Los Angeles, California is famous for many things.
But the City of Angels is also known as the centre of the American Movie and Entertainement Industry.
Welcome to Hollywood!
Let’s explore some of the most iconic attractions here!
Before we begin our trip, here’s a little background about this world-renowned place.
Hollywood is a neighbourhood within the city of Los Angeles.
Located less than 13 km northwest of downtown L.A.,
at the foot of the Santa Monica mountains.
But the name 'Hollywood' has also become a reference for the US film industry.
The most popular spot on a trip is the Hollywood Boulevard,
which lies in the heart of Hollywood.
This is the famous street where you can find most of Hollywood’s historic landmarks.
When you’re walking on the Hollywood Boulevard, the first thing you will likely see
is the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
This is a 2 km pathway running along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
On the pathway the names of prominent celebrities are written on a 5-pointed terrazzo and brass borded star.
These celebrities include actors, musicians, directors, producers,
sports personalities and other personalities from motion pictures, TV, radio, theatre and more.
This pathway was established in the year 1958.
At that time, there were only 8 stars laid down here.
Today, there are more than 2,700 stars.
And every year new stars are being added.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has become a world-famous attraction.
It attracts over 10 million visitors every year.
As it lies in a public space, it is open to visitors at all times.
People like to come and spot the names of their favourite celebrities
and like to take pictures with the star dedicated to them.
Another major attraction in Hollywood Boulevard is the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Let’s see why it’s so popular!
Built in 1927 by Sid Grauman, this unique theatre has become
one of the most famous theatres in Los Angeles.
It is one of the most easily recognisable buildings in Hollywood
as it features Chinese decorations and architecture.
Some of its decors were actually imported from China.
Today, the TCL Chinese Theatre still serves as a movie theatre where you can watch a film.
It is also used for red carpet movie premiers.
The theatre also offers guided tours of the attractions.
But the main reason tourists flock to this place
is to visit its courtyard.
This is where you'll can find handprints, footprints and signatures
of around 200 Hollywood celebrities immortalised in cement.
The Dolby Theatre is another important site in Hollywood.
It’s where Oscar Awards have been hosted every year since 2001.
But it’s not only for that.
It’s also used as a venue for top-class events,
concerts and musical performances.
A little to the west of Hollywood is the West Hollywood area.
Here you'll find the Sunset Strip.
Today it is one of the more affluent areas of entertainment
and nightlife around Hollywood.
Here you will find many luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, bars, cafes,
shops, music venues, clubs, and theatres.
Apparently, celebrities can be often seen in this area.
So let’s keep our eyes open!
Speaking of clubs, don’t miss The Comedy Store in West Hollywood.
Behind me is one of the most important comedy clubs of America.
This is the place where famous celebrities like
Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, David Letterman, Joe Rogan
have all began their careers from.
Not just people started their journeys in Hollywood but numerous film production studios
were founded here.
Hollywood is home to several studios owned by the top movie production companies in the world.
Including Columbia Pictures, Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures.
They produce the same films and TV shows that we are familiar with.
Some of these studios offer guided tours to visitors.
To see what goes behind making a film from start to finish.
And some of them are also theme parks.
Welcome to Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the most popular amusement theme parks in America.
Let’s go inside and have a look!
Universal Studios Hollywood, is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use.
On a tour, you’ll get to see movie sets and props and might even see your favourite actor in action.
Anybody recognise these vehicles?
-Nope?
-Yeah, I do.
Back To The Future.
That’s how they imagined future cars.
-For Harry Potter fans: Check it out – the flying Ford Anglia!
-Oh, that one!
How many of these were made for the movie you might ask?
17 and a half of them.
These tours usually last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours but provide enough information to
get a good idea of how filmmaking works.
You’ll be surprised how many tricks are being used to create the illusion of a certain
environment that might not even be real.
So this city behind me is totally fake.
It’s a Hollywood movie set.
-Go for rain, in 1…2…3!
-Rain!
Wow.
It looks so realistic.
This is how flooding happens.
The fake flooding.
Oh, my God!
-That was so realistic.
-That was so cool!
That was a flash flood.
Wow.
-This is the crash site from War of the Worlds.
-War of the Worlds?
An actual aircraft.
The effects look so real also there.
It’s so hot in here, but inside it’s snowing.
Don’t forget to enjoy the rides and themed entertainment!
Our favourite ones were the Harry Potter world and the Jurrasic World ride.
But be careful: this ride will actually get you wet.
Keep in mind!
If you’re like us, wanting to get up to the Hollywood sign, don’t rely on Google maps.
It won’t lead you to the best spots.
We’ll show you the best way to get up there.
It’s very hard to get by in L.A. without a car.
So we strongly recommend either renting one or taking local taxis.
There are several spots from which you can see this landmark.
Which is hands down the most iconic landmark in Hollywood.
And perhaps in all of Los Angeles.
One nice spot is the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook.
A scenic spot with a fantastic view of the downtown and the Hollywood sign.
But if you want to get even closer, one of the best places to get a great view of the
sign is to go to Lake Hollywood Park.
And here it is, the famous Hollywood Sign: white, bold and just as you’d expect
letters on a hill to be.
Keep in mind that getting too close to the sign is actually forbidden.
And persons found trespassing are charged a hefty fine
If you’ve heard of Hollywood, you’ve surely heard of Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills has its own set of attractions and experiences to offer.
And Rodeo Drive tops the list of places to see.
This upscale shopping street is the epitome of luxury.
The street is lined with palm trees and luxury cars of the latest models and make.
Alongside stores of practically all the world-renowned luxury brands.
Rodeo Drive has been featured in many TV shows and movies.
But the most famous one is perhaps the scene where Julia Roberts goes on a shopping spree
in the film Pretty Woman.
There is also a walkway where you can find bronze plaques dedicated to the top figures
in the global fashion industry.
Similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame we have a Walk of Style here in Beverly Hills.
One last experience that we recommend you must try when in Hollywood,
is to catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl.
Backstreet Boys tonight at 7:30 p.m. Sold Out.
This outdoor amphitheatre is the largest of its kind in the United States.
And it’s one of the most famous live music venues in the world.
Artists have been performing here since the 1920s.
So tonight there’s a show happening at the Hollywood Bowl.
It’s very crowded here but it’s already sold out, so we can’t have a look.
But I’m sure it must be a lot of fun.
Hope you enjoyed this video.
Do subscribe to the DW Travel Channel for more such videos!
See you next time!