A cool weekend Itinerary
Los Angeles is a sprawling playground of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and effortlessly cool spots to eat, drink, and explore. Whether you’re here for the Hollywood magic, the coastal vibes, or the legendary food scene, this 48-hour guide has you covered.
Day one: classic LA and a taste of Hollywood
Morning: Brunch and Griffith Park Views
Start your day with breakfast at Swingers Diner in West Hollywood. This retro diner keeps it cool with classic American fare and a laid-back crowd. After fueling up, head to Griffith Park for some of the best panoramic views of LA. Whether you hike up to the Griffith Observatory or just take a leisurely stroll, this is the perfect way to soak in the city from above.
Midday: Hollywood Icons & a Laid-Back Lunch
A trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without a walk along Hollywood Boulevard—skip the tacky attractions and go straight to TCL Chinese Theatre to see the handprints of Hollywood legends. Just across the street, the historic Hollywood Roosevelt is worth popping into for a drink or a glimpse of old-school Hollywood.
For lunch, head to The Original Farmer’s Market for a mix of legendary food stalls, or grab a table at République for a more refined yet relaxed LA dining experience.
Afternoon: Art & Shopping
Spend your afternoon exploring The Broad, home to contemporary art icons like Warhol and Basquiat, or take a stroll through LACMA, where you’ll find the famous Urban Light installation. If shopping is on your radar, Melrose Avenue is packed with vintage stores and cool boutiques, while Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice offers a mix of indie shops and designer stores.
Evening: Dinner & an Old-School LA Cinema Experience
For dinner, book a table at Musso & Frank Grill, LA’s oldest restaurant and a favourite of Hollywood legends. If you’re after something more modern, Bestia in the Arts District is a top-tier choice for Italian food.
Cap off the night at New Beverly Cinema, the Quentin Tarantino-owned theatre that screens 35mm cult classics and old Hollywood gems—it’s a must for film lovers.
Day two: beachside LA & sunset magic
Morning: Coffee & Venice Beach stroll
Start your day at Venice Beach, where you can grab a coffee at Menotti’s Coffee Stop and take a walk along the boardwalk. Check out the street performers, skaters, and Muscle Beach gym before heading towards the Venice Canals for a quieter, picture-perfect LA moment.
Midday: Malibu lunch & coastal views
Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu , where The Surfrider Malibu has a rooftop bar with unbeatable ocean views. If you’re after a casual seafood fix, Neptune’s Net is a classic roadside seafood shack with a mix of bikers, surfers, and weekend road-trippers.
Afternoon: Silver Lake & Eastside vibes
Head to Silver Lake, LA’s hipster heart, where you can browse cool indie stores, vinyl shops, and grab an iced matcha at Dayglow Coffee. If you want a slice of old-school LA, stop by Echo Park Lake and rent a swan pedal boat or just take in the palm-lined views.
Evening: Sunset drinks & a final LA feast
For sunset drinks, Sunset Tower Hotel is pure Hollywood glamour, offering a perfect view as the sky turns pink over the city. For dinner, go all out at Providence, LA’s best seafood fine-dining experience, or keep it cool with pizza and natural wine at Gigi’s in Hollywood.
Two days in LA barely scratches the surface, but this itinerary gives you a taste of the city’s coolest spots. From classic Hollywood to the laid-back coast, it’s the perfect mix of iconic and under-the-radar.
Featured Places
Bestia - Arts District
Bestia in LA’s Arts District is a powerhouse of bold Italian flavours, serving house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and top-tier charcuterie. A must-visit for Italian food lovers.
République - Mid-Wilshire
République in Los Angeles is a must-visit for French-inspired dining, from buttery pastries at breakfast to indulgent seasonal dishes at dinner. Set in a stunning historic space, it’s one of LA’s most beloved restaurants.
Swingers Diner - West Hollywood
Swingers Diner in LA is a retro-cool spot serving classic American comfort food with a twist, from all-day pancakes to vegan burgers. Located next to Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel, it’s a must-visit for late-night eats and laid-back vibes.
Sunset Tower Hotel - West Hollywood
Sunset Tower Hotel is a historic Hollywood icon, offering Art Deco glamour, luxury accommodations, and one of LA’s most exclusive bars on the Sunset Strip.
The Surfrider Malibu - Malibu
The Surfrider Malibu is a boutique coastal retreat with ocean views, a private rooftop deck, and a laid-back luxury vibe just steps from the beach.
