THE famous Olvera Street, THE birthplace of Los Angeles. Here's what to expect. ACCESS To get here you can drive but be sure to prepare to look for parking (street or parking lot) however if you can do public transportation, great stop if you have a layover at Union Station. The marketplace isn't huge so all places are accessible via walking. VIBES Los Angeles is known for its diversity and this is part of the reason why, it's a different feel from the rest with the history brick pathways, market stalls, and sounds of Mexican music or scents of Mexican food to create a lively and nostalgic atmosphere. It wasn't a place to shop but a place to learn as you'll pass by historic landmarks and museums here and there. The stalls have choices you can select from - handmade goods, candies and other souvenirs. Whether you're looking for handmade crafts, traditional food, or simply want to soak in a piece of Los Angeles history, there's something here for everyone. OVERALL EXPERIENCE The people I encountered were welcoming, and many of the vendors were happy to share stories about their products and traditions. TL;DR OVERALL 4.5 Stars. What's not to love. Great selections, fair prices, and a beautiful atmosphere. Olvera Street isn't just another tourist attraction--it's a cultural landmark that tells the story of where Los Angeles began. Despite all the new skyscrapers and freeways, this city was built on generations of history, culture, and community. When in El Lay, definitely stop by. TIPS * Take your time exploring the artisan shops and who knows, you might catch a performance or two. read more

Olvera Street - Wooooo! - Local Flavor Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Olvera Street is in Downtown Los Angeles, right across from the train station. It is open year round but many of the shops close when it rains and many of the outdoor shops close at dusk in the winter. It is about 3 blocks of fun. Kids love it and it is fun for the whole family. Parking is for a fee. It is just fun. All of the eateries are great, are favorite being La Luz Dia. It is not the oldest restaurant there, but it is great. The shops are fun and have cool gifts from Mexico. This is an historic district and should remind you of when all of California was part of Mexico. It is safe and you will have a great time. Have fun. Any place you choose to eat will be good. They have fine dinning and street tacos. Most of the places serve alcohol. read more

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Olvera Street is a charming area. It is not too large and easily accessible. They have some authentic Mexican goods such as dresses, cups and saucers, dolls, etc. There are some elevated kiosks and stores. There are also some authentic Mexican restaurants. One had a great Taco Tuesday special. The people working in this area are friendly. They are not pushy trying to sell goods. I enjoyed my walk through here but it is a little small. I would have liked to see even more stores. I did hear it is a great place to be on the weekends with lots of singing and dancing. I would recommend going on one of those days for an elevated experience. read more

Olvera Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here to enjoy the Placita at Olvera Street with family and friends. Not a lot of the stores were open and it appeared as if it's run down, in need of repair. The stage where you would hope to see some Mariachi was vacant not many people around. As we walked and made the best of the day we stopped at a restaurant to eat. On the way out we looked into stores that were open and pretty much they all carry the same products. As we walked out we noticed a DJ pulling double duty playing music and singing, which visitors gathered to watch him perform. What happened to Olvera St, it used to look better and stores were better at least that's how I remember it as a kid. Fix this place don't let it get any worse. Will be back and hope it gets better. read more

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Olvera street is a past time favorite local spot to come, shop, eat and drink. If you're in the Los Angeles area or neighborhood, take the train. It drops you off right across the street from Union Station. If you're looking for nightlife, come during the weekend. They always do something special for Dia de Muertos, the week of November 2nd. It's truly special. Live music and performances, local vendors, and artists that come in to celebrate. If you're on a budget, there's always a hot dog & elote vendor nearby. There's a budget for everyone. read more

Olvera Street - November 2 / 2025 - Local Flavor Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Such a pretty street with lots of sweet vendors selling leather and pottery goods. There are some family-owned small eateries serving authentic Mexican food as well. If you are in the neighborhood, hop by and support them however you can to keep this historic place alive. read more

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Historic Mexican street in downtown L.A. lots of cute vendors and restaurants. We stopped and had some excellent taquitos and tostadas. read more

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Olvera Street is an historically significant part of the city of Los Angeles and nice to visit at least once in your life if you're in the area. It has become a center of small shops and family restaurants. I know school groups would come and watch Aztec dancers performing traditional dances years ago but I'm not sure what events are held there anymore. Most of the shops sell touristy souvenirs, many of which seem to be rather overpriced. I stopped at Cielito Lindo this visit because I heard so much about it but unfortunately found the experience rather underwhelming. There is a decorative donkey found at the south end of the row of shops that has been in the news recently. Apparently, the city wants to evict the owner of the donkey who charges $15 to take a picture with the donkey. I didn't even realize this until I got home and saw the little stop sign on the bottom of the stand in my picture. Sorry. There was nobody in the area so I had no idea. That seems a bit excessive but apparently the city charges them $1000 rent which is kind of shady for such a small space and business that I assume doesn't make much money. Parking isn't hard to find during the week but I'm sure it's a different ballgame during the weekend. There are various pay lots in the area and also across the street at Union Station. It can get a bit expensive if you're planning on spending a couple of hours visiting. read more

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Loved this area, I been here at least once per 4-5yrs to be part and to checkout what news with this historical place. It's an outside street markets with plenty of colorful stalls and old buildings turn into restaurants, shop or museums. It used to be so much fun and great vibe of visitors and locals folks chic chat all over the places. Now it quite not the same since last year incident with current federal management...folks here are affair to be arrested and deported so lot of shops/restaurants/stalls are closed. The emptiness & the quietness here are simply heart wrenching. So if you're in the area or happen to be in LA for visit, check this place out and support them if you can...after all this area is a landmark and a birth place for LA. read more

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One of my favorite historic streets downtown to take family or out-of-town visitors! Beautiful and vibrant, ideal for souvenir, shopping, and supporting small local businesses. Parking can be tricky, but well worth it. They have fantastic restaurants here, casual, and sit down. I am so glad that places like this are still around to showcase the true history of Los Angeles! read more

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The oldest street in the state of California, Olvera is a must see not only from the historical point but for the sheer charm. The stretch is a very walkable three block and is filled with shops and a few eateries. Every shop is brimming over with goods that if you're looking for authentic souvenirs of the Mexican persuasion you will find all of it here. Flags, blankets, sombreros, pottery, religious artifacts, you name it. This is definitely my kind of place. read more

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We wanted to exposed my kiddos to some Hispanic/ Latin traditions... (some Diversity) so we brought them to Las Posadas) here in the heart of DTLA. It starts at 6:30 with a piñata for young kids to break, then a toy give away for all the little ones ... after that you walk to the oldest abode house in LA (their at Olvera street) about 20 steps away. There they have live music, singing traditional Navideña songs, after that by 7:30 the possession starts at the end of the possession you may participate in their free champurado and pan dulce. Neat experience to experience at least once! read more

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Such a historic place to see in DTLA. If you're looking for cute items from Mexico, Olvera Street would be the place for it. It's a little walkway tucked away between Chinatown and the Union Station. It's filled with cute shops, restaurants, and is super lively! Whether you're a local or tourist, stopping by Olvera Street is a cute way to spend a day. read more

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Went to Dia de Los Muertos this past Saturday. So many beautiful altars. It was nice to see the crowds come out for this moving event. I'm sure the vendors appreciated it. Please if you get the chance go to Olvera street no matter the time of year. It's a great place for gift buying, to take out of town friends and family and it really will help out the businesses which have been struggling since the pandemic. Pro Tip for parking...Grand Central station right across the street. read more

Olvera Street - Olvera St - Local Flavor Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Love visiting here from time to time. You can always get some good shots here and the churros are bomb! read more

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Every wonderful memory of my childhood includes Olvera Street: taquitos, dog bone taffy (which I never see anymore), souvenirs, puppets, pottery...it was heaven! When I moved back to L.A. and bought my first home, the first thing I did was go to Olvera Street and buy a gorgeous pottery pitcher. Unfortunately I lost everything in the Palisades Fire. When I am feeling better I am going back for a piece of pottery and a puppet!! read more

Always a good place to come for great food and also shops and museums. If you are from out of town and would like to learn not only about Mexican , but Chinese and Italian heritage definitely mKe a stop here. read more

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Olvera Street is shady and cobblestoned and charming. You can visit the oldest house in LA, have great food on the patio of an old house and a great margarita and buy all kinds of fabulous things from Mexico. Stop in at the churches in the area and go over to Union Station if you haven't seen it. It really is fabulous. It's a couple quick blocks to Chinatown or to Phillipe's French Dip from here too. ICE has been hard on Olvera Street and the business owners there would love to see you! Weekends are a little more festive than weekdays and weekday mornings are absolutely lovely, quiet, and serene. Olvera Street is safe in the evening when the shops are open, but don't wander around the surrounding area at night or if you do, be attentive. read more

Not Quite Tijuana! The Good: Great parking close by. Easy access. Compact location. Just one street with and abundance of merchants and food places. Some merchants have been there since 1930. Kids will love this place like I did when I was a kid. I still felt the same. The Bad: Mostly pseudo Mexican trinkets probably made in China. They did have authentic Mexican pottery and clothing. No one was pushy or irritating. Food prices a little hefty but, we are living in different times, right? The Ugly: Saw some street people smoking crack on the way from the parking lot. But, also saw two cops on the way so the safety feel balanced out. The Verdict: A nice place to spend an hour or two with the family on your way to your final destination. No, not that final Dia De Los Muertos destination. I mean your vacation spot. read more

Charming walk street situated across from union station downtown LA with lovely little shops, booths, eateries and restaurants boasting all of the traditional Mexican clothing, cuisine and memorabilia. It's a darling touristic attraction but visited by many locals who enjoy the charm. there are paid parking lots surrounding the area and some metered parking as well. see website for events and happenings. read more

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The Mexican gift shop and Food stalls/restaurants gathered in the historic street. It's located across the street of Union station. It's fun place to browsing but I recommend to go at least early afternoon. When I went there around 3pm, half of business were closed already. Walk ahead to the Los Angels Plaza Park. You will find funky music and dancing people. Free to join. read more

Olvera Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is a great respite from LA Union Station. On the Plaza side and as you exit some of the most Iconic railroad architecture in the world is a part of LA that can entertain you for a bit. Just about a 5-minute walk towards what looks like a park and bandstand is Olivera st. The plaza is nice with plenty of public space to catch some California sunshine, some great Mexican music, and perhaps a contact high. It's worth the stop unless you are uptight. Olivera Street itself is 2 blocks long and reminds me of TJ or Ensenada. all the usual goods for sale on an abbreviated list. The 2 Mexican restaurants I visited were tourist traps with $10 12 oz Modelos and $15 well margaritas. Americanized Mexican food and with so so service turned me off BIG TIME. It's there and if you are to take the stroll down the lane. read more

Olvera Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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A lively and colorful place with lots of history and culture to explore. I enjoyed walking through the shops, seeing the historic buildings, and taking in the festive atmosphere. read more

Please go and get some food at Cielito Lindo it's been around since 1934! I love the chili relleno burrito or grab a wonderful margaritas the restaurants! Champorado on a cold day is very cozy with pan dulce. Or shop walk around and support this lovely cultural treasure! There's wonderful precessions for holidays such as Dias Del la Muertos! Viva Olvera Street! read more

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Childhood memories omg ! Was feeling hungry so I decided to treat my staff & security squad to some down right authentic Mexican food . Although they're modernized it didn't change the taste of their food. I ordered taquitos, rice, and beans with extra guacamole.. it is mouth watering and absolutely delicious ! I ordered a doesn't taquitos and guacamole to go. If you haven't tried them I highly recommend you stop by and eat here, you will greatly appreciate the taste aromas & the great service ! read more

Outdoor market in the birthplace of the City of Angels. Plenty to see from trinkets, to snacks, world famous taquitos. Culture and art is all over thisbsmall strip connected to Plaza de Los Angeles. It was a beautiful day to just window shop and people watch. Rapas makers were there from their little carts, music was on to set color the environment. People were dancing. There was a baptism at a nearby church. You can stop by to visit the remnants of Siquieros' America Tropical in a small hidden off the strip museum. Also home to the popular Cielito Lindo restaurant. Other historic sites and neighborhoods are well within throwing distance of Olvera. Because it's so popular, close parking is at a premium, even up to a couple blocks away. TIP: parking in Chinatown is only $5. It's worth a visit to Olvera street for the culture and history - hey, it's the 'birthplace of LA.' read more

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Olvera Street is life, culture, cuisine, creativity, kindness, care and LA! A beautiful blend of Spanish, Mexican, Indigenous and American culture w/ touches of this beautiful extension of our city's community. Often referred to as a slice of Mexico, esto unica blend of street vendors, shops y tiendas siempre esta abierta Es muy authentica en todos los sentidos. It's gratis (that's free in espanol)! Es divertido! And it's very much for everyone! Disfruta de la musica, mariachi, luchador, el museo, comidas, bebidas, ropas, art and history. I believe this is the oldest street in the city with the Avila Adobe in the paseo, being the oldest residence (circa 1818) La Luz del Dia is the main restaurante, but not the only spot to enjoy some delicious eats. La Noche Buena Restaurant is by far the most popular w/ a more sit down meets street vendor style but the El Paseo Inn not only has amazing nom (with many veggie friendly options), but also drinks! Salud!! Mr Churro is a must (though it's been so long since I've had them or been able to - true real buttery deal). ATMs and restrooms available and updated in the last year or two! Though stopping off before making your way over at Union Station isn't a bad idea. If driving parking en la calle is available... Though limited and often full... Lots nearby, though not the best price due to the high traffic area. Located at the start of Cesar Chavez/Alameda, about a three to ocho minuto a pie desde Union Station (depending on which side you're coming from). Open everyday of the year, including holidays typically 10am to 5pm with some exceptions and/or extensions. Monday and Tuesdays are a little slower here so some shops or spots may not be open, but that just means another trip to come :) Be back soon, Calle Olvera! read more

Cool area for trinkets, souvenirs, banderas, food stands, restaurants, fruit stands, or just a place to walk around looking at stuff or to hangout. Reminds me of Old Town in my city or the small streets of Tj. read more

Olvera Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place is nostalgic for me. Many decades ago, my family and I often came here. Cielito Lindo (question on spelling) was where I was introduced to taquitos and "green sauce". Music, shops and good food. When we were there this past weekend, my sister remembered the Mexican Jumping Beans...My, mom loved the downstairs candle shop, which she tripped on the stairs (it's still one of my vivid memories)...And i just wanted the green sauce and taquitos. We did shop for authentic, quality purses. Although the original candle shop is gone, there is another one upstairs. You can get ceramic ware for the kitchen, specialty Mexican candy for the belly or gifts for a friend. The street isn't that long, so you can probably get in and out within two hours. That's if you stand in line for food and peruse a few of the shops. Otherwise you can be out within the hour. There are a few street parking spaces. It was packed when we arrived so we opted to pay $15 (all day price) in Lot 1. We were lucky to find a stall, but several people who had already paid weren't so lucky. Here's What I Think.... If you want to enjoy a day that's a little different than shopping at the mall, take a gander. You'll enjoy the experience. read more

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Love the many stores and restaurants in the strip mall. It is nice to learn about the Mexican culture and eat at the restaurants. All of the foods are delicious and tasty. Nice walking around. Parking is limited but I park on Alameda near Chinatown and walk there for about an hour or so. Nicely organized. read more

Beautiful and authentic place. I love everything from their taquitos to authentic Mexican goods they sell. Also, they usually have something going on every weekend. Super family friendly. read more

Olvera Street - Local Flavor Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Olvera Street is fun! As soonest you walk onto Olvera street you are transported into Mexico. Vendors offer authentic and colorful merchandise. Restaurant invite to take a break, and get a bite to eat. Make sure to visit the Avila Adobe when strolling down the street. It is a beautiful oasis in the the middle of the hustle and bustle of Olvera Street. The Avila Adobe home holds the record for being the oldest house in Los Angeles. It was built in 1818 and is open and free for the public to visit every day. It is absolutely beautiful and gives you an inside of how people lived in the 1800. read more

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Need a summer trip for the kids? Bring them here! Park across the street and walk to the free museums and enjoy some yummy food and walk the little stores. Truly a beautiful place to spend the afternoon in downtown LA! read more

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This place has charm and history! Everyone in LA should go there. There are things to see, places to shop, food to eat, and close to Union Station. I love to visit. read more

Olvera Street is a historic monument in the oldest part of Los Angeles. It is a place where visitors can get a taste of Mexican culture and a sense of the history that still stands preserved in the buildings and plazas that surround the street. This Mexican Marketplace still has its charm and captures the essence of what LA used to look like years ago with its block-long narrow, tree-shaded, brick-lined market with old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, cafes, restaurants, and gift shops. You can buy handcrafted items such as pottery, belts, wallets, purses, leather, Mexican folk art, and souvenirs.   Cielito Lindo - known for their Taquitos and avocado sauce El Paseo Inn - Chile Verde; the braised pork was a little dry. The spicy verde sauce was okay and not very spicy. The corn tortillas are made in house. - Camacho's Tacos; Carne Asada was flavorful. Liked the red sauce! - Small guacamole; very good - Chips and salsa; crunchy and tasty Olvera Street is known for its atmosphere. The food was okay. read more

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Good times... tons of history... food and trinket vendors. Fun for a weekend outing and right in the middle of many other things to do right in that area. Enjoy! #jsho read more

How can anyone give less than 5 stars? Olvera Street is historical, whimsical and beautiful! So many great shops and restaurants, something for everyone for sure. Prior to yesterdays visit, I was here maybe 15 years ago and Olvera Street is more beautiful than ever, I can't even begin to describe for wonderful it is being here. I'll start off with the bad and that is of course the parking! I had a hard time finding a space even in the paid lots. I wound up driving across the street to Chevron, wasn't so bad. The Good! The leather goods, the delicious Mexican food, the delicious Mexican horchata, the amazing Mexican ice creams and treats! The numerous vendors selling pretty much anything you need, the Mexican puppets and toys, the music and of course the tacos! I can't stop, just so many great things about Olvera Street! I didn't wanna leave, I had a great time and I highly recommend! read more

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I was baptized at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Placita Olvera, many moons ago. Being here a few weeks ago, filled my heart with pure joy. I've now come full circle by bringing my daughters to a place my parents brought me as a child. I would run around the Avila Adobe, puestos, and Kiosco. It was nostalgic to take pictures of my Little Ones, in the same places I once did. I can appreciate the land more, now that I know what took place here. Take the opportunity to visit La Plaza de Cultura y Artes to learn more about the rich history of how Olvera Street came to be. As well as, any other place that attracts your interest. Lastly, pay respect to the Gabrielino/Tongva people by acknowledging who they are and learning about the hardships they endured, so we could have our culture and catholic faith celebrated here. Here's a few links to learn more. Enjoy! https://laist.com/news/la-history/a-brief-history-of-the-tongva-people https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-tongva-map/ read more

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There are plenty of resources online, on Yelp, and even on tourist cards near hotel concierge desks explaining what Olvera St. is, and why you should go there. Certainly, this small corner of town where Los Angeles began has more history under your feet than you can probably fathom. The folks peddling inexpensive wares, the Adobe museum, the restaurants-- all are worth visiting. For this review, proffered in March 2022, I want to share that it gave me a great sense of satisfaction to note that the considerable homeless encampment that had grown around Olvera St. during the pandemic is now gone. Previous reports (2020-2021) of impassable sidewalks, trash, vermin, and homeless folks harassing visitors no longer seem to apply. We saw a few folks carrying large bags of belongings, but no tents, tarps, stolen shopping carts piled high with personal effects, or (as reported by the LA Times) naked individuals assaulting families and children. With COVID-related closures hopefully in the rear view, it was great to see those tourists and families returning to support the shops and restaurants here. One note: no masks were required on the Gold Line getting here, in any of the open air restaurants, or in any of the shops. But there was a fellow asking us for vax cards and requiring masks to walk into the Adobe museum rooms. Yeah, I didn't get it, either. As we headed back to the San Gabriel Valley on the Gold Line, we saw the area where housing was created for homeless; ostensibly, many of those folks previously staying around Olvera St. are there? Life in the big city is life in the big city... but the win-win of providing needy folks with a relatively secure place to sleep--while improving outcomes for small local businesses who rely on tourist and visitor dollars to feed their families-- is another chapter in Olvera Street's 240+ year history. Here's to more centuries of success and growth for this vital part of our human story. read more

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Started as an idealized, romanticized version of Latino culture and heritage, by now has earned it's place as piece of LA history worth preserving. A lot of stalls operated by 2nd and 3rd gen descendants of the original owners and some noteworthy fooderies like Cielito Lindo and La Noche Buena. This street has not done well during Covid and needs a lot of support now. Olvera Street was also built on the founding site of LA in the 1930s, the original intent was to save the Avila Adobe from demolition. It was partially funded by the owner of the LA Times and even built in part by convicts! We came for Loteria (mexican bingo) and a bootleg spiderman Lucha mask for my son. Have not been here since I was a child and surprised to see so much was the same. Also a great place to get mexican candies, tortilla presses, volcanic rock mortar and pestle, and kitschy stuff like Paper Mache figures and fruits and wood working. There are paid parking lots for $10 nearby. read more

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