The City of Angels, Los Angeles, is one of the most famous cities in the world, harbouring some of the world's most famous citizens.
As much an attraction in itself as it is a city, there are simply too many things to do in this glittering metropolis to name. Here are just three of its best for an unforgettable sampler of Los Angeles.
5 minutes of fame
L.A. is nothing if not known for Hollywood, AKA, Tinseltown. What better way to get your own lights, camera, action moment than to be in the audience of a TV show, or even as an extra to a film?
With so many TV shows and movies being shot around the city at any one time, finding a role isn't as hard as you'd think. Everything from Wheel of Fortune to Ellen DeGeneres to Jimmy Kimmel Live needs an audience to clap and laugh at just the right moments, and many of these tickets are often free.
Also keep an eye out for ads for extras. It might only be for a place in a crowd but it will be an experience you'll never forget – and one you can show the grandkids on DVD in 50 years!
See Santa Monica
Iconically L.A. is brimming with shops, activities and sights you won't find anywhere else in the world, and Santa Monica is the stuff holidays are made of.
The pier is home to an aquarium, a historic and gorgeous carousel, dozens of fascinating shops (including the landmark 66 to Cali store), an old-style arcade and even a trapeze school for budding acrobats!
Santa Monica Pier is also arguably the most famous place in the world to strap on those roller blades and cruise along by the beach, zipping between the cosy beach and palm-lined boulevard.
Put the tour in tourist
In 2013, Los Angeles broke its own records for visitor numbers. The city welcomed a whopping 42.2 million tourists last year, so there is absolutely no shame in pulling out your camera, asking for directions and generally touring – it's what holidays are for!
With so many attractions, L.A. is one of the best cities to simply tour. There are dozens of ways to do this – segway tours, walking tours, bus tours and scenic flight tours to name a few. The city is home to incredible art galleries such as the Getty Center and museums such as the California Science Center, which holds the spectacular Endeavour space shuttle. Then there's the Hollywood sign, movie stars' homes, Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland, Venice Boardwalk and so much more.
A guided tour of a mixture of these attractions is a clever way to see as much of them as possible, all with a handy guide to fill you in on the juicy details.
