Merchants, food peddlers and strolling mariachis line this historic corridor of LA heritage.

This bustling Mexican marketplace at "El Pueblo" is where LA began—the city was founded southeast of Olvera Street back in 1781. It's one of the city's most popular tourist attractions on weekends, when mariachi bands stroll along the packed plaza. The historically inclined take free docent-led tours Tuesday through Saturday from 10am until 12pm—the area is home to some of the city's oldest structures, including La Placita Church and the Avila Adobe. Olvera Street is also host to celebrations throughout the year, such as the Blessing of the Animals the Saturday before Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Day of the Dead and the Fiesta De La Candelaria, which marks the end of Christmas celebrations. The real draws, though, are the food stand and the merchants peddling everything from sombreros to leather goods.