Visiting Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Sure, downtown Los Angeles may have been the site of many mass riots and police shootouts past, but hey, so was about every major economic and cultural hub in the country right? For many reasons, downtown Los Angeles is a gem and a visit to it will prove to be as eclectic as its Hispanic name suggests. It's got the urban sleek of New York's glass and steel skyline, as well as the bustle of any major economic center, but the atmosphere is not hostile and getting a cab is not as notoriously difficult as getting one in New York.

Downtown LA is loaded with office buildings, but you still get a clear view of the sky any day. The office lobbies are dotted with cozy restaurants and brasseries, juice and snack bars and newspaper stands. There are also lots of small shops around run by families and not just the regular chain shops that have taken over the country. For the bargain hunter, you'd want to check out the Jewelry District in the vicinity of 7th Street and Hill Street. Both sides of the streets are lined with bustling jewelry plazas with thousands upon thousands of selections. You won't find established brand name jewelry shops here. Instead, there are plazas with booths of independent sellers. Since so many sellers converge together here, you have the advantage of having a wide selection at your disposal and the cutthroat rates that these jewelers will sell their items to you. There are products from all over the world-gold bracelets and necklaces from Asia, pearls from the South Seas, diamonds from the Middle East, and so much more. Aside from the regular items, some jewelers also sell loose stones, be it diamonds or emeralds or rubies. You like the clarity of this diamond but the setting of a different ring? You have the option of buying a loose stone and a separate ring setting and have it mounted for you. They'll adjust it to the right size, have it polished and even do some engraving for you at rock bottom prices. Here, you can also get your old jewelry polished and battery watches replaced at cutthroat rates. Downtown LA is the one place where you can indulge your fancy for all that glitters and leave with your wallet-and mind-feeling at peace.

Walking around the area, you'll notice a thriving Hispanic community. In effect, there are lots and lots fantastic Mexican food joints on every street corner. The best one would arguably have to be La Serenata de Garibaldi. It's a romantic, decently-priced sit-down Mexican restaurant that serves sensational enchiladas, tacos, poblanos, and so much more. After a satisfying Mexican feast, you'll want to check out some of the bazaars and shops in the neighborhood. These aren't difficult to find at all and there's quite a number of them around. There's a bustling Mexican market on Olvera Street where you'll find items such as towels, houseware, clothes, and Mexican spices at extremely reasonable rates. Looking for a stereo system or a new guitar? There are lots of family-run shops that will warmly accommodate your every question if you shop around. The best part of it of course, is the negotiable prices. Downtown LA is also the perfect place to look for Hispanic items such as music CDs and DVD movies, where they have them lined up one huge rack after another, and you'll be greeted by the lively sway of blaring speakers outside nearly every shop that lines the pavement, inviting you to go in and have a look.

It's not just Mexican restaurants that dot the landscape. Downtown LA is also home to a bounty of Asian flavors, especially Chinese and Japanese. Chinatown is a hub of excellent Chinese restaurants and Asian markets that carry all sorts of Eastern herbs and products, as well as a wide selection of fresh seafood and produce. Spending half a day in this place is a thrilling experience you won't much get everywhere. This Chinatown is definitely one of the best in the country.

If you don't feel like winding through the streets of making your way through the shops (which can have merchandise all the way from the top shelf down to the floors), Macy's is an excellent department store and mall that's always a good afternoon stroll. Further down the block is Robinson's May, which was recently acquired by the Macy's chain. Down by Figueroa, you can take a look at sprawling campus of the University of Southern California, one of LA's largest universities with a world-class reputation as a leader in research and education. Not very far away is the Exposition Center, which is a cluster of architectural wonders that house among many things, an IMAX theater, museums, parks, and the LA Sports Arena.

Downtown LA is also home to the world-famous Staples Center, a sports arena (home to the Los Angeles Lakers) that doubles up as a concert hall. The LA Convention Center is also nearby, hosting many important events throughout the year. While in the vicinity, you may also want to check out FIDM's (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) Los Angeles campus and take a guided tour along its halls, where designers and their protégées exude their artistic prowess.

The Los Angeles Public Library is one of the city's most precious gems. It's a grand building with a regal past, a historical monument that now houses a state-of-the-art library system. Another landmark is the newly opened Walt Disney Concert Hall, a renowned venue that's an architectural gem. You can time your visit to catch a show here and be awestruck by its grand interior. For an afternoon of art appreciation, swing by the Museum of Contemporary Art right across the street. Also nearby is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. It's fairly new and truly a spectacular sight to behold, being the largest Catholic cathedral in the United States. The Christmas Eve service here is something to catch, and is as grand as the building's edifice.

For the cultural buff to the bargain hunter or the adventurer, Downtown Los Angeles has a piece for everyone. A visit here is an eclectic look at America's melting pot that's certain to be quite a thrill for all.