Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California city of about 3.9 million people between the Pacific coast and the San Gabriel Mountains, known for Hollywood, beaches, museums, mountain viewpoints and some of the most varied food in the United States.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hollywood Boulevard souvenirs
Star-shaped replicas, movie posters and t-shirts sold on Hollywood Blvd and at the TCL Chinese Theatre complex.
Price: $5-40
Where: Hollywood Blvd stores near Highland Ave
Grand Central Market spices and chiles
Dried chiles, spices, and local specialty foods from stalls in the 1917 market.
Price: $4-20
Where: Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway
Vintage denim and band tees
Thrifted jeans, concert tees and leather jackets found in Melrose and Fairfax shops.
Price: $15-150
Where: Melrose Ave vintage stores, Melrose Trading Post
Rose Bowl Flea Market antiques
Mid-century furniture, vinyl records and collectibles.
Price: $5-500
Where: Rose Bowl, second Sunday monthly
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Original Farmers Market
Open since 1934, with about 100 stalls of produce, prepared foods and gifts beneath a clock tower, adjoining The Grove.
Where: Fairfax District
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM-8:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Melrose Trading Post
Weekly Sunday flea market in the Fairfax High School parking lot; admission about $5-7, with proceeds supporting the school.
Where: Fairfax District
Hours: Sun 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Monthly flea market with about 2,500 vendors and general admission about $12; early-bird tickets cost more.
Where: Pasadena
Hours: Second Sunday of each month 9:00 AM-4:30 PM (early-bird 5:00 AM)
Santee Alley
Open-air alley of discount stalls between Olympic Blvd and Pico Blvd; cash is preferred and bargaining is normal.
Where: Fashion District
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-6:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Grand Central Market
Historic public market with about 40 vendors including Eggslut, Sari Sari, Wexler's and DTLA Cheese.
Where: Downtown
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM-9:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Rodeo Drive
Three-block luxury shopping street in Beverly Hills with flagship designer stores and the Via Rodeo cobblestone lane.
Hours: Most stores Mon-Sat 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
The Grove
Outdoor shopping and dining complex next to the Original Farmers Market with a Christmas-snow event in winter.
Hours: Mon-Thu 10:00 AM-9:00 PM; Fri-Sat 10:00 AM-10:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM-8:00 PM
Melrose Avenue
Stretch of Melrose between Fairfax and La Brea known for streetwear boutiques, vintage stores and the Paul Smith pink wall.
Hours: Most shops about 11:00 AM-7:00 PM daily
Row DTLA
Redeveloped warehouse district with independent boutiques, restaurants and the weekly Smorgasburg LA.
Hours: Most shops about 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; Smorgasburg Sun 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Third Street Promenade
Three-block pedestrian shopping street in Santa Monica near the pier, with street performers and chain stores.
Hours: Most stores about 10:00 AM-9:00 PM daily
Westfield Century City
Large open-air shopping center with department stores, Eataly and a cinema.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
Beverly Center
Eight-level mall with department stores and a rooftop terrace.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
The Americana at Brand
Outdoor mall with a central lawn and a dancing fountain, near Griffith Park.
Hours: Mon-Thu 10:00 AM-9:00 PM; Fri-Sat 10:00 AM-10:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM-8:00 PM
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Boutique-lined Venice street with local designers, cafes and a First Friday food truck event.
Hours: Most shops about 10:00 AM-7:00 PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Prices are fixed in malls and boutiques; bargaining is only acceptable at flea markets and Santee Alley.
Santee Alley prices often drop 20-30% when buying several items; cash is preferred.
Arrive early at Rose Bowl and Melrose Trading Post for the best vintage finds.
Check return policies at Santee Alley; many stalls do not accept returns.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
California sales tax (about 9.5-10.25% depending on city) is added at checkout; tourists cannot reclaim it., Many shops are cashless or card-preferred; bring a card or phone wallet., Stores close earlier on Sunday than other days; check hours before traveling to outlying malls.