Taking On Urban DTLA In A Simple Button Down Shirt

DTLA has reinvented itself as the city’s cultural capital established upon L.A.’s long historic past.

Downtown Los Angeles, DTLA for short, is one of the most historic parts of the city, with lots of buildings that were established during the city’s founding. DTLA is the area with the most urban feel being the only district with architecture and skyscrapers concentrated in one block. It’s not as big or crowded as New York or Chicago’s metropolitan areas which is why DTLA is perfect for walking around and exploring leisurely.

As explained by Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 500 Days of Summer, there’s a lot of history behind each unique building. Downtown boasts beautiful art deco edifice like the Biltmore Hotel, the Bradbury Building and the Los Angeles Public Library, which are all gorgeous throwbacks to L.A.’s glamorous past from the 19th and 20th centuries. Grand Central Market was built in 1897, it continues to be a beloved staple where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the best local fare at colorful stands. Expect to wait in line for a solid half an hour for Eggslut and don’t dare miss the huge tacos from Tacos Tumbras a Tomas which make for 2 tacos in one.

DTLA has also done much to upgrade L.A.’s park game with the renovated area of Grand Park where free concerts happen every summer. After a long hiatus due to construction, L.A. Historic Park in Chinatown finally reopened this year, also with promises of free community events throughout the summer.

With so much to do and see, DTLA has reinvented itself as the city’s cultural capital which can’t be missed by any visitor looking to discover L.A.’s long historic past.

Nadia Cho

Communications Associate

As the empowered female behind the blog: International Women of Mystery, Nadia reps Team JST traveling the world in search of exclusive features on hidden gems and cool hotspots. You can find her exploring metropolitan cities or lounging on tropical beaches.