Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a sprawling city situated in Southern California (SoCal) and the centre of the nation’s film and television industry. The city is best known for its iconic Hollywood sign and celebrity status. Here you can enjoy everything from parties on the Sunset Strip to relaxing afternoons on Malibu Beach.
British Consulate General Los Angeles
Los Angeles CA 90067
USA
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 911
- Language: English
- Currency: American Dollars
- Country Code: US
- Travel Visa: ESTA required (Click here for more info)
- Population: 3,990,456
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 911 from any phone, for not so serious situations please dial 311.
Travelling Around
Los Angeles has five major airports, with LAX being the main international airport. The Metro Rail serves 93 stations in the LA area, while the Metro Bus System facilitates transport all over the region to every major destination including state parks, area attractions and shopping districts. Public transport is an affordable, easy way to hop around the city.
Airports
The main airport for Los Angeles is LAX.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Train Stations
Union Station is the central hub for trains in Los Angeles.
LA Safety
How do I keep up with the news?
What are the common scams in LA?
Fake Hollywood Talent Agent
You may be approached by someone posing as a Hollywood Talent Agent, who wants to cast either you or your child. Respond with caution, as they may be trying to take advantage of you and ask for money. Here are some things to remember:
– Ask for their business card and search for them on IMDB.com
– Never pay anything upfront
– Never go to office meetings alone
Fake Rap Artist
You may encounter individuals posing to be a rap artist on Hollywood Blvd and in Venice Beach. They will try to give you a “free” CD. They will insist you take it and if you do they will insist it needs their autograph. The CD is free, but they will bully you into money for the signature. Put your hands in your pocket if you see these people, so they cannot force the CD into your hand.
How can I stay safe in LA?
Blend In
The Los Angeles Police Department’s official advice for steering clear of Los Angeles crime includes doing “all you can to blend in with the crowd.” Refrain from wearing or carrying anything that looks expensive, such as jewellery, cameras or handbags.
Plan Your Route
Planning your route and being confident in where you’re heading will minimise the risk of ending up in a dangerous neighbourhood and keep you out of trouble. If driving, research the area where you decide to park your car and make sure you hide all of your valuables and tourist guides in either the glove box or the boot of the car to avoid a break-in.
Don’t Jaywalk
The city is notorious for jaywalking tickets. Don’t let that deter you from walking some of the flatter neighbourhoods, just follow the crosswalk signals and be vigilant, as many drivers think they own the road and it can be very dangerous.
Which areas should I take more care?
Green Meadows
While the name might sound inviting, the neighbourhood is actually one of the most dangerous in Los Angeles and not somewhere you would like to find yourself. Just north of Compton, stats show that it is the 10th most deadly neighbourhood of all the 270 counties in Los Angeles.
Downtown LA (DTLA)
While the Downtown LA area is rapidly gentrifying, visitors should be aware of the district’s block-long Skid Row, known for its density of transients, drug use, and people in dire need of mental health services. So while most parts of Downtown Los Angeles are safe for tourists, visitors should take care in choosing their routes, especially at night.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
LA Events
Click on the events for more information.
LA Highlights
Where can I find great cafes?
You can find Urth Caffe’s in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Downtown LA.
Are you a cat lover? This spot is very popular among people who want to wind down, play with kittens and enjoy a cup of coffee. If that sounds like a dream, maybe this is the spot for you.
A very casual spot to grab some great coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of you night owls. This cafe also offers sidewalk seating to soak up those Californian rays.
Where can I find good night life?
West Hollywood
West Hollywood is a trendy area known for its high-energy nightlife. Santa Monica Boulevard, awash in rainbow flags, is home to a number of gay bars, dance clubs and shops. The area is also home to some of the most popular restaurants in LA.
Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is lined with countless live music venues, bars and some of the best nightclubs in the United States. To find out more, click here.
The Rooftop
If you’re looking for somewhere a little more classy, The Rooftop offers a heated pool, waterbed pods, DJs & panoramic city views. To find out more, click here.
What are the highlight attractions?
Hollywood Studios is a very popular attraction, giving guests an insight into the magic that happens behind the curtain on some of their favourite blockbuster films. The attraction is a great place for thrill-seekers to enjoy various Hollywood themed rides.
The iconic pier has something for everyone, from amusement rides in Pacific Park, restaurant dining options and fishing spots for a slow-paced afternoon. At the end of the pier there are often musicians busking, which makes for a great spot to look out into the Pacific Ocean and enjoy a sunset after a long day of exploring the city.
There are nature trails up to the top of Griffith Park, which are worth doing for the view at the end overlooking the city. There are some great exhibitions inside the Observatory and the planetarium show is definitely recommended. The Observatory can get a little busy at sunset, but it’s definitely something you need to see if visiting LA.