5 Ideas for Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget

Hollywood Citypass

I am a fan of city passes, as most of the time you get good value for your money. Most of the time. You have to make a bit of research to be sure. But the Hollywood Citypass is something to be recommended as it not only provides you you with a plan of visit but also discounts to all the major attractions. Bottom line is that you get to pay half the price if you are smart to get the pass. Admission to Starline Tours of Hollywood, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Red Line Tours, Kodak Theatre and Hollywood Museum are in included.

Venice Canals

Venice is a dream, and if you are not on the right side of the Atlantic, so close to the Pacific, visiting the Kinney's dream resort is your best choice to get close to the Venice marvel. The canals are filled with wonderful arched bridges, and from time to time you can even spot a gondola. If you have the budget, don't hesitate to book one, or you can just rent a bike to explore this part of LA.

Downtown La Art Walk

Now if you are into art, Los Angeles does not dissapoint. You just have to look for the Downtown La Art Walk. It features the best art in L.A. Unfortunately it is organised only every second Thursady of each moment so you have to plan and time a bit your visit to the city in order to catch this event, but of course it's worth the small hassle.

Los Angeles Gardens

I love gardens and I especially love the Japanese gardens. So for me it's always wonderful to find great Japanese gardens also outside Japan. Again Los Angeles does not disappoint. The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys is superb. But LA has so many more wonderful gardens to offer: the Descanso Gardens, theJapnese and Chinese gardens at Huntington Library, the Botanical Garden, to mention just a few.

Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve

I love these places that hide the fact that you are in the middle of a city. When you are in the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve you can simply forget the concrete and steel jungle out there with all its noise. You can lose yourself in nature, in the bosom of the wildlife, between the waterfowls, herons and the groves of trees.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade

The Hollywood Christmas Parade is one of the oldest and best traditions of this city. After Thanksgiving, Santa Clause makes his appearance in the city, accompanied by marching bands down the Hollywood Boulevard. Stalls of Christmas gifts appear all over the city and like in New York, or Las Vegas, you will have no difficulties find a Christmas market or two. Besides the Christmas markets in Europe, these are my favorite holiday markets. You will find everything your heart desires.