Downtown LA | Architecture, Railways & Breakfast Notes

In Los Angeles, I chose to stay in Downtown—simple reason: it’s easy to reach most of my planned destinations by walking or short bus rides. At 8 AM sharp, I headed to Eggslut at Grand Central Market for breakfast. This spot is only open half a day, and right after 8, the line starts to grow. I went two mornings in a row, ordering the same thing each time—the Slut and a cheeseburger—and never left disappointed 🍔🥚. As for hotel breakfast (I was staying at a budget-friendly one), options were limited and not particularly tasty, plus the price difference for including breakfast was significant. Eventually, I skipped it and saved the money to eat at local breakfast spots instead—more authentic and even some spare change left over. Of course, not every choice was a winner. For example, that historic restaurant claiming to be the “birthplace of the French dip sandwich since 1908,” hidden in a basement with leather booths, vintage lamps, and a red-felt pool table—it felt like stepping into a Western film set. Sadly, the famous sandwich didn’t do it for me, even with all its history and celebrity hype 😅. Okay, once I start talking about food it’s hard to stop… Back to today’s highlights: ❶ Bradbury Building Built in 1893, it’s often called an architectural jewel of LA. A favorite Hollywood filming location too—the orange-and-cyan tones, metal latticework, and the slow-rising cage elevators in Blade Runner create a dreamy, sci-fi atmosphere 🏙️✨. ❷ Angels Flight Railway This narrow-gauge funicular opened in 1901, running just 99 meters—said to be the shortest operating railway in the world. A one-way ride takes under a minute and costs $0.75. A charming little experience 🚞. ❸ Walt Disney Concert Hall & The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) The concert hall, home to the LA Philharmonic, blends steel and curves into something surreal. Next door, MOCA is a postmodern gallery housing works by Rothko, de Kooning, and more 🎭🎨. ❹ Union Station Opened in 1939, it was the last grand railway station built in the US and still serves travelers today. With marble floors, arched ceilings, leather seats, and grand chandeliers, it mixes Mission Revival, Art Deco, and Native American influences—like stepping back in time 🚉🕰️. ❺ El Pueblo de Los Angeles This area preserves strong Spanish and Mexican influences. The oldest building is the Ávila Adobe, built in 1818 for former mayor Ávila, still furnished with family heirlooms. There’s also a free museum nearby sharing the history of Mexican Americans in LA 🇲🇽📜. Walking through Downtown LA was more enjoyable than expected. Seeing and tasting a city step by step always leaves a deeper impression than rushing through. #LATravel #DowntownLA #CityWalk #GrandCentralMarket #Eggslut #BradburyBuilding #UnionStation #ElPuebloLA #TravelNotes #TravelPhotography