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- Historic Sites
- Museum Exhibits
- Unusual Things to Do
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- Romantic Things to Do
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- Things to Do Around Los Angeles
- Things to Do Near Chinese Theater - Hollywood
- Things to Do Near Convention Center / Staples Center
- Things to Do Near Dodger Stadium
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- Things to Do Near Long Beach Airport
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- Things to Do Near Rodeo Drive - Beverly Hills
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- Things to Do Near Universal Studios
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- Ask a Local
- Locals have answered 55 questions about Los Angeles.
- Ask Los Angeles Locals
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1. L.A. Central Library
- A Literary Treasure
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- Architecture
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
- Nile Expert Tip: This is one of the handful libraries in the city that is open on Sunday, from 1 pm to 5 pm.
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2. Avila Adobe
- Oldest home in L.A.
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- Attractions
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
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3. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
- Must-see Los Angeles museum
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- Art Museums/Galleries
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
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4. The Geffen Contemporary (MOCA)
- Big art museum in Little Tokyo
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- Art Museums/Galleries
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
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5. The Bradbury Building
- Futuristic Victorian Interiors
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- Landmarks
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
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6. Little Tokyo
- Japanese Haunt
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- Attractions
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
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7. Chinatown
- Exotic East in LA
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- Attractions
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
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8. Angels Flight Railway
- A historic ride up the the hill costs a quarter
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- Attractions
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
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9. Coca-Cola Building
- Grounded ocean liner
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- Landmarks
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
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10. Historic Theater District
- A strip of downtown theaters
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- Attractions
- Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown
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The Best of NileGuide
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On this best-of list we have focused on the downtown area (and passed over sites in Mid-Wilshire and Koreatown). Downtown, although just a small piece of the greater Los Angeles area, is full of notable cultural and historical destinations.
The Los Angeles Central Library is an Art Deco/Egyptian site that makes quite a visual impact from the street; the interior is also open to the public. Another architectural item is included: the Coca-Cola building, a Streamline Moderne landmark with nautical stylings. (For more Art Deco sites in the area please check out this guide.)
Please note that the Avila Adobe is in the middle of the very popular Olvera Street marketplace. Across Alameda Street from here is Union Station, one of the great North American train stations.
The Museum Contempory of Art is a major art institution with two branches in the area; we have included them both on this list. (Paying admission at either location grants access to both).
Also included here are two vibrant neighborhoods, Little Tokyo and Chinatown; both are good dining, shopping and people-watching destinations.
For more the Historical Theater District, you can check out our theater guide. Also note this downtown guide for even more sites (as well as bars, restaurants, and hotels) in the area.
