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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: West Hollywood, 7994 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90046
Telephone: +1 323 654 0396.
Website: http://www.fubarla.com

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: West Hollywood, 5922 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Telephone: +1 323 255 6871.
Website: http://www.lacuevitabar.com

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: West Hollywood, 8440 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90069
Telephone: +1 323 650 8999.
Website: http://www.mondrianhotel.com

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, 90028
Telephone: +1 323 462 8900.
Website: http://www.avalonhollywood.com

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: Hollywood & Hills, 6021 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Telephone: +1 323 463 3366.
Website: http://www.sbe.com

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, 90015
Telephone: +1 213 746 4287.
Website: http://www.clubmayan.com

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: Downtown, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Telephone: +1 213 972 0711.
Website: http://www.dorothychandlerpavilion.net

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, 90068
Telephone: +1 323 850 2000.
Website: http://www.hollywoodbowl.com

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: Downtown, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Telephone: +1 213 742 7100.
Website: http://www.staplescenter.com

Classical music in Los Angeles

Dance in Los Angeles

Theatres in Los Angeles

Music and Dance in Los Angeles

Culture in Los Angeles

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Featured Hotels

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Jerry's Motel

A low-key motel in Downtown, just minutes from major city attractions like Los Angeles Convention Center, Dodger Stadium, Broad Museum and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. Unfussy double and twin rooms offer free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and coffeemakers, and the hotel provides free parking for patrons.

Farmer’s Daughter Hotel

Featuring denim duvets, distressed hardwood floors and wrought iron artwork, this funky boutique hotel in West Hollywood is heavy on the rural theme. Located opposite LA's historic Farmer's Market, it also has a smart pool and sundeck, high speed Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Its onsite restaurant, TART, serves up deliciously healthy hipster treats.

Sheraton Universal

Bang next door to Universal Studios, the Sheraton Universal has something of a corporate air to it but is relaxed enough to offer a poolside bar. Rooms are reasonably sized, with plenty of creams and browns keeping things neutral. It also has a small pool and modern gym facilities. Ask for a room with views of the Hollywood Hills.

The Standard

Chic and affordable, The Standard is a glimpse into the mind of hotel designer André Balazs. Young sophisticates gather in the floor-to-ceiling shag-carpeted lobby for live DJs and performance art shows, while its poolside cafe and 24-hour restaurant serve up quality American comfort food. Rooms offer kitsch furniture, including beanbag chairs.

The Beverly Wilshire

Popularised by its appearance in Pretty Woman, this Four Seasons hotel is renowned for its classical grandeur and impeccable service. An ornately carved entrance leads to a magnificent lobby and a choice between the elegant Boulevard Restaurant, a wood-panelled piano lounge and Cut, the Wolfgang Puck steakhouse. Luxurious rooms have marble bathrooms and the spa is stunning.

Shutters on the Beach

One of two luxury hotels on the beach, Shutters combines sophistication with a beach holiday atmosphere. The lobby has esteemed modern art, including pieces by David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein, and each room has a veranda. All have four-poster beds, plus a copy of Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea.