Where to Go When in Weho

West Hollywood has never been one to keep a low profile. Best known for its celebrity sightings, concerts and clubs, it attracts a vast array of visitors each year. Whether you're making West Hollywood your weekend getaway or plan on staying longer, here are 10 tourist sites you shouldn't miss.

1. The Pacific Design Center

Affectionately dubbed the Blue Whale, due to its impressive size and deep blue hue, the Pacific Design Center's greatest appeal is by far its architecture. This award winning structure, designed by Cesar Pelli, is a work of art inside and out. It's no wonder Academy Award and Emmy parties are often hosted here. And despite its prestige, the public is free to walk through and view the interior design showrooms that boast 2,200 professional interior product lines--from fabric to furniture.

2. Robertson Boulevard

Prized for shops such as Curve and Kitson that sell designer clothing and accessories, the northern part of Robertson Boulevard has become a celebrity hot spot. Dolce & Gabbana has the latest in Italian threads and II Piccolino will feed your Italian food fix. Even if you aren't planning on spending a lot of cash while you're here, the quaint feel of the tree lined street makes it the perfect place to people watch and window shop. Robertson Boulevard is also home to The Abbey, one of the most popular places in West Hollywood to eat, drink and socialize.

3. The Schindler House

Built in 1922 by architect Rudolph M. Schindler, this modern style building on Kings Road was the first of its kind. Unique in structure and design, the Schindler House is an inspiration today for what it lacks, not for what it has. Rather than the traditional setup of a living room, dining room and bedrooms, Schindler designed a series of "studios" connected in a maze-like manner for himself and three other people. The house also has a ceiling of low wooden beams (not much higher than six feet), hundreds of windows and miniature skylights, and an almost hidden staircase that leads to a rooftop patio curtained in vines. Admission is $7 ($6 if you're a student or a senior) and well worth the money.

4. Sunset Strip

The Sunset Strip is about a mile and a half section of Sunset Boulevard that runs through West Hollywood. Characterized by a heavily billboarded skyline and a plethora of clubs and restaurants, it's at the heart of Los Angeles' nightlife. The Roxy, House of Blues, Whisky a Go-Go and the Viper Room are among the most famous venues on the Strip. Whether you want to go to a concert, do some dancing, get a late night bite or catch a comedy show, the Sunset Strip does not skimp on entertainment options.

5. The Troubadour

The Troubadour, a nightclub that opened in 1957, has become a launching pad for countless legendary rock musicians. Elton John, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tim Buckley, Billy Joel and Radiohead are just a few artists who got their start playing here. Many bands have released live recordings of their performances at the Troubadour. Some successful musicians have returned to play a smaller, more intimate show even though they could have easily filled a much bigger venue. Now, most of the headliners are semi-obscure indie rock bands. Who knows—they could be the next big thing. Tickets range from $15 to $25.

6. Mel's Drive-In

Located on the Sunset Strip and open 24 hours a day, Mel's '50s-themed diner is a convenient stop for a late night, after show shake or steak. Thanks to its fun atmosphere, classic burger and fries, and low prices, it's become a favorite among Los Angeles natives.

7. MOCA at the Pacific Design Center

The Museum of Contemporary Art (a.k.a. MOCA) is a snug, square, two-story building with one exhibition floor. Although it's small, admission is free and the artwork is rotated every few months. The museum displays modern art of architecture and design and has a store on the bottom floor to help fill your suitcase to the brim with souvenirs.

8. The Comedy Store

The Comedy Store is a club on the Sunset Strip that opened its doors in the early 1970s. Among its alumni are Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Roseanne, David Letterman, Eddie Murphy and Robin Williams. Even after almost 40 years this comedy club is still world renowned for its ability to deliver laughs. Acts range from professional comedians to up-and-comers and it even has an amateur night for any Tom, Dick or Harry gutsy enough to get up on stage. Tickets are usually about $15-$20, with a two drink minimum.

9. Formosa Café

Due to its close proximity to a major motion picture studio, Formosa Café has been a popular hangout for Hollywood's biggest stars for more than 70 years. The café isn't actually a café at all, but a restaurant and bar converted from an old train. The restaurant portion, which still has the narrow, tunnel-like form of a caboose (with booth seating) is wall papered with original autographed headshots of actors and singers from the '40s and '50s. For historical value alone this place is a must see for any traveler's itinerary. The food's not bad either.

10. The Viper Room

The Viper Room is a nightclub on Sunset Boulevard that some people will remember as the place of actor River Phoenix's untimely death from a drug overdose back in 1993. It was formerly co-owned by Johnny Depp and bartended by Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz, in an attempt to stay down to earth after the success of his first album. The Viper Room isn't the largest of venues, nor is it the most refined, but people love it for its rock 'n' roll rawness. Tickets range from $5-$12.