Sprawled miles across the curves and hills of Southern California, Los Angeles is a city of mythic proportion and history. Every day, Angelenos fall more in love with the magical City of Angels as they drink in the sunshine and watch hundreds of palm fronds dance in the Santa Ana winds. There is a certain romance to Los Angeles, bolstered by hundreds of films and television shows, lifelong natives set on never leaving and through the institutions – from restaurants to beaches to museums – that make the city great.
Of course, as with most cities, every experience of Los Angeles is a unique one – and there is no “right” way to experience all the city has to offer (in fact, it is nearly impossible, given its size). Regardless, if you've only 48 hours to spend in Los Angeles, you're bound to end up just as love-struck with the city as all those who have come before you – especially with our itinerary, made up of a healthy mix of LA classics (not including the 405-10 freeway, don't worry!) and newer, more contemporary Angeleno must-dos.
Hotels | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Where to stay
First things first, where will you stay for your whirlwind Los Angeles trip? We've rounded up a few of our favourite spots, from Hollywood classics to newer boutique inns.
Shutters on the Beach
A stone's throw from the Santa Monica Pier, Shutters on the Beach is a refined, oceanfront hotel. Excellent, all-hours service, ocean views and well-appointed rooms are the attractions at Shutters. The hotel is also well-located, making it perfect for a weekend away in Los Angeles.
1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Chateau Marmont
Designed to look like a French castle, the Chateau Marmont is an iconic hotel on Sunset Boulevard – and a legendary fixture of Los Angeles. Since its opening in 1929, the Chateau has been host to infamous parties, late nights and Hollywood hijinks; it has also featured prominently on both the silver screen and literature. A stay here is perfect for those yearning for Old Hollywood glamour (or those hoping to see and be seen in the hotel's verdant garden at brunch).
8221 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The Surfrider
At The Surfrider, there's no need for a harsh alarm in the morning: you'll be gently awoken by crashing waves and seagulls. Rooms at the elegant boutique hotel feature ocean-facing terraces or balconies – the perfect setting for your morning coffee – and, as it's in Malibu, rather than Los Angeles, you'll be guaranteed peace and quiet away from the hubbub of the inner city (and the chance for morning swims in the Pacific, just 50 yards from your room).
23033 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Petit Ermitage
For those who prefer hotels with funky soul and eclectic decoration, the Moroccan-inspired, all-suite Petit Ermitage hotel is the ideal choice for your weekend getaway. Each suite is uniquely decorated, full of original artworks, antiques and vivid colour, and guest amenities are countless: full kitchens with chefs, a guest-only rooftop with heated saltwater pool, bohemian bar and Mediterranean restaurant with cabana dining, a peaceful hummingbird sanctuary as well as a gym and outdoor movie theatre.
8822 Cynthia St, West Hollywood, CA
Sunset Tower Hotel
Since its opening in 1931, the Sunset Tower Hotel has been a landmark of Los Angeles' Sunset Strip. Just a stone's throw from Beverly Hills, the hotel and its upscale bar and restaurant have long been staples for the city's stars and glitterati. Rooms are sumptuously decorated and suites feature terraces with stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles. Also on site is an excellent spa, full-service salon and, for pet owners, a dog park and grooming service, as well as a canine-friendly menu available at its restaurants (and for in-room dining).
8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
The Georgian
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Hollywood loves an epic comeback story. For La La Land’s latest grand return, the developers behind the Ace Hotel in downtown LA have restored Santa Monica’s first skyscraper – The Georgian Hotel – back to its glamorous Art Deco roots. Having sunk from its 1930s heyday as a hotspot for Golden Age Hollywood to a later career as a retirement home, the storied Art Deco hotel has now undergone a scene-stealing transformation. Read our full review here.
1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
The 48-hour itinerary
Friday
Friday afternoon
After flying into LAX, fighting your way through the customs line and renting your car (yes, it's true: a car is a near-necessity in Los Angeles), you'll likely be ravenous. We'd recommend stopping at the iconic SoCal burger chain, In-N-Out and order the off-menu ‘Animal Style’ fries, a Double-Double burger and a shake or Cherry Coke to wash it all down. In-N-Out is a true staple of Angeleno lifestyle, so having your first meal here is the perfect way to kick off your precious hours in Los Angeles.
Friday evening
After checking into your hotel and taking a quick disco nap (or a dip in the pool, if your hotel is blessed with one), we'd recommend heading out for cocktails and dinner. Apothéke in Chinatown is a sultry, ultra-cool spot perfect for a younger crowd hoping to see and be seen; however, if you're more a fan of the classics, have a seat at the Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel for excellent cocktails (and even better celebrity spotting). Other excellent options are the sleek Employees Only in WeHo and DTLA's under-the-radar speakeasy bar, The Varnish.
After a drink or two, move onto dinner (although do plan ahead on the transportation front if you're driving instead of Ubering). Where to? On your first night in Los Angeles, we'd recommend dining in a classic establishment, like El Compadre, one of Los Angeles' best Mexican restaurants serving potent margaritas and out-of-this-world fajitas. If Mexican food's not your thing (though, when in LA, do as the LAers do, please), we'd recommend heading to another restaurant equally important to Los Angeles' culture: Dan Tana's, a classic red sauce joint. People go to Dan Tana's not necessarily for the food (though it's good, straightforward Italian-American fare), but primarily for the atmosphere. Waiters as old as water serve a fun but fierce attitude alongside the restaurant's famous veal parmigiana – and you'll bond with your fellow restaurant goers (some of whom are likely to be even a little famous).
Friday night (until late)
As you've only 48 hours to make the most of the City of Angels, we'd advise you push through your exhaustion to make time for one iconic LA experience: a late-night trip to a Korean spa in K-Town. WiSpa, the neighbourhood's most famous, is a spa open 24/7 wherein clients can get a scrub, massage and a steam at 3 o'clock in the morning. Change into tees and shorts provided by WiSpa and unwind with your dinner companions in the sauna or get a vigorous massage to help you unwind after your longhaul flight (and the burger, beers, burrito or big bowl of spaghetti).
If a trip to a late-night spa is not really your speed, perhaps stand-up comedy is a better way to end your evening. Los Angeles is one of the United States' best cities for comedy – with dozens of iconic venues featuring some serious headliners. For the most guffaws and belly laughs, head to a show at either The Comedy Store or Largo at the Coronet (just be sure to book ahead).
- In-N-Out, American fast food, multiple locations (9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles is closest to LAX)
- El Compadre, Mexican, 7408 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
- Dan Tana's, Italian-American, 9071 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
- Apothéke, hipster cocktail bar, 1746 N Spring St, Los Angeles
- Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel, classic watering hole, 8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
- Employees Only, retro cocktail bar, 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
- The Varnish (behind Cole's Bar), contemporary speakeasy, 18 E 6th St, Los Angeles
- WiSpa, 24/7 Korean spa, 2700 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
- The Comedy Store, 8433 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
- Largo at the Coronet, 366 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles
Saturday
Saturday morning
Even after a great night out on the town (and belly laughs or bracing scrub immediately after), you'll find it difficult to not spring out of bed. Indeed, you should, as you'll want to embrace as much Californian sunshine as possible – and what better way to soak in its rays than heading on a morning hike? Dress in comfortable clothing and head out to Griffith Park & the Mount Hollywood trail, stopping at smoothie chain SunCafe Organic for a protein shake or refreshing açai bowl first to fuel your hike. Even if you're not an avid hiker, fear not: the trail is not too difficult and offers some of the most rewarding views overlooking Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory and the famous Hollywood sign. However, if you're none too keen on staying athletic whilst away, we recommend reserving your morning for a visit to Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or The Getty, the latter of which offers the similar views to the Hollywood trail hike.
Saturday afternoon
After a morning spent on the trails or at the museum, you're likely ready for a more low-key afternoon. We'd recommend strolling up and down Abbott Kinney Boulevard in Venice, stopping at Gjelina for a light and delicious mezze-style lunch and popping your head into the many independent shops that line it. If shopping is a true passion of yours, then there's no better place than Rodeo Drive – think amazing designer brands, fancy cafés (we like local chain, Alfred) and loads of palm trees.
If you're itching for the beach, we'd recommend heading down to Santa Monica for a more low-key beach visit or a bit further afield to Malibu, whose beaches are among the best in Los Angeles County. After a few hours feeling the sand between your toes, stop at Neptune's Net for a quick old-school tuna sandwich at the iconic diner or, should you wish to be seated across from a Kardashian or Drake, Nobu Malibu (just be sure to reserve in advance).
Saturday evening
After returning to your hotel for a change, shower and a moment's peace, round two of Los Angeles nightlife awaits. What you do this evening is entirely up to you and is primarily based on your holiday preferences – are you more interested in the glitz and glamour, or do you have a particular hankering for the more off-beat elements of a city? For those seeking out the sparkle of Tinsel Town, we'd recommend heading to the iconic Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi for dinner. Whilst it is certainly expensive, this Beverly Hills stalwart is popular with A-listers for a reason: the food is excellent. Equally excellent at Giorgio Baldi is the people watching to be had (however, be respectful of the restaurant's more famous clients – and note that asking for photographs on premises is strictly forbidden).
If you're more interested in a low-key evening more akin to a local's Saturday night out, we recommend camping out at a patio table in front of the Chinatown wine bar, Café Triste. Great wines, small bites and friendly service greet you – and, after a few glasses of pét nat, so will your table neighbours.
After a good meal and few drinks, you'll definitely be ready to keep the night going – and you should, considering it's your last night in the City of Angels. We think it best to go out with a bang, so we'll recommend only one bar: Saddle Ranch Chop House. There's a mechanical bull, cheap beer and massive fire pits for roasting the American classic, s'mores. (Steaks are also served here, if you're interested in a second dinner.) A night at Saddle Ranch is the perfect, campiest way to finish out your last few hours in LA - giddy up!
- Griffith Park & Mount Hollywood Trail, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles
- Griffith Observatory, 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles
- Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
- The Getty, 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles
- SunCafe Organic, healthy fast casual, multiple locations
- Gjelina, global mezze, 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
- Neptune's Net, classic seaside diner, 42505 CA-1, Malibu,
- Nobu Malibu, upscale Japanese, 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
- Giorgio Baldi, upscale Italian 114 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica
- Café Triste, low-key natural wine bar, 980 N Broadway, Los Angeles
- Saddle Ranch Chop House, classic American bar with mechanical bull, 8371 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
Sunday
Sunday morning
For your last morning in LA, we'd recommend keeping it simple: a nice coffee, some eggs and maybe a walk through one of LA's iconic outdoor malls. Keep it healthy at the WeHo classic, Hugo's, which has been serving dairy-free cappuccinos, gluten-free toast and egg white omelettes to Angelenos since the 1970s or cure your Sunday scaries with a perfectly-made breakfast burrito at All Day Baby in Silver Lake.
Sunday afternoon
Before heading to the airport, we'd recommend a gentle stroll through Brentwood Country Mart or Melrose Trading Post to pick up any last minute souvenirs or airplane snacks. (If you've been disappointed in lack of celebrity sightings during your weekend in LA, the former is a true celebrity magnet.)
Your 48 hours in Los Angeles have come to an end; however, if we can guarantee anything, we're certain you'll be back – and soon. That's the thing about LA: once you're swept up in its magic, you'll forever be love-struck by the city and leave a bit of your heart among the palm fronds.
- Hugo's, healthy breakfast, 8401 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
- All Day Baby, 3200 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
- Brentwood Country Mart, large outdoor shopping centre, 225 26th St, Santa Monica
- Melrose Trading Post, outdoor vintage shopping, 7850 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
