The Arts District is an artistic area in the downtown of the city of Los Angeles, near Little Tokyo and Chinatown. It used to be an industrial space with factories and warehouses. As performers and designers took their place, it became an active artistic centre. The area is known for its colourful street murals, art galleries, and modern restaurants. Tourists visit this place to experience craft breweries, cafes, and speciality stores. This neighbourhood is a perfect mix of industrial history and the artistic energy of LA.
Where to Stay in the Arts District?
The following are the seven top places to stay in and around the Arts District:
Soho Warehouse
Soho Warehouse is a members-only, fashion-forward hotel that reflects the creativity of the Arts District. It has art-decorated interiors, a rooftop pool, a modern restaurant, and socialising lounge zones. The guests can create an industrial-chic atmosphere and conveniently access local galleries and breweries. The average room cost starts around $350 per night.
Address: 1000 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
citizenM offers compact, high-tech rooms equipped with smart technology in lighting and air conditioning. Its rooftop bar offers panoramic city sightseeing and is within walking distance of attractions in Little Tokyo and the Arts District. The modern style of the hotel attracts adventurous tourists. The average rate is $180-$220 per night.
Address: 361 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
The Hoxton, DTLA (Nearby)
The Hoxton features a mix of retro decoration and modern facilities, such as a rooftop pool, restaurant, and co-working areas. The Arts District and other hotspots of Downtown are easily reachable in their own area. The cost of the rooms varies between $200 and $300 a night.
Address: 1060 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Airbnbs & Loft Stays
The Arts District is known to have industrial lofts and creative high-ceiling apartments with exposed brick and artistic decor. Most of them have well-furnished kitchens and work stations. The price ranges between $150 and $400 per night, depending on the size and location.
Row DTLA Lofts & Residences (Extended Stay Option)
Row DTLA offers long-term accommodations in modern loft style. It is near fashionable restaurants, bars, and art spaces, allowing visitors to experience the area. The monthly rents begin at approximately $3,000.
Address: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States
Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown (Nearby)
Hotel Indigo is a blend of comfort and art-inspired interiors. It has a rooftop pool, an in-house restaurant and rooms with a view of the city. The place is near galleries, coffee shops, and creative studios, so it is perfect for a culture lover who needs to go. The average prices are between $190 and $250 per night.
Address: 899 Francisco St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, United States
Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles (Nearby)
Ace Hotel boasts of the renewed architecture of the 1920s, a rooftop bar, and a theatre of the past. The hotel hosts live events, music, and cultural events, and its stylish rooms and social spaces are appealing to the creative travellers. The average room cost is between $220 and $280 USD.
Address: 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
How to Get Around the Arts District?
Here are five useful ways to explore the Arts District and nearby Downtown LA attractions efficiently:
Walking
The Arts District streets, murals and galleries are best viewed by walking through its streets. Popular restaurants, such as Wurstkuh, Bestia, Bavel, and Angel City Brewery, are within a short walking distance. A map or a navigation application and comfortable shoes can help you get to know the area better.
Metro (Gold Line / E Line via Little Tokyo Station)
The Metro Gold Line, renamed the E Line, links the Arts District to Little Tokyo, Union Station and other parts of Downtown LA. Tourists do not have to worry about parking because they can reach the Otium, Bottega Louie, or Broken Spanish quickly. The fare is around $1.75 per ride.
Biking & Scooters
Riding a bicycle or riding an electric scooter is an easy way to pass through the neighbourhood. There are a lot of bike routes along many streets, and it is easy to reach Angel City Brewery, Redbird, and The Factory Kitchen. Rentals are also extremely common, and you can view murals and outdoor art close by in this form.
Car & Ride-Share
Driving allows flexibility to visit the Arts District and other places in Downtown LA, such as Bestia, Bavel, and Wurstkuche. There is minimal parking space, and it is feasible to use ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft in the short term.
Bus Routes
The Arts District is served by several Metro bus lines and is linked to Downtown LA and other parts of the city, such as Little Tokyo and Chinatown. Buses are cheap and cost approximately $1.75 per ride, and they are the most affordable mode of transport.
What to See & Do in the Arts District?
The following are the nine best attractions and experiences in the Arts District of Los Angeles.
Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles (Flagship Contemporary Art Gallery)
Hauser and Wirth Los Angeles is among the most renowned art exhibitions in the city, housed in a former flour mill of the 19th century. The gallery features rotating exhibits of global modern artists and installations that create dialogue. There is also Manuela, a farm-to-table restaurant serving Southern-inspired cuisine, a courtyard full of sculptures, and a small bookstore on the site. Entry is free, and there can be guided tours.
Address: 901-909 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is part of the Museum of Contemporary Art and deals with large-scale and experimental works. There is more than enough open space in the warehouse-style building in which to install and experience multimedia. They have themed exhibitions, film shows and cultural events that visitors can enjoy all year round. The area is close to Little Tokyo, so one can visit multiple attractions at once. Admission is free on Thursdays, and the tickets are usually approximately $18.
Address: 152 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Arts District Brewing Company
Arts District Brewing Company is a social energy hangout that combines local craft beer. There are exposed brick walls, neon lights, and arcade games on the inside, and the outside balcony is ideal on sunny afternoons. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy over 30 in-house brewed beer varieties, such as Traction IPA and Cubano Stout.
Address: 828 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Angel City Brewery
Angel City Brewery is the creative heart of the neighbourhood with its colourful murals, open tasting room and special brews. It has community events, art markets and contest nights that unite locals. The Angel City IPA is also typically enjoyed by guests, and food trucks are parked outside, serving tacos, burgers, and Korean BBQ, depending on the schedule. The environment of the brewery is informal and social, which suits evening meetings.
Address: 216 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
ROW DTLA
ROW DTLA offers culture, retail, and food in a modern industrial warehouse that used to store produce. It hosts elegant restaurants, such as Pikunico, Rappahannock Oyster Bar, and Go Get Em Tiger, and design studios and boutique shops. The open-air market on a weekend is popular among food enthusiasts and local artists. The first hour of parking is free, and the visitors usually take some hours to explore its creative corners.
Address: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States
Arts District Murals & Street Art Walk
The Arts District is known for its colourful murals that make whole streets into outdoor galleries. Other artists such as Shepard Fairey, Tristan Eaton and RETNA have made their presence here with provocative and bold installations. Walking through Traction Avenue, 3rd Street, and Mateo Street reveals how art connects community and creativity. Those interested in knowing the story of the artists are also guided on mural tours.
Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA)
ICA LA specialises in experimental and socially mindful art by future and current artists. The museum emphasises the displays with the theme of identity, politics, and modern culture. The simplicity of its architecture provides the openness to reflection and interaction. There is no entrance fee, and the museum events usually involve artist talks, community workshops and movie shows.
Address: 1717 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States
Warner Music Group Headquarters (Historic Ford Factory Building)
This old building, which was used as an automobile factory, is now the creative headquarters of the Warner Music Group. The reconstruction did not lose its industrial feel but introduced some sustainable design elements and modern art elements. Visitors usually take a short stop to appreciate the architecture and the murals around the area, although they are not open to tours.
Address: 777 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States
Sci-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture)
SCI-Arc is a top school of architecture in the country, and it has its own projects and exhibitions of new design. The campus has open galleries where people can see the works of students that integrate technology, structure, and creativity. It represents the community’s commitment to imagination and design thinking.
Address: 960 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Where to Eat in the Arts District?
The following are the eight best restaurants and cafes in the Arts District:
Bestia
Bestia is a popular Italian restaurant located within a former warehouse, with an industrial and modern atmosphere. It is known because of its wood-fired pizzas, house-cured meats, and spicy lamb sausage pasta. The mood is vibrant with an open kitchen that gives a dynamic touch to the area. The food is around $45-70 per person on average.
Address: 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States
Bavel
Bavel offers the Arts District delicious Middle Eastern cuisine on colourful plates and a cosy atmosphere. Lamb neck shawarma, hummus with duck nduja, and freshly baked pita are some of the popular items. The area is recharged with greenery and gentle light, which gives it a warm, chic atmosphere. The average meal is between $40 and $65.
Address: 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Manuela
Manuela is a blend of Southern-style cooking and new California produce within a complex of Hauser and Wirth galleries. The open courtyard and local art in the restaurant are good places to visit after viewing the exhibits. They have crispy chicken sandwiches, cast-iron cornbread, and seasonal cocktails. The average price will be about $35-$60 each.
Address: 907 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Wurstkuche
Wurstkuche is a casual, fun restaurant that offers gourmet sausages and a great selection of imported beers. Tourists are offered to taste special dishes such as rattlesnake sausage and rabbit sausage, or can have the traditional bratwurst. Its interior industry and the communal tables make it social and relaxed. The cost of meals is approximately $20-30 per individual.
Address: 800 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Urth Caffe
Urth Caffe is a small cafe where one can have breakfast or an afternoon coffee. It offers organic coffee, boba teas, and light foods, like avocado toast, salads, and fresh pastries. Its sunny balcony is usually crowded with locals and visitors who relax in the artistic neighbourhood. The prices are typically between $15 and $25 per head.
Address: 451 S Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Pie Hole
Pie Hole is a neighbourhood favourite when it comes to homemade sweet and savoury pies. The store is also known to serve Mexican Chocolate and Earl Grey pies and strong espresso beverages. It is a small and friendly establishment that is ideal as a dessert shop or a coffee break spot. The average price per item is $6-$10.
Address: 714 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Guerrilla Tacos (Modern Street Tacos)
Guerrilla Tacos is a restaurant that converts classic street food into innovative meals using local products. Popular dishes on the menu are pork belly tacos, sweet potato tacos and tuna tostadas. The open-air structure and the local art make the restaurant look lively and casual. The average meal costs around $20 to $35.
Address: 2000 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States
Zinc Cafe & Market
Zinc Cafe and Market features a relaxing atmosphere with garden-style seating and a vegetarian menu. It offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch, such as mushroom pizzas, quinoa bowls, and fresh juices. There are local products, wines, and baked goods in the market area, as well. Meals cost about $20-$35 per person.
Address: 580 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
What are the Essential Tips for Visiting the Arts District?
The following are six useful tips to help make your visit to the Arts District smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.
Best Time to Visit
The Arts District is best visited during late afternoon/evening. The light is ideal for taking photographs, the galleries are open, and most restaurants start filling with locals. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.
Budgeting
The area offers a range of prices, including low-end coffee shops and high-end restaurants such as Bestia and Bavel. Average dining out costs about $50-$100, and casual restaurants cost $10-$25.
Culture & Etiquette
The Arts District is a creative community, and this is why people are advised to admire the artistic works in the streets and individual studios. Most of the shops and galleries value curiosity; simply ask before taking pictures or touching paintings.
Shopping Advice
ROW DTLA and the local boutiques sell designer products, local crafts, and used products. There is parking, and cards are accepted in the majority of the stores. It is better to visit before sunset to avoid the crowd and spend more time on personal shopping.
Safety & Security
Mostly it is safe, but it is worth keeping your eyes open, particularly at night. Always store valuable items, park in places that are well-lit and use ride share services during late hours.
Photography Spots
The murals, industrial streets, and creative spaces of the district render it ideal for photography. The best areas are Traction Avenue, Mateo Street, and around Hauser and Wirth. The best light for photography is in the early morning or in the golden hour.
