Los Angeles

No doubt that Los Angeles is a difficult city to grasp, especially in a short amount of time, but here are some suggestions for getting the most out of your visit.

FOR EVERYONE
#1 - Venice Boardwalk. In a city with few major parks and streets designed more for cars than humans, the Venice boardwalk is the one place that proves that yes, people do walk in L.A. Veer off the boardwalk to stroll around Venice's restored canals, now lined mostly by luxury homes. Price: free. Bike rentals generally $10/hour.

#2 - Downtown Santa Monica. Santa Monica is the exception to the rule that L.A. is best seen by car. Tourists and locals alike throng the 3rd Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only outdoor mall with street performers, restaurants and shops. The Santa Monica Pier recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and is home to an amusement park and several restaurants. Price: free. Nominal admission for amusements.

#3 - See a Hollywood Studio. Universal Studios packs them in with their justly famous Backlot Tour, and CityWalk is a pleasant if sterile place to eat or hang out. Warner Brothers nearby offers a much-closer look at how the business is really run. You can also inquire about attending a live show taping; dozens of shows tape every week in the L.A. area. Price: $40 and up for the studios; tapings generally free.

#4 - Hollywood, the Chinese Theater and the Walk of Fame. Must you? This seems to be an obligatory stop on most tourists' visit to L.A. I'd take a peek in the Hollywood & Highland center and Kodak Theater, snap pictures of the zaniness and then head off somewhere else. Be advised that there's an overwhelming touristy vibe here akin to Times Square in New York. Price: free, pictures with wackos generally require nominal donation. Ask first.

#5 - L.A. Farmer's Market. In business since the 30s, the farmers market is a much needed reminder that despite all of the concrete in L.A. now, it was agriculture that built Southern California. You can still find top-flight local produce here, along with a number of inexpensive, tasty food options. Loteria! is a local favorite. Price: free, and parking is free if you buy anything at the market. Food $10 and under.

#6 - Disneyland. If you're under 16 or have kids, Disney is going to be on your itinerary. The Magic Kingdom really is special, and it's much better and larger than its counterparts in Florida, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong. California Adventure isn't quite as thrilling, but you can often get 2-fer tickets. Downtown Disney offers some good food options and is undeniably fun and atmospheric. Price: $70 and up. Check Disney's website for the ticket package that works best for you.

#7 - See a Sports Game. L.A. is a big-time sports town, and catching a game is always fun. The L.A. Lakers are the big draw and tickets can be hard to come by; the Clippers games are easier. UCLA and USC college football, and UCLA college basketball, approach near-pro status in this city. During baseball season, you can watch the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine or the Angels down in Anaheim. Price: varies.

#8 - Hit the Beach. Venice and Santa Monica offer the closest and most accessible beaches, but they're far from the area's nicest. For the true laid-back SoCal beach experience, head north to Malibu's Zuma Beach or south to Huntington or Newport Beach in Orange County. Price: free, but beach lots charge $8-10 for parking.

#9 - Explore Downtown Los Angeles. L.A. has a downtown, it's just not the only city center anymore. Forgotten for decades by many, Downtown L.A. is rapidly regenerating. L.A. Live by the Staples Center is the crown jewel of new development. There's also Broadway, once L.A.'s entertainment hub and now a thriving Latino commercial district, the Grand Central Market, several examples of masterpiece historic architecture and stunning modern buildings like Walt Disney Hall. Price: admission varies.

#10 - Take a Hike. L.A. is one of the only cities in the world with a mountain range running through it. That means that there are dozens of great hiking opportunities right in town, each affording expansive views of mountains, ocean and the city. Clear days are best for views. Celebrities and locals favor Hollywood's Runyon Canyon, which is dog-friendly, and on the west side, Temescal Canyon and Parker Mesa offer incredible ocean views. Price: free, but remember to bring water!

It's been a very long time since I've been there, but I can still remember a couple of things. There is this beach, very well known for it's beautiful painters and you can buy beautiful stuff there. In addition to being in Los Angeles, you should go and visit Hollywood. This is a very nice neighbourhood and you can see many things there. Also the universal park is much fun too see. The way you see Los Angeles in movies, is probably the way you will see it in real life, which is fun. Disneyland should be fun too. Most of all you can enjoy an oasis of beauty and nature. If you like to meet stars or well - known people, this is the place where you have to be. But I think that I speak for everyone who comes from there, that Los Angeles has more to offer than just celebrities.

I personally love Venice, even if it is a tourist trap. Just be sure to get off the boardwalk and see the canals with residential homes.

For cheap food, I would suggest The Apple Pan on Pico and Pink's. There are also various global cuisines available so I would take advantage of that.

Also, Melrose Ave. for shopping! Great vintage clothes, especially at stores like Wasteland and Slow.