Pasadena

The questions people ask first about Pasadena, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
• SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
• TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
• SafetyPasadena is generally safe for visitors, and the walkable core is busy into the evening.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee$4–7
• Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range, before tax and tip$25–45
• Metro or bus rideMetro ride$1.75
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Norton Simon adult)$12
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$45
• Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$190
• High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$300

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

BUR Hollywood Burbank (Closest airport, about 26 km (16 mi) away; rideshare or shuttle to Pasadena.) · LAX Los Angeles International (About 43 km (27 mi); FlyAway bus to Union Station then the A Line, about 2 h door to door.) · ONT Ontario International (East of the valley; useful if you are driving in from the east.) · SNA John Wayne, Orange County (Further south; usually only worth it for a cheaper fare.)BUR Hollywood Burbank (Closest airport, about 16 mi (26 km) away; rideshare or shuttle to Pasadena.) · LAX Los Angeles International (About 27 mi (43 km); FlyAway bus to Union Station then the A Line, about 2 h door to door.) · ONT Ontario International (East of the valley; useful if you are driving in from the east.) · SNA John Wayne, Orange County (Further south; usually only worth it for a cheaper fare.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$70–110 excl. bed

Mid

$120–200 excl. bed

High

$220+ excl. bed

• Summer afternoons inland can pass 35°C (95°F); carry water and hike early.Summer afternoons inland can pass 95°F (35°C); carry water and hike early.
• Eaton Canyon: do not climb past the first waterfall — the loose rock has killed hikers.
• Watch for rattlesnakes on San Gabriel foothill trails in warm months.
• Rose Parade day: Colorado Blvd closes the night before and parking is scarce; buy parking ahead or take the A Line.
• Prices in the US are shown before sales tax; expect a few percent added at the till.