Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour: Historic Urban Development
4.9
172 Ratings
Los Angeles

Witness Los Angeles’ historical journey from its early urbanization in the 20th century, now boasting numerous historical sites. Observe the transition of a business district into a residential area. You’ll see the integration of early 1900s architecture in the rejuvenation of a modern downtown!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Angels Flight Railway - Shortest Railway in the World
  • Grand Central Market - Historic market since 1917
  • Historic Theater District - Largest collection of pre- WWII theaters in America
  • Bradbury Building - Step into the oldest standing office building of Los Angeles
  • Old Bank District - “Spring Street of the West”
  • The Last Bookstore - Artistic bookstore
  • The Jewelry District - America’s largest jewelry district
  • Spring Arcade Building - Collection of boutique restaurants
  • Clifton’s Republic - Iconic cafeteria since 1932
  • The Biltmore Los Angeles - Grandest hotel of Los Angeles
  • Pershing Square - LA’s central square
What's Included
  • Local guide
Additional Information
  • The tour ends at Pershing Square (532 S. Olive Street 90013), which is a 5 minute walk back to the starting point. The guide can point you in the direction.
Location
349 S Hill St
South Hill Street
We meet at the bottom of Angels Flight Railway (349 S. Hill Street 90013) located between 3rd and 4th on Hill Street across the Grand Central Market. Nearest Metro Rail station - Pershing Square Nearest Parking - Private lots at the corners of 3rd & Hill Street and 4th & Hill Street.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(172 Ratings)
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Linda_t
Mar 30, 2024
Cool tour of LA - Fun and educational! Phil is a terrific guide, friendly and knowledgeable. He gave us plenty of suggestions for additional places to explore. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Tim_t
Mar 29, 2024
Great tour! - Phil did a fantastic job. He made history fun and fascinating. We didn't have to walk far to see the entire city in a capsule format. Very creative in terms of how the tour is done.
Review provided by Viator
Mk2009manhattan
Mar 24, 2024
Great tour with Philip - My partner and I recently did this tour with Philip, who was great. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He had a polished presentation and was open to answering our questions. We learned a lot about LA and would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dan_s
Mar 19, 2024
Early Hollywood and Architecture, a great mix - Phillip was an exceptional tour guide with a mastery of the information and history of downtown LA. He integrated architecture, early Hollywood history, and modern transformation seamlessly. I left the tour far more informed then when I began. That's the best recommendation I can give.
Review provided by Viator
Mary_m
Mar 16, 2024
Excellent tour - Phil was an excellent guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about the city and fortunately had a nice loud voice so we could hear him clearly over the city din!
Review provided by Viator
Gracesung
Mar 9, 2024
Great tour of downtown - Great info at a good pace. Phil was a very knowledgeable tour guide. Learned a lot on this tour of downtown.
Review provided by Viator
Vacation16251040836
Mar 3, 2024
Helpful and friendly guide - Phil was a super nice guide, had a lot of stories to tell and was great to chat with. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alan_c
Mar 2, 2024
Abc - Very interesting walking tour with lots of hidden gems pointed out. Phil has great knowledge and a nice manner. It was like walking around with a good friend.
Review provided by Viator
Galip_a
Feb 18, 2024
Nice experience - Phil was an exceptional guide, offering a kind and positive demeanor throughout our tour in downtown LA. Despite being local residents, we were introduced to hidden gems we had never encountered on our own. However, the tour's start was delayed by more than 15 minutes due to the time taken to gather the group, which, considering downtown's vastness, meant less time for exploration. For future tours, a more efficient use of time could enhance the experience even further. *Also, a reminder for participants: tipping is a significant part of the culture in LA. Don't forget to tip at least 20% per person at the end of the tour as a token of appreciation for the guide's efforts.
Review provided by Viator
Alexander_a
Mar 24, 2024
The L.A. I never knew. - Our guide, Phillip, was outstanding. He was extremely knowledgeable about this history of downtown Los Angeles and his anecdotes about the buildings brought the experience to life. The only downside is that I wish we had been able to spend more time in the Bradbury building on the upper floors and the elevator. But, it's a private building with tenants so I understand why we couldn't. My wife and I really enjoyed this day trip.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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