Free tastings and samples anyone can walk into, and the cheap local classics that keep a day of sightseeing going.
FreeSee's started in Los Angeles in 1921 and every shop still hands each person who walks in one free piece from the counter. No purchase is expected.
Any day, whenever a shop is open. You get what they are sampling that day.
Source: See's Candies
FreeThe oldest gurdwara in Los Angeles serves langar, a vegetarian North Indian meal, after every prayer service. It is on Vermont Ave, a short walk from the DASH Observatory bus stop. Cover your head and leave your shoes at the door.
After services: every evening 6:30–8 pm, and Sundays 9 am–2:30 pm.
Source: Hollywood Sikh Temple
FreeThe temple on Watseka Ave holds an open house every Sunday that ends with a free vegetarian Indian meal for whoever turns up. You sit through or skip the chanting, nobody checks.
Sundays. Kirtan from 10 am, the feast is served at 1:30 pm.
Source: ISKCON Los Angeles
$1.55A fried ball of mashed potato stuffed with Cuban picadillo, from the family bakery half of Los Angeles queues at. Two of them and a cheese roll make lunch for about $5.
Open daily. The line looks long and moves fast.
Source: Porto's Bakery & Cafe
Los Angeles is a company town and nothing free gets you inside the company. The tour drives through working backlots and soundstages in Burbank, which the Walk of Fame and a distant look at the Hollywood Sign cannot stand in for.
Everything above is free. This is the only paid pick on the page, chosen because no free option replaces it.
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