Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles) – The Birthplace of Los Angeles

Olvera Street is a historic Mexican market in downtown Los Angeles, in the core of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, established in 1781. Its old name is Wine Street, and in 1930, it was reopened and redeveloped as a cultural centre under the name of the first county judge, Agustín Olvera. The visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the fantasy of this street, classic shops with Mexican presents and crafts, restaurants, cafes, and street vendors and visit the historical landmarks, museums such as the Avila Adobe.

What Can You See and Do at Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles)?

Here are the five  best things to see and do at Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles):

1. Historic Buildings: Visitors enjoy the tour of more than 25 historic structures, including the Avila Adobe, the oldest house in Los Angeles and the Plaza Catholic Church. These buildings provide an insight into the past of the city.  Olvera Street is considered to be the place where Los Angeles was born.
2. Traditional Market Stalls: Browse all the market stalls with the colourful marketplace where you find a selection of Mexican handicrafts, such as pottery, blankets and other souvenirs. There is also a great variety of goods, including leather purses or traditional Mexican candy.
3. Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Visitors enjoy the authentic Mexican food in the many restaurants and cafes along the street. Popular choices are tacos, taquitos and ceviche, served in a traditional way. 
4. Live Mariachi Music & Festivals: Olvera Street is an amazing place to enjoy Live entertainment, including mariachi bands, folkloric dances and Aztec Indian shows. Cultural events and festivals also take place on the street, such as the annual blessing of the animals. 
5. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument: Olvera Street is one of the main parts of the historical monument of El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the birthplace of the city. The locality incorporates the historical plaza, a bandstand, as well as a number of museums, such as La Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

How to Get to Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles)?

Here are the three best ways to go to Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles):

1. By Metro: Get to the Union Station by Metro Rail (B Line, D Line, L Line, J Line). It is then a short stroll to the historical Olvera Street district. It costs $1.75 per ride. You have to buy a TAP card to pay the fare, which costs $2.
2. By Bus: There are many bus routes in Los Angeles running in the downtown area, and stop at Olvera Street. DASH buses get you to the historical monument, which also operates in the downtown region. 
3. By Limo and Car Services: Limousine service Los Angeles drops you at the entrance or close to the entrance. A limo is the most convenient way to go to Olvera Street; it provides luxurious transportation. It’s the best option to reach the venue in time.

What Are the Entry Fees and Timings of Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles)?

The  Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles) has no entry fee. It opens from 9 AM to 8 PM.

Where to Eat Near Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles)?

Here are the four best eating places at Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles):

1. El Paseo Inn: The El Paseo Inn was constructed at Olvera Street in 1930. The building is representative of the historic, bustling Mexican marketplace look of the street, with a spectacular mural by artist Ruben Lara Campos painted in 1946. It serves traditional Mexican food as chile rellenos, chicken enchiladas with mole poblano, and table-side guacamole.
2. Cielito Lindo: Cielito Lindo is a modest and historic food place established on Olvera Street in 1934, and is known for crispy beef taquitos. The taquitos are accompanied by green avocado sauce that is special and delicious. The takeout stand is a small, hole-in-the-wall counter, which is placed in the entrance of the market, contributing to the feeling of authenticity and the bustling effect.
3. Philippe the Original: Philippe is located a few minutes walk from Olvera Street, Chinatown, and has been working since 1908 and is famous for the French Dip sandwich. The interior of the restaurant is old-fashioned, traditional delicatessen with sawdust on the floor, common tables, and walls covered with memorabilia and historical newspapers. Its speciality is the French Dip sandwich, prepared using beef, pork, lamb and other meats in a French roll, dipped in the natural juices of the meat. Sides are traditional potato salad and coleslaw.
4. Cafe Santo: Cafe Santo is not directly close to Olvera Street. Cafe Santo is located in Silver Lake and is famous for Oaxacan taste and coffee. Santo Cafe is fabulous in taste and worth seeing due to its architecture.