Downtown Los Angeles: Historic Architecture Walking Tour
4.9
64 Ratings
Los Angeles

Journey through the histories of Beaux Arts, Renaissance Revival, Art Deco, Modernism, and other styles with this architectural tour of Downtown Los Angeles. Experience the architecture of the Financial District, Historic Core, and the Broadway Theater District on foot!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Los Angeles Central Library - Visit the LA Central Library and learn about its architectural symbolism
  • Fine Arts Building - The original artist colony of Los Angeles
  • The Jewelry District - America’s largest jewelry district
  • Historic Theater District - See the southern section of the Historic Broadway Theater District
  • Eastern Columbia Lofts - “The Jewel of Art Deco”
  • The NoMad Hotel - Former home of the Bank of Italy Los Angeles
  • Oviatt Building - LA’s oldest standing art deco building
What's Included
  • Local guide
Additional Information
  • The tour ends at the James Oviatt Building (617 S. Olive Street 90014), which is a 10 minute walk back to the starting point. The guide can point you in the direction.
Location
630 W 5th St
West 5th Street
We meet at the Flower street entrance of the LA Central Library (630 W. 5th Street 90071) within the Maguire Gardens courtyard. Nearest Metro Rail station - 7th Street / Metro Center. Nearest Parking – There are private garages between 4th and 8th on Flower Street. Rates will vary.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(64 Ratings)
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Excursion817540
Feb 16, 2024
Walking tour of Downtown LA - Phil was a fantastic guide in our walking tour of downtown LA! I’ve lived in the area for years, as well as one other guest, but the third was from NY. We all learned a lot and we got to go in the lobby of my two favorite buildings - the Fine Arts and Oviatt buildings. Fun way to spend the morning before we had a tasty lunch at Little Sister!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marleens740
Jan 30, 2024
Great walk! - We had a beautiful walk and learned many fascinating things about Los Angeles and its history. Our tour guide was incredibly nice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveler00728122313
Jan 30, 2024
Enriching and fun! - Great tour led by a very knowledgeable Phil! Loads of gems and facts delivered in a fun way. We covered a lot of history of LA too. Thanks Phil!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raymond
Sep 12, 2023
Informative 2 hour walk, great guide, Phil was fantastic - Easy stroll around Downtown LA with Phil who informed our small group of the history and how LA was developed over the decades. Good value, recommend as you come away more knowledgeable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stacie_b
Jun 11, 2023
Fun and informative tour around LA! - I highly recommend the Downtown Los Angeles architecture tour. Our guide, Phil was knowledgeable, personable, and really brought a new perspective to the city. The tour was interesting and informative; even introduced new spots to us as native Angelinos. We enjoyed the tour so much that at its conclusion, we went back to a passed restaurant Bottega Louie to enjoy lunch and pear martinis. Highly recommend this tour and company. Thanks Phil for a wonderful two hour adventure around LA.
Review provided by Viator
Gillian_l
May 26, 2023
LA history came alive - Our guide inspired us with his stories that made downtown L A come alive for us. Many thank - the highlight of our few days there. Gill and John
Review provided by Viator
Jcbexleyoh
May 23, 2023
Fun and informative. - Phil was a terrific guide. His sincere interest in the city's history and it's architecture informs the whole tour. Our group was 5 in total and we enjoyed one another enough to have lunch (Phil included) at the end of our morning. We learned fun facts about the development of LA and enjoyed the 90 minutes much more than if we had just strolled the area without a guide. The walk is paced just right - certainly not strenuous. Highly recommend for all ages. One caveat: The area is not very wheelchair accessible, mostly because of the Central Library's multiple tiers of gardens and old sidewalks. Inquire directly if you need more information about accessibility.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M3271jqcharlieb
Apr 1, 2023
Phil was excellent!!! - Phil was excellent!!! Tour was on time, at the right place, enlightening, historic and amuzing for all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melbourne-vic
Mar 25, 2023
Amazing walking tours with knowledgeable locals! - This is one of a series of walking tours conducted by knowledgeable local guide Phil, it was great to see different elements of the architectural history of this great American City - our guide Phil shared plenty of information with great enthusiasm for his City - the tour is well worth your time - do it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sondraz2023
Mar 12, 2023
Art Deco Downtown - Phil is a terrific tour guide. We started at the beautiful Central Library near City Hall. Then we walked around Downtown and he pointed out elegant old theaters and lovely Art Deco buildings. The highlight for me was the Eastern Columbia Building, all green tiles with a gold entryway. Most places don’t want a group going inside, so after the tour we went back to go inside the famous Bradbury Building ( from Blade Runner ) and the restored Tower Theater ( now a gorgeous Apple Store ). Phil was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and delightful. I’d like to do more of your tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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April 2024
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