Olvera St. Los Angeles
LA's Oldest Neighborhood
Val from Los Angeles
Olvera Street is the oldest and liveliest neighborhood in Los Angeles! It's bursting with color, churros, Mariachi music, and dancing! Cha! Cha! Cha! I often forget that Los Angeles was Mexico, but here, the culture and energy are alive and well. When I'm here, I feel like I'm in another country.
In this area, there's Avila Adobe (the oldest existing home in Los Angeles), Pico House, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. I love coming here on a Saturday afternoon, and immersing in the rich Latino culture. I brought my parents here, and they loved it! We arrived at 1pm and ordered burritos and taquitos from Juanita's (a quick and delicious Mexican joint that cost $7-10 a burrito/dish). Afterwards, we weaved through the colorful carts and shopped for goods made by local artisans. My mom bought my son a hand-painted wooden guitar for only $13, and he played it in the Plaza where music and dancing are always celebrated.
It's open 7 days a week from 10:00 - 20:00. When I want to feel the energy of people, I come on weekends around noon. When I crave a small crowd, I come on a weekday between 11:00 - 15:00. Cinco de May and Día de los Muertos are a great celebration. The best place to park is El Pueblo lot off Main Street ($10).
Best of all, Olvera Street is right by Union Station (train/bus hub) and walking distance to Little Italy and Chinatown. It's the most cultural area in LA.
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