Los Angeles, second largest city in the United States stretches on an amazing 80 kilometers from north to south.  The first thing  that stroke me as a former New Yorker is that everybody has its own car and drives even within walking distances. It is then not too surprising that the first metro line started only in 1990. Trains also do not run on a tight schedule  so waiting on the platform can be quite long.

Exiting the Metro Rail’s Red Line at Pershing Square brings you  in the heart of LA’s historic downtown. If you walk west you will be met by the soaring skyscrapers of the financial center, part of the new downtown.   

Walk only few blocks east from Pershing Square and you will be in narrow streets  where you might feel noticeably less secure. Do not forget to look up, to catch some interesting views on  historic buildings.

Going back to Pershing Square and walking towards the Civic center metro  station, it is difficult to miss the futuristic Wall Disney Concert Hall, a visual delight for photographers. This building is the work of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry who also designed the  Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. Walking along  South Grand Avenue gives you an always changing perspective on the beautiful facade and at night, the building reveals its golden metallic beauty.

From the top of the stairs on the left side of the building, you can get a good view of the City Hall.

And walking to the back of the building will surprise you with a nice touch of nature.

Click here for more images of the photowalk in downtown Los Angeles