Home to the United States film industry, Hollywood is a larger-than-life neighbourhood and entertainment district in Los Angeles. It’s packed with big-name studios such as Paramount Pictures, Disney and Warner Bros, as well as eclectic bars, comedy clubs and VIP nightclubs.
Things to do in Hollywood
One of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks is the Chinese Theatre, an Exotic Revival-style movie palace that opened to audiences in 1922. Take note of the concrete blocks in the forecourt, which feature the handprints and signatures of big-name celebrities. The Chinese Theatre regularly hosts film premieres and awards ceremonies where you can watch stars arriving on the red carpet.
The next best thing to seeing Hollywood stars in person is coming face-to-face with their lifelike models at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. A huge figure of King Kong dominates the lobby while Marilyn Monroe and Van Diesel invite you to step inside. In addition to well-known celebrities such as Daniel Craig and Julia Roberts, the museum features wax sculptures of Barack Obama, Kobe Bryant and Beyonce.
You can’t explore Hollywood without noticing the terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Collectively known as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, they highlight the actors, directors, musicians and producers who have made the neighbourhood what it is today. Keep your eyes peeled for the stars of Charlie Chaplin and Frank Sinatra, as well as Mickey Mouse - the first animated character to be awarded with a star.
Getting around Hollywood
Hollywood is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Los Angeles and just under an hour from Los Angeles International Airport. Subway services connect to the Hollywood/Vine and Hollywood/Highland stations and buses travel throughout the neighbourhood. Many of Hollywood’s attractions are accessible on foot.