Private Walking Tour of Downtown LA's History an Architecture

Summary Description

Enjoy a walking tour of LA's eclectic architecture and several of its hidden treasures

Highlights
  • Begin your tour at Union Station, called the last of America's great train stations
  • Discover grand historic structures, surreal monuments and futuristic sci-fi-inspired architecture
  • Marvel at the Walt Disney Concert Hall design
  • Visit Olvera Street, known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles”
  • Visit The Bradbury Building - where modest mildly Romanesque exterior hides a magical light-filled Victorian court
  • Enjoy Grand Central Market in all it's glory
  • See a railway on a steep hillside, opened in 1901 to ferry passengers up and down the steep slope to the top of Bunker Hill
  • Description

    In a city blessed with blissful light, innovation and bold visual design statements, Los Angeles is full of architectural gems that only make sense in the context of the history around which they were built. On your private downtown history and architecture walking tour, you will:  - Begin your tour at Union Station, called the last of America's great train stations
     - Discover grand historic structures, surreal monuments and futuristic sci-fi-inspired architecture
     - Squint your eyes, and the stainless steel Walt Disney Concert Hall design looks like a gleaming clipper ship, its sails filled with wind
     - Visit Olvera Street, known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles” The block-long tree-shaded Mexican marketplace is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
     - Walk down Union Street, a vibrant symbol of LA’s spirit and soul
     - Its’ stunning signature Mission Moderne style combines Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture
     - Visit The Bradbury Building - where modest mildly Romanesque exterior hides a magical light-filled Victorian court, open cage elevators, marble stairs, and ornate iron railings, built in 1893
     - Enjoy Grand Central Market, which boasts vintage neon signs, glorious 1960s tile-work and original Beaux Arts detailing
     - See a railway on a steep hillside, opened in 1901 to ferry passengers up and down the steep slope to the top of Bunker Hill and remains one of LA’s most endearing landmarks From bold esoteric newcomers like the monumental Broad Museum to landmark favourites such as Bradbury Building built in 1893, Los Angeles is a city rich in iconic architecture - it’s rare to see two buildings alike. You will discover sharp, crisp right angles of modernist architecture, the dazzling exoticism of soaring spires and fairytale towers, and grand palatial estates. Backdropped by year-round blue skies and golden sunshine, LA’s structures are showcased to perfection in the city’s famous sublime light. The Private Downtown LA History and Architecture Walking Tour will dazzle with the porous alabaster-white shell facade of the Broad Museum, the glinting curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the city’s downtown cultural centrepiece, and the old Mexican influences of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and its tree-shaded plazas Pass lush sculptural landscapes on our way to be wowed by the geometric light-filled design of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, José Rafael Moneo’s Pritzker-prize-winning structure. This compelling tour - popular with visitors and Angelinos alike - provides the fascinating backstory to the growth of this great city, from its humble origins to the present day, as told through its striking, unique architecture. The fascinating Private Downtown LA History and Architecture Walking Tour delves into the city’s storied history to discover the dynamos that have powered design eras and the socio-political context of each visual feast

    Included / Excluded
    What's Included
    • A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group
    • Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
    What's Not Included
    • Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way
    • Cost of transportation on the day. Your guide will accompany you in a taxi or by public transport
    • Gratuities (optional)
    Start / End Locations

    Start Location: 123 Main St, Main St, Kings County, United States

    Commentary

    Guide : English

    Important Information
    Know Before You Book
    • This is a walking tour
    • Cost of transportation on the day is not included. Your guide will accompany you in a taxi or by public transport
    Know Before You Go
    • Please bring comfortable walking shoes
    • Please bring any medical requirements you need throughout the day
    • In summer, please remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water
    Cancellation

    Cancellation Policy: standard

    Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

    Cancellation Notes: Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

    Additional Information

    Not wheelchair accessible

    FAQ

    Are entrance tickets and transport included in the cost of the tour?

    Toggle FAQ

    In the ‘Things to Know’ section at the top of this page you will find details of whatever entrance tickets and transport are included in the tour. If you have any questions about this, then you can either use the chat button in the bottom right hand corner, send an email to or call 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).,

    What is your cancellation policy?

    Toggle FAQ

    On tours cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, we are happy to offer our customers a full refund - minus a 5% credit card fee and the cost of any tickets that have been purchased.For tours cancelled less than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds. If you would like to reschedule a tour, this is usually possible if we are given enough notice, but we cannot guarantee the same guide.Changes made to bookings may be subject to rebooking fees to cover the cost of tickets purchased, transport, guide rescheduling and administration.To cancel or change your booking, please contact us at or call 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).,

    Who do I contact if I have any questions about this tour or if I want to make changes to my tour?

    Toggle FAQ

    At Travel Curious, we provide a free concierge service to help you plan your time abroad and they will be able to answer any questions you may have about this tour or any other tours. We are normally able to customise or personalise tours to suit your needs.Please do get in touch by either using the chat button in the bottom right hand corner, sending an email to or calling 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).,

    Am I able to book more than one tour?

    Toggle FAQ

    Absolutely, you can book as many tours as you like! You can add them to your cart by clicking the ‘Book Now’ button or you can get in touch and we can put together an itinerary for you. To get in touch, you can either use the chat button in the bottom right hand corner, send an email to or call 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).,

    Will there be other people on the tour or is it just us?

    Toggle FAQ

    All of our tours are 100% private and exclusive, which means that it will just be you, your group and your guide on the tour.Your tour will be completely tailored to your needs and we will make sure to find a guide that best suits your group.,