Best tours of Hollywood

Here in Hollywood, the stars are known to shine brighter on earth than in the sky, not for nothing is it known as the Mecca of cinema. Join me as I take you on a tour of the top 10 Hollywood tours.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

12 min read

Best tours of Hollywood

Venice Beach, Los Angeles | ©Pedro Szekely

There is so much to see and do in Los Angeles, but no trip to L.A. is complete without a tour of Hollywood. From tours to see the mansions of the stars, visits to the most famous sign of all, to a walk around the studios where the movies are made, Hollywood has always been a magnet for fans and dreamers around the world.

In this article I'll tell you about the best tours you can take in this, the city of stars. But be prepared, because anything is possible in Hollywood. Here we go!

1. Tour of Warner Bros Hollywood Studios

Warner Bros Hollywood| ©Pedro Szekely
Warner Bros Hollywood| ©Pedro Szekely

Tour the Warner Bros. Studios and explore the most iconic film sets on this unparalleled adventure. An unmissable visit if you are a film and TV fan, you can have a cup of coffee in the mythical Central Perk, from the TV series Friends, as it has been recreated to perfection here.

A guided tour of Warner Bros Studios is the best way to get closer to the universe of the small and big screen, with attractions that you won't find in other studio visits and an immersive walk, you will feel like a star for moments.

The tour will give you an insight into how films and series are made, and thanks to your specialist guide you'll learn some of the most interesting anecdotes about actors and actresses.

This tour is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Los Angeles with kids, as the little ones will be fascinated to see the film sets of their favourite movies. With a bit of luck, they might even get to see a megastar up close!

Interesting details

  • Price: from 69 euros per person.
  • Duration: between 2 and 3 hours approximately.
  • Means of transport: minibus and walking tour.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to see some of the most emblematic scenes from the world of cinema.
  • Disadvantages of this option: after 3 hours you may be left wanting a little more.

Book a Warner Bros. Studios tour now!

2. Hollywood Tour: Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes (open top bus)

Starline Sightseeing Bus| ©EYBusman
Starline Sightseeing Bus| ©EYBusman

Take in the highlights of Hollywood, from Rodeo Drive and the TCL Chinese Theatre, to the Walk of Fame, where the hands and signatures of the world's biggest showbiz personalities are imprinted in cement, the Hollywood sign at the top of the hill, and Beverly Hills, with its luxurious shops and a tour of the stunning mansions of your favourite stars.

This is a tour like no other on board an open-top bus, from which, with no roof, you can see in all directions and not miss a single detail. In addition, thanks to your guide (a specialist in the subject), you will be able to learn many of the hidden details of the city.

On the walk of fame you can have your picture taken with the star of your favourite artist. The premieres of Hollywood's biggest productions still take place in this incredible place, so you will be in a truly magical space, which has been visited by the most important names of the big screen.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 32 euros per person.
  • Duration: between 90 and 120 minutes approximately.
  • Means of transport: convertible bus.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to see up close how your favourite stars live and if you are lucky you might even see one of them.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the itinerary is closed, you cannot manage the visiting times.

Book a bus tour of celebrity homes

3. Hollywood Hills Tour: Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park

Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles| ©Benoit Debaix
Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles| ©Benoit Debaix

Join one of the most interesting and comprehensive tours of the Hollywood Hills. On this walking tour you will be able to visit the most famous sign of all, as well as Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory, one of the most iconic places in L.A., which you will be able to enter in a preferential way, skipping all the queues.

This beautiful location is where some of the most famous scenes from films such as La La Land and Rebel Without a Cause have been filmed, and enjoy the view on one of the most famous hills in the world. The Griffith Observatory and Planetarium is a simply magical place to visit.

On the walking tour you can see the beauty of the city from above, take a selfie with the Hollywood sign in the background, see the Warner Bros and Walt Disney Hollywood Studios, the magnificent Greek Theatre and many other points of interest.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 35 euros per person.
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to visit the most iconic places in the Hollywood Hills.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for people with motor disabilities.

Book a Hollywood Sign Tour

4. 2-hour Hollywood bus tour

Los Angeles Chinese Theatre| ©Jack R
Los Angeles Chinese Theatre| ©Jack R

Take a guided bus tour of Hollywood's most iconic landmarks. On this 2-hour adventure you'll be guided by your expert guide through the sites that have made Los Angeles what it is, including Sunset Boulevard, the Sunset Strip, the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre, where you'll see the footprints of the most famous personalities. You'll also take a stroll along Rodeo Drive, home to the most glamorous shops in the world.

This tour is one of the only ones that includes a walk along the mythical Sunset Strip. In its 2 kilometres you will be able to see iconic places such as the Whisky a Go Go, the Chateau Marmont, the Roxy or the Viper Room. Actors, actresses and rock stars have been here (and have partied here, of course).

In West Hollywood you can also see one of the most important places in the world of music: the legendary The Troubadour, one of the venues where figures that have marked the world of music forever performed, such as Elton John, who performed his first concert in the United States here.

Enjoy the ride aboard a comfortable bus that will take you to the places that you must see on your trip to the beautiful city of Los Angeles. The tour includes an expert guide who will explain everything about each of the places you pass by.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 36 euros per person.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Means of transport: bus.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to tour Hollywood from end to end.
  • Disadvantages of this option: due to the large number of places you visit in 2 hours, you do not enter the places you visit, but only visit them from the outside.

Book a bus tour of Los Angeles

5. 3-hour private tour of Los Angeles

Views of Los Angeles from Mulholland Drive| ©Gabe Shore
Views of Los Angeles from Mulholland Drive| ©Gabe Shore

Take a tour with a difference. In this absolutely private option you will enjoy a walk through the most important places in Los Angeles, but with the comfort that you choose the time you stay in each place.

Also, in addition to the most classic places, your expert guide will take you to other places, perhaps not so obvious, but equally full of charm and history.

You'll get an inside look at Greystone Mansion and Park, one of the most popular film set locations. You'll probably recognize it from having seen it in movies like Spiderman, X men or the Ninja Turtles.

If you ask me, this is definitely one of the best guided tours in Hollywood, since you'll be in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with wifi on board, bottled water at your disposal, driving the itinerary at your own pace.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 422 euros per person.
  • Duration: 3 hours approximately.
  • Means of transport: minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: you can decide the itinerary as you wish.
  • Disadvantages of this option: with only 3 hours you may be left wanting more.

Book a bus tour of Beverly Hills and Santa Monica

6. Bike tour through the city of Los Angeles

Bicycle Tour| ©john
Bicycle Tour| ©john

If you are one of those who like to ride a bike, you can't miss this tour. From the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, the golden Beverly Hills and the luxurious and stunning Rodeo Drive, to Bel-Air and West Hollywood, to the beautiful beaches of Venice Beach, Marina del Rey and Santa Monica, you will see the main spots of Los Angeles. You'll also see the famous Greystone Mansion on a skip-the-line walking tour.

This is one of the best ways to get in touch with L.A. and Hollywood. You'll be able to pedal past the entrances of your favourite stars' homes, and with a little luck you might even see them.

The tour includes a lunch stop on the canals of Venice and a complimentary beer. While lunch is not included, you can opt for a set menu for around 10 euros per person.

If you're not too sporty, but would like to join this amazing tour, you can ask for an electric bike, so you won't miss a thing. This bike tour is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles in summer, you will enjoy the nice weather of L.A. while getting to know all its magic.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 150 euros per person.
  • Duration: 5 hours with lunch stop.
  • Means of transport: bicycle.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to see all the must-see places in the city while getting a bit of exercise.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for people with mobility problems.

Book a bus tour of Beverly Hills and Santa Monica

7. VIP tour of Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios| ©Justin Lai
Universal Studios| ©Justin Lai

Immerse yourself in a magical world with this VIP tour of Universal Studios Hollywood. You will have access to all the park's attractions, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, skipping all the queues.

This VIP pass is unlimited, meaning you can enjoy everything without having to wait, and you'll also have access to parts of the studios that are not open to the general public, where you can witness the sound effects being added to the films. And of course you will also have prime seating at all the shows and performances.

Naturally, this VIP tour also includes a delicious light buffet breakfast and a first class gourmet lunch. There is no doubt that this visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the must-do's on your trip to LA.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 350 euros per person.
  • Duration: all day.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: You will have the chance to have a VIP pass to one of the most magical places on the planet, skipping the lines and enjoying yourself to the fullest.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Does not include transport to the studios.

Book tickets for Universal Studios

8. Afternoon Los Angeles Sightseeing Tour: Hollywood Sign and Celebrity Homes

Beverly Hills Mansion| ©Alan Light
Beverly Hills Mansion| ©Alan Light

On this almost 4-hour tour you will enjoy some of the highlights of the city of Los Angeles, from Beverly Hills with its glamorous halo, the exclusive shops of Rodeo Drive, the largest Koreatown in the United States, the Griffith Observatory with its unbeatable views of the city and the Hollywood sign, or all the charm of the Sunset.

You'll board a comfortable minibus from which you'll get a glimpse of celebrity homes, see Downtown L.A. with its towering skyscrapers and art galleries, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry, one of the city's jewels, and of course the Walk of Fame, next to the TCL Chinese Theatre, one of Hollywood's landmarks.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 80 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 4 hours.
  • Means of transport: minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: the tour is very complete for the time it takes.
  • Disadvantages of this option: does not include entrance tickets to any attractions.

9. 30 minute private tour by Ferrari car to the Hollywood sign

Ferrari around Los Angeles| ©Alexander Migl
Ferrari around Los Angeles| ©Alexander Migl

Realise every car lover's dream, drive a Ferrari down Sunset Boulevard, Mulholland Drive and Beverly Hills like a movie star. This is a first class, completely private guided tour.

You can choose to drive yourself or have your guide do it for you. You'll take a brief tour of all the most important Hollywood landmarks at full speed. An adventure like no other, because anything is possible here. You can take a selfie at the top of Mulholland Drive with the famous sign behind it, next to a Ferrari. Ideal to show off on your Instagram.

Your guide will tell you about the places you pass by, movie studios, celebrity homes, the Dolby Theatre, the Hall of Fame, and much more. You can't miss this incredible tour!

Details of interest

  • Price: from 131 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 30 minutes.
  • Means of transport: Ferrari sports car.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to tour Hollywood in style aboard a Ferrari.
  • Disadvantages of this option: does not include entrance to any attractions and is very short.

How to book a Hollywood tour

Booking online| ©Porapak Apichodilok
Booking online| ©Porapak Apichodilok

Nowadays it is always a good idea to book such tours online. You can evaluate all the options available and you can also read reviews from travellers who have already been on the tour to see how it went.

Booking online guarantees that you are booking with a reputable, high quality company, as it is easy to see which ones are the most reliable.

Book a tour of Warner Bros Studios

Duration of Hollywood tours

Views of Griffith Observatory with Los Angeles in the background| ©Cameron Venti
Views of Griffith Observatory with Los Angeles in the background| ©Cameron Venti

These types of tours tend to cover a lot of sites and must-see spots, so you won't find tours for less than 2 hours. There are also 4 and 5 hour tours or, like the Universal Studios tours, all day tours.

If you're wondering when is the best time to visit Los Angeles, let me tell you that here you'll always have sunshine and pleasant temperatures, so don't worry.

What I'll see on this type of tour

Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Mathieu Marquer
Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Mathieu Marquer

Hollywood is the most famous part of Los Angeles, and one of the most visited by fans and curious people who want to feel close to their favourite stars and all that magical world of the big screen. These types of tours usually include a visit to Beverly Hills, to see the incredible celebrity mansions, a tour of the Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive and its luxury shops, Hollywood Sign Hill, Griffith Observatory, Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Strip, with its legendary establishments, such as Whisky a Go Go or The Viper.

Book a tour of downtown Los Angeles

How much does a tour of Hollywood cost?

Money in Dollars| ©Karolina Grabowska
Money in Dollars| ©Karolina Grabowska

They range in price from around 30 euros to 400 euros per person. It will depend on the number of hours, the means of transport used to take you around the city and whether or not it includes entrance fees. I recommend that you research and evaluate all the tour options available, so that you can choose the one that best suits you and your interests.

Why is it advisable to take a tour to Hollywood?

Strolling Venice Beach| ©Martin Péchy
Strolling Venice Beach| ©Martin Péchy

Any visit to the city of Los Angeles is not complete without a tour of Hollywood. With all its attractions, this is one of the most famous and important areas of L.A., so you can't miss it. Plus, you'll get a unique experience of being part of this magical world. Whether you're visiting the studios where the movies are filmed or simply strolling past the mansions of the stars, there is no other place in the world that can offer you a similar adventure.

What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting Hollywood on my own?

Santa Monica Pier| ©Paul Martins
Santa Monica Pier| ©Paul Martins

A guided tour is always preferable, especially in a place like Hollywood, which has so much to see, visit and enjoy. With a whole century of history behind it, the city of stars requires a good guide, so as not to miss any detail. You will be able to know the best kept secrets of some actors and actresses, and maybe even see them. If, on the other hand, you tour the city on your own, it will be very difficult to make the most of your time, as there are so many things to see in Hollywood.