Olvera Street452

The world famous Mexican market on Olvera Street serves as the nerve center of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the site of the earliest settlement in Los Angeles.

Dozens of shops - selling everything from tacky souvenirs to expensive Mexican leather and crafts - overflow with wandering tourists. Be prepared to spend.

Children can visit the glass blower, who demonstrates his skill at West 16 Olvera, right next door to Mr Churro Bakery, which sells ice cream, Icees and, of course, the cinnamon-coated fried dough treats known as churros.

Shoppers should visit Casa California at West 10 Olvera, and Olvera Candle Shop at West 3 Olvera, for a great selection of unique Christmas decorations, religious articles, and Mexican curios.

Food lovers should just arrive with an empty stomach.

Ice cream and candy stores dot the market; there are three sit-down-and-eat restaurants. La Luz del Dia at West 1 Olvera is an inexpensive, cash only place, with indoor and outdoor seating. Customers stand in line to order standard Mexican dishes such as tostados, tacos, and tamales. It's open daily from 11am-9pm, and at 8am for breakfast on weekends.

Las Anitas is a moderately priced restaurant with clean restrooms, air conditioning, and a children's menu that offers a free souvenir with the child's plate. Las Anitas also offers a "to go" menu. [213.623.1153]

Two more expensive restaurants, El Paseo Inn, and La Golondrina Cafe, are deeper inside the market, in historic buildings.

Olvera Street also serves as the entrance to several of the museums in El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. The Avila Adobe and the Sepulveda House offer welcome breaks from the noisy and colorful market.

There are serviceable, but not sparkling, bathrooms in the Plaza at the western end of the street, and in parking lot #2, across Main Street.

Las Angelitas, El Pueblo's docent organization, provides free tours to groups Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10am until 12 noon.