A Londoner's Guide to San Francisco and Los Angeles

📍North Beach and Chinatown

The Chinatown and North Beach area of San Francisco is a great area to stay in if you are looking to be very close to central San Francisco. Chinatown is such a treat to explore. There is music blasting, amazing smells, and some beautiful restaurants, takeaways and Chinese food shops to peruse and enjoy. But do not forget to look up too... The lanterns overhead are a spectacle, and are far more ornate than the ones found in London's Chinatown.

The North Beach area of San Francisco is great for accessing different parts of the city, but also having a lot of local amenities on your doorstep. It is also a bit of a quieter area, making it feel like the Kensington of San Francisco. Coit Tower offers a rewarding walk and viewpoint where you can see across the bay, including sights of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. In and around North Beach are also some lively areas, featuring some of the best food in San Francisco (see Golden Boy Pizza in food recommendations).

Thomas Draper, a civil engineer from Boston, said: "The most noticeable difference between London and San Francisco is that San Francisco’s rain is much more severe and the flora and fauna a much more diverse, colourful and dynamic. Almost anywhere in the city you can be hit by waves of scented flowers and pine-needles, tinged with the salty smell of the ocean, it’s kind of beautiful."

📍Lombard St

Lombard Street is famous for its steepness and curves including eight hairpin turns. And when they say it is steep... It is steep! It is a great place to visit to understand the landscape that the city was built on. Lombard Street is also a funny place to tourist watch – hundreds (literally hundreds) of cars queue to drive down Lombard Street whilst passengers stick heads out of windows to film the winding turns. If the British are known for queuing, the queue at Lombard St really is taken to the extreme.

Former London resident, now living in Boston, MA, and planning to move to San Francisco, Aggie Fielding commented: "The San Francisco terrain is unlike any other UK city. Looking across streets in San Francisco you could be convinced you're in a Doctor Strange space warp movie or a video game; the roads seems to defy the standard conventions of 3D space. Whilst some vistas in London such as Parliament Hill afford a look over the city, in San Francisco you are constantly made aware of your scale and size from the overlooks across the skyline the city affords."

📍Alcatraz

Although I did not personally visit Alcatraz, the view from Coit Tower allows you to see the small and infamous prison-island. If you are wanting to visit Alcatraz, there are numerous ferries that run to and from the island, and Alcatraz itself offers public tours. If you are feeling particularly brave, then you can opt for a night tour…

Aggie said: "It’s definitely a unique experience for the city to appear to be surrounded by water on all sides. San Francisco does literally feel like an island and in this sense different from London in that it feels impossible to comprehend the breadth of San Francisco in a way that London's urban sprawl never affords."

📍Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge is the setting that features in most images of San Francisco, and it really does live up to expectations. The grand red bridge emerging from the fog, creates a great photo opportunity and chance to see the entire Bay Area. Visiting is free, and there is a gift shop displaying information about the construction process.

Free outdoor exhibitions are open to the public, and take you on a journey from the conception of the bridge designs through to the final bridge standing today. But do be aware, no matter the weather or temperature in the city of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is known for having a very different climate – so wear trousers and take a windbreaker. Make sure to look out for freshly painted parts of the bridge – it is someone’s job to just paint a different part every day, continuously.

Thomas said: "For San Francisco, I would say to someone to pack very similarly to how you would pack in London; imagine that the weather could be slightly cold and slightly rainy and change in an instant."

📍Haight-Ashbury

A favourite of mine when visiting San Francisco was Haight-Ashbury. Made popular during the 1960s hippie movement, the intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets, offers one-of-a-kind shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. The area is like a cleaner, prettier Camden – offering a lot of vintage stores, and some great independent sellers. Situated near Cole Valley, take a gander through the shops before exploring the local houses – all of unique beauty.

Aggie said: "Cole Valley and Haight Ashbury reminded me of parts of Islington and Canonbury; similar to how homes spill onto Highbury fields, the most northern tip of Cole Valley and Haight Street appear to pour directly into the park, scattering its edges with coffee shops, bookstores and community spaces. Like Islington, Cole Valley feels like a bubble, quiet and distinct from the rest of the city."

📍Golden Gate Park & Ocean Beach

Golden Gate Park, whilst ironically not that close to the Golden Gate Bridge, is a beautiful site to visit. Nearly five times as big as Central Park in New York, and stretching down to the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Park offers a myriad of things to do other than just a walk or bike ride. In the middle of the park are different themed gardens; botanical, Japanese and the flower conservatory, for example. Whilst you do have to pay entry (unless you’re an extremely early riser), it is worth picking one to explore. The Japanese Tea Garden offers a tranquil setting, with peace pagodas, koi carp, and even a zen garden. Whilst visiting the garden, it is hard to tell that you are within another park itself or even within a city. Think of Kew Gardens, if it was placed in Soho.

To get around Golden Gate Park, bikes are the most common method used. There are plenty of rental tents and docking stations in and around the park, much like Santander bikes, where you can grab a bike and return at a different point. You will need to download the Lyft app to use them. But be aware, if using a Lyft bike, the first 30 minutes are a couple of dollars, and after that they charge you the 24-hour fee which is over $30. So, dock your bike before 30 minutes, and you can take another one out immediately and use that one for 30 minutes, to avoid the whole day fee. Having said that, if you aren’t a great cyclist, do be aware the park is quite hilly, so it may not be the best option for you.

Aggie Fielding said: "In San Francisco you could look to one flower bed and be convinced you were in a cactus ridden desert and the next bed a tropical paradise where banana palms gently sway in the wind. The diversity of plant species is broad climatically speaking, plentiful and varies greatly in smell and colour in a way that is rarer to find in central London. Even the skyscrapers have their own forests."

She added: "Parts of Golden Gate Park feel like Hampstead Heath, where in the sheer scale and size, it feels as though you could be lost enough to convince yourself you’re not in a city at all."

Ocean beach is situated at the far end of Golden Gate Park and offers a typical Californian beach, with golden sand, BBQ pits and … wind. A scenic walk if you fancy a different setting to the park. This is completely different to anything you'd ever experience in London, so if in San Francisco, do make sure to go to the beach to understand the feeling of a city with beaches!

📍Food Recommendations

1. Golden Boy Pizza

Golden Boy Pizza is the place to go if you love focaccia. The base of their pizzas is focaccia, and then they are topped with all sorts of different toppings. You can purchase either by the slice, or a whole pizza… If you are really hungry. But be aware, even just one slice is very filling.

2. Tartine

Tartine is a famous bakery known for their morning rolls. A bit like a cinnamon bun, the pull apart roll is doughy, moist and extremely yummy. They also sell other pastries, cakes and bread. It reminds me of Gail's in London, but with a much more homemade feel.

3. 4505 Burger & BBQ

4505 Burgers & BBQ is a BBQ restaurant situated on the busy and bustling Divisadero Street. With a great outdoor patio to absorb the atmosphere of the area, the BBQ restaurant is run by a butcher who serves smoked meats, sides and burgers. Make sure to get their smoked meat plate, where you can choose three meats and two sides, all served with pickles and a buttery parker house roll for $24.95. This platter allows you to try multiple items from the menu meaning you get the full experience.

4. Na Ya Dessert Cafe

Na Ya Dessert Café is tucked away in the residential area on Octavia St. However, once you get there you realise that the walk was worth it as you will see a packed little dessert café. Na Ya specialises in Asian sweet treats including shaved ice, cakes, crepes, and milk tea… If going, make sure to get their Thai milk tea crepe cake - desserts will never be the same! As of yet, I am yet to find somewhere in London that does the same thing, so it really is unique.

5. Senor Sisig

Senor Sisig offer Filipino burritos. Be aware, having one burrito is enough to share - they are absolutely huge and jam packed full of meat and rice. Also, make sure to check out the merchandise they sell, featuring their little pig logo. Burritos are definitely something I think America does better and after having one of these the excitement of now having a Chipotle, Tortilla or Taco Bell in London, will be completely diminished.

📍Book Shops

Personally, I am an avid book lover and therefore I make it one of my main ambitions that every holiday I go on, to find the best bookstores and literary locations. Famous literary works feature settings from across the globe, hence when I go to a new place I will purchase a book that is set in the place I am visiting. If it is by a local author too, that is even better! Most of America, in comparison to the rest of the world, doesn't have as lengthy a history. However, this has not prevented different locations across America from featuring as the key backdrop to numerous novels.

My chosen book from San Francisco was Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. The story follows Clay Jannon, a former web-design professional, who is forced to get a new job as a night shift worker in Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore due to the recession. Shortly after working in the bookstore, Clay comes to realise the loyal customers never purchase anything. They only borrow obscure volumes. Clay then undertakes a mission, by using modern means, to understand the mysterious ancient secrets behind the front of the bookstore... And also where the recently disappeared Mr. Penumbra, is. Whilst I have not yet read the book, I know that the San Francisco classic will be both rewarding and offer me the chance to reminisce in all I saw whilst there.

If in San Francisco, visit these must-see bookstores:

1.     City Lights Bookstore

City Lights Bookstore was founded by the famous poet, Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953 and became a local gathering place for readers, writers, artists and activists. This book shop is little-but-large with a great basement to explore. Make sure to look out for the quirky posters on the walls, including poems about burritos!

2.     Dog Eared Books

The image ‘dog eared’ books creates is far from the reality of the Dog Eared Books bookshop. A cute little bookstore sitting at the corner of Valencia Street offers an array of literature, all neatly organised. What makes it so special? The number of small-press titles it has that are hard to find elsewhere. If you like Hatchards in Piccadilly, then you'll love this place.

3.     Borderland books

Haight and Ashbury (featured previously), known by locals very well, is a lively area that is a must to visit. And what makes it even greater is Borderland Books. This eclectic little book shop is full of new and used books specialising in science fiction, fantasy, horror and mystery. The staff are super friendly, and they KNOW their books. I purchased Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore from here and immediately got the stamp of approval from staff for buying a San Francisco classic.

4.     Half Price Books

This is no ordinary book shop… Be prepared for an entire library-like shop, full of secondhand books for great prices. Top tip – watch out for American holidays, they tend to offer even further reductions. It is almost like all the book sections in charity shops have been gathered together into one huge emporium.

5.     Moe’s Books

Dedicate time for this bookstore if you intend on visiting. Across four floors, this bookstore offers all genres you could ever need. Make sure to check out the gift section, which offers some lovely literary themed presents. It has quite a similar feel to Foyles bookstores.

📍Green Tortoise Hostel

Green Tortoise Hostel, in North Beach, is probably the most exciting hostel I've ever stayed in. The social space is situated in an old ballroom that overlooks the roads in Chinatown. The ballroom is filled with eclectic objects and multiple places to sit and enjoy social events or food. The rooms are slightly on the smaller side for a hostel, but a sink is in your room and there is also under bed storage that is lockable for your possessions.

Breakfast was also included and consisted of bagels, fresh fruit, yoghurt and oatmeal. What is particularly good about this hostel is its big kitchen and social space that make you feel like you can really spread out without stepping on other people's toes. In addition, the bottom shelf of the fridge is designated for food that people leave when they leave the hostel - so essentially you can find a lot of spices or cooking ingredients to make up your breakfast or lunch. There is also a constant supply of fresh orange juice, coffee and tea.

One unusual thing about this hostel, that I have not come across before, is that it has a sauna on its top floor. Despite unusual, it was a welcome addition, which can be used to relax after a long day walking around the hills or San Francisco.

The Green Tortoise Hostel really does think of everything  - when you enter they have maps of San Francisco, different walking routes, event guides planning, local transport cards that other guests have left, towels for hire, pool tables, books left by other guests and so much more. If you are not into quirky places, this hostel isn't for you - but if you love a bit of electric chaos then this hostel is perfect. In comparison to London hostels, it certainly isn't as modern or clean, but different to the polished London hostels, it has a unique antique charm.

Aggie said: "We stayed at the Green Tortoise hostel, a converted ballroom come haven of quirky rooms and lovely staff. Though on the more expensive side for a hostel, the Green Tortoise provided breakfast, ran daily events and even had a sauna; would definitely recommend."

Please do note though there is no disabled access.

📍Hollywood

Hollywood is one of the most famous areas in California. I was fortunate enough to stay right on the Walk of Fame with celebrities’ stars on my doorstep. Hollywood is not to be glamorised; many areas of Hollywood are dirty, have a high homeless population, and some areas do not feel safe. However, it is such an experience to visit Hollywood and it still remains to be very impressive.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame can be done in increments, as and when you're getting to places. So, rather than dedicating a whole morning or afternoon to walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, if you're staying in the area, when visiting different places just go via Hollywood Blvd to be able to see the Walk of Fame. This area of Los Angeles really cannot be compared to London, it is entirely unique and feels like it is in its own bubble.

Thomas commented: "In Los Angeles the disparity between rich and poor is both jarring and disconcerting; it appears everywhere from the architecture, to the restaurants to the people who walk on the street versus the people who live on the street."

Also, in Hollywood are some great houses and hills to go hiking through. In the neighbourhood of Los Feliz is the start of Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory trails. These well used routes to Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Mount offer amazing views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign. Also, make sure to look out for some amazing architecture - there are many houses in the hills that have been designed by famous architects. If not a hiker, the walk through Griffith Park might not be for you, but if you're still wishing to go to the observatory, there are buses that regularly go to the observatory and back.

📍Downtown

Downtown LA is much like the downtowns of every other city. A lot of the area is occupied with corporate and financial buildings. However, it does feature some great sights and places to visit. Think the Canary Wharf of Los Angeles.

One great site to visit is Grand Central Market; an emporium of food vendors offering events since 1917 and some spectacular neon lights.

The Broad is also situated in Downtown LA; a contemporary art museum offering free admission and an active programme of rotating exhibitions. Featured artists at the moment are Yayoi Kusama and Keith Haring. If you enjoy visiting the Tate Modern, make sure to head to the Broad - even if it is for its funky staircases.

Angels Flight Railway is also a historical landmark you must visit. It's the world's shortest railway, was built in 1901 and has two funicular cars that travel on in 298ft incline. It costs only $1.00 in cash to go one way or with a local transport Tap card only $0.50. No transport in London is that cheap...

The final recommended stop in Downtown LA is the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Frank Gehry-designed music hall has a striking steel exterior and offers great acoustic shows. Frank Gehry, who also recently designed one of the apartment complexes at the newly refurbished Battersea Power Station, is the architect behind the Sydney Opera House look alike.

📍Griffith Park (into Los Feliz and Hollyhock)

Griffith Park is great to explore for hikes and trails, like previously mentioned. Mount Hollywood is a tough but rewarding hike, which offers a spectacular view once at the top. Whilst there are signs warning of the rattlesnakes and coyotes, as long as you keep to the main track, you'll see plenty of people and happy pooches on their daily walks. Just make sure to take some water with you and some all-important snacks. Take the route going via the observatory for toilet stops too.

Once you're done with your hike, you can descend from the Hollywood Hills into the neighbourhood of Los Feliz. Los Feliz gives a real community feel with local cafes, coffee shops and a really great book shop (Skylight Books – see later). If you wonder through Los Feliz far enough, you will get to Hollyhock House, where admission is just $3 per student. It has quite a Shoreditch-Notting Hill feel, making it the perfect place for a quieter but still exciting adventure.

Hollyhock House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built between 1919 and 1921, the house was Frank Lloyd Wright's first Los Angeles commission and ode to California. Designed for Aline Bondall, this house was intended to be the centre of a 36-acre art complex, which was only ever partially realised.

📍Monastery of the Angels

The Monastery of the Angels is a highlight point of visiting Los Angeles. For 90 years this beautiful monastery was home to a cloistered community of Dominican nuns, who lived, prayed and baked their famous pumpkin bread and monastery goodies.

Unfortunately, the Monastery of the Angels closed in 2022. But the Master of the Dominican order asked the Dominican Friars to work with the nuns to find a way to preserve the property. Since, the gift shop has remained open selling the monastery goodies and the nuns' very famous pumpkin bread. Carlos Sanchez runs and works the shop and is easily one of the most heart-warming people you will ever meet. He hopes the monastic community remains in Hollywood and that having worked there for over 20 years, he hopes to see it restored to its former beauty. Watch the video of Los Angeles, to hear what Carlos has to say about the monastery.

Aggie commented: "You must go to the Monastery of the Angels in LA. The nuns desperately need support to save their convent, so make sure to buy some of the most delicious pumpkin bread you’ve ever tasted to donate to the monastery funds."

📍Brentwood

The area of Brentwood is not as well-known by its name as Hollywood, Venice beach or Santa Monica. However, some key parts of Brentwood are still very famous.

Brentwood features both the Getty Center and UCLA, which is dubbed the most beautiful university in America. If you like art and architecture the Getty Center is a must. It holds pieces by Van Gogh, William Turner, Edvard Munch, and many more notable artists. But the centre itself is also a piece of art. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the Getty campus highlights both nature and culture in a modern but beautiful way. The campus encapsulates and emphasises the open spaces, beautiful gardens and dramatic views of the city below. The breath-taking buildings are made of 1.2 million square feet of stone which feature different textures and colours of light beige to honey. The stone is travertine and 16,000 tonnes of it were imported from Tivoli in Italy (15 miles east of Rome). The architect chose the stone for the project because it has historically been associated with public architecture and expresses qualities the Getty Center celebrates: permanence, solidity, simplicity, warmth and companionship. When visiting make sure to look at the stone to see small fossils and leaves and branches that are naturally ingrained in the stone.

The University of California, Los Angeles is also a site of beauty. Featuring many brick and tile buildings in Lombard Romanesque style, UCLA features multiple unique buildings on a beautiful campus, where you can just have a wander around.This area of Los Angeles feels like nothing in London, but will invoke the same feelings as walking around UCL's campus.

📍Venice

Venice is another area of Los Angeles that has featured in many films, celebrity interviews, and entertainment shows across the globe. The beach itself is long, very beautiful and features many things to explore such as: muscle beach, the 1970s skate park, street art, stalls, the Boulevard, and much more. It really is worth dedicating an entire day to just relaxing on the beach watching the surfers or the skateboarders and taking in the environment and atmosphere.

Other areas of Venice are great to explore too. Venice canals quite literally are a miniature version of the canals in Venice, Italy, and offer a scenic and quiet walk away from the hustle and bustle of Venice Blvd and beach. It is also a great walk to go property spotting and to end up perusing a few shops along Abbot Kiney Blvd. Zahra Hussain, who has visited LA from London, said: "The weather in LA, sun always shining, and the overall California vibe is the best. The energy that radiates amongst the locals, giving off the stereotypical American essence, is on full display in LA, which I appreciate."

Abbot Kiney is an adventure in itself. Full of unique shops and LA lifestyle shops, it feels like you are wondering the streets of Brick Lane. There are quaint little coffee shops and multiple vegan friendly restaurants and cafes. At the end of Abbot Kiney is Westminster Ave Elementary School Park, where Artists and Fleas LA host their market every Saturday. The market itself is worth exploring to find unique gifts, clothing, vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, candles and more.

📍Santa Monica

Neighbouring Venice, Santa Monica offers a beautiful afternoon trip. When visiting make sure to check out Main Street, 2nd St and 3rd St - which are the central hub of Santa Monica. All three streets feature vintage stores, independent gift shops and book shops, and numerous places to eat. Sara Kim, a former LA resident now living in London, said: "London's Bank area really reminds me of walking through beach communities back home."

One feature of Main Street worth visiting is 2^ND St Santa Monica which is a huge second-hand and vintage store. Wonder around looking at designer clothes and big brands for discounted prices, but all in good condition. You can even pick yourself up a Guess denim jacket for $19, a pair of Ralph Lauren trousers for $10, or even a Gucci bag for a tenth of the price brand new.

Santa Monica Pier is also another famous aspect of Santa Monica. Be prepared for large crowds and lots of children in this fun filled pier. In comparison to British piers, this pier is about five times the length of your average beach pier in the UK. It features a miniature theme park, restaurants, shops, stalls, performers, playgrounds and an aquarium - all to be explored. The closest comparison would be Brighton Pier, outside of London.

Leaving Santa Monica Pier takes you further into 3rd St, where you will find more commercial shops such as Victoria's Secret, Sephora, and REI as well as more eating places and even an exhibition focused on Barbie (for a limited time).

📍Food Recommendations

1. Director Gol Tong Chicken

(Pictured behind) Director Gol Tong's chicken will make you feel as if you will never have as good chicken ever again. This place is absolutely crazy in the best way. Tucked in a line of run down shops and restaurants, Director Gol Tong Chicken does not look like much from both the outside and inside. Seemingly like a takeaway, you'd never guess who the genius is behind the food, or how amazing the food is. Kil Chae Jeong made a fortune after launching karaoke bars in Los Angeles, and from that money he went on to direct three feature films in South Korea. In 2017, he moved back to LA and opened his chicken shop, where it is a one man show. He cooks the food, is the brains behind it and serves the customers. You really do get value for money, as the plate appears like a mountain of fried chicken in different sauces with all the fruits you could imagine. Trust me ... no where in London does chicken this good. You will definitely take home a doggy bag.

Aggie said: "Go to Gol Tong chicken in Koreatown, LA - best Korean fried chicken I’ve ever had! Severed flamboyantly by an equally flamboyant ex Korean film producer."

2. Teddy's Red Tacos

Teddy's Red Tacos is a bustling taco restaurant near Venice Beach Boardwalk. Often with a queue spilling out the doors, locals and tourists alike flee to get their hands of one of Teddy's famous birria tacos. For a few dollars each, you really get value for money. But make sure to get the broth, which you dip your tacos in... It was a culinary experience like no other, and once again London cannot compete.

3. Alfalfa

A Vegan recommendation! Alfalfa looks like your typical LA health-kick restaurant. The interior and exterior both feature a bright coral pink that stands out in the sunshine. Situated in Santa Monica, this find is great for vegans and people just fancying some fresh health feel-good food! They do an array of wraps and salad bowls, all in LA style. Very few places in London offer such good quality vegan options!

4. Eggslut

Another place like nothing else in London! Eggslut is exactly what it says in the name, the whole menu is dedicated to eggs. Great for brunch, a hangover, or breakfast, Eggslut offers an array of burgers and sandwiches featuring differently cooked eggs, all with their signature sauces and cooked fresh.

Thomas Draper said: "Regarding street food I would say that the two cities. [San Francisco and Los Angeles] are similarly priced to London. It sometimes feels as though it is easier to find cheap food in London but if you search hard in San Francisco and LA you can find cheap street food. The biggest difference however, is that in San Francisco and LA the taxes that are added to the end of the meal plus tips place a huge barrier between eating street food and sitting in a restaurant. Where in London you might walk past a small local diner serving pizza and take a seat in a form of eating street food but inside every meal in the United States eating inside and establishment feels like a full meal out."

📍Samesun Hostels

Samesun Hostels seem to dominate the hostel market in Los Angeles. With one in Hollywood, one on Venice Beach, and one in Malibu, they cover Los Angeles really well.

Whilst hostels are never the most glamourous of places to stay, neither of the ones in Hollywood and Venice Beach, were bad. Breakfast is included, and consists of different flavoured porridges, fresh fruit, fresh bagels and toppings and orange juice. Both the Hollywood and Venice Beach hostels had small kitchens where you could cook your own food, as well as store things in the fridge.

You can choose to be in single sex dorms from four people to eight people or mixed dorms – both tend to be around the same price (see cost tables for exact prices). Single sex dorms will often make you feel more comfortable, but mixed sex dorms are also fine to stay in as everyone who stays in a hostel tends to be super chatty and friendly.

Zahra Hussain said: "If there’s anything I appreciate about LA, it’s the laidback energy of everyone there - again a stereotypical Californian thing - but despite being a city, its hustle and bustle is more digestible than compared to London."

📍Brentwood Inn

Whilst staying in hostels is the way to go in Los Angeles if you are on a budget, one night in a hotel, Air BnB or inn will be really appreciated. Myself and my sister were looking for a nice Air BnB property to have for one night in the Brentwood area, but unsurprisingly, the prices were through the roof. Instead, we managed to find an inn – The Brentwood Inn. Upon arrival, the inn gives a real wow factor and the typical American feel. For $171 a night, this was cheaper than an Air BnB and not much for a night of luxury – this means an actual hot shower with pressured water, free breakfast and all important privacy and peace and quiet for one night.  

📍Book Shops

Like San Francisco, Los Angeles was not limited in its number of literary locations and bookstores. One thing you should know about Los Angeles is it is an absolutely huge city and therefore there are hundreds of book shops and literary locations to be seen.

Top bookstores for Los Angeles:

1.     The Last Bookstore

This will easily be the most impressive and simultaneously crazy bookstore you have ever visited. More like an emporium, this multi-level bookstore is the largest independent new and used bookstore in California. What’s more, the store itself is situated in a hundred-year-old bank, meaning original vaults remain in place. Features such as a famous book tunnel, a mammoth head, chandeliers, and multiple themed rooms fill the old bank – including a horror literature room, with an eerie single chair placed in the centre, appearing much like an electric chair.

2.     Skylight Books

If you are all about beautiful bookstores, then Skylight Books is for you. Like the name says, the centre of the bookstore features a grand wooden-framed skylight, filling the shop with an airy and bright feel. The tree sitting directly underneath the skylight adds to the airy feel and offers a meeting point for book lovers to sit and read potential purchases. The bookstore serves the neighbourhoods of Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park and Downtown. The store itself is situated along a row of independent shops, coffee shops and restaurants. Staff are also so passionate it makes you want to stay; their collection of books set in Los Angeles is vast, and I left with two: The Perishing and Tropic of Orange.

3.     Small World Books

This little independent bookstore sits on Venice Boardwalk with the sand reaching the front door. Sitting tucked away behind a lively restaurant, browsing around this bookstore offers the unique experience of booming musical classics coming through the walls. Also, watch out for the bookstore’s friendly cats, hiding in the shelves of books!

📍Other

- Contrary to belief, Aggie Fielding commented: "For LA, you don't NEED a car. Don’t be perturbed by public transport, it’s doable, just plan to do less in a day to allow for extra time moving between places.  To stay proximate, change accommodation as you move across the city. It’s more tiring but can be done."

- Make sure to check out different coffee shops if you like coffee. Unlike London, you can find some seriously unique flavours in many of the coffee shops. These include flavours such as lavender, sea salt foam and liquorice.

- Keep your wits about you in LA in the same way you would in London at night. There can be some scary streets (make sure to avoid Skid Row) and some people that are not very pleasant.

- Understand how to tip! Typically it is between 10% and 20%, but there are multiple charts online that break down and show the appropriate amounts for things such as a coffee from Starbucks. As Londoners, it is easy to think why should we give a barista a tip for pouring some coffee in a cup, but remember the pay is very different in the US to London for hospitality roles.

- Don't feel like you need to do everything. Much like London, both LA and San Francisco are big places, with endless amounts of things to see and do. It is a matter of prioritising the places you want to go to the most.

- Former LA resident, who now lives in London, Sara Kim said: "I really recommend visiting outside of the typical LA sites, I tell people to avoid Hollywood/Venice beach/Santa Monica, and instead try to explore Malibu, Beverly Hills, Manhattan beach, palos verdes, etc." For Kim, these areas offer the less tourist feel, and feel much safer.

When asked about how London compares to California cost wise, Aggie commented: "I would say [California and London are] fairly similarly priced were you to convert dollars to pounds. I would say that hostel accommodation was a little more expensive though the Hostel was fantastic. Public transport is a little cheaper than London, but much less regular. Fast food is similarly priced but I would say that eating out was more expensive than in London, particularly when you include a tip. In LA, street food is cheap and easy to acquire. But in San Francisco, you need to dig a little deeper through the surfaces of hipster stores to find cheap food joints."

Thomas said: "Los Angeles does not feel very culturally integrated. Due to the nature of the fact that the different 'towns' are disparate and spread out it often feels as though you cannot wander from one collective cultural community to another. The architecture of Los Angeles is quite homogenous; it almost feels as though the Californian influence and vibe has taken over the city and overpowered any unique identity that could be brought by the different cultures. By contrast San Francisco’s Chinatown very clearly still expresses the identity, though perhaps imposed, of it’s Chinese influences. In Los Angeles, the overwhelming 'dazzle' of Hollywood seems to tinge a lot of the architecture with a sense of tackiness and the surface level imagery."