48hrs in L.A    

Ah, Los Angeles – wildly alluring to some, anathema to others. More prosaically, the City of Angels is a series of villages linked by freeways and can be hard to get a grip on for the uninitiated. Here, our local experts present a weekend itinerary that should make even L.A doubters succumb to its charms.


Saturday

10am: Brunch at Café Stella
This cute Silverlake bistro is a hipster brunch favourite. Food is traditional French and service is also in the laid-back, European mould, so allow plenty of time.

1pm: Culture at the Getty Center
The drive to the ocean along Sunset Boulevard is an event in itself, with the Getty the icing on the cake. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the museum holds a vast collection ranging from illuminated manuscripts to contemporary art, but the views and gorgeous architecture alone are reasons to visit.

5pm: Shopping at Hidden Treasures
Whilst over west it’d be foolish not to pop into super vintage store Hidden Treasures in the Topanga valley. Vintage in L.A can be pricey but there are bargains here: pick up a pair of spats or a 1920s capelet for the evening.

7pm: Drinks at the Edison
Back Downtown, kick off your evening at this stunningly-designed underground bar. The look is ‘industrial speakeasy’ and the vibe old Hollywood glamour: a dress code is strictly observed. This early things won’t be in full swing, but you’ll avoid the hours-long queues of later.

9pm: Dinner at Son of a Gun
The second venture from the men behind hit nose-to-tail restaurant Animal is proving just as popular. The stripped-down style is similar but the focus here is on seafood, from lobster rolls to alligator schnitzel.

11am: Dancing at Teddy’s at the Roosevelt
This small, unmarked club at the historic Roosevelt hotel is hard to find and hard to get into – the quintessential L.A nightspot, in other words. Once past the doormen, you’ll join a beautiful, up-for-it crowd.

2am: Snack at a food truck
L.A’s food truck obsession means that gourmet fast fodder is never far away. Check out www.roaminghunger.com/la to see which is closest.


Sunday

12noon: Brunch at Gjelina
‘Best brunch spot in L.A’ is a heavily contested category but our money’s on this Venice joint, thanks to its lovely patio, imaginative menu and ineffable cool factor. Afterwards, pop into the nearby Tortoise General Store for some covetable Japanese homeware and gawp at the show-offs on the beach.

3pm: Enlightenment at the Museum of Jurassic Technology
The less revealed about this unique Venice institution, the better. Just know that it’s director Werner Herzog’s favourite place in L.A and is unlike any other museum you’ve been to – what, after all, does ‘Jurassic technology’ actually mean? 

6pm: Early dinner at the Eveleigh
‘Folksy chic’ best describes this popular restaurant on Sunset: the Eveleigh Lemonade, for instance, is spiked with chamomile-infused tequila. Reserve a table on the patio, one of the most coveted outdoor spots in the city.

9pm: Drinks at Bar Marmont
The bar of the most infamous hotel in L.A should really be a naff tourist trap by now, but Bar Marmont has managed to retain its cool - and its celebrity clientele. Hey, it’s L.A – you’re allowed to care about such things… 

For more insider tips, check out our L.A guide, available on our webpage and in all app stores.