LA vacations

Question

Hi! I’ll be visiting LA next month. I’m traveling a week but I’m looking for affordable recommendations to get to know LA and some affordable restaurant options for 2 people. Can you help me out?

Also, if you have an estimated budget for a week, I would appreciate it :)

Answer

Los Angeles is a sprawling city with a lot to offer, and you can definitely explore it on a budget if you focus on public areas, affordable eateries, and some iconic sights that don’t require expensive tickets. Here’s a detailed guide for a week-long affordable trip for two people.

Transportation:

Rental car: LA is very car-dependent, but if you want to save money, you could use a mix of rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and public transit. Expect to pay around $35-$50/day for a compact rental.
Public transit: Metro buses and trains cover some areas, but they are limited compared to driving. A weekly Metro pass is around $25 per person.
Rideshare/Uber: Short rides typically cost $10-$25, but longer distances like Santa Monica to Hollywood may run $30-$50.

Affordable sightseeing options:

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park – free entry, great views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre – just walking around is free.
Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach – free access, fun for strolling, people-watching, and beach activities.
Downtown LA: The Broad Museum (free tickets but reserve online), Grand Central Market for local food and culture.
Runyon Canyon – free hiking with city views.
El Matador Beach – a scenic Malibu beach for a quiet afternoon, free access.

Affordable restaurants and casual dining:

Taco Trucks – excellent and budget-friendly Mexican food, $3-$10 per taco.
In-N-Out Burger – iconic and inexpensive, $5-$10 per person.
Grand Central Market – variety of stalls, $10-$15 per meal.
Little Tokyo – ramen and sushi options, around $10-$20 per person.
Guisados (multiple locations) – authentic tacos $3-$5 each.
Shake Shack or local burger spots – casual and budget-friendly.

Estimated budget for a week for two people (excluding flights):

Accommodation (budget hotel/airbnb): $100-$200/night → ~$700-$1,400 for 7 nights.
Food (mix of casual dining, coffee, snacks): $40-$60/day → ~$280-$420.
Transportation (rental car or mix of rideshare/public transit): ~$350-$450.
Sightseeing/activities (mostly free): ~$0-$50.

Total estimated budget for 7 days for two people: approximately $1,330 to $2,320, depending on accommodation and transportation choices. You can reduce this further by staying in hostels or more budget Airbnb options and eating more street food or grocery meals.

Tips to save money:

Plan to visit free attractions first to maximize sightseeing without cost.
Pack snacks and water to avoid overpriced tourist-area food.
Use apps to find deals on attractions and restaurants.
Check parking fees in advance if driving – many tourist spots have high parking costs.

With careful planning, LA can be explored affordably while still experiencing iconic sights and local cuisine.