Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles Philharmonic Downtown L.A.

Touring The Walt Disney Concert Hall

Taking a free tour of Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall was fun and easy. If you’re exploring downtown Los Angeles like I did, you have to make a stop at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Even if you’re not a classical music fan, this architectural masterpiece is a feast for the eyes—and a must-visit for anyone curious about the city’s cultural heartbeat. Designed by the architect Frank Gehry, the building’s futuristic curves of stainless steel glint under the California sun and make it one of the most photographed landmarks in L.A.

This isn’t just any concert hall—it’s home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and is known for having some of the best acoustics in the world. Inside, the auditorium features Douglas fir walls and a organ nicknamed the “French fries” because of its unique pipe design. Whether you’re watching a full orchestra, a jazz ensemble, or a solo performance, the sound is clear, rich, and immersive. Even if you’re not a classical music expert, the experience is breathtaking.

If you can, try to catch a concert while you’re in town. There’s always something happening, from Beethoven and Mahler to experimental contemporary works and performances by visiting artists. Not up for a full concert? No problem—free self-guided tours and guided architecture tours are available during the day. These are a great way to explore the building, learn about Gehry’s vision. The tours usually include access to the rooftop garden, which feels like a peaceful oasis above the city, with views of downtown and some quirky outdoor art installations. There is no access to the concert hall.

The concert hall is also part of the larger Los Angeles Music Center, which includes the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, and Mark Taper Forum—so it’s a great place to spend the afternoon or evening if you’re interested in the performing arts.

Make sure to bring your camera. The exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall is truly a work of art. With its twisting metal panels, it looks different depending on the light and time of day—perfect for snapping photos from every angle. Fun fact: the building had to be slightly modified after opening because parts of it reflected too much sunlight onto nearby buildings and sidewalks! There were so many angles to photograph. I loved it.

Parking At The Concert Hall

While there is no parking at the concert hall, there are parking garages close by. I love the parallel park, so I just parked next to the building. If you need a parking garage, check them out online before committing to a given garage. Minimize the distance you walk to this concert hall, as there isn’t many other tourist attractions nearby.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Downtown Los Angeles

While always being vigilant and aware, I am not afraid of downtown Los Angeles. I went on a weekend and felt perfectly safe. Would I suggest going at night? No. Go during the day, and go with friends. There is a luxury hotel across the street, so the area is quite nice. The surrounding area has improved a lot in recent years too, with nearby restaurants, cafes, and public spaces making it a more vibrant and walkable part of L.A. Have fun, and stay safe!

Whether you’re catching a performance or just wandering through the space, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a place that stirs the senses. It’s a symbol of Los Angeles creativity—bold, innovative, and a little bit unexpected. Even if you’re just passing through, it’s worth the stop. You’ll leave impressed with a new appreciation for the magic of music and architecture in L.A.

Check out more of my unique perspective travel photography here.