If you are a first time visitor to Los Angeles, don’t worry—we know. Also, you’re not alone. Los Angeles is a city that has always drawn people from all over the world, whether it’s because they’re on the Greyhound heading from Little Rock in search of their “big breakthrough” or because they have immigrated here to start a new life. Los Angeles has always attracted people from other places, whether they’re stepping off the Greyhound in Little Rock to get their “big break” or have immigrated here to build a new life.
Whether you’re “from here”—either the city of Los Angeles, or the sprawling, nearly 10-million-strong LA Country surrounding it—or have been adopted by the sunny metropolis after years of calling it home, you know that the character the city plays on the silver screen is not the one you get everyday. Nobody dances when the 10 is jammed with traffic. La La Land style. You need to be able to navigate the city without getting discouraged by rental cars, gritty buses or parking problems. It takes some savviness, too, to know which way to point your GPS (spoiler: it’s NOT the Hollywood Walk of Fame), to discover the amazing street food, the unique enclaves of LA and the delights you can only find there. When you get it right, Los Angeles is one of the few cities that will smile at you.
How can you avoid tourist traps in LA and the pitfalls that come with being a first-timer? Locals have their own unwritten rules. This is a city that’s full of IYKYK, so you should know what to expect before visiting.
1. You need to buy a car
You need a car if you intend to travel outside of a certain area in the city. Sorry! It’s true. You can’t rely on public transport to get around the city. It’s true. If you’re going to be spending all of your time in one or two adjoining neighborhoods (Venice and Santa Monica, for example), fine—Ubers and Lyfts will work. If you’re thinking of crossing town or meeting up with friends from different neighborhoods, then you need wheels. How else can you enjoy the PCH while having your windows down like Phantom Planet? California plays?) If you want to save money, consider picking up your vehicle at the airport. Otherwise, it will cost a fortune. Be sure to confirm parking with your Airbnb or friends, as well as with the hotel you are staying at. Read the parking regulations carefully. Plan out your drinking schedule so that you can leave the car where it is needed.
2. Your neighbourhood is your world
Since then, I have repeated this statement many times. Echo Park, a town. Los Feliz, a town. Even if their borders touch, they often exist as a microcosm—and don’t even get me started on how many worlds away (literally and existentially) say, Beverly Hills and Downtown LA are. Choose a place that will be your base and world for a couple of days. If there are certain restaurants or shops you would like to visit, or if you know you’re going to town for an event, choose a location. If you eat breakfast in Culver and lunch in Frogtown and dinner in Malibu you will spend more time driving on and off freeways than anywhere else. Pick a hub—and at the very least, pick a side of town (East is for the alternative types, West for beachy living, with lots of variance in between).
3. The term “walkable” can be interpreted in many ways
Google Maps’ “walk” feature is not something to be trusted. I am a New Yorker and a former Angeleno who loves to walk. A 25-minute walk instead of a 20 minute drive usually makes me think, “Let’s walk!” Please pause: I am not saying that you shouldn’t. I do it all the time. You may have to walk under freeway overpasses. You might also find yourself zig-zagging your way down uneasy, deserted roads or struggling to cross a busy road if you do not know the route. You can choose to walk or drive, but you should think twice before you take your family along.
4. You may never visit the beach
A tank top, some sunglasses, and the glow of the sun are all that is needed to make this city shine. If you don’t live on the westside, it might take you longer to get to the beach than you think. In New York City I go to the beaches less often than my east-side friends, who range from Brooklyn up to Queens. RockawaysPlus, there are plenty of pools that will save you from the commute. If you’re looking for a beach getaway, stay in Venice, Santa Monica or nearby. Years ago I was horrified that you could just walk on the sand. Casa Del Mar After a lifetime spent driving to the coast, this is what westside Angelenos experience. It’s yours if it’s something you prioritize.
5. The Greatest Street Food City in America?
The mix of culinary traditions represented in Los Angeles restaurants is a wonder—it’s one of the best things about the city (more on that in a minute). The Latin American immigrants, in particular, deserve praise for creating a street-food culture not found in other US cities. That sliced fruit with lime and Tajín on the street corner will always hit; so will those tlayudas, those tamales, those bacon-wrapped hot dogs outside the club, and anything else you can get your paws on. The street food trucks, which often act as incubators for new restaurants, serve award-winning Korean cuisine, seafood and more. Please eat in the streets. The barbacoa setup Huntington Park Parking Lot The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us Be the best that you’ve ever been.
6. Do not sleep in strip mall restaurants
Los Angeles is the home of You can find out more by clicking here. There are many unassuming places that serve great food. Don’t be surprised if the restaurant that you saw in TikTok, is located inside a strip mall. If you are looking for soju, small plates or a restaurant in a strip mall, this is a great indicator. Dan Sung Sa In K-town, or in the mood for sushi and paps? Sushi Park is the place to go. Sunset Strip. The same is true for the markets in LA’s south, like Mercado La Paloma.Holbox It is my favorite restaurant in this city.
