Top 6 Los Angeles Insider Tips

Los Angeles is a myth. Here live the beautiful and the rich, here Hollywood celebrates, you can surf at the beaches of Malibu, and you might even get the chance to see sharks and dolphins. Come with us to LA, the City of Angels.

One thing to note when visiting Los Angeles for the first time: The city is HUGE! I'm quite sure that when we book a flight to L.A. from our comparatively 'small' European cities, we have no idea how massive this destination in the USA really is. Imagine that you are not traveling to one, but several cities that are all connected by heavily trafficked 'highways' and 'freeways'.

There is simply no easy explanation for the phenomenon of Los Angeles, which can be both heaven and hell - a sparkling, modern metropolis as well as neglected streets that hardly anyone cares about. Whether it's urbanity, miles of beaches, or secluded villas - all this is Los Angeles, lined up on perfectly straight streets that seem to go on forever. Is it a city for a short trip? Just as impossible as getting around here on foot. In this city, neighborhoods are the measure, not the city as a whole!

You can experience Los Angeles best by car. With a rental car, you can travel comfortably from A to B in this city, designed for drivers with its distances and highlights. While public transportation such as buses and trains exists, the connections don't extend everywhere for locations that aren't in the center, and when they do, they take a long time for these sometimes huge distances, requiring multiple transfers.

'Downtown L.A.' is the vibrant heart of this urban giant in 'SoCal,' Southern California. Here, public cultural sites and parks sit alongside the glass skyscrapers of the financial district, while delicious insider culinary tips can be found between homeless shelters and modern Christian buildings. Everything is so close together that you can actually explore this part of Los Angeles on foot or quickly by bus. There is even a metro line running through here, which you can't say about every area of the city.

If you're interested in culture, you should head towards Bunker Hill, Grand Avenue, or Hope St heading north. At the intersection with W 2nd St, you'll pass the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall. Even if you don't have a concert in mind, you should definitely stop by. The architecture is so remarkable that the exterior of the home of the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra is a highlight in the city. Built in 2003 by Frank Gehry, this imposing steel structure with its many curves and flowing lines is a true monument. Visitors have mentioned that it reminds them of ships on the waves of the oceans.

Next, continue along N Grand Avenue north, where you'll first be greeted by the beautiful Grand Park. Here, you can relax and recharge and it is a popular spot for hard-working downtowners to spend their lunch breaks. Continuing up to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, you'll notice that from the outside, it may not appear to be a church, let alone a cathedral. In fact, the Cathedral is designed so atypically and modern that you should definitely check it out just for that reason, even if you don't typically care for churches! Once again, the 'New World' has set its own standards, creating a neutral place based solely on a unifying faith in a world full of 'multiculturalism.' The church is officially Catholic, yet it seems designed so neutrally that the impression is that it can be a home for all cultures. Not to mention, Sunday mass is translated into 42 languages! After the original church was severely damaged by several earthquakes, the new cathedral was built at its current location. The building's final blessing took place in 2002, making this one of the youngest churches in history!

For those who value freshly prepared and healthy food, the options are generally limited in the USA. Either the food source is quite hidden or can become quite expensive. A great alternative and one of my absolute insider tips is the Grand Central Market at 317 S Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles! Here you have a large covered market that not only has the freshest ingredients but also freshly prepared dishes for immediate consumption. A true oasis for any gourmet and definitely a refreshing change to the overwhelming abundance of fast food on offer!

Have you ever been in Manhattan in sweltering heat? No? Then you can make up for it now and perhaps you'll even see a palm tree along the way! ;) The buildings between the southern Hope and Figueroa Streets belong to the city's financial district and give you the impression, with their glass facades and skyscraper towers, that you are actually walking through the pulsing heart of New York. Like many places in L.A., there are no central points of interest. The surroundings are the highlight. Take a stroll along perhaps the most important artery, W 7th St, and let yourself be drawn into the many shops and little bistros that are lined up here. (Tip for bargain hunters: Macy's is always worth a visit!)

You will rarely experience as many entertainment options as you will at the Staples Center. Here it's pure entertainment, with events going on almost every day, each more spectacular than the last. Want to see sports events? The L.A. Lakers, Clippers (also basketball), Kings (hockey), and Sparks (women's basketball) all call this home. Regular WWE events are also held here. And on top of that, the biggest stars in the world regularly grace this venue. In 2015 alone, performance artists like Iggy Azalea, Taylor Swift, and Enrique Iglesias with Pitbull performed here. Plus, you can really have a good time here at the Staples Center with L.A. Live, where you can find shops, restaurants, and even hotels. So make sure to check it out and see what events are scheduled during your visit. It will definitely be worth it!

Palm fronds filtered by the sun, promenades where good-looking people rollerblade or walk with minimal clothing, as the waves of the Pacific crash against the rocks... We all have certain images in our heads when we think of the beaches of Los Angeles. And let me tell you: They are all true! Beach beauties, sun-kissed skaters on the ramp, muscle-bound posers at the so-called 'Muscle Beach' - none of this is fake and none of it was created in studios; you can truly discover all this when you visit the miles of coastline in L.A., which is divided into various beach sections.

Further up the coast, you can discover Malibu. Here, a mix of surfer paradise and private beaches in front of enormous mansions awaits you, some of which we've seen time and again in the series 'Two and a Half Men.' Swimming is unfortunately not allowed due to the many surfers, but a walk where you can dip your toes in the sea as the sunset on the horizon feels absolutely heavenly!

Santa Monica is one of the most popular beach areas. But don't worry - the coastline has been so extensively filled with sand that you don't have to feel like the famous sardine in a can here. The world-famous Santa Monica Pier, which we've often admired in television productions and movies, not only marks the official end of Route 66 but also offers plenty to discover: alongside restaurants and souvenir shops, there's even a small amusement park! A Ferris wheel and a roller coaster are just a couple of the attractions here. Plus, there's a breathtaking view of Los Angeles! Sometimes, some of the infamous sharks that inhabit the California coast are even spotted here.

Further south leads seamlessly into 'Little Venice,' presumably named for its one or two canals. Venice Beach truly has much to offer: what stands out here is not just the beautiful sand and the ocean, but rather the 'Ocean Front Walk,' where life buzzes! Artists showcase their crafts, charming bistros invite you for a tasty snack, and the promenade is where you see and be seen. Additionally, the famous 'Muscle Beach' is where athletic men and women show off what they can do on the public fitness equipment. Anyone can join in - but don't embarrass yourself!

Of course, when we think of Los Angeles, all the stars and celebrities that roam here immediately come to mind. Here, huge mansions stand, hidden talents can rise to fame or sink into oblivion. Showbiz is everywhere. It can even happen that as an unsuspecting bystander simply leaning against a wall, you're asked if you'd like to join the 'audition' happening nearby...

As a tourist, a stroll along the most famous sidewalk in the world, the Walk of Fame, is practically mandatory. Along the more than 2,500 stars, you can discover a few 'stars' yourself. The most famous area is the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theater, where alongside many tourists, you'll find the handprints and footprints with personal signatures of the greats. In search of 'real stars,' you can also book a 'Star-Gazing Tour' along the Hollywood Boulevard that takes you close to the extravagant and famous mansions that tower over the city.

If you're up for an all-encompassing, spectacular view of (almost) all of Los Angeles, you should definitely visit Griffith Park with its observatory. Situated on a hill, it offers a truly overwhelming view: you can see over the skyscrapers in Downtown, along the grid-like streets almost to the ocean, and you're also very close to the Hollywood sign! A guarantee for unforgettable impressions and fantastic photos!

The Getty Center also offers amazing views of Los Angeles and is located further toward the ocean, in the hills above Santa Monica. Here, you can immerse yourself culturally: impressive art from various epochs of the 'Old World' is on display in the museum. Based on the belief of founder J. Paul Getty that quality art should be accessible to the public, he founded what began as a small museum in 1954, which now consists of several buildings with its own research facility.

As long as you are 21 years or older and possess an ID or passport that confirms this, Los Angeles' nightlife is open to you! In Downtown and West Hollywood, for example, you can find numerous bars and clubs. In Downtown, the Golden Gopher serves as a cozy after-hours bar with friendly staff and a wide selection of American beers.

Also, Catcher in the Rye north of Hollywood offers a lovely, cozy atmosphere along with a great selection of delicious cocktails named after famous books. Generally speaking: as vast as the city is, so is the selection of nightlife options! As I mentioned earlier: here, neighborhoods are the focus. So you can simply explore your own area to find some hidden highlights. Just don't forget: in the USA, public drinking of alcohol on the street is not allowed!

You definitely should not miss out on a hot party night in L.A. - provided that you're over 21. Because that's the legal age in the USA. The club 1OAK on the Sunset Strip is particularly trendy. VIP sections, flowing champagne, and wealthier guests are the order of the day and make this club extremely desirable. If you're in for a wild night of partying in Los Angeles, make sure to have a decent meal beforehand. You can enjoy exclusive cuisine by Oscar chef Wolfgang Puck at Spago. Not only will you find the best wine selection in all of L.A. here, but the creations of the gourmet chef have also impressed guests at the Academy Awards for years.

True fans of Robert De Niro can double their foodie delight: two restaurants, Ago and Nobu, are among those that this actor operates. While you get to enjoy Italian cuisine at Ago, the menu at Nobu features Asian dishes. You're sure to see some stars dining here: Selena Gomez, the Kardashian/Jenner clan, and many other celebrities love to indulge in seafood at Nobu.

Are you tempted for a trip to Los Angeles? Check my hotel search for suitable offers. In my travel guide, you will also find more useful tips surrounding Los Angeles and the USA.