Travels and Vacations
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Home to Universal Studios, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, and the Walk of Fame, Los Angeles has long lured many into its glittering fantasy world. With endless sunshine, palm trees, shopping malls, and beautiful people, this city is like no place you’ve ever been before and yet feels strangely familiar. A sprawling metropolis brimming with culture, entertainment, and iconic sights, L.A. offers something for every traveler.
The City
The sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles is spread across four thousand square miles of desert between the mountains and the ocean. It consists of several mini-cities bound by a network of freeways. L.A. is divided into five main districts: Downtown, Hollywood, The Valley, Westside, and the Beaches — each a world in themselves.
The size of the place may be a source of confusion to a first-time visitor, but don’t give up! It all soon falls into place. Tourists tend to concentrate in the western part of the city, where beach hotels and attractions are located. However, it is worth venturing Downtown for a bit more grit and less glitz, as well as for some great eating and drinking, Downtown is home to the magnificent Walt Disney Concert Hall, an experience in itself.
Los Angeles will always be associated with movies and movie stars. The huge Hollywood sign on the hill to Universal Studios, the glamour of Beverly Hills, and the unavoidable celebrity spotting in bars and restaurants... You cannot help but be lured into this surreal and magical world. However, if you fail to look beyond this celluloid culture, you will be missing some of the most fabulous art collections and galleries in the world. The Getty Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Norton Simon Museum all house spectacular permanent collections.
With most days of the year being sunny and warm, outdoor life is a large part of the Los Angeles lifestyle. Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu beaches offer some great urban beach culture with roller skating on the promenades and shopping on the boulevards. Griffith Park is one of the largest city parks in the country and offers all manner of outdoor pursuits (including the LA Zoo).
With a population as diverse as its geography, Los Angeles has become a multicultural hub, which is reflected in the food, art, and streets themselves.
Do & See
With so much to see and do, Los Angeles can be overwhelming to the first-time visitor, especially if time is tight. From world-famous attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory to laid-back beaches and vibrant arts districts, the city offers something for every traveler.
Dining
Los Angeles is a true culinary melting pot, thanks to its diverse, multi-ethnic community. Whether you’re craving authentic Mexican tacos, fresh sushi, or gourmet fusion fare, L.A. has it all. While the big-name restaurants often steal the spotlight, don’t overlook the charming neighborhood spots that can offer some of the most memorable dining experiences.
Just a heads-up: Reservations are a must at many of these places, especially on weekends. And since most kitchens close by 10 p.m., it’s always a good idea to head out early and make the most of your meal.
Cafés
Los Angeles is overflowing with great cafés, from laid-back coffee shops to trendy breakfast spots and diners serving up generous portions. Whether you're after a quick pick-me-up or a leisurely brunch, the city's café scene offers something for everyone, with an impressive range of options to suit any taste.
Bars & Nightlife
When the sun dips below the horizon, Los Angeles comes alive with endless possibilities for nightlife. Whether you're in the mood to sip creative cocktails at an upscale rooftop bar, dance the night away in a trendy club, or catch an intimate live show, the city's after-dark scene has something for everyone. West Hollywood offers high-energy spots, Downtown boasts a blend of sleek lounges and historic watering holes, and Venice provides a more laid-back, beachy vibe. With its mix of glamorous hotspots and hidden gems, L.A. is the perfect place to experience a night out, no matter your mood or style.
Shopping
Los Angeles is a shopper’s dream, no matter your style or budget. You can splurge on designer pieces along Rodeo Drive, dig through vintage gems at the Melrose Trading Post, or browse indie boutiques in Silver Lake. If you prefer a mix of big-name brands and open-air strolling, The Grove and Westfield Century City have you covered. Over in Venice, Abbot Kinney Boulevard blends fashion, art, and that signature laid-back California vibe. Whether you're after high fashion, thrifted treasures, or a quirky souvenir to take home, L.A. has it all—and then some.
Tourist Information
Passport/Visa
Citizens of Schengen Area countries, along with Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, can visit the United States for up to 90 days without needing a visa, provided they obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before their trip. All other travelers must secure a visa before visiting the U.S.
In addition, international travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. For the most current information and any updates on entry requirements, it is advisable to consult the U.S. Department of State website or contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Los Angeles is, generally, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant—mild temperatures ranging from 18-22°C—and the crowds are thinner than in the peak summer months. These months also offer a variety of events and festivals, such as the LA Film Festival in the fall and the LA County Fair in late summer.
Summer (June to August) brings warm weather and peak tourist season, with highs often reaching 27-34°C. This is when major events like the LA Pride Parade and Hollywood Bowl concerts take place, but be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.
Winter (December to February) is less crowded and milder than in other U.S. cities, though it can be cooler with occasional rain. It's also a great time for holiday events like the LA Auto Show and the Tournament of Roses Parade.
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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport is situated approximately 29 kilometers southwest of downtown Los Angeles, typically a 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. Travelers have several options to reach the city center: ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available at designated pickup areas; the LAX FlyAway® Bus provides regular, non-stop service to Union Station in downtown LA; and public transportation is accessible via the Metro Green Line, which connects to other lines leading to downtown. There are also plenty of car rental agencies at the airport.
Address: Los Angeles International Airport
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Phone: +1 855 463 5252
Website: www.flylax.com
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Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is located approximately 24 kilometers north of downtown Los Angeles, typically a 20- to 30-minute drive depending on traffic conditions. Travelers can reach the city center via several transportation options: ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available at the airport. Notably, BUR is the only airport in the Los Angeles area with a direct rail connection to downtown. Passengers can utilize Metrolink services from two stations: Burbank Airport–North on the Antelope Valley Line and Burbank Airport–South on the Ventura County Line. Public buses and car rental services are also available for travelers seeking alternative transportation options.
Address: Hollywood Burbank Airport, Burbank, California
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Phone: +1 818 840 8840
Website: www.hollywoodburbankairport.com
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Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is located approximately 39 kilometers south of downtown Los Angeles, typically a 25- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. Travelers can reach the city center via several transportation options, including ride-sharing services, taxis, and shuttle services. Public transportation is also available; the nearest Metro Rail station is the Wardlow Station on the A Line, which connects to downtown Los Angeles.
Address: Long Beach Airport - Long Beach, California
Email: lgbarpt@longbeach.gov
Phone: +1 562 570 2600
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Public Transport
Los Angeles' public transit system is useful for reaching many key destinations, including Downtown L.A., Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Pasadena. However, due to the city's vast size and spread-out neighborhoods, relying solely on public transportation can be time-consuming, especially when traveling between less connected areas. While Metro Rail and buses cover much of the city, some popular spots—like Malibu, the Hollywood Hills, and certain beach communities—have limited or no direct transit options. For that reason, many visitors opt to supplement public transportation with ride-sharing services or rental cars to maximize flexibility and convenience.
For up-to-date schedules, fares, and route maps, check out the official website of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
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Taxi
In Los Angeles, hailing a taxi on the street can be challenging, as cabs do not usually stop when hailed down. Instead, taxis are typically requested via phone, mobile apps, or found at designated taxi stands. Ride-sharing services such as Uber, Curb, RideYellow, and Lyft operate extensively throughout the city, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
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Post
In Los Angeles, post office hours can vary by location, but many operate Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, with some offering Saturday hours, typically from 9am to noon. Services provided include mailing and shipping, P.O. box rentals, and passport applications.
Address: 506 S Spring Street, Los Angeles
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Phone: +1 800 275 8777
Website: www.usps.com
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Time Zone
Los Angeles is located in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). This time zone is 8 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-8).
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Pharmacy
Los Angeles boasts a diverse array of pharmacy chains, with CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and Rite Aid being the most prominent.
Address: Walgreens - 617 W 7th Street, Los Angeles
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Phone: +1 213 694 2880
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Electricity
US standard voltage is 110-115V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. The sockets and the power plugs are of type A and B. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, while Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin.
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Telephone
Country code: +1
Los Angeles has several area codes:
213 covers downtown Los Angeles, while 323 surrounds it, including Hollywood and South L.A. The 310 area serves the Westside and coastal regions, with 424 as its overlay. The 818 and 747 codes cover the San Fernando Valley, while 626 serves the San Gabriel Valley. 562 includes Long Beach and nearby areas. In November 2024, the 738 area code was introduced as an overlay for 213 and 323.
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