To an outsider, Los Angeles sounds like the city of dreams or chaos, depending on whom you are. After all, this is where all the fame and fortune is, not to mention movie stars, right? Well, here are 10 facts that an LA tourist will easily learn while visiting.

1. "Los Angeles is small."

This is entirely false. Los Angeles is a city in California, but it is broken into many different areas in and out of the city. Also, millions of people live in this city. Unlike New York where you can easily explore the entire city in a day, it would take at least multiple days of traveling to get around. Los Angeles has many parts: North Hollywood, West Hollywood, Burbank, Studio City, Santa Monica, the Valley, etc. These are all in the LA area. California is one of the largest states in the country, so how would one of the most major well-known cities be small? It isn't.

2. "Living there is so expensive!"

Okay, this one is hard to argue, but it is important to know some information before assuming you will go "broke" by going on vacation to Los Angeles or even moving there. Yes, prices are higher, and taxes are around nine percent or more, but LA has a unique way of making it seem alright. For instance, many places include the tax into the listed price. That hot dog for $8.47 really is $8.47. Of course, this doesn't make it cheaper, but that leads me to my next argument. People that live in Los Angeles are paid a higher rate that is more comparable to the cost of living. Taxes are higher, but so are salaries. According to a CNN conversion calculator, a $40,000 salary in Maryland is nearly $50,000 in Los Angeles. As far as living situations, many people starting out have multiple roommates and even share rooms until they get on their feet; bunk beds are a thing too! The people that move here are often people that dream of working in entertainment in some way; whether that's acting, singing or the corporate side. You can find a great apartment to share for $850 or less per month with utilities included; it just won't be that dream house on the Hollywood Hills right away.

3. "Everything costs money!"

This may come as a big surprise, but there is actually a lot of free sights you can go to. Los Angeles has many historical and famous sights such as the Griffith Observatory, as seen in movies such as "Rebel Without A Cause" or even the video game, "Grand Theft Auto." It's totally free! It costs nothing to go see, and it is gorgeous! There are even some exhibits inside. Another hotspot to visit for free is the Santa Monica Pier. If you have ever watched "Rocket Power" on Nickelodeon, it looks just like the pier in the TV show. The beach is free, so dip your foot in or take a swim! The water is beautiful.

4. "It will be hard to get used to the three hour time difference."

False! I suppose this depends on the person, but in all honesty, Pacific Standard Time seems to give you more hours in the day to do what you need to. Granted, watching "Golden Girls" at 9 p.m. instead of midnight takes getting used to, but when it is morning there, it is already after lunch nearly on the East Coast! This is one you really have to experience for yourself. Sleep one day, and you will be used to the time zone change; don't text your friend at night like you normally would. It is probably around 3 a.m. where they are.

5. "Traffic is horrible."

It is. Traffic in Los Angeles is atrocious. There is also no rhyme or reason to why it is so bad at certain times and no issues at other times. Living 10 miles away from somewhere could easily be an hour commute or longer. Thinking of getting an Uber? Prepare for surcharges at any time. Don't let this scare you, though. Part of the issue is because Los Angeles is heavily populated and one of the best tourist spots. Plus, Los Angeles has a unique way of instilling "highway travel." Carpool lanes are a prevalent thing and a serious fine for abusing them. The key to avoiding horrendous traffic is to bring a buddy, so you can use the carpool lane! Public transportation isn't widely available either. There is a metro in Hollywood that worked great, and there are some buses. To live in LA, you must have a car!

6. "The Hollywood Walk of Fame"

We all know what it is, right? It’s that amazing path with stars embedded into the ground showcasing their talents and accomplishments. It must be someplace special. To put frankly, it is a sidewalk. When you start to see black pavement on the sidewalk, get ready to see stars. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is in Hollywood, no surprise there, but it goes up many side streets such as Vine St., La Brea Ave., Sunset Blvd and more. It's really funny to watch people because you can easily see who is a local and who is a tourist. If their head isn't staring at a downward 90-degree angle as they walk, they are most likely locals. You can attend a star unveiling if you go at the right time. Google upcoming Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Unveilings.

7. "Dogs Are Allowed Everywhere!"

Alright, “everywhere" may be an exaggeration, but there are pooches and puppies galore in LA, outside and inside! Not just a purse dog that someone snuck in their purse while they go to Starbucks, dogs on leashes walk into stores, not just Petsmart. You will see dogs everywhere. Remember "Pit Boss" on Animal Planet? That was in Los Angeles. People in LA seem to be very active, and walking dogs seemed very common. It sounds like a great way to stay in shape while envious strangers stop and say, "So cute!" It's okay. We are all guilty of it.

8. "In-N-Out Burger"

It is basically an un-written law that if you go to the West Coast, you have to try "In-N-Out Burger." Personally, I was not a fan. Maybe I just had a bad experience, but don't say that to a local in LA because you might as well insult their grandmother and have caused the same reaction. Burger places in general are all over Los Angeles! It's a bit of a surprise; most expect salads and herbal tea would be an expectation, but no, Los Angeles people love burgers.

9. "Los Angeles is always warm!"

Los Angeles is definitely not in the single digits like the East Coast, but it can get very cold very quickly there. If you go expecting 80 to 90 degree weather everyday and only bring shorts and suntan lotion, you are going to have a problem. It really depends on when you go, but LA is not always warm; it really isn't. At night, it can get very chilly, but you won't be suffering like those Mid-Atlantic folk during that winter season that never seems to end. Pack a pair of jeans and light jacket just in case. You will know if it is cold or not. The locals are the ones that will wear a hoodie while walking the Santa Monica pier. A tourist will be in the tank top that has some type of quote like "YOLO" or "Say no more, fam."

10. "Locals hate tourists."

This may be the biggest shock, but they actually don't seem to hate you. In fact, they may not even know you aren't from there. Very few people that live in Los Angeles were born in Los Angeles, so no one really knows who is a "screaming tourist." Your fanny pack and Nikon camera around your neck may hint that you are new in town, but the people seem very friendly. Cashiers make conversation, and people are more than willing to help with directions.