The Kaulitz brothers’ take on the best things to do in LA

Our “Welcome to LA” moment? It was when our ex-label boss, Jimmy Iovine, took us sneaker shopping on Melrose Avenue. We instantly fell for that street — and for Los Angeles.

LA is like 20 different cities mashed into one creative playground. It’s the only city where you always feel like you’re missing something epic, yet it somehow feels like home.

We’re sharing why we’re so obsessed with this city: the coolest spots, our absolute must-sees, and experiences you can’t miss in LA. Think treasure hunts at the Rose Bowl Flea Market and the best late-night breakfast at Crave Café. Ready?

1. Griffith Observatory: Chase the sunset

Tom: If you can only visit one place in Los Angeles, this is it. Watching the sunset from Griffith Observatory is pure magic — you feel like you’re on top of the world but still right in the thick of things. Every time we’re up there, we get this incredible rush of freedom. You can literally feel the city’s energy buzzing below, and suddenly you’re itching to dive headfirst into the nightlife. Trust me, this is one of those incredible places in Los Angeles that’ll leave you wanting more every single time.

2. Old Pasadena: Eat like a local

Bill: Look, the famous food spots in LA are great, but if you want to find the real gems, you need insider tips from locals. Over time, we’ve developed a feel for places where the food is epic AND the atmosphere is just right. Old Pasadena has this relaxed, laid-back vibe that’s totally unique. Just try different food spots in the area — you’ll stumble across restaurants, taco trucks, and cafés, mentioned in no guidebook, but that capture that authentic LA spirit we love.

3. Echo Park: Paddle with the swans

Tom: Echo Park and its swan boats are way more than just a cute date spot for me. Back when we had our first music studio nearby, I’d drag my dog to the lake whenever I hit a creative wall. We’d walk around watching people paddle those ridiculous boats across the water. Somehow, it always got my creative juices flowing again. There’s something about seeing locals just living their lives that’s inspiring. Plus, when the sun sets with Downtown LA glowing in the background, it’s honestly one of the most romantic views in the city. I’d say this place is a total hidden gem in LA, and most tourists miss it.

4. Hollywood Sign: Cruise through the Hills

Bill: Nothing compares to a private tour to the Hollywood Sign. Here’s why: You can crank up the music while you’re cruising through the Hollywood Hills and sing your heart out. “Crush” by Jennifer Paige or “Little Bird” by Annie Lennox never fails — no matter who’s with you. Jokes aside, these tours take you to viewpoints that regular hikers never reach. You’ll get those perfect Instagram shots of the sign without fighting crowds, plus you’ll see LA from angles that’ll blow your mind. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s Hollywood, baby.

5. Warner Bros. Studios: Go behind the scenes

Tom: Movies and TV shows are basically therapy for us — a quick escape from reality into another world. We were obsessed with “Friends,” and Bill is practically best friends with the “Sex and the City” cast, at least in his head. So visiting Warner Bros. Studios is definitely one of the coolest things to do in LA. The entertainment industry is the beating heart of this city, so you’ve got to see where all the magic happens. Hollywood isn’t our favorite neighborhood to hang out in, but that Hollywood glamour is as essential to LA as I am to Bill — you can’t have one without the other!

6. Venice to Santa Monica: Bike the boardwalk

Bill: What do we do on a perfect sunny day off in Los Angeles? We cycle along the beach boardwalk, obviously. Santa Monica is more chill and laid-back, but the pier scene is pretty epic. Venice, on the other hand, is wild, loud, and sometimes completely over-the-top. You’ve got artists, skaters, tourists, and the most insane street performances all mixed together. Here’s a tip: Start in Venice, soak up all that incredible energy, then cruise down to Santa Monica for dinner because they definitely have the better restaurant scene.

7. Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Movies with legends

Tom: The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is hands down one of the weirdest and coolest places to visit in Los Angeles. It’s mind-blowing how many legends are buried in this very spot, and that’s what gives this place such an incredible atmosphere. We mainly show up for the movie nights and special events — Halloween season is beyond cool here. Picture watching a classic movie on the grass between celebrity graves while having a picnic and sipping wine. It’s as surreal as it sounds, and that’s exactly what makes it such a quintessential LA experience for us.

8. Rose Bowl Flea Market: Hunt for treasures

Tom: Honestly, I’d love to set up a booth at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena just to sell all of Bill’s stuff and my wife’s collection. They both have so much that I could probably stock the entire market. Fifteen years ago, we found these gorgeous vintage table lamps shaped like massive golden flowers. We gave them new lampshades, and those beauties have moved with us to every single house since. They’re still sitting in Bill’s living room today. It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs in LA. My best tip is to hit up the vendors near closing time. They’ll cut you the best deals because nobody wants to haul their stuff back home.

9. The Abbey: Party all night

Bill: The Abbey is an absolute must for anyone who wants to check out LA’s wild nightlife. This legendary spot on Santa Monica Boulevard is a household name in the LGBTQ+ scene, but honestly, everyone’s welcome here. It’s not about being fancy or putting on airs — it’s about being completely yourself and having the best time possible. We’ve had awesome nights here, whether we roll up with a crew or just show up solo. You can literally start with brunch in the sunshine and party until the sun comes up again. Plus, the whole area is perfect for restaurant hopping and shopping during the day.

10. Deus Venice: Fuel up with bikers

Tom: Right after I got my motorcycle license, Deus Ex Machina Venice became my go-to spot to connect with other bikers. My first group ride to Malibu started here — what an incredible experience riding in convoy along the coast. Deus is where you’ll find locals sipping really good coffee before heading to the beach. It’s the perfect chill pit stop, or honestly, the perfect alternative to working from home when you need a cooler backdrop for your Zoom calls. To us, it’s just one of those laid-back LA spots that still feels completely authentic.

11. Crave Café: Cure your hangover

Bill: My absolute favorite hidden gem in LA is the Crave Café in Sherman Oaks. This place stays open until the early morning hours, which is perfect for our post-party breakfast sessions. The best part? They serve breakfast all day and night — think scrambled eggs, hash browns, toast, and crepes at 3:00 AM. If you’re lucky, those deep conversations from the last bar just continue here over coffee and pancakes. It’s the perfect spot for night owls like us who never want the party to end.

12. Figueroa Terrace: Score epic views

Tom: We stumbled across this magical LA spot by accident during a cover shoot for our Netflix series “Kaulitz & Kaulitz.” The intersection of North Beaudry Avenue and Figueroa Terrace is a popular filming location for movies, TV shows, and magazines — and for good reason. You get this incredible, unobstructed view of Downtown Los Angeles and feel like you have the whole city to yourself. Apparently, it’s also a hotspot for unofficial car shows at night. After soaking in those views, you’ll definitely want to hit up some whiskey bars in Downtown LA and experience that real big-city energy. From experience, downtown can get pretty wild, so cap off your LA adventure there.