Downtown Los Angeles: History and Architecture Tour

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of downtown Los Angeles on this engaging and informative tour. Explore the Historic Core, Little Tokyo, the Civic Center, and Bunker Hill, and indulge in traditional Japanese sweets from a legendary confectioner. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to truly understand and appreciate the heart of LA!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Angels Flight Railway - Start the tour by learning about the shortest train in the world! We will discuss Angels Flight and its connection to Bunker Hill. The tour will end by riding Angels Flight down to our meeting point.
  • Pershing Square - The architecture deep dive begins at Pershing Square. The historic core in DTLA is home to some of the…
What's Included
  • Complimentary snacks
Additional Information

If you want to truly understand LA, you need to visit downtown. This is where it all began! Over 3 hours, you’ll learn so much about LA and the downtown area. We’ll discuss history, architecture, food, city planning, shopping, art, and more! Guests frequently walk away from the tour amazed by how much they underestimated downtown LA.
This tour focuses on…

Location
341 S Hill St
South Hill Street
We meet at the BOTTOM of the Angels Flight trolley. This is right across from Grand Central Market. Your guide will be standing off to the side, near the stairs.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(59 Ratings)
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Laura_w
Jul 27, 2025
We live just outside of... - We live just outside of LA but this tour introduced us to a vast amount of history and detail about LA. Our host, Chris, was incredibly knowledgeable, and invested in respecting and protecting the city and its inhabitants. Would absolutely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Liz_f
Jul 27, 2025
Our guide, Chris, was... - Our guide, Chris, was excellent. We learned and saw things on this enjoyable walking tour of downtown LA that we had never known, nor would have found on our own. And we’ve lived here our entire lives!
Review provided by Viator
Jason_l
Jul 24, 2025
Great way to see the evolution of DTLA - The tour was absolutely fantastic and I learned a lot about DTLA. The guide was knowledgeable, personable, and professional. In addition to the multi-media presentation, we had great conversations and he answered all my questions. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Martin_m
Jul 22, 2025
Do this tour of LA! - Great overview of architecture & history. Chris, our guide, was incredible. He told interesting stories and provided social history of the city.
Review provided by Viator
Passport44613106009
Jul 11, 2025
Walk through downtown LA: its history and architecture - Chris has a deep fund of knowledge about LA, its history, development, and its buildings. His affection for the city and its people is palpable. Always considerate, it was in the 80's today, he had us stand in the shade if we stopped for a discussion, and had sunscreen and water on hand. The talk was entertaining, enlightening, and humorous. (Chris may have seen every film and tv show ever made that featured downtown LA.) He answered all our questions, including plant and tree identifications. Highly recommend this fascinating tour, even for California natives like myself.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ruth_h
May 3, 2025
Interesting and Entertaining - My husband and I have lived in the South Bay for over 30 years but knew little about the history and architecture of DTLA. We booked this walking tour based on other reviews and it did not disappoint. Lucked out and had a private tour with Chris. He knows so much and was a really delightful tour guide. We have been through Little Tokyo in detail before so Chris gladly tailored the tour to other areas. Would absolutely recommend this.
Review provided by Viator
Cathy_s
Mar 19, 2025
Great guide. Great walking tour! - Chris, our guide, was passionate, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Caroline_c
Mar 3, 2025
Knowledgeable, kind and... - Knowledgeable, kind and happy guide Considerate, very experienced Will make your experience a fun one
Review provided by Viator
Amy_p
Feb 16, 2025
Chris is well informed... - Chris is well informed and friendly. He was aware of our needs and accommodating when needed. Great tour guide!
Review provided by Viator
V1185pxkevina
Feb 15, 2025
Fun walking tour - Good to see that there are a few walking tours available in LA. I had a great tour with the guide Chris. He is informative and well-versed in LA's cultural history. Very fun to listen when someone is passionate about his or hers city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $49
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).