10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Los Angeles
Where to Stay in Los Angeles?
The best neighbourhoods in Los Angeles range from entertainment capitals to humble suburbs. Some neighborhoods are for those who appreciate coffee and art, while others gear toward people who just want to shop. Luckily, the things that unite them all are the sunny weather and great food.
You just can’t beat the Southern Californian weather, while the local flavors go beyond anybody’s wildest imagination. For some, that covers all the essentials of life. Although you can find a bustling farmer’s market in any Los Angeles neighbourhood, let’s look at what sets each area apart from the rest. By then, you can easily decide where to stay in Los Angeles for your next visit to the City of Angels.
Which neighbourhood of Los Angeles is best for you?
1. Hollywood
The neighbourhood where stories are born
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget, Luxury
Hollywood is arguably the entertainment capital of the world. Here, you’ll find excitement as soon as you leave the hotel and easily learn that Tinseltown is larger than life. That’s because some of Los Angeles’ top attractions are right there. For one, having your photo taken with the Hollywood Sign is on the bucket list of most visitors.
In Hollywood, you’ll also find highlights like Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Capitol Records, a variety of wax museums, and the Walk of Fame. For something a little different, try the Museum of Broken Relationships, which is full of break-up paraphernalia. You’ll find handwritten notes of tenderness and/or hate, submitted by the very people who received them. Read more
Hollywood
2. Koreatown
A lively and diverse neighbourhood in Los Angeles
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Food, Nightlife
Koreatown is a haven for young people. It offers an array of unique dining and nightlife options, plus it’s easy to get around on foot. This makes for a relaxed atmosphere where the dining is diverse, and the living is easy.
The area is famous for its karaoke spots like Cafe Brass Monkey, but there are plenty of lively nightclubs as well. Koreatown has a tight-knit community, and that comes out in the number of locally run establishments. Loads of enthusiastic, self-made success has made this a great spot to visit or stay in Los Angeles. Read more
Koreatown
3. Silver Lake
An LA neighborhood for hipsters, by hipsters
Good for: Photo, Food, Nightlife, Budget
Silver Lake is an ideal neighbourhood for the young and the hip, and it’s as cozy as it gets. Come for the winding streets and intoxicating atmosphere and stay for all the things you can do. Silver Lake has independently owned shops, vegan food, and gourmet coffee everywhere.
The nightlife choices are nothing short of Dionysian, so easily do the wine and good times flow. The neighbourhood feels like another world, thanks to all the 20th-century architecture. Its integration with the natural scenery means there is always a gorgeous walk you haven’t taken yet. If you can make it, Silver Lake is absolutely the place to chill. Read more
Silver Lake
4. Downtown Long Beach
City life by the ocean
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Food, Budget
Downtown Long Beach is like a seaside stroll that never ends. The wide streets and abundance of greenery keep things feeling grounded. Bars are everywhere, and there’s always a place that’s walkable from where you are. Public transportation has gotten your back, as it often runs through the neighborhood.
Residents rank Downtown Long Beach as a bike and dog-friendly neighborhood. Those who stay in the neighborhood get the best of the city and beach without enduring Los Angeles’ notorious traffic. Go for one of the hotels by the water if you can and visit the Aquarium of the Pacific while you’re here. Read more
Downtown Long Beach
5. Downtown Los Angeles
The place to be for a good time in Los Angeles
Good for: Photo, Food, Nightlife, Budget
Downtown Los Angeles is a residential neighborhood and in many ways one of the centers of the world. The neighborhood gives New York City a run for its money when it comes to combining urban bustle and cosmopolitan class.
You’ve never had an espresso quite like the one at New Zealander-founded Two Guns Espresso, nor have you been this close to the home of a legendary basketball team as you will be to the Staples Center. The only problem you’ll have is choosing where to experience the nightlife, but any choice in Downtown is guaranteed to be a good one. Read more
Downtown Los Angeles
6. Atwater Village
Where local culture thrives in Los Angeles
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Food, Nightlife, Budget
Atwater Village is a comfortable retreat from the busier parts of Los Angeles. This neighborhood is for those who are okay with sacrificing a wide choice of nightlife if it means being surrounded by independently owned establishments. You could almost call it suburban, but that doesn’t keep it from being exceptionally walkable. Fun attractions and activities are scattered liberally throughout the neighborhood.
Boasting an array of local flavors from a vibrant, multicultural community, Atwater Village will satiate your appetite and then some, while a selection of gastropubs keeps the good times rolling. Hotels aren’t as common here, so you can enjoy most of what makes Los Angeles special without the usual tourist crowds.
Atwater Village
7. Beverly Grove and Fairfax
Shopping havens in Los Angeles
Good for: Shoppers, Food, Nightlife, Budget
Beverly Grove and Fairfax are great for shoppers visiting and staying in Los Angeles. These are the places to be if you’re trying to get away from hipsters. At the center of Beverly Grove is its famous farmer’s market, home to some of the best eating in all of Los Angeles. There’s also The Grove, an outdoor mall where an entire day can pass in an instant. There’s nothing like shopping in the great outdoors.
Nearby Fairfax has even more amazing dining options, it has you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The local Jewish community makes Fairfax a great culinary escape for New Yorkers who are feeling a bit nostalgic. Read more
Beverly Grove and Fairfax
8. Downtown Culver City
A revived former movie town in Los Angeles
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Photo, Food, Nightlife
Culver City is a residential mecca in Los Angeles that has new attractions, restaurants, and galleries opening all the time. See what’s on the forefront of the art scene at Thinkspace, a gallery devoted to the work of young artists.
Those only passing through should consider the Culver Hotel for its historical ambience. This part of town wasn’t always the safest, but nowadays, it’s a wonderful place for the whole family to enjoy their trip to the Los Angeles area. Read more
Downtown Culver City
9. Elysian Heights
A quiet place that feels like home
Good for: Families, Photo, Food, Nightlife, Budget, Adventure
Elysian Heights is a residential neighborhood so tucked away in greenery, you might find it hard to believe that it’s very close to Los Angeles’ city center. Home to highly-rated local elementary schools and a diverse population, this is a suitable place to catch a glimpse of suburban bliss.
Elysian Heights is part of the larger Echo Park area, where you can find plenty of things to do. There are no-fuss wine and beer bars, where you can relax or enjoy the company of friends or loved ones, as well as beautiful scenery and stunning views for those keen for an evening jog. Read more
Elysian Heights
10. Highland Park
The latest in “cool” in greater Los Angeles
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers, History, Food, Nightlife
Highland Park is a hipster’s paradise in the greater Los Angeles area. In truth, this area has always been an artistic and cultural center. Seeing trendy establishments next to hundred-year-old houses is undoubtedly part of its charm.
There’s no shortage of places for coffee and beverages in Highland Park. Be sure to check out SugarMynt Gallery, the location of the original Michael Myers house from Halloween (1978). The house now holds local art and being there feels like being at a private and intimate house party. Make sure to check out their movie nights, too. Read more
Highland Park
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.