Los Angeles is a big city. It can be a little overwhelming, especially when you first get there. Adjusting might take a while, but take this beginner’s guide with you, and you’ll be an LA expert in no time.
Places to go in LA
There’s never a dull moment in this city. From art museums to shopping centers, LA does everything bigger and better. Whether you enjoy them with your roommates or by yourself, you’ll have a blast and find your scene in LA.
For one, LA is a shopper’s paradise. You can spend hours (and $) at The Grove, looking around the outdoor mall, or tasting Brazilian BBQ at the original LA Farmers’ Market. If that’s not enough, Westfield Century City has every store imaginable and more. Melrose Avenue is also a hotspot in terms of boutiques, hip restaurants, and fashionable wall art.
Love art and history? Good news, LA has got some of the best museums in the country. Many are found downtown, such as The Broad and the LA County Museum of Art, and you’re guaranteed to snap a beautiful shot at these institutions. Another Instagram-worthy moment is the Griffith Observatory where you can see the City of Stars for yourself.
Let’s not forget how close you are to the water and greenery. Explore all the beaches around you: Santa Monica, Malibu, Newport, Laguna. The view and sunsets never get old, and neither will being surrounded by nature at Echo Park and Huntington Library.
Good food to eat in LA
Moving on to the important stuff — food. Urth Cafe is the classic LA spot with some good choices for brunch and afternoon snacks. Make sure to try their organic green tea boba. Enjoy the minimalist LA vibe at Sqirl in East Hollywood with some fresh breakfast foods and coffee.
Some higher-end restaurants you should check out are MajorDomo and Osteria Mozza. Celebrity Chef David Chang brings American-influenced Asian cuisine to LA; reservations are made way in advance for his Benton’s sausage-stuffed, fried Korean peppers, and a short rib. You can’t go wrong with Italian at Osteria Mozza with its bustling atmosphere.
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Other local favorites are Sugarfish and Kazu Nori, two Japanese restaurants specializing in sushi and handrolls, located downtown and across the city. Real foodies will not only visit these incredible restaurants, but they’ll also treat themselves to In-N-Out and these desserts.
Ways to get around LA
Frankly, the easiest way to get around LA is by car. Rideshare options are available throughout downtown and around the city. Other city transportation apps, such as Turo, can help you rent a car and navigate public transportation.
Nightlife to enjoy
LA has got a great mix of rooftop bars, funky nightclubs, and live entertainment venues. For a stylish drink and a beautiful view of Downtown, head to The Rooftop Biergarten at the Standard.
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Catch some jokes at the legendary Laugh Factory or The Improv Hollywood on Melrose. If comedy isn’t your thing, Melrose Ave is also home to E.P. & L.P., a stylish rooftop bar with Southeast Asian foods. For a more casual night, Bar Calo in nearby Echo Park serves tequila Manhattans and excellent Mexican bar food.
West Hollywood is known for its eccentric scenes. Bayou is a New Orleans-themed dive bar, perfect for celebrating happy hour. Society Room is a great speakeasy in the same neighborhood if you’re feeling nostalgic for the 1940s. Once you’re out in LA, you’re bound to find a few friends and have a story (or two) to tell the next morning.
Locations to live
Finding a place to live in LA can be daunting. Which neighborhood should you live in? How do you even start looking for roommates?
Common resolves all those queries. Move into Common Melrose and Common Elmwood in LA. Both homes are fully furnished with free laundry, free weekly cleaning, and utilities included in one all-inclusive rate.
Members move-in in just 30 minutes and can expect everything else to be provided. From toilet paper to pots and pans, Common homes are the perfect spot to relocate to if you’re considering LA as your next home. Take a free tour of our homes today.
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