Los Angeles Shopping

Los Angeles has as diverse an array of shopping areas as its sprawling multi-ethnic population. Whether you are looking for haute couture, trendy or vintage, ethnic, chic or designer, this city has you covered. Each area is distinct in its vibe, clientele and wares. The following gives an idea of what to expect in some of the main shopping areas. Tax is generally not included in the marked price, so be prepared to add 8%.

Westside and Beverly Hills
The famous Rodeo Drive sits at the centre of the 'Golden Triangle': Santa Monica Boulevard to the north, Wilshire Boulevard to the south and Canon Drive to the east. This is where the big people buy big names for big money. A familiar backdrop in lots of movies, it is certainly worth a look - even if you can't afford anything. Some of the streets off Rodeo Drive are slightly more affordable. West Third Street (between Fairfax and Robertson Boulevards) is a fun shopping street and one of the most popular in the city, with great boutiques, some gorgeous antique shops and trendy cafes. At its East end, it is bounded by the long established Farmer's Market and The Grove, a new shopping mall which is like an adult Disneyland, complete with a trolley to transport shoppers from one end to the other. There are some great eateries in here and the rooftop car park has a superb view of the city. La Brea Avenue (between Wilshire Blvd. and Hollywood Blvd.) is one of LA's artier shopping strips with a great selection of vintage clothe stores, antiques and arts and crafts.

Hollywood
Hollywood Boulevard is one of Los Angeles' most famous streets, although it has become a bit of a tourist Mecca with souvenir, t-shirt and poster shops lining its sidewalks. However, don't dismiss it completely - there are some gems to be found lurking in its midst! Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and La Brea, is one of L.A.'s most exciting shopping streets, and great for people watching. The latest fashions in everything can be found on this street, as well as a great selection of trendy restaurants. Even the storefronts are works of art! A true LA experience. For a different type of Hollywood experience, check out the Farmer's Market on Ivar Avenue between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards every Sunday from 8:30am-1pm. As well as fresh local produce, there are plenty of ethnic food stalls, artisan goods and live entertainment. Free parking available off Vine Street.

Downtown
Downtown L.A. is an eclectic mix of bargain stores, markets and ethnic enclaves and is well worth a bit of exploration. A good place to start is Santee Alley between Santee and Maple Streets and Olympic Boulevard and 12th Street, where designer clothing can be found at very low prices. Olvera Street is a wonderfully lively pedestrian street near Union Station (www.olvera-street.com) where stalls selling Mexican goods of all sorts (including food) line the sidewalks and musicians wander up and down making nice sounds. Another spot worth checking out is the covered Grand Central Market (317 South Broadway, between 3rd and 4th Streets) which has been open since 1917. For a bargain price you can pick up all manner of ingredients, both usual and unusual, and eat your way through the ethnic food stalls. Open daily 9am-6pm.

Santa Monica and the Beaches
If the attitude is getting to you in LA's ultra trendy shopping spots, check out the more chilled out streets around the beaches. Main Street (between Pacific Street and Rose Avenue, and Santa Monica and Venice Boulevards), which connects Santa Monica and Venice, combines trendy with beach bum chic and has all the mall standards as well as some individual boutiques. The street is dotted with laid back cafes and restaurants. Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice is another great place for a stroll with its vintage clothes, galleries and antique furniture. Montana Avenue in Santa Monica (between 17th and 7th Streets) is full of specialty shops with home furnishings, fashion and gourmet food.

Silver Lake and Los Feliz
Located east of Hollywood and populated with artists and musicians, Silver Lake and Los Feliz have become centres of the "bohemian chic". This is a great area to explore for its excellent music shops, vintage clothes and furniture among others. Several designers have set up shop here too, with small very individual boutiques.

Pasadena
For something different, check out the Rose Bowl Flea Market (1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena) on the second Sunday of every month from 9am to 3pm. Every type of everything can be found here. Admission $15 at 7am, $10 at 8am and $7 after 9am.

American Rag
American Rag has grown from a small vintage clothing store to a huge trendy fashion outlet with its own label. New and vintage clothes, kids stuff, home wares and a café can be found in this branch.
Address: 148 La Brea
Phone: +1 (0)323-9353154

Amoeba Records
The king of music stores, Amoeba has an incredible selection of new and used music of every genre, as well as a one of the best vinyl collections anywhere. It's heaven for music lovers. Check out the free in-store concerts.
Address: 6400 Sunset Boulevard
Phone: +1 (0)323-2456400

L.A. Farmer's Market
This sprawling market place has been a Los Angeles institution for over 60 years providing fresh local produce, ethnic food stalls and carnival style entertainment to Angelenos and visitors alike.
Address: 6333 West Third Street, on the corner of Third and Fairfax
Phone: +1 (0)323-9339211

Neiman Marcus
Swanky New York style department store with a glamorous bar on the fourth floor.
Address: 9700 Wilshire Boulevard
Phone: +1 (0)310-9754370

Saks Fifth Avenue
For old school sophisticated shopping and impeccable customer service, this New York institution is the place.
Address: 9600 Wilshire Boulevard
Phone: +1 (0)310 2754211

Taschen
This bookstore is worth the visit even just to look. The dramatic interior is a fit home for these gorgeous and mostly affordable arty books.
Address: 354 North Beverly Drive
Phone: +1 (0)310 274 4300