Home of Disneyland and movie stars, Beverly Hills and Hollywood, Los Angeles has long lured people into its glittering fantasy world. With its endless sunshine, palm trees, shopping malls and beautiful people, this city is like no place you’ve ever been before, and yet is strangely familiar. When you delve below the screen image, however you will find a wonderfully vibrant, exhilarating multi-cultural hub with plenty of things to do and see.

Picture courtesy of Fastcheck Arrival Guides

Disneyland

The world’s first amusement past and allegedly, the happiest place on earth. With over 60 attractions, Disneyland still retains its magic after almost fifty years. A must do for the young and young at heart.

Address: 700 W Ball Rd, Anaheim

Tel: +1 714 781 4000

Admission: US$63; children (ages 3-9) US$56

Getty Center

The art collections of oil magnate J. Paul Getty were united eight years ago in this gorgeous setting in the Santa Monica Mountains. The 110-acre complex houses a permanent collection of paintings, sculpture, photographs, drawings, furniture and rotating exhibits.

Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, LA CA 90049

Cross Street; Sepulveda Boulevard.

Phone: +1 310 440 7300

Admission: Free.

Universal Studios

One of LA’s top tourist destinations thanks to its Hollywood-themed attractions. Check out the stage shows or take a behind the scenes tour of the world-famous studios. b

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza

Tel: + 800 508 9600

Admission: From US$51

Griffith Park

Spread over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is the largest urban park in the United States, and has been used as the backdrop for movies including Batman and Jurassic Park. It also houses the Griffith Park Observatory and the LA Zoo.

Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Feliz Blvd

Admission: Free

Internet: www.laparks.org

Los Angeles Accommodation

Exclusive

Good Value

Basic

Hotel Bel Air

Just minutes away from Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and Westwood, and set in a wooded canyon amongst lush gardens, Hotel Bel Air is possibly one of the most luxurious hideaways in the world. Individually decorated rooms open out onto the gardens or courtyards. All five star amenities are at your beck and call.

Address: 701 Stone Canyon Road Cross Street: Tortuoso Way

Underground: Bel Air

Standard Downtown LA

Artsy, minimalist and very hip, the Standard provides an escape from the everyday amidst the concrete jungle of

Downtown LA. A design-y boutique hotel with funky-but-practical furnishings, big bathtubs and a happening rooftop bar with a great view. The Standard also has a pool, gym and 24-hour coffee shop.

Address: 550 S. Flower Street Cross Street: 6th Street

Underground: Downtown

Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel

Cut-rate, centrally located and funky, the Beverly Laurel is frequented by actors, models and musicians, paying a fraction of the price of nearby hotels. The motel has a pool, free parking and its own trendy, inexpensive diner, ‘Swingers’.

Address: 8018 Beverly Blvd Cross Street: Laurel Ave

Underground: La Brea and Miracle Mile

Beverly Hills Hotel

Locally known as the ‘Pink Palace’, the Beverly Hills Hotel has long been, and still is, a playground for Hollywood legends and cavorting millionaires. Luxurious bungalows open onto the gardens and many rooms have their own patio and hot tub. Guests can take advantage of the Olympic sized swimming pool and Wimbledon champion tennis coach, as well as the complimentary limo rides to Beverly Hills restaurants.

Address: 9641 Sunset Blvd Cross Street: Rodeo Drive

Underground: Westside and Beverly hills

Figueroa Hotel

Quirky, exotic and very popular, the Figueroa is more like being in Morocco than LA. This very well priced and conveniently located Downtown hotel is sensual pleasure. Lose yourself in rooms with wrought iron beds and Mediterranean tones, a pool and hot tub surrounded by tropical plants, and a mellow veranda bar.

Address: 939 Figueroa Street Cross Street: James M. Wood Blvd

Underground: Downtown

Magic Castle Hotel

Located just steps away from Hollywood Boulevard’s attractions, this inexpensive and comfortable motel is great for families or long term stays. Once an apartment building, the large modern well-equipped guest rooms are centred around a courtyard pool. Staff are friendly, parking is cheap, and you can walk up the road to the legendary Magic Castle Illusionist Club for dinner.

Address: 7025 Franklin Avenue between La Brea and Highland

Avenues

Underground: Hollywood

Where to Shop

Where to Eat

Los Angeles has as diverse an array of shopping areas as its sprawling multi-ethnic population. Whether you are looking for haute couture, trendy or vintage, ethnic, chic or designer, this city has you covered. Each area is distinct in its vibe, clientele and wares. Tax is generally not included in the marked price, so be prepared to add 8%.

Westside And Beverly Hills

This is where the big people buy big names for big money. A familiar backdrop in lots of movies, it is certainly worth a look even if you can’t afford anything.

Hollywood

Hollywood Boulevard is one of Los Angeles’ most famous streets, although it has become a bit of a tourist Mecca with souvenir, t-shirt and poster shops lining its sidewalks.

Downtown

Downtown LA is an eclectic mix of bargain stores, markets and ethnic enclaves and is well worth a bit of exploration.

Restaurants

Restaurant At The Standard Hotel

This swanky hotel diner serves modern American fare to beautiful people, Hollywood style.

Address: 8300 Sunset Blvd Sweetzer Ave

Hal’s

Famous for its French fries, Hal’s serves all-American fare in a chilled out atmosphere.

Address: 1349 Abbot Kinney Blvd California Avenue

Cafes

Chado Tea Room

A tea lovers’ haven with a frivolous collection of teapots lining the walls and 300 different teas from around the world.

Address: 8422 1/ 2 W. Third Street 90048 La Cienaga Blvd

Bars

Viper Room

This ultra-hip Art Deco club, once owned by Johnny Depp, is famous for its music, both live and spun, and its surprise celebrity appearances.

Address: 8852 W Sunset Blvd Cross: Larrabee Street