Hollywood

A business and residential district in the city of Los Angeles, the core of Hollywood for a tourist is its three fascinating boulevards: Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, and Melrose Avenue, all of which are worth seeing. Hollywood Blvd is known for its entertainment history, Sunset Blvd for its clubs and nightlife, and Melrose Ave for its shopping, nightlife, and eclecticism.
Hollywood was founded as an independent city in 1903 and voted to merge with the City of Los Angeles in 1910. That same year also saw the birth of the Southern California motion picture industry when D. W. Griffith relocated his Biograph Company, sparking a westward migration of East Coast filmmakers. As movies exploded in popularity in the 1910s and 20s, the name Hollywood became synonymous with the film industry.
In the decades following World War II, Hollywood's glitz and glamour began to fade as most of the leading film studios moved to other places. By the 1980s, Hollywood was considered one of the worst neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The 1990s, however, saw the beginning of community redevelopment efforts, and today Hollywood is once again one of the region's most vibrant areas. Paramount is the only major film studio still headquartered in Hollywood, but the area nonetheless remains an important center of the entertainment industry with its myriad production and broadcast facilities. Smaller studios still in Hollywood include Sunset-Gower Studios, Hollywood Center Studios, Raleigh Studios, Jim Henson Studios, and Sunset Bronson Studios (housed on the original Warner Bros. lot).
The other major studios are located to the north in the San Fernando Valley, particularly in Universal City (NBC, Universal), Burbank (ABC, Disney, Warner Bros.), and Glendale (DreamWorks). Most of the rest are to the west: Century City (Fox, MGM), the Fairfax District (CBS), and Culver City (Sony). Many of the studios offer tours if you want to see where films are shot.
If you want to see celebrities, pack your patience or be prepared to play the role of boulevardier. The chances of bumping into a celebrity are very low (mainly because most of the celebrities who live in Hollywood usually do not go out in public) unless you're willing to do a lot of hanging out at expensive restaurants in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or in Malibu. You can easily see where they live by taking a tour or buying a star map.

By car

Hollywood is close enough to the Westside to make car trips there relatively easy. If you're beginning your trip in Downtown Los Angeles—the proverbial center of Southern California's intricate freeway network—you can head north on U.S. Highway 101 and exit on Hollywood Blvd or Gower Street. If traffic is a problem (and it will be around the hours of 1PM-6PM), consider an alternate route such as one of the surface streets. From the west, Santa Monica Boulevard is a major thoroughfare that links Hollywood with Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

By public transit

Hollywood's location is central to most other popular attractions. Metro's Line subway service stops at Hollywood/Vine and Hollywood/Highland, and is the most direct transit connection to Downtown. It also continues north to its terminus in North Hollywood, with a stop in Universal City. Visitors from Orange County can get to Hollywood by taking Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink's Orange County Line to Los Angeles Union Station and then transferring to the Red Line.
The stretch of Hollywood Blvd between Highland and Vine is served frequently by Metro bus lines 217 and Metro Rapid 780, while the 180 and 181 from the east terminate just before Hollywood/Vine. Sunset Boulevard is served frequently by bus lines 2 and 302, Santa Monica Boulevard by the 4 and Metro Rapid 704, and Melrose Avenue by the 10. For frequent north-south service, Vine Street is served by the 210 and La Brea Avenue by the 212 and 312.
Long-distance bus service is not available into Hollywood. If taking Greyhound, the best option now is to take one to the station in North Hollywood, then catch the Metro Red Line.

By plane

Hollywood is served by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or the slightly closer Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank. A direct scheduled shuttle service from LAX is provided by LAXFlyAway for $8 per person, and stops on the west side of Vine Street about half a block south of Hollywood Boulevard. Metro operates a free shuttle between Bob Hope Airport and the North Hollywood Metro station, where you can ride the Red Line subway into Hollywood.

Hollywood sits roughly between the 101 freeway on the east, Melrose Avenue on the south, West Hollywood on the west, and the Hollywood Hills on the north. The main east-west streets of central Hollywood are Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd, intersected by the main north-south streets of La Brea Ave, Highland Ave, Cahuenga Blvd, Vine St, and Gower St. Night-time pedestrian activity in this area is focused on Hollywood Blvd.
The main areas of Hollywood are walkable, and you could walk all the way from Hollywood Blvd to Melrose Avenue, but the distance is far enough that most people would probably drive or take the bus.

Hollywood is the place for . If you're lucky, you can see a taping of a TV show; most of America's sitcoms, game shows, and quite a few of its talk shows are taped at any one of the major studios in the Hollywood area (quite a few dramas are filmed in these studios as well, but since they tend not to be filmed before a live studio audience, your chances of getting to see one of those live are virtually nil). Nearby Studio City, Burbank, Century City, Fairfax, and Culver City hold the most prominent studios, but in Hollywood proper, Paramount Studios is the filming location of many sitcoms and Dr. Phil, Hollywood Center Studios provides production facilities for Disney and Comedy Central, among others (@Midnight is a big draw these days), and Jimmy Kimmel Live! broadcasts from a complex adjacent to the El Capitan Theatre. In general, you'll have to call or go to the website of the show itself to get tickets.

• Hollywood SignHollywood's most recognizable landmark is easy to spot high up on Mount Lee in nearby Griffith Park. You can drive part way up for a closer look, but you can't hike all the way to the sign. The best viewpoints of the sign are from the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park, on Mulholland Drive above the Hollywood Bowl, and from the Hollywood and Highland Center. For a rare view of the Hollywood sign with lines of palms trees on the side, go to 650 S Windsor Blvd, or further north.

• Hollywood Walk of Fame

  address: along Hollywood Blvd btwn La Brea Ave and Gower St, and along Vine St btwn Sunset Blvd and Yucca St
  The Hollywood Walk of Fame consists of a series of stars embedded in the sidewalk to commemorate famous movie, radio, theatre, and TV personalities. Since 1960, over two thousand stars have been immortalized; the schedule for upcoming star ceremonies is listed on the Walk of Fame's website.

• Capitol Records Building

  address: 1750 Vine St
  One of the most iconic buildings in Los Angeles. The circular tower—which contrary to popular belief was not intentionally designed to resemble a stack of records—is home to Capitol Records' west coast operations. Contained inside the building are the renowned Capitol Studios. Unfortunately, tours of the inside are no longer offered to the general public.

• Charlie Chaplin Studios

  address: 1416 N La Brea Ave
  An interesting historical landmark, this complex was built in 1917 as the studios for Charlie Chaplin's film company. Constructed in Tudor-style architecture, it has the appearance of a small English village from the outside and was where many of Chaplin's most iconic films were shot, including The Gold Rush, City Lights, Modern Times, and The Great Dictator. In 2000, the studio was bought by the Jim Henson Company, which marked their presence with a statue of Kermit the Frog above the main gate. The studio is not open for tours, but you can admire the architecture from the outside.

• Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

  phone: +1-323-956-1777
  address: 5555 Melrose Ave
  The only major film studio still located in Hollywood, Paramount has been using this as a production facility since 1926 and has filmed many notable pictures here, including Sunset Boulevard, Rear Window, Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments, and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Today you can take a 2 hour guided tour of the backlot, which is still used for film and television production today.

• Hollywood Forever Cemetery

  phone: +1-323-469-1181
  address: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd
  Dating back to 1899, this beautiful cemetery is one of Los Angeles' oldest and is the final resting place for hundreds of film stars, directors, writers, and other influential figures from the entertainment industry. Johnny Ramone, Cecil B. DeMille, Mel Blanc, Peter Lorre, Mickey Rooney, and Bugsy Siegel are but a few of the famous names you'll see here. Interactive kiosks located throughout the cemetery play short documentaries about those interned here, making it a great place to learn about Hollywood's early history. The cemetery also often holds events, including regular movie screenings (see below under Do) in the summer.

Theaters

• ArcLight Hollywood

  phone: +1-323-464-1478
  address: 6360 W Sunset Blvd
  An upscale multiplex which offers various amenities, such as assigned seating, an on-site cafe, alcoholic beverages available for purchase, and occasional special event screenings with Q&As with noted filmmakers. Within the complex and very visible from the street is the Cinerama Dome, an eye-catching geodesic dome with a movie theater inside that is a noted example of Space Age architecture, with a 1960s-era marquee facing Sunset Boulevard.

• Dolby Theatre

  phone: +1-323-308-6300
  address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd
  Located at the Hollywood & Highland Center (see "Buy" below). Hosts a wide range of live performances, including the annual Academy Awards. Half hour guided tours of the theater are available.

• Egyptian Theater

  phone: +1-323-466-3456
  address: 6712 Hollywood Blvd
  An ancient Egyptian-themed theater that was built in 1922 and operated by Sid Grauman, of Grauman's Chinese Theatre fame, this was one of the first lavish movie palaces and was the venue for the first-ever Hollywood premiere. Today it screens many classic films and documentaries.

• El Capitan Theatre

  phone: +1-800-347-6396
  A lavish movie palace dating from 1926, which hosted the Hollywood premieres of many films, most notably Citizen Kane. These days it's owned by Disney, and hosts the premieres of many Disney feature films.

• Grauman's Chinese Theatre

  phone: +1-323-464-8111
  address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd
  The most famous movie theater in the world, Grauman's Chinese Theatre opened in 1927 and is home to the cement footprints, handprints, and (in some cases) otherprints of many of history's most famous movie stars. The theater is also a former home of the Oscars, and today hosts many movie premieres. The forecourt that showcases the star's prints is free to all visitors. Half-hour guided tours of the theater are available.

Museums

• Guinness World Records Museum

  phone: +1-323-463-6433
  address: 6764 Hollywood Blvd
  Held in the historic Hollywood Theater building, this museum showcases various world records.

• Hollywood Heritage Museum

  phone: +1-323-874-4005
  address: 2100 N Highland Ave
  Housed in the Lasky-DeMille Barn, which was built in 1901 and served as one of Hollywood's first film studios (Cecil B. DeMille had an office in this building) before being moved to its current site, this museum has a collection of photographs and memorabilia from old Hollywood.

• Hollywood Museum

  phone: +1-323-464-7776
  address: 1660 N Highland Ave
  Countless pieces of memorabilia from films and Hollywood stars of old, housed in a beautiful Art Deco building that was the home of the business of Max Factor, "the Make-up King" of Hollywood.

• Hollywood Wax Museum

  phone: +1-323-462-5991
  address: 6767 Hollywood Blvd
  The Hollywood Wax Museum is the longest running wax museum in the United States, with more than 45 years of continuous operation by the same owners since 1965 and featuring over 180 figures of celebrities.

• Los Angeles Fire Department Hollywood Museum

  phone: +1-323-464-2727
  address: 1355 N Caheunga Blvd
  This museum is in the old Los Angeles City Fire Station 27, opened in 1930. It is fully restored to how it appeared in 1930 and contains a historic fire apparatus.

• Madame Tussauds Hollywood

  phone: +1-866-841-3315
  address: 6933 Hollywood Blvd
  The Hollywood location of the popular chain of wax figure museums, with numerous wax replicas of Hollywood celebrities.

• Ripley's Believe it or Not

  phone: +1-323-466-6335
  address: 6780 Hollywood Blvd
  A museum that focuses on the odd, the unusual and the unbelievable. Features interactive illusions and a gallery.

• Museum of Death

  phone: +1-323-466-8011
  address: 6031 Hollywood Blvd
  A museum that was founded, according to its website, to "fill the void in death education in the USA." The collection includes such items as serial killer artwork, crime scene photos, replicas of execution devices, and a coffin collection. The self-guided tour lasts approximately an hour, "but those who can stomach it may stay as long as they'd like." There is no age limit but the museum is recommended for mature audiences.

• Hollywood Bowl

  phone: +1-323-426-2829
  address: 2301 N Highland Ave
  America's most famous outdoor theatre hosts a summer concert series by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show set to classical music, as well as numerous other concert events. Traffic and parking can be a nightmare, so the $5 round-trip public shuttles are highly recommended.

• Mulholland Drive

  address: Mulholland Drive
  If you have a car, it is worth driving up to Mulholland Drive. The main attraction is the incredible views from the Hollywood Hills across Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley, with plenty of overlooks available to stop and enjoy, but it's also worth visiting to ogle the impressive (and expensive) residences that line the route.

• Cemetery Movie Screenings

  address: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd
  The Cinespia film society screens creepy older movies every Saturday during the summer on the Fairbanks Lawn in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Crowds can be huge, so arrive prior to gates opening if you want a good vantage point. Most people bring a picnic dinner, a drink (wine or beer allowed, no spirits), blanket, pillow (or low chair) and jacket. A DJ plays music prior to the showing to create a fun outdoor atmosphere. Tickets (including parking) often sell out and should therefore be purchased in advance through the Cinespia web site.

• Hollywood Palladium

  phone: +1-323-962-7600
  address: 6215 W Sunset Blvd
  A classic Art Deco and Streamline-style theater and dance hall that today serves as a major concert venue that plays host to some big-name acts.

• Fonda Theatre

  phone: +1-323-464-6269
  address: 6126 Hollywood Blvd
  A historic venue dating back to the 1920s that serves as another major concert venue and is reputed for its history of showcasing big-name musicians and indie bands.

• Ford Theatre

  phone: +1-323-461-3673
  address: 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E
  An intimate outdoor amphitheater that dates back to the 1930s and recently underwent an extensive renovation. The theater is partnered with the county arts commission and regularly hosts community theater productions.

• Pantages Theatre

  phone: +1-323-468-1770
  address: 6233 Hollywood Blvd
  A historic Art Deco theater dating back to 1930 which today serves as L.A.'s primary venue for Broadway musicals.

• Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre

  phone: +1-323-908-8702
  address: 5919 Franklin Ave
  The L.A. branch of the popular improv and experimental comedy troupe that have cultivated some of the best comics in the industry today. Regularly shows some well-known acts as well as plenty of up-and-comers.

Hollywood Blvd has countless urban clothing stores. Walk around and find stores with the latest LNG, Phat Farm, Timberland, Sean John, and many more. Melrose Avenue is the to go to place to feel like a star. Start by browsing through vintage clothing stores to maxing out the credit card at chic boutiques.

• Amoeba Music

  phone: +1-323-245-6400
  address: 6400 W Sunset Blvd
  The country's largest independent music store, Amoeba has three locations including Hollywood, Berkeley and San Francisco. Prices are slightly higher than at the discount stores, but the selection is enormous and just about any obscure record you could imagine is to be found somewhere on the shelves.

• Frederick's of Hollywood

  phone: +1-323-957-5953
  address: 6751 Hollywood Blvd
  During the golden years of Hollywood, all the superstars were wearing Fredericks, from Greta Garbo to Mae West to Marilyn Monroe. Today, the store is a lot less polished but still a good place to pick up glamorous lingerie.

• IPED Foot Spa

  phone: +1-323-466-1038
  address: 6767 W Sunset Blvd Suite 22
  If you are tired of walking a long day in Hollywood. Iped offers 1 hour foot massage for as less as $25.

Shopping centers

• Hollywood and Highland Center

  phone: +1-323-467-6412
  address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd
  Something of an attraction in its own right, this massive shopping complex is the home of the Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars are held) and adjacent to Grauman's Chinese Theatre. The streetfront facing Hollywood Blvd is lined with giant advertisements and LED signs, making it seem like a miniature Times Square, and within it has monumental Babylon-themed architecture based on the sets of D.W. Griffith’s 1916 film Intolerance. Its four levels hold a food court and numerous retail chains, and since its construction it has become the location of most tourist-oriented services in Hollywood, like bus tours and information centers.

Budget

• Palms Thai Restaurant

  phone: +1-323-462-5073
  address: 5900 Hollywood Blvd
  Home of the infamous Thai Elvis, who will serenade you through dinner. The decor is authentically cheesy and Elvis sings the hits. While plain dishes such as fried rice or pad Thai are nothing to write home about, the curries (duck and panang), pad prik king, and anything off the "wild things" menu are excellent choices.

Mid-range

• 101 Coffee Shop

  phone: +1-323-467-1175
  address: 6145 Franklin Ave
  Previously known as the Hollywood Hills Coffee Shop, this place has been popular for years, and the new owners have only improved it. Great selection of sandwiches, burgers, sweet potato French fries, coffee and tea. It's not unheard of to spot celebs here.

• Ammo

  phone: +1-323-871-2666
  address: 1155 N Highland Ave
  Great for lunch or dinner, excellent and fashionable food.

• Cheebo

  phone: +1-323-850-7070
  address: 7533 W Sunset Blvd
  Everyone loves the Cheeb! A play on "cibo" (Italian for food), this place has great and creative food and a fun atmosphere. All-day breakfasts, excellent sandwiches, salads, pizzas by the foot and nice dinners to boot. Eat here for breakfast and you'll be back for lunch.

• The Griddle Café

  phone: +1-323-874-0377
  address: 7916 W Sunset Blvd
  The Griddle Café is the best breakfast experience in LA. It features pages of every type of pancake you can imagine, which also happen to be twice as large as any pancake you've ever had, and still manage to be fluffy-thick and light on the tummy. Coffee is fresh, in a French press, and the menu features more than just breakfast. Short story: Food is awesome, service is great, but its always crowded. Don't worry though, they serve fast and you will feel the wait is worth it.

• Mel's Drive-In

  phone: +1-323-465-3111
  address: 1660 N Highland Ave
  Come here for traditional diner fare: cheeseburgers, French fries, and milkshakes. Part of the chain that opened in San Francisco in the late '40s. There is another location on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.

• Musso and Frank Grill

  phone: +1-323-467-7788
  address: 6667 Hollywood Blvd
  For a taste of old Hollywood, this is the place. It's been famous for generations.

• Sushi Ike

  phone: +1-323-856-9972
  address: 6051 Hollywood Blvd
  A small and moderately-priced authentic Japanese restaurant with a great sushi bar and friendly chefsone of the best this side of the 101.

• Doomie's Home Cookin'

  address: 1253 Vine St, # 9
  It looks like a low-key burger grill, with hamburgers, chicken, and fries — but every dish is vegan!

• Beachwood Cafe

  phone: +1-323-871-1717
  address: 2695 N Beachwood Dr
  The bright, whimsical colours evoke the laid-back vibe of "Hollywoodland", the 1920s real estate development in this canyon which left behind a famous hillside sign. The food is fresh, interesting California cosmopolitan, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan options. A popular brunch spot. Reservations only for groups of 6 or more.

• Running Goose

  phone: +1-323-469-1080
  address: 1620 N Cahuenga Blvd
  Creative, delightful food, international with a Central American heart. A range of vegetarian and vegan options. Their patio is a quiet oasis in the Hollywood bustle, with easy walking distance to Hollywood Blvd theatres. Reservations recommended before shows.

Splurge

• Yamashiro

  phone: +1-323-466-5125
  address: 1999 N Sycamore Ave
  This Japanese restaurant is perched above Hollywood, and on most nights provides an unbeatable view of the city, from downtown to Palos Verdes. The food is excellent, the gardens and architecture are elegant, and the restaurant has a fascinating history (the story's on the menu). Look for the small sign just west of the Magic Castle; valet parking only.

• Katsuya

  phone: +1-323-515-8782
  address: 6300 Hollywood Blvd
  The newest restaurant from acclaimed chef Katsuya Uechi, designed by Philippe Starck. Mouth-watering Japanese menu of sushi and wagyu steak, but not much for vegetarians. Destined to be a new Hollywood institution. His ten other restaurants around the LA area are rated as some of the best in the city.

Dessert

• ceFiore

  phone: +1-323-465-9097
  address: 6922 Hollywood Blvd #107
  Right across the street from Grauman's Chinese Theatre you'll find one of LA's best places for tart Italian non-fat frozen yogurt and yogurt smoothies. Choose from 4 different frozen yogurt flavors: Original, Blackberry, Raspberry-Pomogranate, and Green Tea, along with a wide variety of fresh fruits and dry toppings. They also offer smoothies, herbal teas, and coffees.

Juice

• The Juice Fountain

  phone: +1-323-464-8986
  address: 6332 Hollywood Blvd
  One of the best juice places in LA, it recently moved from its old location on Vine St. The juices are fresh and delicious, and its run by a sweet Hispanic family. Don't mess with the grandma!

Clubs and bars

Street life in Hollywood remains lively later than in most other areas, making the district a satisfying location to come home to. In fact, the best time to see Hollywood is in the evening, since the district serves along with the nearby Sunset Strip, as the regional center for clubs and nightlife. The Cahuenga Corridor (along Cahuenga between Sunset and Yucca) has several bars and lounges for bar-hopping.

• Roosevelt Hotel Lounge

  phone: +1-323-466-7000
  address: 7000 Hollywood Blvd
  The lounge in this historic hotel is an upscale hotspot where one is likely to find Hollywood elite enjoying cocktails on weekdays, and a hipster party scene on weekends. Plenty of leather couches, candles, and a classy staff provides a sense of how the "other half" lives. Expect Hollywood prices to go along with the Hollywood atmosphere.

• Power House

  phone: +1-323-463-9438
  address: 1714 N Highland Ave
  One of the most laid back and relaxed bars in town, head here for cheap beer, darts and classic rock. Come as you are, and you will be glad you're here.

• Boardners

  phone: +1-323-462-9621
  address: 1652 N Cherokee Ave
  Power through the packed crowds and grab yourself a spot at this bar, where the drinks are strong and there's good people watching to be had.

• The Well

  phone: +1-323-467-9355
  address: 6255 W Sunset Blvd
  Make out as if you're a local and head to this so trendy it has a secret entrance door (hint, the entrance is on Argyle, even though the address is on Sunset). While the crowd can be posey, its one of the better clubs in the area, and still manages to remain intimate and cozy.

• Velvet Margarita Cantina

  phone: +1-323-469-2000
  address: 1612 N Cahuenga Blvd
  Dark lounge inspired by Dia de los Muertos. Lots of tequila, beer, and of course margaritas.

Hollywood offers a wide range in price and quality of accommodations. The antique Roosevelt Hotel provides an upscale choice, though has a reputation for frequently closing its pool for private parties. There is a full range of standard motel chains including Travelodge, Motel 6, and Best Western. There are also a few well-located hostels.

Budget

• Motel 6

  phone: +1-323-464-6006
  address: 1738 N Whitley Ave
  This is part of a budget model chain. It offers clean rooms in a convenient location.

• USA Hostels

  phone: +1-323-462-3777
  address: 1624 Schrader Blvd
  The #1 rated hostel in Los Angeles (by hostelworld guests) in 2007 and 2005, USA Hostels is in the heart of Hollywood off Hollywood Blvd on a quiet side street. This 150-bed hostel offers female and mixed 6- and 8-bed dorms and private rooms, free all-you-can-make pancakes, free coffee and tea all day and free wireless internet. The hostel runs many free and discounted activities and tours and a free shuttle three times per week to Venice and Santa Monica beaches.

Mid-range

• Hollywood Heights Hotel

  phone: +1-323-876-8600
  address: 2005 N Highland Ave
  This boutique-style hotel is relaxed, comfortable, and uniquely personal with 160 rooms fitted with amenities including FACE cosmetics and flat-panel TVs. Starting in March 2012 this hotel will be rebranded as the Hilton Garden Inn.

• Saharan Motor Hotel

  phone: +1-323-874-6700
  address: 7212 W Sunset Blvd
  The Saharan Motor Hotel features deluxe rooms and suites, luxury amenities and excellent service.

Splurge

• The Roosevelt Hotel

  phone: +1-323-466-7000
  address: 7000 Hollywood Blvd
  A boutique hotel right in the center of the action offering spacious, well-appointed rooms and suites with luxury bed and bath linens, bath products and state-of-the-art in-room technologies. It is a Hollywood legend, and was the location of the first Academy Awards ceremony.

• Kimpton Everly Hollywood

  phone: +1-213-279-3532
  address: 1800 Argyle Avenue
  The bones of an old hotel, a couple of blocks back from the heart of Hollywood, and right next to the busy 101 freeway, has been given the characteristic Kimpton glossy makeover, and equipped with soft sheets and attentive service. Rooms with "Hollywood view" can indeed see the hills and the famous "Hollywood" sign — and also face the 101, through noise-insulated glass. Two bars, a cafe, plentiful lounge space, and free wifi make this a congenial place for guests to kill time.

Internet

A few internet cafés are dotted around town, but a better (and cheaper) option if you've got a laptop is to take advantage of the free wireless internet at the numerous coffee shops along and off of either Hollywood Blvd or Melrose Ave.

• Caffe Etc

  phone: +1-323-464-8824
  address: 6371 Selma Ave
  Free wireless internet (if you've got a laptop), decent coffees and teas, and sandwiches and desserts to snack on.

• Downtown LA – Rapidly renovating, downtown LA is a great place for a meal or to catch a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and best of all, it's reachable by Metro's Red Line.
• Wilshire District – Located to the south of Hollywood, the Wilshire district is home to Koreatown, as well as attractions that include the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Peterson Auto Museum, and the world-famous La Brea Tar Pits.
• West Hollywood – This may be Hollywood's less-famous sibling, but it boasts a bustling nightlife and features excellent restaurants, clubs, and hotels.
• Beverly Hills – Home of 90210, and a few other zip codes. If you want to see how the rich and famous live, Beverly Hills is the place to go.
• West LA – The west side of the sprawling city of LA is Hollywood's northwestern neighbor, and is home to UCLA and the Getty Museum.
• Studio City – Located to the northwest of Hollywood, among other attractions Studio City offers perhaps the highest density of sushi restaurants in Los Angeles.
• Universal City – Home to Universal Studios and a short trip from Hollywood via US Highway 101 or the Metro Red Line.
• Burbank – Hollywood's northeastern neighbor is the "Media Capital of the World", home to the studios of Warner Brothers, NBC Universal, and Disney.
• Northwest LA – Located to the east of Hollywood, this area is home to Dodger Stadium and the massive Griffith Park and its world-famous observatory.