The Best New Things to Do in Los Angeles in 2023

From restaurants to rides, there’s plenty of exciting new hot spots to add to your itinerary this year.

By Patricia Harrison

Los Angeles is an ever-changing haven for exploration, as evidenced by the bounty of new restaurants, hotels and attractions that enliven the buzzing city’s scene every year. And 2023 is no exception. Whether you’re a Disney fanatic, devoted foodie or lover of the arts, there’s always something fresh in LA that will strike your fancy no matter how many times you’ve visited. Check out these additions in the coming months and beyond.


Disney's California Adventure | AmeriCantaro - stock.adobe.com

Sweet Rides

To ring in the Walt Disney Company’s centennial, Disneyland Park will be dressed in platinum decor starting in late January. The celebration includes the debut of two dazzling nighttime shows—“Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland and “World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure Park—and never-before-seen rides and characters. Board Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which began transporting riders to a colorful cartoon world in late January. And look for the Mandalorian and Baby Yoda, who joined Kylo Ren, R2-D2 and Chewbacca in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land in November, where they greet guests and offer out-of-this-world photo-ops.

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Mario-themed land will welcome guests at Universal Studios Hollywood in late February. Inside Mushroom Kingdom, Super Nintendo buffs can enjoy a new restaurant, a retail shop loaded with plush characters, and an augmented-reality ride called Mario Kart: Bowser Challenge.

Delicious Eats

An impressive roster of culinary pros turned on their stoves in and around Los Angeles in the past 12 months, churning out everything from killer sandwiches to polished French cuisine. That includes: Café Basque, an ode to Basque Country cooking from chef Daniel Rose of New York City’s renowned Le Coucou; Bub and Grandma’s, the place to feast on East Coast–style sandwiches made with fresh-baked breads; and Heavy Handed, where the juicy burgers and soft serve have gained a loyal following in Santa Monica.

In early 2023, Arts District favorite LA Cha Cha Chá will bring its Mexico City bites to a second location in Frogtown, where patrons will be able to devour a seafood-forward menu in a space beside the Los Angeles River. Other spots to look forward to seeking out this year include Sushi Nakazawa, an omakase-style eatery from renowned Japanese chef Daisuke Nakazawa; Best Bet, which will serve wood-fired pies and other Italian fare; and Lustig, an Austrian-influenced all-day restaurant.

Eye-catching Exhibits

The arts scene in LA is always hot, and there are plenty of exhibitions to check out in the coming months. Venture to the Hammer Museum, where a 40,000-square-foot expansion will be unveiled in late March. There, you can view a rotating selection of contemporary works as well as businessman Armand Hammer’s collections of European and American paintings and drawings (bonus: it’s free). Or admire the large-scale abstract paintings of American artist George Condo at the People are Strange exhibit at the Hauser & Wirth gallery (February 15–April 22); or view images that explore race, class, and representation captured by Harlem-born photographers Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae at the Getty Center’s Dawoud Bey & Carrie Mae Weems: In Dialogue (January 29–April 30).

Where to Stay

Mr. C Beverly Hills
Tucked steps away from Rodeo Drive, Mr. C exudes California glamour. Every room has a private balcony, views of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, and walls furnished with vintage black-and-white photographs. Enjoy welcome Bellini cocktails; nosh on elevated Italian fare at the hotel’s eponymous restaurant; and take advantage of the complimentary house car, which shuttles guests to destinations within three miles of the hotel.

Hotel June West LA
Laid-back vibes, mid-century modern beauty and comfortable, boutique-style accommodations are part of the draw at Hotel June, situated just a few minutes from Playa Vista beach and within walking distance of several restaurants. Guests love the Baja-inspired pool deck with cabanas and day beds, noise-cancelling windows, and complimentary bicycles for exploring the neighborhood.

Mama Shelter
Lovers of the fun and funky, rejoice: Mama Shelter is a one-of-a-kind hotel from the mind of Paris-based designer Thierry Gaugin. Reside in one of the property’s 70 rooms, which all feature king beds with organic linens and colorful, eclectic décor like vintage lighting and superhero masks; and bask in the California sun on the rooftop deck, where you can also groove to DJ sets and sip signature cocktails.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Brussels: An Underrated City for Art Lovers

By Jessica Montevago

Travelers looking for a trip filled with both historic and contemporary art scenes might overlook Brussels, instead opting for larger more popular destinations like Amsterdam, Paris, and London. However, the Belgian capital's well-established art scene covers some of the best of the Art Nouveau architecture, Flemish Masters, and Belgian Surrealism, as well as contemporary galleries.

Walking through the city, one might notice there are almost a thousand Art Nouveau buildings—intricate façades, which lead way into idyllic interiors with stained glass, mosaics, and wrought ironwork. This can be traced back to the architect Victor Horta, a prolific pioneer of the Art Nouveau style who was responsible for many architectural gems in Brussels. Between 1898 et 1901, he built Horta House, which consisted of two buildings: his office and his personal home. Now converted to a museum, visitors will find all the hallmarks of the Art Nouveau style. Horta also designed the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts in this style, which is home to the National Orchestra of Belgium, exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and movies.

Horta House

Throughout 2023, Brussels plans to celebrate this architectural heritage with large-scale exhibitions, special guided tours, and more. (Find the schedule of events here.) It marks 130 years since Horta put the finishing touches to Tassel House, the founding work of the Art Nouveau movement in Brussels.

The city also has several museums one can get lost in. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium comprise the Old Masters Museum, the Musée Fin-de-siècle Museum, and the Musée Magritte Museum. The collection of the Old Masters covers a period running from the 15th to the 18th centuries showcasing European painters, including famed Flemish artists Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck. The building itself was funded by King Leopold II. The Musée Fin-de-siècle Museum (End of the Century Museum) is a multidisciplinary space dedicated to the art scene in Brussels between 1868 and 1914. The Musée Magritte Museum is the world's largest collection of the renowned Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte, featuring 230 works and archives on display.

Brussels City Museum

The contemporary art scene is thriving in Brussels, dozens of galleries are spread out across the city. Both the MIMA, the new Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Arts, and the Alice Gallery are dedicated to grassroots art movements. Xavier Hufkens is one of Europe’s leading contemporary art galleries and has three locations in Brussels.

Home to the Brussels City Museum, the Maison du Roi neo-Gothic building dates back to the last quarter of the 19th century. Inside the Brussels City Museum gives a comprehensive overview of Brussels' history, across more than 7,000 items including altarpieces, tapestries, earthenware, porcelain, sculptures, and city maps. The beloved symbol of Brussels residents, the original statue of Manneken Pis, a little boy urinating, resides on the last floor.

Where to stay

• Chandelier-lit interiors give way to a luxurious lobby at the Hilton Brussels Grand Place. The on-site restaurant, Sentro, transforms to a lively lounge at night, with a menu inspired by local artists who exhibits their artworks.
  
  
• The elegant Sofitel Brussels Europe boasts an exclusive location: between the European Parliament and the European Commission, just a few steps from the Jubilee Park and close to several museums. From bright and spacious guest rooms to an upscale restaurant and bar, the hotel is ideal for any traveler.
  
  
• The NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon is on a square in the historic upper town of Brussels, lined with art galleries, antique shops, and chocolatiers. Premium rooms offer a view of the neighborhood while Suites look out over the square itself. Other hotel amenities include buffet breakfast, an on-site gym, and tapas restaurant.
  
  
• Downtown, Hotel Avenue Louise Brussels Trademark Collection by Wyndham is minutes from shops along Avenue Louise, and the Grand-Place. Charming European décor sets a relaxing scene in each guest room, featuring a balcony, as well as a cozy sitting area with fireplace and inviting bar.
  
  
• In a city that combines art and history, the Renaissance Brussels Hotel fits right in with its chic decor and the ambiance of a boutique property. Explore traditional Belgian fare prepared with local produce at the hotel’s restaurants, The Poet, which includes light lunches, wines and cocktails at its trendy bar.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.