I agree that downtown is not the best area for a tourist, but not for the same reasons. Downtown is actually fairly nice nowadays, especially the area around the Bonaventure southeast to the Biltmore. I would not go east or south of there. However, it simply is not very convenient for most touristy things.

Universal studios is not too far by either the 101 freeway or the Red Line. Other than that or the Dorothy Chandler/Disney concert hall area, there is not much to see and do in the immediate vicinity. We do have a Chinatown which offers good, mostly vietnamese food. But if you have been to San Francisco then this will do nothing for you. For authentic chinese food you will need to go to San Gabriel.