4 Best Places to Shop in Downtown and Koreatown, Los Angeles

Known as the birthplace of Los Angeles, this redbrick walkway is lined with historic buildings and overhung with grapevines. At dozens of clapboard stalls you can browse south-of-the-border goods—leather sandals, woven blankets, and devotional candles, as well as cheap toys and souvenirs—and sample outstanding tacos. With the musicians and cafés providing the soundtrack, the area is constantly lively. Annual events include a tree-lighting ceremony and Día de los Muertos celebrations.

Filled with bargain hunters, these crowded sidewalks resemble a slice of Manhattan with nearly 5,000 individual vendors and businesses. While you can save big on everything from wedding bands to sparkling belt buckles, the neighborhood also offers several more upscale vendors for those in search of super-special pieces.

The city's newest shopping, food, and cultural destination in the venerable L.A. Arts District, Row DTLA is spread across an entire campus, with around 100 curated boutique stores like Poketo, Bodega, A+R, Flask & Field, and Tokyo Bike. Additionally, new restaurants like Rappahannock Oyster Bar and Michelin-starred Hayato seem to be popping up weekly. A weekend highlight is Smorgasburg, where every Sunday dozens of food stalls pop up in the next-door parking lot serving tasty favorites across every cuisine imaginable.

Situated in the Fashion District, the Santee Alley is known for back-alley deals on knockoffs of designer sunglasses, jewelry, handbags, shoes, and clothing. Be prepared to haggle, and don't lose sight of your wallet. Weekend crowds can be overwhelming, but there's plenty of street food to keep your energy up.