Flight & airport info

World / North-America / USA / Los-Angeles

With its bronzed beach babes and Hollywood gloss, Los Angeles may appear to be all style and no substance, but get under the skin of this perpetually blue-skied city and you'll find a surprising number of first-class museums, culture and dazzling architecture.

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Visa Requirements

Under the new Electronic Travel System (ESTA) visitors must submit an online application form at least 72 hours before departure.

Language

English

Timezone

English

Weather

Despite its Mediterranean climate, there can be amazing temperature variations from the coast to the Valley. In Santa Monica it might be 24 °C, 20 minutes' away in West Hollywood it's up to 29 °C .

Dialling Code

00 1

Electricity

110V (Standard American two-pin plug)

Health and Safety

Healthcare in the USA is high quality but expensive making comprehensive travel and medical insurance cover essential.

Useful Links

Healthcare in the USA is high quality but expensive making comprehensive travel and medical insurance cover essential.

Flights to LA arrive at Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX as it's better known, situated on the ocean between Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey. Supershuttle runs regular mini-van services ($15-$35) between the airport and downtown LA. Taxis cost around $35 to West Hollywood and Downtown, $25 to Beverly Hills and $20 to Santa Monica.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 001 407 363 8000) The theme park that combines film-themed rides and back lot tours is a great day out. The original behind-the-scenes bus tour visits regularly-used lots, including a Mexican square that's been used in Lost, The OC and Heroes.

Museum of Contemporary Art

With several must-see attractions within a few blocks of one another, Downtown LA is a feast for the eyes. Head to Grand Avenue to admire the billowing folds of Frank Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall and then wander across to the Museum of Contemporary Art (250 South Grand Avenue, 001 213 621 1741).

Venice Beach

Get your fill of the weird and wonderful characters that make their home along the glorious three-mile stretch of Venice Beach.

Quick Lunch - CUT

A sleek Wolfgang Puck steakhouse, CUT at the Beverly Wilshire impresses both the palate and the eye with its all-white, Richard Meier-designed interior.

Top Table - Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay at the London West Hollywood is the latest gourmet restaurant to open in LA.

Cheap Eat - Panini Garden

Set on Santa Monica's charming Main St, a few blocks from the beach, Panini Garden serves delicious, inexpensive paninis and salads. Walk out back to the shaded garden to enjoy your meal al fresco.

On Business - Omni Downtown hotel

The impressive Omni Downtown hotel is within walking distance of the Civic Center, City Hall and myriad financial institutions. It has 20,000 square feet of function space for meetings, as well as a swimming pool, gym and excellent restaurants.
Book now

Lap Of Luxury - Shutters

Shutters is one of the very few five-star properties that directly overlooks the beach. It is absurdly picturesque, its white shutters hiding stylish beach-cottage décor with polished wood floors and high-tech amenities.
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Cheap Sleep - Sea Shore Motel

Situated on Main St, within walking distance of the beach and numerous bars, shops and restaurants, the Sea Shore Motel is a well-run motel with clean, simply furnished rooms.
Book now

Coffee And Chat - Polo Lounge

Movie deals are frequently signed and sealed in The Beverly Hills Hotel's Polo Lounge (9641 Sunset Boulevard, 00 1 310 276 2251). This bar's interior has a reassuring, clubby feel to it, with dark leather chairs and a long, polished bar.

Formal Presentation - Hyatt West Hollywood

Bowl over your colleagues with the spectacular views from the Hyatt West Hollywood hotel's (8401 Sunset Boulevard, 00 1 323 656 1234) rooftop ballroom – a sure-fire way to seal the deal.

Evening Drinks - : The Library Bar

The Library Bar (630 W Sixth St, Los Angeles, 00 1 213 614 0053) in downtown is an unpretentious, cosy spot. Its extensive choice of local microbrew beers is popular with the professional, after-work crowd.

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