Los Angeles. Lights, Camera, Action in the City of Angels!

Sunshine, Stars, and Endless Adventures Await in LA!

Welcome to Los Angeles, the vast, sun-kissed metropolis of Southern California, globally recognized as the heart of the world's film and television industry. LA is a city of dreams, a sprawling landscape stretching from dramatic mountains and arid deserts to the iconic beaches of the Pacific coast. It's a place synonymous with Hollywood glamour, celebrity culture, endless sunshine, and a famously laid-back lifestyle.


Beyond the Tinseltown allure, Los Angeles is a vibrant mosaic of diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct personality. It boasts world-class museums, innovative culinary scenes, legendary theme parks, and a palpable creative energy that draws artists, writers, and visionaries. Prepare to explore a city that's vast, diverse, and constantly reinventing itself under the California sun.

Special Accommodation Offers

Popular Spots

Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre
Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre

Sail across the harbour to witness Lady Liberty, the enduring symbol of freedom and welcome. Pair your visit with a stop at Ellis Island, the historic gateway for millions of immigrants, and explore the poignant museum housed in the former immigration station. (Book ferry tickets online in advance via Statue City Cruises; access to the pedestal and crown requires separate, very early booking).

Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory

Perched majestically in the Hollywood Hills within the expansive Griffith Park, this landmark offers truly breathtaking panoramic views. Look out over the sprawling Los Angeles basin, Downtown LA's skyline, the Pacific Ocean on a clear day, and get one of the best accessible views of the iconic Hollywood Sign. The observatory itself features fascinating astronomy exhibits (general admission is often free).

Santa Monica Pier & Beach
Santa Monica Pier & Beach

Experience the classic Southern California beach vibe. Walk, bike, or skate along the wide, sandy Santa Monica State Beach, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the historic Santa Monica Pier with its solar-powered Ferris wheel, arcade games, restaurants, and street performers, and watch a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Getty Center
Getty Center

An architectural marvel designed by Richard Meier, spectacularly situated atop a hill in the Santa Monica Mountains. Ride the tram up to explore its impressive collections of pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts, wander through the stunning Central Garden, and soak in the incredible views across Los Angeles. Admission is free, though parking fees apply (booking entry may be required).

Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood

Step into the magic of movies at this working film studio and thrilling theme park. Experience immersive rides and attractions based on blockbuster films and franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Super Nintendo World, and Fast & Furious. Don't miss the famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour to see real film sets.

Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills)
Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills)

Indulge in some window shopping (or perhaps actual shopping!) along one of the most glamorous and expensive retail streets in the world. Stroll past flagship boutiques from top international designers like Gucci, Prada, and Tiffany & Co., admire the luxury cars cruising by, and experience the opulent atmosphere of Beverly Hills.

Why Should Los Angeles Be Your Next Starring Role?

Los Angeles holds an undeniable allure as the epicentre of the entertainment universe. The chance to walk in the footsteps of movie stars, visit iconic filming locations, tour major film studios, or even catch a glimpse of a celebrity offers a unique thrill for film buffs and pop culture fans. Coupled with this is the quintessential Southern California lifestyle – endless sunshine, beautiful beaches perfect for surfing or relaxing, and a focus on health and wellness that permeates the culture.


Beyond Hollywood and the beaches, LA offers incredible diversity. Explore distinct neighbourhoods from artsy Silver Lake to historic Downtown, indulge in a vast and innovative food scene ranging from gourmet food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, visit world-class art museums like LACMA or The Broad, hike scenic trails in the surrounding mountains, and enjoy major theme parks. LA is a city of contrasts and creativity, offering endless possibilities under the California sun.

Local Essentials

Local time

os Angeles operates on the Pacific Time Zone (PT). It currently observes Daylight Saving Time, meaning it is on Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), which is GMT-7. (In winter, typically early November to mid-March, it uses Pacific Standard Time, PST, GMT-8).

Currency

The official currency is the US Dollar ($ or USD). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Contactless payments are common. Carrying some cash is useful for smaller purchases like food trucks, some market vendors, tips, or valet parking. ATMs are readily available.

Languages

English is the primary language. Due to LA's diverse population, Spanish is also very widely spoken. You will hear numerous other languages throughout the city, reflecting its multicultural makeup.

6 Ways to Make the Most of Your Bite of the Big Apple!

Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame

01

Walk along Hollywood Boulevard, find the stars dedicated to your favourite celebrities in film, TV, music, and radio, see the famous handprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, and soak up the unique (and often crowded) Tinseltown atmosphere.

02

Hike for Hollywood Sign Views (in Griffith Park)

For iconic views of the Hollywood Sign and the city, take a hike within Griffith Park. Popular viewpoints can be reached via trails starting near the Griffith Observatory or from Canyon Drive (leading towards the Brush Canyon Trail). Remember, you cannot hike directly up to the sign itself.

03

Experience a Major Theme Park

Immerse yourself in fantasy and thrills. Choose between the movie magic and rides at Universal Studios Hollywood (within LA) or make the trip south to Anaheim (about an hour's drive, traffic depending) for the original Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

04

Soak Up the Sun on a Famous Beach

Experience the quintessential Southern California beach scene. Relax on the wide sands of Santa Monica State Beach and enjoy the pier, people-watch along the eclectic and bohemian Venice Beach Boardwalk (see Muscle Beach), or head north to Malibu for stunning coastal scenery.

05

Explore World-Class Art at the Getty Center

Ride the tram up the hill to this stunning museum complex. Admire the architecture by Richard Meier, explore European art collections, wander through the beautiful Central Garden, and take in the panoramic views over LA stretching towards the ocean. (Free admission, advance timed entry reservation may be required).

06

Cruise Down Sunset Boulevard

Take a drive along this legendary street, famous for its role in Hollywood history and music lore. Follow its path from near Downtown LA, through Hollywood, the iconic Sunset Strip in West Hollywood (known for music venues and billboards), through glamorous Beverly Hills, and eventually towards the coast near Pacific Palisades.

Final Thoughts: Los Angeles - Dream Big in the City of Stars!

Los Angeles is a city of immense scale, captivating contrasts, and undeniable allure. It's where the glamour of Hollywood meets the laid-back beach culture, where diverse neighbourhoods sprawl under near-constant sunshine, and where creative energy fuels dreams big and small. It’s a landscape filled with iconic sights recognized the world over.


Whether you're chasing movie magic on studio tours, relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, exploring world-class art collections, hiking scenic trails, or discovering hidden culinary gems in diverse neighbourhoods, Los Angeles offers a vast and unforgettable canvas for adventure. Come ready to explore, embrace the sunshine, and maybe even spot a star!