Think LA is only for the big spenders? Think again. Discover how to experience the best of the City of Angels without blowing your budget, from hidden gems to wallet-friendly eats.

With the Australian dollar at record lows against the USD, it can be challenging to afford a fun holiday in Los Angeles. But it’s still possible to enjoy yourself for less than US$50 ($73.50) per day (not including accommodation, of course, because this isn’t 1970 anymore). The solution is to seek out the city’s cheap eats, happy hours and free things to do.

Please note: all prices have been converted into AUD and were accurate as of 30 August 2024.

Hotel Ziggy

The first step is to find affordable accommodation that comes with some freebies. Something that screams “I’m in LA!" but without its premium price tag. I hit the jackpot with Hotel Ziggy on the famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. This location is unbeatable for lovers of nightlife, live music and American celebrity history, and it has a saltwater pool, gym and spacious rooms with rock-themed décor.

Rates start at $276 a night, with a 25 per cent discount for three or more nights, bringing it down to $207 per night – half the cost of anything else in the area. Booking direct gives you priority for room upgrades, plus free wi-fi and two free cocktails every afternoon (3pm-4pm).

For an extra $16, the bed and breakfast package includes a $73.50 daily credit for breakfast, or choose the Getting Ziggy With It deal for a welcome drink and a free pizza at the adjoining B-Side Pizza. The ground floor has a free coffee station in the morning and a bar hosting free gigs by local bands every night.

Getting around

A common misconception about LA is that you need a car. The truth is the local transport system is efficient and easy to use. I got around the city by bus rather than riding the subway underground, because it’s more interesting to look out the window at the passing sights. A one-way trip costs $2.50 and includes two hours of free transfers. Payment is accepted in cash, or you can get the TAP app and load it up (using a credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or GPay) to swipe as you go. In three days, I spent less than $22.

As a solo female, I felt perfectly safe on the buses. I sat at the front near the driver in case of any dodgy passengers, but most were other tourists and commuters on the way to and from work.

At night, I walked between places in West Hollywood, where the streets are buzzing with people having a good time. There are no dodgy alleyways or spooky parks to cross in the dark. If I had further to travel, I splurged on an Uber (which is cheaper than the fares in Australia), never spending more than $19.

Rodeo Drive

There’s no need to travel like a pauper when you can fake it in style. Beverly Hills’ legendary Rodeo Drive is three immaculate blocks lined with palm trees, designer boutiques and five-star hotels.

Featured in films from Pretty Woman and Clueless to Beverly Hills Cop, it’s a delightful area to walk around, spotting the familiar movie locations and flagship stores of luxury brands.

Shopping is out of the question on a tight budget but browsing and taking photos are free. Strike a pose by the Tiffany & Co fountain on the cobblestoned passageway, Two Rodeo Drive, or the famous Via Rodeo sign on the street corner. Fashionistas can snap selfies outside the opulent shopfronts of Gucci, Dior, Cartier, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

Another photo opportunity is in front of the Beverly Hills Hotel, where the Golden Globes ceremony is held every year. Past guests include Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Four Seasons’ Beverly Wilshire is one of the most lavish landmarks, housed in a grand Italian Renaissance building with art deco gas lamps and awnings that are changed to different colours every season. Take a break at the outdoor patio (open to the public) and treat yourself to a $13 coffee while pretending to be rich or famous.

The Walk of Style is a footpath embedded with bronze plaques dedicated to designers, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford and Donatella Versace are among those honoured, alongside sculptures such as Torso, a four-metre-tall aluminium nude woman by artist Robert Graham and the Insta-worthy ‘Life is Beautiful’ sign.

Free museums

Almost every museum offers free admission at least one day a week. Most require an online booking to reserve a two-hour slot.

The Broad is an eye-catching structure full of modern art such as Jeff Koons’ blue Balloon Dog, Yayoi Kusama’s immersive Infinity Mirror Room and Andy Warhol’s Two Marilyns and Campbell’s Soup Cans.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has a huge collection of 152,000 objects from around the globe. Most notable is Chris Burden’s Urban Light installation comprising 202 cast-iron streetlamps gathered from around LA and restored to working order.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) has thousands of post-war artworks from 1940 to recent pieces from Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, while the Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (ICA LA) is a newer venue showcasing more experimental pieces. Hammer Museum offers free lectures, concerts and screenings as well as permanent exhibitions of modern art, photography and design.

Further out of town, in Brentwood, Getty Center is an enormous complex of pavilions adorned with Impressionist and medieval art, manicured gardens, outdoor sculptures, and panoramic city views.

Cheap eats

Veer away from tourist traps to find low-priced restaurants and bars. For example, a five-minute walk from Rodeo Drive, Guisados is a sit-down cafe located in a parking lot between Linden Drive and McCarthy Drive, where the locals go for $7 tacos. Or grab one on the run for $2.90 from Leo’s Taco Trucks (in 11 locations).

In Downtown LA, Grand Central Market is a bustling hive of eateries serving a wide array of cuisines, burgers, sandwiches and sushi. Try something new such as a $5.90 pupusa, a Salvadoran flatbread packed with pork, beans and cheese, from Sarita’s Pupuseria.

Nearby is Marugame Udon serving $8.75 Japanese noodle bowls. Chinatown is always reliable for a $8.80 bánh mì (Vietnamese roll) or try Thai Town for cost-price curries. At Koreatown’s Supamu, everything on the menu is under $22, while Slurpin’ Ramen starts at $11.75.

For iconic Californian fast food, In-N-Out Burger does a $11 combo for a cheeseburger, fries and drink. A Hollywood institution since 1939, the family-owned Pink’s Hot Dogs is known for its $6.60 chili dog. For a sweet treat, the hottest bakery in LA is Bottega Louie (various locations), which specialises in macarons and beignets priced from $4.40.

Happy hours

Dive bars and sports bars are best for a friendly atmosphere and budget-friendly drinks. Happy hour, which often lasts for two or more hours, usually starts at 4pm. Every neighbourhood has plenty of venues with a variety of vibes.

Everson Royce Bar, in the Arts District, is casual and fun. Play a game of bocce while enjoying $8.80 beers, $13 wines or $16 cocktails. If you head out to Santa Monica, The Misfit slashes 50 per cent off all cocktails, wines and spirits daily before 7pm.

Elegant surroundings can be found at Hollywood’s rooftop bar, Mother Tongue. From Wednesday to Sunday (4-6pm) the prices drop to $7.35 for a beer, $15 for wine and cocktails, with snacks from $5.90.

In West Hollywood, Gracias Madre has a lovely courtyard to sip $8.80 beers, $12 wines and $13 margaritas (weekdays 3-6pm; Mon-Wed, Sun 8pm-close). The $15 meal deal includes a beer, garlic chipotle fries and a jackfruit slider. I am yet to find a restaurant where the plant-based menu is so delicious.

The writer was a guest of Visit California and Visit West Hollywood.