Introduction
There's a kernel of truth to the reputation of Los Angeles as a one-industry town fuelled by plastic surgery, smarmy agents and intellectual vacuity. But look past that and you'll see an increasingly sophisticated centre of art, design, cuisine and commerce loaded with opportunities for the traveller passing through, whether or not you're in "the business".
More from Los Angeles PDF VersionEssentials
- Traffic is a fact of life. Try and plan your days to avoid rush hour on the freeways.
- Angelenos are serious foodies. Ask nearly anyone for a fervent opinion about the city's best sashimi, gelato or tacos.
- Contrary to popular belief, it is not sunny and warm all year round. Temperatures drop in the winter, so pack accordingly.
- It's a sprawling city, so make sure your car rental comes with GPS.
- Valet parking is ubiquitous, and many garages offer car washes while you're in meetings. Use them.
Two-hour tour
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Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles — Enjoy iconic American works from Roy Lichtenstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Gerry Winogrand.
250 South Grand Avenue
+ 1 213 626 6222
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The J Paul Getty Museum — Is worth a visit if only to stare at the iconic building itself.
1200 Getty Center Drive
+ 1 310 440 7300
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Hotels
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Maison 140
140 Lasky Drive, Beverly Hills
+ 1 310 281 4000
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Andaz West Hollywood
8401 Sunset Boulevard 555 Beverly Boulevard
+ 1 323 656 1234
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Hotel Bel-Air
701 Stone Canyon Road
+ 1 310 472 1211
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Dining
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101 Coffee Shop
6145 Franklin Avenue
+ 1 323 467 1175
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Barney Greengrass
9570 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills
+ 1 310 777 5877
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Susina Bakery & Café
7122 Beverly Boulevard
+ 1 323 934 7900
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Bar-Hayama
1803 Sawtelle Boulevard
+ 1 310 235 2000
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M Café de Chaya
7199 Melrose Avenue Hollywood
+ 1 323 525 0588
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Nineteen12
Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills
+ 1 310 273 1912
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Pizzeria Mozza
641 North Highland Avenue
+ 1 323 297 0101
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Palihouse Holloway
8465 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood
+ 1 323 656 4100
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Hungry Cat
1535 Vine Street
+ 1 323 462 2155
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My House
7080 Hollywood Boulevard
+ 1 323 525 2453
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Mr Chow
344 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills
+ 1 310 278 9911
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Reading
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Book Soup
8818 Sunset Boulevard
+ 1 310 659 3110
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Shopping
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Lost & Found
6320 Yucca Street
+ 1 323 856 5872
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Fred Segal
8118 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
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Toys from Acorn Store
1220 5th Street, Santa Monica
+ 1 310 451 5845
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James Perse
8914 Melrose Avenue
+ 1 310 276 7277
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Furniture from Espasso
8687 Melrose Avenue #B205
+ 1 310 657 0020
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Transport
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Midway Car Rental
+ 1 800 824 5260
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Limousine/car
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Empire CLS
+ 1 800 451 5466
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Fitness
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TRAIN West Hollywood
624 North La Cienaga Boulevard
+ 1 310 657 4140
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Try hiking or trail running in Runyon Canyon.
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Jog right along the seafront on Ocean Front Walk from Santa Monica to Venice Beach.