USA - Los Angeles
Prices quoted correct as at June 2026
For many years Los Angeles was my most despised city in the world with no redeeming features, however that was superseded more recently by Athens, more about that elsewhere on this site.For the life of me I cannot understand the attraction of LA, It has to be one of the most intimidating, depressing cities anywhere in the world post. To be honest It’s one of those places you don’t feel safe walking round anywhere and don’t even get me started on the Metro
Even the so called illustrious areas have a seedy feel to them Whilst some of the more downtrodden areas are places you would only go if you felt suicidal, but were lazy and wanted someone to do the job for you.
Another disadvantage with LA is it is not a compact city like many others, it is spread out over a large area and nothing is really walkable. Think of cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Singapore where attractions are in walking distance of one another, this does not happen in LA.
Hollywood is more touristy than glamorous. The Walk of Fame is a popular tourist stop, the area can be crowded and underwhelming. Avoid visiting during peak hours, or skip it entirely if you have limited time.
If you hire a car be cautious when parking on the street. Always check signs to avoid expensive tickets or towing.
Don’t expect popular beaches like Venice or Santa Monica to be spotless. Malibu has cleaner, less crowded shorelines.
Avoid secluded areas. Stick to well-lit and populated streets for safety.
Public transport is gradually improving and hopefully it may even become a decent system by the 2028 Olympics, but don’t hold your breath. The Metro Rail system includes subway and light rail lines connecting Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and more. Buses cover a wider range, but traffic can slow them down. A TAP card is required for all public transport journeys.
If you feel LA is still worth the effort then these are what are considered to be the top 10 locations.
Griffith Observatory on Mount Hollywood, it offers panoramic views of LA and is an excellent spot to view the Hollywood Sign. Guided tours of the site, lasting 90 minutes and the cost is around £42.00 for an adult, £40.00 for a child Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and major attraction as well as being a working film studio located in the San Fernando Valley. Admission prices from $109.00 (£81.39) a day for adults $99.00 (£73.92) for children for a day pass (these are advanced booking prices, they are significantly more expensive on the day)
The Getty Center in Brentwood showcasing European art, stunning architecture, and sweeping gardens. Admission is free
Walk of Fame & Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, located along Hollywood Boulevard, this is the historic epicentre of the film industry but it gets very crowded. The Theatre is still an operational cinema and is frequently used for Premiers.
Santa Monica Pier & Beach features an iconic Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and the western end of Route 66. Possibly one of the better areas but still very busy
Venice Beach & Boardwalk is famous for its bohemian vibe, street performers, muscle beach, and skatepark. Rodeo Drive, located in Beverly Hills, this three-block stretch is known for high-end luxury boutiques and pop-culture fame.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, highly recognizable by its Urban Light installation. Admission Adults $30.00 (£22.40), concessions $26.00 (£19.41), Children $15.00 (£11.20)
The Broad is a contemporary art museum in Downtown LA (DTLA) boasting an impressive collection and the famous Infinity Mirrored Room. Admission is free but needs to be booked in advance.
The Original Farmers Market & The Grove are located adjacent to one another, this pair offers a massive open-air shopping centre and a historic market packed with diverse local food stalls.
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