48 Hours in Los Angeles: Top Things to Do & Must-See LA Attractions
Strap on your best walking shoes and get ready to dive into the energy of Los Angeles. Enjoy organic lattes at Javista Hollywood, marvel at optical illusions at the World of Illusions, and explore contemporary masterpieces at The Broad and MOCA Grand Avenue. LA is packed with exciting things to do, and in just 48 hours, you’ll experience a whirlwind of culture, food, and fun.
Take in iconic architecture like the Bradbury Building, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and Union Station. Dive into LA’s rich cinematic history at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, celebrate music at The GRAMMY Museum, or hunt for your next great read at The Last Bookstore. Every corner of Los Angeles is an adventure waiting to happen, and after two days here, you’ll be hooked.
Day 1
Breakfast
Start your day at Javista Hollywood, sipping coffee made from organic beans. Menu highlights include the Lox Bagel, Garden Bagel with cashew cream cheese, Breakfast Burrito, Salmon Avocado Split, and Almond Croissants. For a full vegan breakfast, check out Cafe Gratitude, offering buckwheat flaxseed pancakes, Chi-Rizo breakfast burritos, homemade tofu scramble, ginger-turmeric overnight oats, and vegan French toast.
World of Illusions
Prepare to have your mind blown! This interactive museum offers four exhibits filled with optical trickery. Wander through jaw-dropping 3D art, get flipped upside down in the Upside-Down House, shrink among giant objects in the Giant’s House, and unleash your rebellious side in Smash It, where you can break plates to your heart’s content.
The Broad
Three words: Infinity Mirror Rooms. The Broad showcases contemporary art, including two iconic installations by Yayoi Kusama. Free admission features post-war masterpieces by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons. Make sure to reserve your spot to experience the immersive Infinity Room—it’s a must-see in Downtown LA.
MOCA Grand Avenue
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) houses works from the 1940s to the present. Whether you’re captivated by a Rothko or immersed in a Jackson Pollock, MOCA offers a journey of artistic discovery. Since 2020, admission has been free, making it one of the best free attractions in Downtown LA.
Grand Central Market
This bustling marketplace has been a Downtown LA staple for over a century. Sample flavors from around the world: pupusas at Sarita’s Pupuseria, carnitas at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, or trend-forward dishes at Shiku, Sticky Rice, or Eggslut. Whether you’re hungry or just exploring, Grand Central Market is a must-visit.
The Music Center
Experience world-class performances at The Music Center. The Ahmanson Theatre hosts touring Broadway productions, the Mark Taper Forum features cutting-edge dramas, and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion offers grand opera performances. Just across the street, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural marvel and home to the LA Philharmonic.
Grand Park
Escape the city bustle at Grand Park, a 12-acre urban oasis in the heart of Downtown LA. Enjoy pink benches, picnic spots, and stunning fountains. Since opening in 2012, it has hosted concerts, cultural events, and community gatherings—perfect for a relaxing stroll or a quiet moment.
Dinner
Dine at République, known for dishes like Short Rib Kimchi Fried Rice, Lobster Omelet, Truffle Risotto, and Dover Sole Meunier. For plant-based options, The Butcher’s Daughter offers Spicy Kale Caesar, Mushroom Burger, Mixed Mushroom Pizza, Pad Thai, and the Surfer’s Burrito.
Bradbury Building
Step into a 19th-century architectural marvel with a stunning atrium, ornate ironwork, and skylight ceilings. Recognizable from Blade Runner, the Bradbury Building’s charm is visible from the ground floor and short stair flights.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Dedicated to the art of cinema, the Academy Museum features the David Geffen Theater (1,000 seats) and Ted Mann Theater (288 seats), showcasing films in multiple formats including rare nitrate prints. Evening screenings make this museum a must for movie lovers.
Union Station
A blend of Mission Revival and Art Deco, Union Station is a Los Angeles landmark. Admire its grand waiting hall, tilework, and lush courtyards. It’s a testament to LA’s history and ongoing transportation evolution—a perfect photo spot and free to explore.
Day 2
Breakfast
Start at Tiago Coffee Bar & Kitchen, trying their Creme Brulee, Big Boy Burrito, Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes, Organic Steel Cut Oatmeal, or Cinnamon Swirl French Toast. Another iconic spot, Eggslut, offers the signature “The Slut” (coddled egg over creamy potato puree), Bacon Egg & Cheese sandwiches, and Gaucho steak & egg brioche sandwiches.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Enjoy curated film screenings in a distraction-free environment. From horror on Terror Tuesday to obscure classics on Weird Wednesday, the dine-in theater serves full meals and drinks, ensuring a unique cinematic experience.
The GRAMMY Museum
Explore music history at The GRAMMY Museum. The Sonic Playground lets you play instruments and remix tracks, while exhibits like Musical Crossroads and How to Win a GRAMMY provide immersive insight into music creation and Grammy history.
Vista Theater
A historic single-screen theater preserving the art-house concept. Expect quirky Art Deco interiors, Egyptian motifs, and comfortable seating. Owned by Quentin Tarantino, it’s a perfect stop near Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and East Hollywood, with a coffee shop, Pam’s Coffy, nearby.
Chinatown
LA’s Chinatown is filled with cultural, artistic, and shopping gems. Browse Saigon Plaza, Tin Bo, or Iko Iko for unique finds, or explore galleries like Charlie James Gallery and Noon Projects. Visit Rainbow for affordable, gorgeous houseplants.
The Last Bookstore
This former bank turned bookstore offers reading nooks, whimsical book tunnels, and artsy photo ops. Perfect for book lovers and Instagrammers alike—it’s a destination as much for the experience as the books.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Home to the LA Philharmonic, this Frank Gehry-designed building is a modern architectural icon. Take an audio tour, explore secret corners, visit the hidden garden, or dine at Asterid by Ray Garcia or across the street at The Grand LA by José Andrés.
El Capitan Theatre
Watch Disney classics, first-run films, and live shows in a restored historic theater. With themed entertainment, it’s perfect for families, Disney fans, and cinephiles seeking a magical experience.
Exposition Park
Spanning 160 acres, this park houses museums, landmarks, and green spaces. Visit the California Science Center (home to Space Shuttle Endeavour), the Natural History Museum, the California African American Museum, or relax in the Rose Garden. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum adds a historic sporting element.
Ready to explore Los Angeles in style? Book your stay at The Royal Pagoda Motel, perfectly located for easy access to all the top LA attractions.
About Author
Isla is known as one of the best female solo travel bloggers today. She has been to Europe, UAE, and America and has penned down her experience in her blogs to inspire other travel enthusiasts.