In February 2014 I traveled to Los Angeles for a conference. I had one extra day to explore Downtown L.A. Here’s what I did:

Bradbury Building: A quick stop in the lobby is all you need to appreciate the elaborate ironwork and elegant architecture of this 19th century building.

Walt Disney Concert Hall: You don’t even have to go inside; the best part about this building is the photogenic undulating metallic exterior. The Los Angeles Philharmonic plays here.

Los Angeles Central Library: Take a walk through and marvel at the beautiful interiors — especially the mosaic room with a large globe hanging from the ceiling.

Grand Central Market: Every city needs a gourmet market hub, like Reading Terminal and Pike Place. Grand Central is L.A.’s answer and, at nearly 100 years old, it does not disappoint.

Museum of Contemporary Art, L.A.: The Broad hadn’t opened yet, but this nearby one had an interesting collection of large-scale contemporary works.

The Varnish: A speakeasy behind Cole’s bar, this spot serves awesome Prohibition-style craft cocktails.

Spring St. Bar: Craft beers and industrial decor in Downtown L.A.

Ace Hotel: Downtown L.A.’s version of the hipster hotel chain. The bar here is small, and the

Angel City Brewery: Super laidback and spacious brewery that’s well-lit and well-entertained, with games and music (and craft beers, of course).

Villains Tavern: Weird and wonderfully eclectic, this vintage bar feels out of place among the empty lots that surround it. But it’s a hipster haven, with live bands, awesome cocktails, and L.A.’s equivalent of the fedora crowd.