City National Plaza Los Angeles
Iconic twin towers in downtown LA, famous as 'Nakatomi Plaza' from 'Die Hard,' offering striking modern architecture and a vibrant city vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the vibrant business energy
City National Plaza Los Angeles
Best Time
Experience the vibrant business energy
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic twin towers in downtown LA, famous as 'Nakatomi Plaza' from 'Die Hard,' offering striking modern architecture and a vibrant city vibe.
"Walked past the plaza, clean and open with tall towers all around. Lots of people moving through, feels safe and busy without being crowded."
📸 Snap Iconic Photos
Capture the impressive architecture and skyline views. Great for 'Die Hard' fans!
🚶♂️ Explore the Plaza
It's a great spot to pause, people-watch, and soak in the downtown LA vibe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Twin Towers
515 South Flower Street & 515 South Figueroa Street
Admire the sleek, modern architecture of these 705-foot towers, a prominent feature of the LA skyline.
Central Plaza Ambiance
Between the towers
Experience the 'DTLA vibe' in this clean, open space with landscaped areas and water features.
Nakatomi Plaza Nostalgia
The towers themselves
For film buffs, these towers are famously known as Nakatomi Plaza from 'Die Hard'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Towers
Beyond the Office Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Snap Iconic Photos
Capture the impressive architecture and skyline views. Great for 'Die Hard' fans! +1
🚶♂️ Explore the Plaza
It's a great spot to pause, people-watch, and soak in the downtown LA vibe.
🥪 Grab a Bite Nearby
Mr. Mustache offers affordable sandwiches, and Grand Central Market is a short walk away.
🏢 Business Hub Vibe
Feel the energy of a major business center during weekdays.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Snap Iconic Photos
Capture the impressive architecture and skyline views. Great for 'Die Hard' fans! +1
🚶♂️ Explore the Plaza
It's a great spot to pause, people-watch, and soak in the downtown LA vibe.
🥪 Grab a Bite Nearby
Mr. Mustache offers affordable sandwiches, and Grand Central Market is a short walk away.
🏢 Business Hub Vibe
Feel the energy of a major business center during weekdays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
City National Plaza is recognized for its striking modern architecture and its iconic status as 'Nakatomi Plaza' from 'Die Hard.' Visitors appreciate the clean, busy yet uncrowded atmosphere of the central plaza, making it a good spot to pause and take in the downtown LA vibe. While primarily an office complex, its accessibility and proximity to dining options are noted positives.
"Dinner meeting. Great food and great views."
Diver One
"walked past the plaza, clean and open with tall towers all around. lots of people moving through, feels safe and busy without being crowded. good spot to pause for a minute or just take in the dtla vibe."
Joshua Brewer
"City National Plaza is a prominent office complex located in downtown Los Angeles, California. It is a notable example of modern office architecture and serves as a key business and commercial hub in the city. Here’s a detailed look at City National Plaza:
Overview
• Location: City National Plaza is situated at 515 South Flower Street and 515 South Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. It occupies a prime location in the city’s financial district, making it a central business address.
Architecture
• Design: The complex consists of two high-rise office towers connected by a central plaza. The towers are designed in a sleek, modern style with reflective glass façades and distinctive geometric shapes.
• Height: Each tower stands at approximately 705 feet (215 meters) tall, making them among the tallest buildings in Los Angeles. They are prominently visible in the city skyline.
• Architect: The buildings were designed by the architectural firm Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC. The design emphasizes modernity and functionality, with a focus on creating an efficient and attractive business environment.
Features
• Office Space: City National Plaza offers a substantial amount of Class A office space, providing high-quality accommodations for businesses. The office spaces are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of tenants, from large corporations to smaller enterprises.
• Amenities: The complex includes a range of amenities for tenants and visitors, such as on-site dining options, retail shops, and meeting facilities. The central plaza features landscaped areas and water features, creating a pleasant environment for workers and visitors.
• Parking: City National Plaza provides extensive parking facilities, including both surface and underground parking options. This accessibility is a key advantage for businesses and clients.
Historical and Cultural Significance
• Development: City National Plaza was completed in 1972 and was developed by the real estate company, City National Corporation. The complex represents a significant development in the evolution of downtown Los Angeles as a major business center.
• Art and Design: The complex features various works of public art and design elements that contribute to its cultural and aesthetic appeal. The central plaza often hosts art installations and events, enhancing its role as a community space.
Notable Tenants
• Businesses: City National Plaza is home to numerous prominent businesses, including financial institutions, law firms, and corporate offices. Its prestigious address and modern facilities make it an attractive location for major companies.
Impact on Downtown Los Angeles
• Landmark Status: The towers of City National Plaza are important landmarks in the downtown Los Angeles skyline. Their distinctive design and height contribute to the overall architectural character of the city.
• Economic Role: As a major office complex, City National Plaza plays a significant role in the economic activity of downtown Los Angeles. It contributes to the vibrancy and business activity of the area.
City National Plaza is a key component of the downtown Los Angeles business landscape, offering modern office space and amenities while contributing to the city’s architectural and economic development. Its iconic towers and central location make it a notable feature of the city’s skyline."
Kento Masuda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
City National Plaza is located in downtown Los Angeles at 515 South Flower Street and 515 South Figueroa Street. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including various bus lines and Metro rail stations in the downtown area. If driving, there are extensive parking facilities available.
Yes, City National Plaza is centrally located in downtown LA and is walkable to many attractions like Grand Central Market and the US Bank Tower. It's a good starting point for exploring the area on foot.
For car-free travel, utilize LA Metro buses or trains that service the downtown LA area. Many routes stop within walking distance of the plaza.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop off passengers at designated areas around the plaza, typically on the surrounding streets.
The closest Metro stations are Pershing Square Station and 7th Street/Metro Center Station, both within a short walking distance of the plaza.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, City National Plaza is an open public space and office complex. You do not need tickets to walk through the plaza or admire the architecture from the outside. Access to individual office buildings requires specific appointments or business.
The plaza itself is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, individual businesses and offices within the towers operate on standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
There is no admission fee to enter and explore the public plaza area of City National Plaza.
City National Plaza does not have a public observation deck. For panoramic views of Los Angeles, consider visiting the nearby US Bank Tower's observation deck.
As it's a working office complex, visitors are expected to be respectful of the environment. Large gatherings or disruptive behavior may not be permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed in the public plaza areas. However, professional photography or filming may require permits, especially if it involves commercial use or large equipment.
The central plaza offers great perspectives of the twin towers. The surrounding streets also provide excellent vantage points for capturing the scale of the buildings. Consider shooting at different times of day for varied lighting.
Absolutely! Many fans visit to recreate scenes or simply acknowledge the plaza's iconic role as Nakatomi Plaza in the movie 'Die Hard'. +1
Be mindful of the fact that this is a working office environment. Avoid photographing individuals without their consent and respect any posted signage regarding photography restrictions.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting for architectural photography. Nighttime also provides a dramatic effect with the buildings illuminated.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, City National Plaza has on-site dining options, including cafes and restaurants catering to office workers and visitors.
Nearby options include Grand Central Market, a popular food hall with diverse vendors, and Mr. Mustache, known for affordable sandwiches.
Yes, there are numerous delis, cafes, and fast-casual eateries in the surrounding downtown LA area that are perfect for a quick lunch.
Downtown Los Angeles offers a variety of upscale restaurants, many of which are a short drive or a longer walk from City National Plaza.
Yes, catering services are available for events and meetings held within the complex, as indicated by some social media posts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a visit with nearby family-friendly attractions like Grand Central Market for a diverse range of food options that can please picky eaters. The general atmosphere of downtown LA can be an interesting experience for older children interested in city life and iconic movie locations.
🎬 Film Buffs & 'Die Hard' Fans
While you can't go inside the offices without a legitimate reason, standing in the plaza and looking up at the towers can evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and connection to the film. It’s a unique opportunity to see a piece of cinematic history come to life.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Day-Trippers
Take advantage of the surrounding dining options, from quick sandwich counters to bustling food halls, to refuel during your exploration. The plaza's accessibility via public transport also makes it a breeze to get to and from, whether you're coming from another part of LA or just passing through.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance and 'Die Hard' Fame
Beyond its architectural merit, the plaza holds a special place in pop culture as the iconic 'Nakatomi Plaza' from the classic action film 'Die Hard.' This cinematic association draws many visitors and film enthusiasts who recognize the towers from the movie's memorable scenes. The plaza's dual identity as a functional business hub and a beloved film location adds to its unique appeal.
The central plaza itself is designed to be an inviting public space, featuring landscaped areas and water features. It offers a pleasant environment for office workers and visitors alike, contributing to the overall ambiance of downtown Los Angeles. The complex also includes various amenities, such as on-site dining and retail, enhancing its role as a self-contained business center.
Experiencing the Downtown LA Vibe
For those exploring DTLA without a car, City National Plaza serves as a convenient central point. It's within walking distance of other notable downtown landmarks and attractions. This makes it an ideal starting point for a day of urban exploration, whether you're heading to nearby food markets or cultural sites.
The area around the plaza is dotted with coffee shops and restaurants, offering plenty of options for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal. The proximity to public transportation further enhances its accessibility, allowing visitors to easily connect to other parts of the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit