Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market has anchored the corner of Broadway and Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles since 1917. What began as a traditional public market has evolved into one of the most celebrated food halls in the country, mixing legacy Latino vendors who have operated stalls for decades with modern food concepts that draw food enthusiasts from around the world. For families, it offers a format that solves the eternal problem of everyone wanting something different.

The market occupies the ground floor of the Homer Laughlin Building, a 30,000-square-foot space that runs through the entire block from Broadway to Hill Street. Over 30 vendors line both sides of the central corridor, offering everything from handmade pupusas to artisan ice cream. The format is simple: browse the stalls, order at the counter, and carry your food to one of the communal tables in the center.

This works exceptionally well for families because each person can eat exactly what they want from different vendors.

For kids, the market is a sensory education in multiculturalism. Watching the cooks at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas hand-press tortillas and pile birria onto freshly made shells is mesmerizing. The colorful produce displays at the traditional fruit vendors create Instagram-worthy arrays.

The sounds and smells shift every few stalls -- from sizzling Thai basil at Sticky Rice to the coffee roaster at G&B to the sweet cream scent of McConnell's Ice Cream.

Angels Flight, directly outside the Broadway entrance, is an unmissable addition to any Grand Central Market visit. This 1901 funicular railway -- officially the world's shortest -- carries passengers up a steep 298-foot track on Bunker Hill for $1 per ride. The vintage orange cars and dramatic incline thrill children, and the ride takes just 60 seconds.

At the top, Bunker Hill offers views, public art, and easy walking access to The Broad museum and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Timing matters for families. Weekday mornings (8-10 AM) are ideal: the market is calm, stalls are open for breakfast, and Eggslut's famous egg sandwiches have no line. The lunch rush (noon-1:30 PM weekdays) draws the downtown office crowd and seating gets competitive.

Weekend mornings are busy but manageable. Friday and Saturday evenings skew toward a young adult bar scene and are less suitable for families with young children.