Tours & experiences

Downtown LA’s History & Architecture: Private Walking Tour

About this experience

In a city blessed with blissful light, innovation and bold visual design statements, Los Angeles is full of architectural gems that only make sense in the context of the history around which they were built. Discover an ever-evolving urban centre with a unique blend of Art Deco and Beaux-Arts architectural landmarks, modern skyscrapers, and historic landmarks.

You will discover sharp, crisp right angles of modernist architecture, the dazzling exoticism of soaring spires and fairytale towers, and grand palatial estates.

Backdropped by year-round blue skies and golden sunshine, LA’s structures are showcased to perfection in the city’s famous sublime light. This tour will dazzle with the porous alabaster-white shell facade of the Broad Museum, the glinting curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the city’s downtown cultural centrepiece, and the old Mexican influences of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and its tree-shaded plazas.

At a glance

  • Duration: 3 hr
  • Private experience

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Downtown LA's History & Architecture: Private Walking Tour

Plan your experience

Time on the tour3 hr
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What is included

  • Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
  • A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way
  • Transportation and hotel pickup/drop-off

Itinerary and highlights

Begin your tour at Union Station, called the last of America's great train stations.

Squint your eyes, and the stainless steel Walt Disney Concert Hall design looks like a gleaming clipper ship, its sails filled with wind.

Visit Olvera Street, known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles.” The block-long tree-shaded Mexican marketplace is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument

Walk down Union Street, a vibrant symbol of LA’s spirit and soul. Its’ stunning signature Mission Moderne style combines Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture

Visit The Bradbury Building - where modest mildly Romanesque exterior hides a magical light-filled Victorian court, open cage elevators, marble stairs, and ornate iron railings, built in 1893.

Enjoy Grand Central Market, which boasts vintage neon signs, glorious 1960s tile-work and original Beaux Arts detailing.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Your guide will meet you in front of the "Homebound Brew Haus", located to the right of the main entrance of Union Station, 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Travel Curious

Accessibility and practical details

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 3 hr.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 0–11; Adult tickets: age 12+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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