Los Angeles

Los Angeles – The City of Angels – is the birthplace of much of our popular culture. Like moths to a flame, people flock to LA to see where it all begins. Being a tourist in LA isn’t easy – it’s a sprawling city with attractions spaced far away from each other, and a distinct lack of public transport. Cabs are expensive so it’s worth equipping your phone with Uber to get you around.

Start in Hollywood at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre –  where you can take your picture with your favourite movie star’s star-shaped paving brick. Take a walk down Rodeo Drive and dream of shopping in these luxury stores. If you don’t spot a celebrity here you can always buy a Star Map and roam the residential streets locating your idols’ homes, or jump on a specialised bus tour which will point them all out for you.

From the ubiquitous Hollywood sign you can then head to the coast to the ubiquitous palm-lined boulevards of Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Walk along the quirky and vibrant Venice Board walk, stopping to watch the impossibly ripped muscle men and women of Muscle Beach flex their assets in the sunlight. Then grab a bike and cruise up to the classier Santa Monica where you can visit the Santa Monica Pier.

The state-of-the-art Getty Center is an architectural marvel housing an art gallery, performance space, concert venue, and so much more.