From the Pershing Square Metro station, proceed to street level and walk to 5th and Hills streets to Pershing Square (directly across the street from the Metro station).

Check out Pershing Square (5th, Olive and Hill streets). Mexico City architect Richard Legoretta designed the yellow building, pink columns and purple water tower, while Barbara McCarren created the art program.

Across from Pershing Square, walk over to the Jewelry District (between Hill Street and Broadway, from 5th to 8th streets). Here, the streets are lined with jewelry stores from the very tiny to the very large. Gems, rings, bracelets, precious stones, gold chains, watches, pearls - one can find just about anything. If you're willing to spend the "big bucks," the more upscale stores are along Hill Street between 6th and 7th streets.

Walk two blocks west on 5th Street to the Los Angeles Public Library.

In the heart of the Financial District, is the Los Angeles Public Library (630 W. 5th St.; 213/228-7000). Constructed in 1926, and restored in 1993, the library houses murals and sculptures dating from the 1920s and '30s, as well as recent works by prominent living artists. In addition to the 2.1 million books, 10,000 magazines, and over 2 million historic photographs, the library also presents fabulous exhibitions, lecture series and public programs.

Board the #720 Wilshire Metro Rapid bus on 5th Street. The stop is located mid-block on the north side of the street between Hope Street and Grand Avenue. Depart the bus at Wilshire Boulevard and Alvarado Street.