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with more to see than most travelers can fit in a week — but if you’ve only got one day in Downtown LA, don’t worry. You can still enjoy a perfect blend of history, art, culture, food, and Hollywood magic in just 24 hours.

This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to experience the best of LA without the stress of traffic or endless planning. From Union Station to the Walk of Fame, you'll explore LA on foot, with easy routes and unforgettable stops.

🚏 Table of Contents

• 🚗 Morning: Start at Union Station — LA's Grand Gateway
• 🖼️ Late Morning: Art & Architecture
• 🍽️ Midday: Eat Your Way Through LA
• 🎌 Afternoon: Discover Little Tokyo
• 🌟 Evening: Hollywood Walk of Fame — A Star-Studded Night
• 📚 Bonus Stop: The Last Bookstore (Optional)
• 📝 Final Tips for First-Time Visitors

 

🚗 Morning: Start at Union Station — LA's Grand Gateway

The best way to kick off your day in Downtown Los Angeles is by parking once and exploring on foot. LA traffic is notoriously chaotic, so keeping your car in one spot and walking (or using Uber when necessary) is the smartest strategy.

🅿️ Park at MTA / One Gateway Plaza

Head to MTA / One Gateway Parking at Union Station. It's central, affordable, and places you right where the day’s adventure begins. Once parked, you can access the main terminal directly from the lot.

🚉 Explore Union Station

Often overlooked by tourists, Union Station is a hidden gem and an architectural masterpiece. As the largest passenger rail terminal in the western United States, Union Station blends Mission Revival, Art Deco, and Streamline Moderne styles into a cinematic space that’s been featured in countless films.

Don’t just admire the outside—step inside the grand waiting hall, with its arched windows, chandeliers, and beautiful tiled floors. Whether you're into trains or just appreciate great design, this stop sets the tone for an iconic LA day.

 

🖼️ Late Morning: Art & Architecture

🎨 The Broad — LA’s Contemporary Art Jewel

Your next stop is The Broad, one of LA’s most celebrated modern art museums — and yes, it’s free to enter, but you must reserve a timed ticket online in advance. It’s a 30-minute walk from Union Station or a quick Uber/Lyft ride if you'd rather save time.

Inside, you’ll find more than 2,000 works of contemporary art, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama. The museum's honeycomb-like exterior is iconic on its own and makes a great Instagram backdrop.

📸 Bonus tip: If the Infinity Mirror Room is open, be sure to check it out. It’s a dazzling, immersive exhibit that’s worth the wait.

🏛️ Bradbury Building — A Movie Set Come to Life

Just a short walk from The Broad (right next to Grand Central Market) is the legendary Bradbury Building. Even if you don’t recognize the name, chances are you’ve seen it on screen. It’s most famously featured in Blade Runner and has also appeared in 500 Days of Summer and The Artist.

The real magic of the Bradbury Building is inside. The five-story atrium is filled with ornate ironwork, wooden staircases, and glowing natural light from the skylit ceiling. It’s a quick stop, but one that gives you a real taste of LA’s historic charm.

 

🍽️ Midday: Eat Your Way Through LA

🛍️ Grand Central Market — LA’s Foodie Paradise

By now, you’ll be hungry — and you’re in luck. Just steps away from the Bradbury Building is Grand Central Market, one of Downtown LA’s must-visit food halls.

This vibrant, bustling market has been serving the city since 1917 and brings together flavors from across LA’s diverse cultural landscape. From pupusas and Thai street food to gourmet egg sandwiches and fresh oysters, there’s truly something for every craving.

Recommended spots:

• Eggslut – Famous for its creamy egg sandwiches (often with a line)
• Tacos Tumbras a Tomas – Massive burritos and street-style tacos
• Berlin Currywurst – A twist on German street food
• Sticky Rice – Classic Thai comfort dishes

🪑 Grab a communal table, enjoy the sounds and smells of the market, and refuel before heading to your next adventure.

 

🎌 Afternoon: Discover Little Tokyo

🎎 Explore LA's Japanese Cultural Hub

Just a short walk from Grand Central Market is Little Tokyo, one of the few remaining Japantowns in the United States — and truly a hidden gem in Downtown LA.

Little Tokyo offers a refreshing shift in atmosphere: a blend of traditional culture, modern fashion, and anime-inspired quirkiness. You’ll find Japanese bookstores, manga shops, sushi spots, bakeries, and gift stores, all packed into a few walkable blocks.

Here’s what to explore:

• Japanese Village Plaza – Outdoor mall with lanterns, shops, and food
• Anime Jungle – A treasure trove of manga, figures, and collectibles
• Cafe Dulce – Known for matcha drinks and mochi donuts
• Spitz – Mediterranean eats if you’re not full from lunch

This is also a great place to grab a souvenir or gift that isn’t the typical LA magnet or Hollywood tee.

🌟 Evening: Hollywood Walk of Fame — A Star-Studded Night

You’ve spent the day soaking in culture, art, and food — now it’s time to lean into LA’s pop culture fame. Hop in an Uber or drive to Hollywood Boulevard to experience one of the city’s most iconic attractions.

🌠 Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame

It might be touristy, but it’s also classic LA. The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches for 15 blocks and features over 2,700 pink terrazzo stars embedded in the sidewalks, honoring celebrities from the worlds of film, TV, music, radio, and theater.

Use the official Walk of Fame star map to find your favorite names and take a few selfies along the way.

Don’t miss:

• TCL Chinese Theatre – Check out the famous handprints in the forecourt
• Dolby Theatre – Home of the Oscars
• Hollywood & Highland Center – Shopping mall with restaurants and great views

📸 Secret Hollywood Sign Photo Spot

Want a peek at the Hollywood Sign without the hike? Here’s a pro tip:

Go to Sephora on Hollywood Boulevard, take the stairs to the first or second floor, then walk to the back of the shopping center. You’ll find a great clear view of the Hollywood Sign — perfect for a final shot of the day.

 

📚 Bonus Stop: The Last Bookstore (Optional)

If time allows, or if you're staying near DTLA, swing by The Last Bookstore — a magical, Instagram-worthy bookstore with tunnels made of books, rare vinyls, local art, and a moody, vintage vibe.

This spot is a must for book lovers, creatives, or anyone who just wants to wander through something unique and local.

 

📝 Final Tips for First-Time Visitors

• 🕖 Start early: LA days fly by quickly, especially with traffic.
• 💧 Stay hydrated: Bring a water bottle — it's dry and sunny!
• 🚌 Be flexible: You don’t have to hit everything; go with the flow.
• 📱 Download offline maps: Especially helpful when reception is patchy in parking garages or older buildings.
• 🧥 Layer up: Mornings can be cool, but afternoons are warm — and some museums crank the A/C.

 

🌅 Wrap-Up: A Perfect First Day in LA

LA is more than beaches and Beverly Hills. In just one day, Downtown Los Angeles gives you a taste of the city’s past, present, and pop culture future — from the golden age of train travel to cutting-edge art galleries, and from Japanese boutiques to Hollywood glitz.

Whether you’re visiting LA as a weekend getaway or as part of a longer California road trip, this itinerary offers a memorable and walkable way to experience LA’s urban heart.