A Walkable Guide to Instaworthy Spots in Downtown LA
This A Walkable Guide to Instaworthy Spots in Downtown LA post was originally published in August 2019 and updated in January 2020
Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is one of the historic locations in Los Angeles. It’s also filled with many Instagramable sites. I set out to discover Instaworthy spots in Downtown LA that are FREE and walkable. Are you ready for a Walkable Guide to Instaworthy Spots in Downtown LA?
The spots highlighted in this blog post are open to the public. Make sure to check out the menu of the restaurants suggested in this guide before heading there. This guide can be done in a day or less if you’re a fast walker and don’t run into crowds at these spots. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes.
A Walkable Guide to Instaworthy Spots in Downtown LA

Bottega Louie
Bottega Louie
Breakfast Option

Bottega Louie is an upscale restaurant with a mix of French, Italian, and California Fusion cuisine. The brunch menu is California Fusion. The lunch and dinner menus are Italian. The Patisserie is very French. It’s one of the Instaworthy spots in Downtown LA because of the Intaworthy decor and macarons. The full bar, macaron shop, and gift boxes make it very Instaworthy. The hours are from 7 am to 10 pm (weekdays), and 8 am to 10 pm (weekends).
(2-minute walk)
The NoMad Hotel Los Angeles
Breakfast Option
Nomad is a five-star hotel in a historical building. The plush sofas in the lobby and the rooftop make it very picturesque. There are various food options at this hotel. Professional photography is not allowed at this hotel, though.
(3-minute walk)
Pershing Square
Pershing Square is a cute, artsy park with a purple bell that makes a beautiful backdrop for any Instagram shot.
(5-minute walk)
Los Angeles Central Library
The Los Angeles Central Library is one of the biggest libraries in the United States. It’s also very beautiful, artsy & Instaworthy. The mural on the second floor tells the history of California. I love the chandelier, which is a piece of art in itself.
(11-15 minute walk)
Grand Central Market, the food spot of Instaworthy spots in Downtown LA
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Option
Grand Central Market is an international eatery. The neon shop signs make this place Instaworthy; not to mention it is every foodie’s dream come true. The hours are from 10 am to 8 pm.
(less than 1-minute walk)
Bradbury Building, the architectural spot of Instaworthy spots in Downtown LA
After you exit the Grand Central Market, cross the street to visit the Bradbury Building. The entrance is on the 3rd & Hill. It’s an architectural marvel and the oldest commercial building remaining in DTLA. The skylit atrium provides the best lighting that any photographer would appreciate. The building security will allow professional photography of the building but not of people. You can take pictures with your iPhone, though. The hours are from 9 am to 6 pm.
(6-10 minute walk)
The Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore is California’s largest book and record store in Los Angeles. It’s also the most popular on the Instaworthy spots in Downtown LA. .They sell used and new books. You can spend hours in this bookstore; taking pictures and going through books. There are more than 250,000 books and over 1,000 vinyl records. Head over to the second floor to the Tunnel of Books and the legendary Instaworthy spot. The hours are from 10 am to 10 pm.
(5-7 minute walk)
Perch
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Option
The stunning rooftop of the city makes this a picturesque spot for a beautiful sunset shot. This place is very popular with the Downtown LA trendy crowd. Click here for hours.
Noteworthy Instaworthy Spots in Downtown LA to Add-On to This Guide
The Broad
PC: Trish Lindo Photography
Stop by The Broad (a contemporary art museum) to take Instworthy shots with Jeff Koons pop art as the backdrop. Entrance to the museum is free but you might need a ticket for special exhibitions. The hours are from 11 am to 8 pm.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is an iconic building and architectural landmark in Los Angeles. It is one of the Instaworthy spots in Downtown LA but it is also a popular photo shoot location for engagements and quinceañera.
Click here to find the best tacos in DTLA while you are there.
Happy Instagramming,
Liz