There was probably a time when someone mentioning Downtown LA conjured up visions of frustrating one-way streets, homeless people, crime, everything closing at sundown, and plain bleakness. But times, they are a changing. Downtown LA is not the vast wasteland you once knew. It’s like the ex you broke up with who then got smoking hot.  Unlike that ex, DTLA (as locals refer to it as) is willing to take you back with open arms.

Okay, you’re pumped now.  And you’re ready to take that adventure to the unknown- but where do you begin? It might be a little overwhelming so here’s a four day crash course on how to get to know DTLA. By the end of the weekend you’ll never look at the city the same again.

What better way to begin your introduction to this new world than with a walking tour? A walking tour in DTLA sounds a little dicey though, right? Don’t worry- you’re not going to be roaming the streets alone. On the second Thursday of every month approximately 10,000 people participate in the Downtown L.A. Art Walk. This monthly event was started way back in 2004, but as downtown is quickly becoming the new trendsetting mecca, the popularity of this event just recently took off. Although it technically begins at 3pm, the scene really starts up around 7pm. Come at this time to join in the celebration of art, cultural diversity, and community as you stroll from gallery to museum. Even if art isn’t your thing this is a great opportunity to eat, drink and socialize while enjoying the bustling scene of DTLA.

As the Art Walk comes to a close around 11pm, you’re sad because you just started seeing what all the city has to offer. Now you’re all jazzed up and aren’t ready to go home yet. In fact, you were having so much fun at the walk that you just realized that you didn’t even eat. You don’t have to go far to quiet those stomach pains. On 3^rd St., right in the Art District you’ll find Wurstkuche, “purveyor of Exotic Grilled Sausages.” Here you’ll be faced with more sausage options than one could imagine. Once you settle on one, you’ll also want to try their Belgian fries with (once again) a large selection of dipping sauces. Of course, their selection of beers is also quite extensive.

Take it slow during the day on Friday because you’re night is going to be a long one. Get started early by heading to The Edison, a turn of the century themed lounge in a boiler room setting. This spot always has something unique and edgy going on but their Soup Kitchen Fridays from 5-7pm is one of the best deals in town. During this time you can get “Depression Era drinks at Depression Era prices.”  That’s not all.   There are also complimentary grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup during this time. PLUS, 25% of proceeds go to local food banks.

All those cheap drinks have you craving a real meal so it’s time to head over to The Gorbals, located in the Alexandria Hotel, for dinner. This is a restaurant that prefers to not be defined by cuisine, chef or location. The food, therefore, can’t easily be categorized so it’s best to just tell you that it’s good. Seeing as the man behind it all is a Top Chef winner, you know you’re in for a treat.

Time to move once again…This time you’re on your way to a private party at LoftSEVEN. Located atop the Haas Building, LoftSEVEN is a one of a kind private party residence. They host anything from samples sales and private parties to movie nights and concerts. A lot of their events are closed to the public, but there’s also a few you can be lucky enough to get into. Once you’re in, make sure to stop by their Polite in Public photobooth for some photographic momentos.

You’ve done so much already and it’s only Saturday. While it’s not technically in DTLA, the best way to spend your Saturday would be to take a 5-10 minute cab ride South to the Coliseum to check out a USC football game. Get there early too because pre-game tailgating is a must. And once the game is over, you’re going to need a place to celebrate the Trojan victory. As long as you’re not sick of crowds at this point, you have to explore the new L.A. Live Complex. This 5.6 million square foot “entertainment campus” has EVERYTHING! There are over a dozen dining choices, a bowling alley, a concert venue, a museum, hotels, and a soon to open movie theater. One night is definitely not enough to take it all in but see what all you can do!

Sunday morning means one thing- brunch! Time to soak up all that alcohol from the past 3 days. The best way to do that would be to head over to Bottega Louie for their lemon ricotta pancakes. This Italian restaurant serves up delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but their brunch is one of the best around. Don’t eat too much though because after this it’s time slip into your swimsuit. Don’t have one on you? No problem. The Standard Hotel Downtown has you covered with their swimsuit vending machine. Wind down the weekend with an afternoon at this hotel’s rooftop pool. Their Swimming with Sharks Sunday pool parties feature water gun fights, bands and free jello shots.

As the sun goes down, you’ll be ready to hit the sheets early after these exhausting, yet enlightening, four days in DTLA. And this is just a taste of what downtown has to offer. During the week there’s just as much fun to be had and new places to discover.

Tell your friends.