{"id":29826,"date":"2021-02-20T23:57:20","date_gmt":"2021-02-20T23:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=29826"},"modified":"2025-01-24T01:49:15","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T01:49:15","slug":"diy-instagram-walking-tour-of-downtown-la-8-must-see-stops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/diy-instagram-walking-tour-of-downtown-la-8-must-see-stops\/","title":{"rendered":"DIY Instagram Walking Tour of Downtown LA: 8 Must-See Stops"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Downtown Los Angeles isn\u2019t just an urban center filled with skyscrapers and office buildings. Spend enough time in the area and you\u2019d find examples of beautiful architecture, public art works and murals, and historic remnants of Los Angeles that are, quite simply, photogenic. Trust me \u2014having lived in LA for more than a decade, I\u2019ve taken my share of DTLA pics for the gram, and they never disappoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DTLA is also quite walkable, which means it gives you a great opportunity to do your own photography walking tour. Below, I\u2019ll share a fun walking tour itinerary that hits a number of Instagrammable spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Start and park at Pershing Square<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Pershing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Trying to find parking in downtown LA is never fun, especially if you plan to stay for a while. I\u2019ll let you in on a secret, though. If you\u2019re coming here on a weekend, the Pershing Square garage costs $9 for all-day parking, so you don\u2019t need to worry and can take your time exploring the area. If you\u2019re taking public transportation, that\u2019s also great. There\u2019s a metro station right here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local tip: <\/strong>Transportation isn\u2019t the only reason that I think Pershing Square is a great place to start your DTLA walking tour. This historic park gives you a good view of the downtown buildings, sure, but there\u2019s also Art-Squared Gallery<\/a>, a rotating outdoor art gallery and mural that makes for some nice photo backdrops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Los Angeles Central Library<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Instagrammable<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The library may not be the first thing people think to visit for sightseeing or a photography tour, but the LA Central Library<\/a> is an architectural landmark. It\u2019s listed in the National Register of Historic Places and named one of the Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monuments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The library is an art deco building built in the 1920s, and the exterior boasts large decorative sculptures that frame the entrance and a fountain directly in front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these are great for photography, but it is the rotunda inside that must not be missed. Hanging from the ceiling is the striking Zodiac chandelier. The ceiling and upper walls around the chandelier are beautifully painted, adding to the beauty of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\"LA\n\t\t\t\"downtown-3-1000×660\"\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHistory, architecture, and more as you eat your way through DTLA<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

Local tip: <\/strong>While you\u2019re there, continue on to the more modern Tom Bradley wing, which houses some public art works, including three brightly colored chandeliers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Broad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Closeup<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the library, continue on to The Broad Museum. This contemporary art museum opened in 2015 and is a popular destination both for its exterior architecture and the artworks housed inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The white honeycomb-like outer wall is easily recognizable and looks like a futuristic spaceship \u2014 perfect for photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read our guide to The Broad Museum<\/a> for more about what other artworks are worth checking out inside. It\u2019s free to visit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Angels Flight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Angels<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Angels Flight is not only the world\u2019s shortest railway and a historic landmark, but its bright orange gates and steep funicular tracks are photo-worthy, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Angels Flight is best photographed from the lower gates. From The Broad, I recommend walking down the stairs next to the tracks or taking a fun ride down on the funicular. It\u2019s a short trip but a fun step into history and only costs $1 one way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about the history and ride at Angels Flight on the blog<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Grand Central Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Instagrammable<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Grand Central Market<\/a> isn\u2019t just a great place for foodie Instagram fodder (though there is plenty of that). The neon signs of the various vendors and neon art wall are great photo backdrops, too. The neon art wall is a collaboration between the Museum of Neon Art and the whiskey maker, Bulleit.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, while you\u2019re there, you might as well fuel up with some of the great food the market offers. The most popular on the \u2019Gram is the breakfast specialist Eggslut, but I\u2019m a fan of many others, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n