Los Angeles Nightlife

Unsurprisingly, given its status as the world’s capital of entertainment, there’s no shortage of things to do once the sun sets in Los Angeles. Live music is a huge draw with something new on every night of the week, alongside plenty of cinema and theatrical performances. Sunset Boulevard remains a popular spot for clubbers, but Venice Beach, West Hollywood and Pasadena all offer plenty to do in the evenings too.

Bars in Los Angeles

Fubar

This loud and lively gay club in West Hollywood offers a quixotic mix of drag queen shows, karaoke and dancing. The clientele is mixed, and there are always plenty of women on the premises in search of a fun girls’ night out. Don’t expect glamour - it’s a small dive but has a good atmosphere.

Address:
7994 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
Telephone: +1 323 654 0396.
Website:
La Cuevita

A charming little bar with a strong South American flavour, La Cuevita is busy all week long, including Sundays when its outdoor patio gets packed with locals. Excellent beer, a friendly vibe and great live music nights, including several dedicated to jazz and blues, make this a relaxed place to spend the evening.

Address:
5922 N Figueroa Street, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA CA 90042, United States
Telephone: +1 323 255 6871.
SkyBar

At the top of the Philippe Starck-designed Mondrian Hotel, the Skybar may be trading on its reputation for attracting LA's beautiful people, but it also has a great view from its open air rooftop pavilion. Drinks are pricey so sip slowly. Be prepared to wait for entry or be turned away if you don’t have the right ‘vibe’.

Address:
8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90069, United States
Telephone: +1 323 650 8999.

Clubs in Los Angeles

Avalon

One of LA’s biggest clubs, Avalon has played host to some of the world’s hottest DJs as well as a lengthy list of hip hop stars. Sprawled across several floors, it has different rooms featuring different types of music and a glamorous VIP lounge. Packed at weekends, it’s also good on a Thursday night.

Address:
1735 North Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
Telephone: +1 323 462 8900.
Create

Despite one of LA’s biggest, bounciest dancefloors, Create tends to be somewhere you either love or hate. Watch the action from the balcony or chill on the Asian-inspired patio with its cabanas and hookah pipes for hire. Drinks are cheaper before 2300.

Address:
6021 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood & Hills, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA CA 90028, United States
Telephone: +1 323 463 3366.
Website:
The Mayan

Formerly a movie palace, the façade of this Downtown club includes pre-Columbian patterns and artwork in the style of a Mayan temple. The inside is no less vibrant with three levels of dance floors and seven bars seeing large crowds over the weekend.

Address:
1038 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States
Telephone: +1 213 746 4287.

Live Music in Los Angeles

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Home to the LA Opera, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion boasts a continuously changing roster of operas, although old favourites such as Tosca usually dominate the billing. ARIA nights for young professionals are also popular – and great fun provided you’re prepared to sing your heart out.

Address:
135 North Grand Avenue, Downtown, Los Angeles, CA CA 90012, United States
Telephone: +1 213 972 0711.
Hollywood Bowl

This classic summer venue is the best place to hear live music outdoors. There are regular concerts by the LA Philharmonic here alongside jazz, rock and pop gigs. Seating around 18,000, in an amphitheatre backed by hills, its idyllic setting has made it a favourite with locals. Look out for its special firework concerts.

Address:
2301 Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States
Telephone: +1 323 850 2000.
Staples Center

Home of the LA Lakers basketball team, the vast Staples Center also doubles as a 20,000-seater music venue that hosts some of the biggest stars in contemporary pop. Recent acts to take to the stage include Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and the Rolling Stones, among many more.

Address:
1111 S Figueroa St, Downtown, Los Angeles, CA CA 90015, United States
Telephone: +1 213 742 7100.
Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.