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The Grand Central Market is the biggest and oldest public market in Los Angeles, with a history dating back to 1917 when it opened with the name “Wonder Market.” Located in the sprawling Homer Laughlin Building at 317 South Broadway, the downtown market today draws tourists and local customers to its huge variety of international cuisine offerings.

The market is a self-described “microcosm of the historic immigrant communities that have shaped Los Angeles and a mosaic of the creativity and vision of the people who call this city home.” Forty stalls feature the exotic foods of many countries, along with traditional goodies like bread, doughnuts, and ice cream. The food emporium fills a 30,000-square-foot space and undoubtedly helps to make Los Angeles one of the top U.S. cities for foodies.

Visitors can easily spend hours browsing the food vendors and tasting the cuisine inside Grand Central Market, which ought to be included in any travel guide to Los Angeles.

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Travelers Can Indulge In Foods From Around The World

From Italian specialties and fried oysters to German sausages and Texas BBQ, the Grand Central Market offers something for everyone. Here's a sampling of the international fare the market offers.

Berlin Currywurst is a no-frills counter spot offering authentic German sausages with curry sauce.

PBJ.LA will draw lovers of peanut butter and jelly, but with the added bonuses of organic, exotic nut butter, superfoods, and artisanal jams.

The Oyster Gourmet serves up oysters plus mussels, scallops, clams, and shrimp, along with beer and wine.

Chiles Secos courts customers with a big selection of Latin groceries such as imported moles, dried beans, rice, nuts, grains, and other specialty products.

Broad Street Oyster Co. is known not only for its oysters but also for its lobster rolls, clam chowder, and burgers.

China Cafe has been in the market since 1959 with its trademark neon signs over the counter. Food includes a mix of Chinese-American favorites like chow mein and chop suey, fried rice, and egg foo yeung.

DTLA Cheese and Kitchen is a full-service cheesemonger, offering domestic and imported cheese plates, griddle sandwiches, and seasonal salads.

Horse Thief BBQ serves up authentic Texas BBQ and classic smoked meats along with favorite sides like fennel-apple slaw and vegan heirloom beans.

Knead offers fresh pasta dishes, including classics like spaghetti and meatballs, cannolis and baked ziti, plus salads, stuffed pasta, and porchetta sandwiches.

Bento Ya serves Japanese cuisine with featured dishes like grilled herb Teriyaki chicken, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and spicy seafood ramen.

The market is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM. Parking is nearby, at 308 South Hill Street, and parking fees apply. It's $4 for the first 90 minutes, then $2 for each additional 15 minutes, with a daily maximum of $25.

Visitors can use public transit, too. To get to the market by Metroliner, take any train to Union Station, then take the Metro Red or Purple Line to Pershing Square Station. Walk one block southeast on West 4th Street toward South Broadway Street, and turn left to find the market. Metro Bus also offers several lines and routes with stops nearby the market.

Where To Stay Nearby The Grand Central Market

Downtown Los Angeles has a slew of brand-name hotels to choose from. These properties are all located less than a mile from the famous market and are priced from budget level to moderate-luxury.

Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles

  • Cost: $
  • Address: 506 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles
  • Amenities: Indoor pool, breakfast included, hot tub, fitness center

Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza

  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 251 South Olive Street, Los Angeles
  • Amenities: Outdoor pool, spa, business center, suites with jacuzzi tubs, restaurant, and cafe

Sheraton Grand Los Angeles

  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 711 South Hope Street, Los Angeles
  • Amenities: Business center, fitness center, pet friendly, restaurant/bar

Hotel Per La

  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 649 South Olive Street, Los Angeles
  • Amenities: Outdoor pool, breakfast included, restaurant/bar, business center

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The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites

  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 404 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
  • Amenities: Fitness center, city views, mobile key entry

Downtown Los Angeles Proper

  • Cost: $$$
  • Address: 1100 South Broadway
  • Amenities: Boutique design, multiple restaurants, spa

Attractions Worth Seeing Nearby the Grand Central Market

There's no shortage of things to do in LA, and visitors who spend some time checking out the gourmet choices at the Grand Central Market can take advantage of their proximity to other downtown attractions within a short walk of the market. Here are a few options.

The Angels Flight Railway is a historic narrow gauge funicular railway found at 351 South Hill Street. It's nearly 120 years old, and visitors can take a short ride between Hill Street and Grand Avenue. Two funicular cars, Olivet and Sinai, use a shared cable and offer rides for $1 each way. The railway is open daily.

Book lovers will want to stop by The Last Bookstore at 453 South Spring Street. With a whopping 22,000 square feet, the shop sells not only new, used, and vintage books but also music and comic books. It also has a separate comic book store, five art studios, and a big yarn shop. It's open daily.

Visitors can get a breath of fresh air and plenty of greenery at Grand Park, located at 200 North Grand Avenue, and considered one of the prettiest destinations in Los Angeles. The 12-acre park has a fountain plaza, walking trails, courtyards, sitting areas, and performance lawns. Free programs for the public are offered year-round.