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Choose FIGat7th for a straightforward open-air shopping trip with familiar fashion and retail options, Target, Nordstrom Rack, fitness, and a food hall. Choose The Bloc if direct access to 7th Street/Metro Center, dining and entertainment in a mixed-use complex, or visitor amenities matter more. They are close enough to consider visiting both during one downtown outing.
Which center fits your plans?
| Your priority | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Open-air shopping and a recognizable retail mix | FIGat7th | The Downtown LA Alliance describes it as an open-air lifestyle center and names retailers including Zara, H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Target, and Bath & Body Works, along with Gold’s Gym and TASTE Food Hall. These are examples, not a guarantee that every tenant is currently open. |
| Transit integration, dining, entertainment, and visitor services | The Bloc | The center is integrated with 7th Street/Metro Center and combines shopping with dining and entertainment in a mixed-use complex. |
| Seeing both in one outing | Either, or both | They are close to one another in downtown Los Angeles, so the choice need not be exclusive if your schedule allows. |
Neither center has a demonstrably better complete tenant mix based on the available center listings: the sources do not offer equally complete, current directories for both. Check each center’s live store listings and hours for the specific businesses you plan to visit.
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Which one is closer to Metro?
The Bloc has the more direct station connection. Its official visit page directs rail riders to exit 7th Street Metro Center via Hope Street and enter the center at plaza level. FIGat7th is also immediately convenient: its official directions page says it is directly across the street from the station.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If minimizing the walk from the station is your priority, The Bloc is the simpler choice. If you are already at the station, FIGat7th is still across the street.
Where should you park?
The rates below are published on the centers’ live parking pages, reviewed in 2026. They can change; check the linked page before driving. FIGat7th’s discounted rates depend on validation and parking level, while The Bloc’s published rates apply to validated self-parking.
| Visit length | The Bloc: validated self-parking | FIGat7th: advertised rates |
|---|---|---|
| First hour | $1 | 30 minutes free, then $1 for one hour |
| Second hour | $3 | $2.50 for two hours |
| Third hour | $4 | $4 for three hours |
| After the third hour | Prevailing daily rates | Higher rates may apply; the page’s listed discounted rates require validation and parking on levels L1, L2, or L3 |
The Bloc parking and validation
The Bloc says Alamo, JOEY DTLA, HATCH, and UNIQLO customers can validate in-store. Other retail visitors should take their parking ticket and receipt to the valet desk. Its page also lists accessible parking on all nine parking levels.
FIGat7th parking and validation
FIGat7th advertises 500 shopping and dining parking spaces. Its discounted rates require validation and parking on L1, L2, or L3; parking on L4 or above incurs higher rates. The directions page does not provide enough detail for a like-for-like comparison of validation rules with The Bloc.
Accessibility and visitor amenities
The Bloc lists ADA-compliant access ramps, elevators, and directional signage, in addition to accessible parking on every parking level. For a particular access requirement, contact the center before your visit. The FIGat7th directions page reviewed here does not provide comparable accessibility detail, so that is not evidence that the center lacks accessible facilities.
The Bloc also lists portable charger rentals at two ChargeFuze locations. A power bank can be a useful optional backup if you rely on your phone for transit directions, but it is not necessary if you plan to use the rental service or keep your phone charged.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Events and what to check before you go
Event schedules and store availability can change. The Downtown LA Alliance’s FIGat7th listing displays farmers’ market dates on Thursdays from October 8 through November 5, 2026: October 8, 15, 22, and 29, and November 5. Confirm the date on the Alliance listing before planning around it.
The Alliance describes The Bloc’s event offerings as including live music, dance, theater, art installations, fitness classes, and food-and-drink tastings. The sources do not establish comparable current event calendars for both centers, so check the intended center’s schedule for your visit date. The Alliance listing for The Bloc is a starting point.
Quick Recap
- Confirm that the store, restaurant, or fitness venue you want is currently open and check its hours.
- Check event dates and any same-day updates.
- If driving, verify current parking rates, validation requirements, and the parking level you need.
- If you have a specific accessibility need, contact the center directly to confirm the route and facilities available.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
