In no particular order, here are some recommended places for first-time visitors to Los Angeles. Some of these will be in the guidebooks, others won’t. Each will show you a unique side of this crazy city. I have some restaurants in the list, but check out https://www.tripline.net/bestofla/maps for a lot more

One more thing: When you’re in LA, tune your radio to 89.9 KCRW or listen online. It’s the best radio station in the world, and another LA institution. (NPR most of the day, music all other times)