TRAVEL TIPS
LOS ANGELES
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Located in the State of California, Los Angeles is the second most populous city of the United States. Founded in 1781 by Native Americans and Spanish colonizers as a village called Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Angeles, it was a Mexican territory until 1848, when it was conquered by the Americans. Only from the 20th Century on the city started to attract stars and fame aspiring people, getting into the popular imagery as the city of glamour and famous people, such as it is known today for headquartering Hollywood, hosting international events as the Academy Awards and the Grammy Award, besides being
Venice and Malibu, the regions’ most famous;
the home to big movie and music stars.
Beverly Hills is full of gorgeous mansions among the green hills, luxury cars circulating through
Known as the “Entertainment Capital of the
the streets and all the ostentation of the luxury
World” and a world business center, the city
fashion brands in Rodeo Drive; Hollywood, with
has the United States’ third largest economic
its Walk of Fame, contemplating all the shining
potential, only behind of New York and
universe of the cinema and music; Downtown,
Chicago. Being a great place for shopping, it
with its museums, sports arenas (home of
provides a huge variety of outlets, malls and
the Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Sparks), music
street stores.
concerts, theaters, movie theaters, night clubs and a very hectic nightlife! In The Valley
Los Angeles a city that houses multi-cultures
district, in the primary thoroughfare “Ventura
in its 10 districts, each with their particularity
Boulevard”, it is possible to find the city’s best
and lifestyle: Beach Cities, Beverly Hills,
Japanese food restaurants and stores that
Downtown, Hollywood, Neighboring Regions,
attract the fashionistas.
Pasadena, Santa Monica, The Valley, West Hollywood and Westside.
With deserts and seas, mountains and valleys, the diversity of Los Angeles surprises all,
The city offers countless cultural, sporting and
not only with its natural and geographic
natural attractions, spread through the diversity
resources, but also by its modern, classic and
of its districts: in Beach Cities there are lovely
tropical architectures, mixed in a sole scenario,
beaches along its coast, such as Santa Monica,
in a sole city.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS LOS ANGELES
The peak season takes place from June to August, but to avoid a crowded city and high prices, another great season to go is from March to May, during Spring. The ideal period to stay, getting to know and fully enjoy the city is at least 4 days, but as many travelers sometimes have only a week to spare and want to visit as many places as possible in California, it is advisable to take at least 2 days to visit the main touristic attractions of the city!
CLIMATE Los Angeles has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with semi arid deserts, mild Winters and pretty hot Summers. August and
CAR It is the option most chosen by tourists to move around the city. The car rental in L.A. is
September are the hot period of the Summer,
quite affordable, with popular models costing
when the temperature readings can go up to
up to $300 a week, for example. GPS is vital,
37°C. From the end of May to July, most of the
because even with maps it is hard to know the
days in the coast are cloudy and misty due
routes and main roads by heart when you are
to ocean winds. Winter is the rainiest season, when the lowest temperature readings can go down to 5°C, in the months of December and early January.
driving. By car, you must be prepared for the traffic, but the main roads have a dedicated lane for cars with at least one lift, the Car Pool. When driving, it is possible to choose between using the freeways or circling inside Los Angeles, facing the traffic lights, but getting to know a
TRANSPORT
little more about the city and locals’ routine. Another moment the driver must be careful
Los Angeles is a big city with ample spaces and, despite having a quality public transportation, it is best to rent a car with a good GPS installed. Everything in L.A. is far and it can take longer than planned to move around, thus it is important to plan ahead the
with is when parking. Be careful with the parking time, if it is allowed to park on that particular spot and the private parking lots’ rates, that are not always cheap. It is also good to ask for information in the hotel you are staying, if they offer a parking lot.
means of transport you wish to use... Oh, and
BUS
be prepared to face some traffic!
There are countless bus lines that circle through almost all the roads of the city of Los
Angeles. There are two types of bus:Dash,
Santa Monica and Venice; and the Metrolink.
that is the neighborhood shuttle bus serving
The traveling time by bus is way more time-
specific areas; and the Metro, that circulates
consuming, mainly due to the waiting in the
all over the city and the fare is a little more
bus stop, because when the night falls their
expensive. There is a card for bus and subway
circulation decreases.
called TAP and it can be purchased in any machine in the subway stations. You can
TAXI
replenish the card with any amount you like,
This is not a great option for touristic purposes,
being also able to purchase daily passes, up
because on top of being expensive (taking into
to 3 days or even a week, which allow free
consideration the long distances in the city), it
circulation and are valid until 3 A.M.
is hard to find them on the streets, so you end up having to request one by phone or app. The
Despite the stations having many sign plates
taxis are mostly used at night to return from
indicating the routes and lines available in
bars and night clubs.
every point, the GPS greatly helps for you to know which line you have to board, or it is also
SUBWAY AND TRAINS
good to get information in the hotel or through
The subway (Metro Rail) in Los Angeles, despite
tourist leaflets. There are also special bus lines,
having few lines, grants access to many touristic
such as the Big Blue Bus, for the regions of
attractions. Its route is not very long, but the subway is well signposted and organized, its lines are organized by color and it operates from 5 A.M. to midnight, during weekdays. It is also possible to use the TAP, as explained in the topic about buses, and move around with the card. But the greatest advantage of this transportation is: not facing any traffic! The train service is provided by the Amtrack company, with interstate trips, in approximately 50 states. It is one of the options to reach Los Angeles, where the main local station is Union Station, in Downtown.
PLANE The main airport of L.A. is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). In case you reach the city by plane, if you do not have a transfer, there are several options to leave LAX for the city: the airport offers a free shuttle to the closest subway station (Metro Green
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS LOS ANGELES
Line Aviation Station) and another to the bus
Malibu, with a style of waterfront houses, the
terminal (Metro Bus Center); catch the FlyAway
beach is the surfers’ favorite.
bus or theBlue Shuttle; rent a car in one of the rent-a-car services of the airport; or take
Other beaches considered the most beautiful
a taxi, which is not the cheapest option, but
of Los Angeles: Leo Carrillo State Beach,
depending on the number of passengers it
Manhattan Beach, El Matador Beach,
may be worthy.
Hermosa Beach and Cabrillo Beach. Some are surrounded by cliffs and form natural pools, they are worth a visit! In this region it is also
ATTRACTIONS
possible to visit the port of L.A., Marina del Rey; the Aquarium of the Pacific and the small city of San Pedro.
From the sea to the desert, with a quick visit
HOLLYWOOD
to Hollywood to see the Walk of Fame, Los
Going to Los Angeles and not visiting
Angeles is divided into its districts, each with
Hollywood is like not getting to know the
their own attractions and lifestyle:
essence of the city. Birthplace of the fame, the
COASTAL REGION (BEACH CITIES)
Hollywood Boulevard is a must visit for most of the tourists who wish to behold the universe of
Los Angeles is a big coastal metropolis. Its
the celebrities. Besides walking on the famous
beaches have already been stage to great
Walk of Fame with its stars, that stretches
surfers and a paradise backdrop for many who
over a whole block, other monuments are also
dream of walking on their white sands, with
interesting due to their sumptuousness:
perfect waves, huge palm trees, a long pier and a lot of beautiful people. The weather is sunny
- Chinese Theater, open since 1927 to be the
and the atmosphere is more relaxed and calmer
most spectacular movie theater of its time, it
than downtown and its main beaches are:
keeps its fame and hosts important film events up till now.
- Santa Monica, one of California’s most famous, not only for its natural beauty, but also
- Dolby Theatre, it is the official place of the
for its pier with Pacific Park, an amusement
Oscar Ceremony and the setting of the famous
park almost in the middle of the Ocean! the
red carpet and celebrities in extravagant
ferris wheel is one of the must visit attractions
attire...
in L.A. - Hollywood Sign, are you going to Hollywood - Venice Beach has a long stretch of sand, but what grabs the attention is the architecture of the buildings along the promenade. - Malibu Beach, in the famous neighborhood of
and not even stopping by the emblematic
symbol of the movies? It is not hard to see the sign from some places in Hollywood, but to take a really good picture and to see it up close, it is advisable to reach the overlooks on Mulholland Drive, a winding road through Hollywood hills, which also provides a great view of Los Angeles. To top the entertainment off, if you are able to, do not miss the spectacles and concerts in theHollywood Bowl (the largest natural amphitheater of the world), visit the Madame Tussauds wax museum, or take a tour through Paramount Studios and Warner Bros Studios and also go to the Universal Studios Hollywood!
BEVERLY HILLS The famous neighborhood of the rich and famous attracts tourists to see the beautiful
Los Angeles downtown is the right place for fun
celebrities’ mansions, luxury cars and luxury
and culture, with many options for concerts,
fashion brands in a luxurious neighborhood.
spectacle theaters, music and entertainments
The most famous street of this neighborhood is
complexes, sports arenas, museums, renowned
theRodeo Drive, known for having all the great
restaurants and night clubs:
international luxury brands, hype restaurants and luxurious hotels. If you like culture, it is
- The L.A Live is a complex that offers a
worthy to visit the LACMA (Los Angeles County
very hectic nightlife with restaurants as The
Museum of Art) , considered the largest art
Grammy Museum, the ESPN Zone, the Lucky
museum of the American West Coast.
Strike Lanes and the Regal Movie Theaters.
DOWNTOWN
- The Staples Center is a big complex for sports
The center of the city of Los Angeles is a
events and concerts. It is also home to the
true open air architectural spectacle, with its
following Basketball teams: Lakers, Clippers,
futuristic buildings with modern and surprising
Kings and Sparks.
shapes, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and historical (Mexican) buildings, such as the
- The Music Center is the complex where are
ones found in Olvera Street. This is a culturally
the theaters and concert venues: the Dorothy
Mexican street, with authentic Mexican
Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre,
restaurants and street stalls selling products
the Mark Taper Forum and the Walt Disney
from Mexico.
Concert Hall.
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- The main Downtown museums are: the
THE VALLEY
Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum
The region concentrates most of the Los
of Natural History, the MOCA (Museum of
Angeles studios nowadays, offering natural
Contemporary Art) and the J. Paul Getty
and cultural attractions, with excellent
Museum.
restaurants, mainly the ones specialized in
PASADENA
Japanese food. The Ventura Boulevard is the primary district thoroughfare and attracts the
This district offers renowned cultural
fashionistas searching for the latests fads.
attractions and educational institutes. The main
But, what about having a picnic in a visit to
attractions of this district are:
theLos Angeles Zoo? Or visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
- The Huntington Library, besides its beautiful
and learning a little more about the politic
architecture keeping books and art works, the
history of the USA, being even able to see a
place has one of the most famous gardens,
piece of the Berlin Wall... But the must visit
with beautiful settings and monuments, such
is the Griffith Park, located on a hill top, it is
as the ones in Japanese style.
one of the most visited of California due to the Griffith Observatory that is in the park.
- The Norton Simon Museum, with an
Besides the breathtaking view of the city
impressive collection of European art.
and nature, the visit includes astronomical knowledge and walks in the sunset to enjoy
- ThePacific Asia Museum, the Pasadena Museum of History, the Pasadena Museum of California Art. - The Pasadena Playhouse, considered to be the Official Theater of the State of California since 1937.
the stars in the sky.
WHERE TO STAY The city offers many accommodation options, from the traditional American motels, small and comfortable hotels, boutique hotels to theatrical, five star hotels such as the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire, where “Pretty Woman” was filmed. One of the key factors in choosing your hotel will, besides price, depend on your form of transport around the city: if it is by a rental car, always opt for hotels which offer a parking lot, or if you are to move around the city by shuttle or public transport,
- Beverly Hills: Beverly Hills Hotel, Four Seasons
look for the ones closer to subway stations.
Beverly Wilshire, Peninsula and L’Ermitage Beverly Hills.
Despite having a district called “Downtown”, it does not mean it is the geographic center
- West Side: Hotel Bel-Air, InterContinental Los
of the city. The touristic attractions are well
Angeles Century City and Sofitel Los Angeles.
spread through the city. They do not respect the logic of having an easy access from
- Coastal region: Casa del Mar, Shutters on the
“downtown”, once each district has its own
Beach, Terranea Resort (near the Santa Monica
center. Therefore, when choosing your hotel,
pier) and The Viceroy Santa Monica.
do not take this into consideration. One of the best areas to lodge, in case you want to save
- Pasadena: The Langham Huntington Hotel
money, is around Hollywood.
& Spa.
Some luxury hotels to stay in L.A., sorted by
Hotels that are more affordable and with a
district, are:
good cost/benefit:
- Downtown: The J.W. Marriott & Ritz-Carlton
- Holiday Inn Express is a hotel network with
and The Millennium Biltmore.
branches in many places of L.A.
- The Valley: The Hilton Los Angeles, The
- Downtown: Cecil Hotel, Hollywood Inn
Sheraton Universal, The Radisson, Luxe City
Express South and Ritz Milner.
Center and Sunset Tower Hotel. - Hollywood: Econolodge of Hollywood, The - Hollywood: The W Hollywood, Hollywood
Grove & Melrose Pied-à-Terre and Hollywood
Roosevelt and The Redbury.
Paradise Apartment.
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- Coastal region: Hostelling International Santa Monica, Aqua at Santa Monica Beach and Boutique Hotel 444.
DINING OUT Los Angeles is one of the cities that offer the biggest variety of cuisines and restaurants you can imagine... From stalls on the streets, Mexican food, Korean food to the famous 5 star restaurants. Californian cuisine uses a lot of organic ingredients (everything is super fresh!), but the food trucks are the main attraction, revealing delicious choices... The most famous is chef Roy Choi’s, a Mexican food truck (with Korean flavors): Kogi BBQ. In Los Angeles you can have great gastronomic experiences in the restaurants of the chefs: Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller and Nobu Matsuhisa... It is worth trying!
International restaurants are easily found around the city, and in the coastal region the focus lies upon seafood and fish based dishes, crab being the star. To try a little of every delicious food L.A. has to offer, it is advisable to go to The Original Farmers Market or to the Grand Central Public Market: these are markets with many stalls serving many types of food from different places of the world! Two Los Angeles staples are fast foods: Philippe’s French dip, a sandwich made out of roast beef (or other meat) with roll dipped in the beef juice; and Pink’s Chili dog, that is a classic hot dog with a layer of chili on top.
SHOPPING
If you are looking for outlets, the best are located in L.A. vicinities: the Camarillo Premium Outlets (in the route for Santa Barbara), the
Los Angeles, such as most American cities, is the right place for shopping, with many malls, street stores, outlets and places which are certain to make this experience even more exciting!
Desert Hills Premium Outlets (in the route for Palm Springs), the Citadel (in the route for Disneyland) and the Ontario Mills, the biggest outlet of California, in the city of Ontario. All with the amazing discounts in stores such
Backdrop to famous movies, the most desired
as Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, Nike, Carter’s, Calvin
shopping street is Rodeo Drive, with the world’s
Klein, H&M, Forever 21 and many others!
most important designer fashion brands, some of the boutiques are so exclusive that few people know about them. The street is part of the Golden Triangle, the region that has the highest prices for clothes for cm² in Los Angeles.
Malls that provide a good shopping and tour experience are: the Hollywood & Highland Center (in Hollywood) is an open air shopping center with big decorative structures, giant elephants monuments and a huge central
But Los Angeles is not made only of luxury
plaza. The Americana at Brand (in The Valley)
brands, on the contrary, there is a huge variety
is the ultimate experience in shopping, dinners
of stores, brands and prices, affordable for all
and luxury entertainment.
budgets! In L.A. there is the so called Fashion District, located in the city center, and it is nothing more than a huge popular market of fashion items. There, you can find many stalls and stores with everything you can imagine in very affordable prices, but there is no way to assure that the designer brand products are original...
Some more affordable malls are: The Grove and the Beverly Center, in Beverly Hills; and the Santa Monica Place, in Santa Monica, next to the pier. Great streets for shopping are: Robertson Boulevard (in Beverlywood), Ventura Boulevard (in The Valley), South Lake Avenue
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(in Pasadena), West Third Street (next to the Beverly Center) and Third Street Promenade
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
(in Santa Monica).
CURRENCY As in any city of the United States, the currency is the American Dollar ($), USD
+1 911
or US$. The American Dollar is divided in
taken provided that the card is linked to the international banking system. Currency exchange offices are easily found for currency exchange. Despite all of these, it is always best to have a sufficient amount in cash to avoid the taxes on financial operations of the cards.
EMERGENCY (POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT AND MEDIC DEPARTMENT) CODES OF LOS ANGELES CITY, BU DISTRICT:
units of 100 cents. Credit cards are taken in all establishments, all networks are also
CODE OF THE COUNTRY
+213 +310 +323 +562 +626 +818
DOWNTOWN BEVERLY HILLS, CATALINA ISLAND, WESTWOOD, MALIBU AND SANTA MONICA HOLLYWOOD LONG BEACH PASADENA THE VALLEY, NORTH HOLLYWOOD
LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, LAX
(855) 463-5252 TOURIST INFORMATION
(800) 228-2452 TRANSIT SYSTEM INFORMATION
(800) 266-6883