Top Rated Attractions in Los Angeles

Caltrans Building is a futuristic structure that is headquarter of The California Department of Transportation. This 13-story building is an architectural marvel, environment-friendly and creative in it's design. It displays many artworks by artists like Renee Green, that enhance its beauty. The building is covered with photo-voltaic cells that generate 5% of the building-energy and also keep the temperature controlled. The structure is constructed in a manner that it utilizes natural light and resources. Check website for more details.

Put your walking shoes on and get ready for one of the best tours you will ever take of the city. Blissfully free of cost and incredibly enriching, the Free LA Tour takes you through the core of Los Angeles - Downtown and Hollywood. The dynamic Downtown tour includes walking through city landmarks such as Union Station, Pershing Square, City Hall and the Bradbury Building. The Grand Central Market, the Central Library and the historic theater district are featured in the tour as well. Stumble upon several hidden gems as well, and let LA surprise you. The tour requires a minimum of four people to conduct a free tour.

This Byzantine-style architectural wonder is 454 feet tall and takes up a whole block of space. A tourist attraction in itself, the venue is always alive and humming with activity. Regular tours are held here, so tourists and locals can explore the interiors without getting lost. The structure was built in the mid 1920s. Call for more information, and don't forget your camera!

With a daily circulation of more than one million readers, the Los Angeles Times is by far the most popular newspaper in the Southland. Situated on the outskirts of downtown, the publication's headquarters is a massive building that was built in Modern style in 1935. Free tours of the original, historic plant are offered to the general public on a regular basis. Tours must be reserved at least a week ahead of time. Tours of the actual printing plant are also available but you may have to call for details and tour times.

The Triforium is a massive sculpture located on the City Hall campus that was created by Joseph Young. As with much public art, the 60-ton sculpture has had its fair share of detractors as well as proponents, but as the old adage states, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. The architect wished for the sculpture to beam lights into space as well as create a polyphonic/optical display through motion sensors, however budgetary restrictions prevented their implementation. Nonetheless, the sculpture has remained a part of public art in L.A. since 1975, and will continue to be until it obtains its original bells and whistles it was originally meant to have.

Little Tokyo is the Japanese version of Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles. Covering 67 acres of land and a mere four blocks, the area may not be as famed as its Chinese counterpart, yet it manages to retain a fair share of tourists and locals who come here to shop, eat and even look for a place to live. Having survived quite a few hard times, the area is now abuzz with businesses, restaurants, shops and hotels. Quaint, 19th century homes add ambiance to the place. Exploration is best done by foot. Note that credit cards and open hours will vary by business, so call ahead before you visit.