Disneyland vs Universal Studios Hollywood - Comparing the two popular Southern California theme parks

Both are amusement parks with themes from popular movies; movies which each theme park owns exclusive rights to represent.

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024
Disney and Universal

We’ve put together a list of the key similarities and differences between the two attractions broken down by:

  • General Admission Price
  • Skip the Line Options
  • Park Themes
  • Location of the Parks
  • Attractions and Rides
  • Conclusion: an At-a-Glance Comparison

Should I visit Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood?

You'll save on admission to Universal Studios Hollywood plus dozens of other top LA area attractions with a pass for Los Angeles! General admission tickets are included on our All-Inclusive 3, 4, 5, or 7-Day Passes.

Please note, tickets to Disneyland are separately ticketed and not included on the Go Los Angeles pass.

If you're a fan of rollercoasters and theme parks, check out our guide to the best LA attractions for thrill-seekers. You may want to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain or Knott's Berry Farm.

What is the price of General Admission at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: General Admission ranges from $105-$116, depending on the day.
  • Disneyland: General Admission ranges from $97-$124, depending on the day.

How do you skip the line at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Both parks offer ways to 'Skip the Line' at popular attractions and rides and minimize waiting time in lines.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Front of Line upgrades are available for around $70-$150, depending on the day. This is in addition to general admission. Front of Line lets visitors skip to the front of the line at each ride or attraction once.

Disneyland: select rides and attractions feature FASTPASS on a first-come, first-serve basis at no additional cost. However, quantities are limited. FASTPASS kiosks are located near the main entrances of major attractions. They dispense timed tickets tied to your admission ticket that let you come back at an assigned time for an expedited wait in a shorter line.

 

What are the park themes of Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Both parks cater to the whole family with attractions specifically designed for young kids, teens, and adults. But which is better? Depending on the main purpose of your trip, one park might be better suited to your travel group than the other.

Universal Studios Hollywood features attractions inspired by popular films. Plus, it has tours of the working studio included with the park's general admission. Families with kids ranging from toddler age to young adult. While there are rides and attractions geared towards younger kids, the majority of the park's attractions are suitable for a slightly more mature audience than Disneyland. Most rides have a minimum height requirement of 40" or more. If you are visiting SoCal with young kids, we highly recommend a trip to LEGOLAND California.

Disneyland themes exclusively revolve around characters and setting from the Disney movie franchise with a large emphasis on their animated films, Mickey, and Minnie Mouse. Families with kids ranging from toddler age to young adult and nostalgic millennials. While there are rides and attractions geared towards all ages, the majority of the park's attractions are suitable for ages 2-10. Disneyland also targets loyal Disney fans, particularly 'budding princes and princesses.'

 

Where is Universal Studios Hollywood? Where is Disneyland?

Both parks are located in California. Universal Studios Hollywood is located right in Hollywood, outside of Los Angeles and Disneyland is located in Anaheim, CA which is about a 50-minute drive south of Los Angeles. How big is each park? Disneyland is a larger park with a greater number of attractions and rides, but Universal Studios Hollywood is expanding at a faster pace.

 

How long does it take to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Both parks require about a full day to experience all of the attractions. Universal Studios Hollywood a little less, Disneyland at least a full day, especially if visiting during a peak time or on the weekend. If visiting with younger kids, you may want to break up the day and visit over a two or three day period, especially at Disneyland as there are more attractions geared towards younger kids.

 

What attractions & rides are at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Universal Studios Hollywood:

Universal Studios Hollywood is arranged around its major attractions, which can be themed areas, rides, or activities.

 

Jurassic World – The Ride

Jurassic World has just opened in Universal Studios Hollywood. Based on the popular movie franchise, this area includes lots of new rides, dining options and shops, including...

  1. Raptor encounter: meet Blue the velociraptor and a triceratops
  2. DinoPlay: DinoPlay is a fun, interactive play area for smaller children
  3. Jurassic Cafe: A Costa Rican inspired lunch spot.
  4. Jurassic Outfitters: Clothing and jewellery store – perfect for gifts or souvenirs
  5. Isla Nu-Bar: A tropical tiki cocktail bar.
  • WaterWorld®: inspired by the hit movie, this 20-minute stunt show features water-packed fun with explosions, surprises, and more
  • Shrek 4-DTM: enter Lord Farquaad's dungeon and make your way to the 4-D theater for an exclusive Shrek experience. It features moving seats, water, wind, mist, and other special effects that will make you feel like you're fully immersed in the story
  • The Walking Dead Attraction: prepare to fight for your survival in a post-apocalyptic world based on the popular TV show. (Parental advisory).
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: transform yourself into a Minion and help Gru and his daughters in their latest scheme.
  • Super Silly Fun Land: this outdoor family play zone features a wacky, Minion-inspired playground. It has water play features, climbing structures, slides, and more.
  • Universal Plaza: central area in the park featuring shops, cafés, and dining and seating areas.

The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM:

  1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden JourneyTM: follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a journey through the castle grounds as you dodge obstacles and surprises along the way.
  2. Flight of the HippogriffTM: hop on the back of a Hippogriff on this family-friendly coaster and soar around Hagrid's hut and through the pumpkin patch.
  • The Simpsons RideTM: a cinematic experience featuring Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie and a hilarious visit to Krustyland.
  • Special Effects Show: learn all about what really goes on to create 'Hollywood Magic' in your favorite movies with a behind-the-scenes look at special effect technology and some of the best stunt performers in the business.
  • Universal's Animal Actors: watch real animals in this live show re-enact some of your favorite scenes from The Secret Life of Pets.
  • Jurassic Park®--The Ride: this water ride travels through terrain inspired by the hit movie, Jurassic World, where you'll narrowly miss dinosaurs, including a 50-foot T-Rex.
  • Revenge of the MummySM - The Ride: this fast moving coaster ride travels through scenes from Revenge of the Mummy with hair-raising special effects and unexpected surprises along the way.
  • TransformersTM: The Ride-3D: combining 3D theater technology with motion simulation, you'll be fully immersed in a battle of epic proportions as you fight alongside Optimus to save the human race.

Studio Tour:

Go behind-the-scenes of many of your favorite TV shows and movies on this real, working studio backlot tour in an open-air tour bus.

  1. King Kong 360 3-D: the world's largest 3-D experience takes you on a heart-pounding struggle between King Kong and a massive T-Rex.
  2. Fast & Furious - Supercharged: at the end of the tour, your bus will get involved in a high-speed chase in the world of fast cars and international crime cartels.

Disneyland:

Disneyland features a central 'kingdom' that the park revolves around with 8 themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A.: Main Street ushers visitors into the park and features a variety of shops, cafés, theaters, and more. Adventureland:

  • Enchanted Tiki Room: presented by Dole®, the Enchanted Tiki Room is a 15-minute musical celebration featuring tropical birds, tiki gods, and colorful flowers
  • Indiana JonesTM Adventure: fast-paced thrill ride that navigates rough terrain through a cursed temple starring Indiana Jones
  • Jungle Cruise: a gentle, guided water cruise through some of the world's most remote rivers
  • Tarzan's TreehouseTM: a tour of Tarzan's jungle home that requires navigating suspense bridges and stairs up in Tarzan's larger-than-life tree

New Orleans Square:

  • Haunted Mansion: one of Disney's most iconic attractions. This hair-raising ride features a slow moving coaster that takes you on a tour of a haunted mansion full of paranormal activity, ghosts, ghouls, and more frightening surprises
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: embark on a treacherous voyage on the seas on a 15-minute water ride with small drops

Critter Country:

  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: this slow moving coaster travels through Hundred Acre Wood through scenes from Pooh's adventures
  • Splash Mountain: follow the adventures of Br'er Rabbit as he tries to escape Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox. Enjoy a 5 story drop ending in a big splash

Frontierland:

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: a high-speed coaster that travels through cursed southwestern mines in search for gold

Frontierland Shootin' Exposition:

  • Practice your target shooting skills at this rustic shooting range. It features replica .54-caliber Hawkins buffalo rifles set amid a southwestern landscape.

Fantasyland:

  • Alice in Wonderland: follow the White Rabbit to his 'very important date' into the nonsensical world of Alice in Wonderland. You'll hop aboard a slow-moving caterpillar themed coaster.
  • Casey Jr. Circus Train: a kid-centric colorful train ride through Storybook Land.
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant: take flight with Dumbo on this spinny, high-flying ride geared towards younger kids.
  • It's a Small World: one of the most famous rides. This water-based ride travels through various parts of the world exploring different cultures and customs through animatronic dolls and catchy tunes.
  • King Arthur Carrousel: a classic theme park ride inspired by Knights of the Round Table.
  • Mad Tea Party: an Alice in Wonderland Unbirthday themed of the spinning tea cups ride.
  • Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: buckle up and get behind the wheel of an open-air, 2-seater buggy for a wild ride.
  • Peter Pan's Flight: fly to Never Land by way of London aboard a flying ship.
  • Pinocchio's Daring Journey: follow Pinocchio as he makes it back to Gepetto to become a real boy and avoid the evil puppet master, Stromboli.
  • Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough: explore Princess Aurora's castle and re-live scenes of Sleeping Beauty.
  • Snow White's Scary Adventures: follow Snow White as she ventures into the dark forest to avoid the evil Queen.
  • Storybookland Canal Boats: float along a mini tour of fairytale settings on a slow canal cruise

Mickey's Toontown:

  • Chip 'n Dale Treehouse: climb up the nutty treehouse home of Chip 'n Dale for an unbeatable view of Mickey's Toontown
  • Donald's Boat: take a tour of Donald Duck's "quacky" boat home
  • Gadget's Go Coaster: this small-scale thrill ride features small drops
  • Goofy's Playhouse: walk through Goofy's goofy house, featuring a loony layout and fun design elements
  • Mickey's House and Meet Mickey: head to Mickey's House for a chance to get a photo with Mickey Mouse
  • Minnie's House: go on a walk-through of Minnie's living room, kitchen, and bedroom
  • Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin: hop behind the wheel of a runaway taxi and navigate the loony streets of Toontown in pursuit of Roger Rabbit

Tomorrowland:

  • Astro Orbiter: a high-flying, spinny, space rocket-themed ride geared towards younger kids.
  • Autopia: buckle in and get ready to race on the Tomorrowland Speedway behind the wheel of a racecar.
  • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: practice your target shooting skills on this slow moving ride. It features glow lights in a dark, space-themed setting.
  • Disneyland Monorail: for a smooth ride with incredible views of the park, board the high-speed monorail.
  • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: climb aboard a submarine for an undersea expedition following Marlin and Dory on their journey to find Nemo.
  • Star Tours - The Adventures Continue: this motion-simulated 3D experience explores a galaxy far, far away aboard a Starspeeder 1000.
  • Hyperspace Mountain: this high-speed thrill ride darts around in outer space dodging dangerous extraterrestrial elements.
  • Star Wars Launch Bay: go behind the scenes of Rogue One and see your favorite characters from the Star Wars universe, including film props, video clips, and more in this exhibition.
  • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi: watch a video compilation of all the highlights of the Star Wars films and re-live Luke Skywalker's heroic tale.

Each area in Disneyland caters towards a diverse crowd with rides geared towards younger kids and rides geared towards older kids (and adults).

 

Conclusion & Comparison At-a-Glance:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Gr4eDBu_y/ Both parks are similar in that they offer entertainment for the whole family. But the experience at each park can be quite different. If you're trying to decide between the Universal Vs. Disney parks, do both. If you have to choose one, narrow your choice down to the following deciding factors:

  • Price: Universal Studios Hollywood is more affordable. Plus you can save on combined admission with a Go Los Angeles pass.
  • Age: Disneyland has more activities geared towards ages 2-10. Many of Universal Studios Hollywood's attractions require a minimum height of 40" or more.
  • Location: Universal Studios Hollywood is significantly closer to Los Angeles.
  • Time: Universal Studios Hollywood can be done in less than a day. Disneyland requires at least a full day, but is more manageable in two or more days.
  • Experience: If you've visited each respective park's sister park in Orlando or another location, they're arguably very similar. Perhaps you prefer a new theme park experience.
  • Theme: Disneyland features Disney's beloved characters, like Mickey Mouse and popular Disney Princesses, and stories. Universal Studios Hollywood features a variety of attractions inspired by various blockbuster movies, including The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM.

If you choose Universal Studios Hollywood, be sure to check out our helpful guide for top tips. Plus, check out the attractions near Universal Studios Hollywood.

Save on Admission at Universal Studios HollywoodTM

Save on combined admission to dozens of popular attractions in Los Angeles. Your pass will include Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, when you buy a All-Inclusive Pass for Los Angeles of 3 days or more.

The All-Inclusive Pass includes admission to your choice of as many other included Los Angeles attractions as you want. These include Universal Studios Hollywood, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, Pacific Park - Santa Monica, Aquarium of the Pacific, and lots more. So grab a Los Angeles pass and save while you sightsee!

 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Aerial view of the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park in California.
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Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain LA

Thinking of visiting an LA theme park but just can’t decide which to choose? Fair enough: the City of Angels has more fab amusement parks than even the most dedicated thrill seeker could hope to experience in a single visit. There’s Universal Studios Hollywood for starters. Also Disneyland and its sibling, the Disney California Adventure Park so, y’know, we’re talking some pretty big beasts of the amusement park scene here. Holding their own among these titans are Knott’s Berry Farm (aka America’s first theme park) and Six Flags Magic Mountain (current holder of the record for most rollercoasters in an amusement park). Read on to discover the relative merits of these two fine LA parks... Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain: A Short History Opened in 1971, Six Flags Magic Mountain is a mere baby to Knott’s Berry Farm’s century-old theme park. But blimey, it’s one heck of a great big bouncing baby, weighing in at 209 acres and 35 rides, of which a record-smashing 20 (yes, twenty) are rollercoasters. Located in Valencia, 35 miles north of downtown LA, this is a park that has always pushed the boundaries in terms of number of loops, heights and angles of drops and, well, just sheer terror levels as your (thankfully strapped in) body hurtles towards terra firma at frankly unnatural speeds. In other words, Six Flags Magic Mountain will appeal primarily to adrenalin junkies, as well as fans of the DC universe: the park has rides themed around Superman, Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor and the Justice League. Quirky fact: Michael Jackson visited the park in 1985, riding attractions including Colossus (now the New Colossus) and the Roaring Rapids. Whether Bubbles accompanied him on the rides or not is, we're sorry to say, lost to history. Sure, at a relatively diminutive 57 acres, Knott’s Berry Farm isn’t on quite the same scale as Magic Mountain. But what this Buena Park stalwart does have is great boysenberry pie, pedigree in spades and a smart use of space that equates to nearly 50 rides across its five zones. It’s no slouch when it comes to thrill rides either. From humble beginnings as a berry farm and roadside stand a century ago, Knott’s has been through many iterations, launching a ghost town in the 1940s and adding a log ride in the 70s. But it was the sale of the park to Cedar Fair in the 1990s that really upped the thrill factor with the addition of several high-octane rides. However, at the Knott’s family’s wishes, the park has retained much of the personality of its founders Walter and Cordelia Knott, meaning that, among other things, the (huge) fried chicken dinners and sweet berry pies that many consider synonymous with the park can still be sampled in its cafes and restaurants. Quirky fact: all boysenberries today are genetically traceable to Knott’s Berry Farm, where Walter first cultivated the raspberry-blackberry-loganberry-dewberry hybrid in the 1920s. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain: Thrill Rides Thrill rides is really where both of these parks excel, and hopeless adrenalin fiends should definitely make a beeline for both when spending time in LA. But, by sheer dint of numbers, Magic Mountain has the edge here. And, with a world-beating 20 rollercoasters, how could it not? Start queuing early for Superman: Escape from Krypton, one of the park’s most popular rides. Once the tallest coaster in the world, this thrill-a-second adventure reaches 100mph in just seven seconds before flipping its victims riders through backward and forward-facing drops at lightning speeds. DC fans will also thrill to the 4D effects and immersive battle scenes on the Justice League; Battle for Metropolis ride. Full Throttle does exactly what it says on the tin, rattling around the tallest vertical loop in North America at terrifying speeds, while Goliath and Scream’s names are also helpfully descriptive in terms of what to expect. In short, if it’s thrills, spills and squeals you’re after, Six Flags Magic Mountain is the LA theme park for you. This is an impossible category for any theme park to win when pitted against Magic Mountain, but Knott’s Berry Farm holds its own admirably, with a fine selection of rip-roaring hair-raisers. Rides like the Xcelerator, which catapults passengers sky high, reaching 82mph in a (literally) breathtaking 2.3 seconds. HangTime is definitely one to try before you’ve eaten lunch, given that its hook is the stomach-dropping sensation that you’re floating (hence the name) as you take the utterly terrifying 96-degree drop. Ghost Rider is the longest, tallest and fastest wooden rollercoaster in the West, ideal if you like your thrill rides to create the illusion of being rickety and unsafe (which it isn’t, of course), while Silver Bullet is a foot-dangling inverted coaster with a whopping six loops. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain: Family Rides There’s no denying that there are better theme park options for kids around LA – *cough* Disneyland *cough* – but Knott’s and Magic Mountain do also offer a few gentler rides for the kiddiwinks to enjoy. Each puts their own spin (geddit?) on the traditional teacup ride, with a Mad Hatter theme at Knott’s and cute Pepe Le Pew cups at Magic Mountain. Meanwhile, Magic Mountain’s Bugs Bunny World – chock full of Looney Tunes themed rides – is the answer to Knott’s Berry Farm’s Camp Snoopy, where you’ll find the Peanuts gang in residence. Expect carousels, bumper cars, miniature trains and character meet and greets at both locations, as well as a strong selection of rides for the whole family to enjoy together, from log flumes to swinging pirate ships and mine rides. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain: Water Rides Getting a drenching is an essential ingredient of any successful amusement park excursion so you'll be delighted to hear that both parks really deliver on this front. The Calico River Rapids in Knott’s Ghost Town zone takes riders splashing and spinning downriver in big round family-friendly dinghies. But if you really want to guarantee that soaking, hit up the Timber Mountain Log Ride (pictured) for an early bath at the end of its 42-foot free fall finale. Over at Magic Mountain, the Jet Stream log flume is a family favorite that has the drop’n’drench maneuver down to a fine art. The 11-seater Roaring Rapids ride is a little more lively than its Knott’s rival, tossing hapless riders through unpredictable currents, white water waves and treacherous whirlpools, meaning that coveted drenching is all but guaranteed. NB: Both Knott’s and Magic Mountain also have separately ticketed water parks that are open from May to September. Fast facts: Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets Go City’s All-Inclusive attraction pass includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including Universal Studios and Six Flags Magic Mountain. You can also book tickets direct via the Knott’s Berry Farm website. Opening Hours The park generally opens daily at 10AM. Closing times vary by season. Check the calendar on the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the most up-to-date information. Getting There Knott’s Berry Farm is at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 9062. There’s paid parking on site, or you can take a train to nearby Buena Park Metrolink station. More info on transport options here. Fast facts: Six Flags Magic Mountain Tickets An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including La Brea Tar Pits and Knott’s Berry Farm. You can also book tickets direct via the Six Flags Magic Mountain website. Opening Hours Hours vary throughout the year but Magic Mountain usually opens between at 10:30AM and stays open until anywhere between 6PM and 10PM depending on the season. View the calendar here. Getting There Six Flags Magic Mountain is at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355, just north of Los Angeles, at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit off Interstate 5. Some public transport is seasonal and you’ll find the best and most up-to-date options here. Save on attractions in Los Angeles Save on admission to Los Angeles attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles
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Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles

Are you heading to Los Angeles this year? Then you ought to check out the city's market scene. With a market for pretty much every need, you'll be well served! Today, we're talking about the best markets in LA's downtown district, so if you plan to stay in or around the area, this one's for you! From flower markets to farm-to-table grocers, we've got you covered. Including: Grand Central Market Downtown LA Farmer's Market Smorgasburg LA Wholesale Produce Market The Santee Alley ...and more! Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Grand Central Market Hold on to your taste buds, because we're diving straight into a gastronomic wonderland. If you want nothing but the freshest fruit and veg, or some of the tastiest street food in the city, look no further than Grand Central Market. Taking up an enviable 30,000 square feet, it's one of the larger markets on this list. It's unsurprising, then, that it attracts plenty of food establishments from across the city to set up shop. Popular joints like Eggslut and Press Brothers have stalls where you can sample their culinary delights, but that just scratches the surface. Every cuisine under the sun is represented here under the sun, so go and see what other secrets await you at Grand Central Market. For foodies, it's one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Downtown LA Farmers Market Even if you've never been to the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market before, you may have seen it. A certain angry Brit is often there buying stuff on his cooking shows, so if you hear someone shouting expletives and spot a spikey mop of blonde hair, you'll know you're in the right place. But it's not just modern celebrities like Gordon Ramsey who have frequented the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market. The Beatles, Marylin Monroe, and Frank Sinatra are just some of the many famous faces that have graced its stalls and halls. So, what brings all these recognizable people to the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market? Well, it's likely the produce. Tons of family-run businesses set up shop here, offering top-quality, fresh produce to all who visit. If you live locally, or plan to stay in an Airbnb instead of a hotel, you won't find a better place to pick up ingredients. There are also recognizable brands like Starbucks there, if you need some creature comforts. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Smorgasburg If you're happy to hit up a market that only opens its doors once a week, then Smorgasburg is one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles. Just be prepared for crowds - after all, plenty of people likely have the exact same idea as you. If you do brave it, you'll find a market offering tons of food, drink, and a variety of specialty items collectors will die for. LA powerhouses like Baohaus, Daddy's Chicken Shack, and Big Mozz all have pop-up stalls at Smorgasburg, so your tastebuds are in for a treat. However, what's unique about Smorgasburg, and what makes it one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles, is that on every third Sunday of the month, the Record Fair and Vintage Market turns up. You'll find thousands of rare vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and merch for underground bands and artists. If you love discovering new talent, or just want to show off when they eventually blow up, then you owe it to yourself to go check it out. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: LA Wholesale Produce Market Need a load of fresh produce in a pinch? Why go to a supermarket when you can get it fresh from the farm at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market? Offering arguably the widest selection of locally-sourced produce in Downtown, it's a great place to buy early. If you arrive before today's produce is trucked in, you can get great deals on yesterday's produce they'll just throw out. So be savvy, set your alarm, and rise and shine for some sweet, sweet deals. Just be prepared to buy big - after all, it's a wholesale market. You'll need to buy in bulk - by the box. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: The Santee Alley Calling all bargain hunters! Welcome to Santee Alley, where haggling is a sport, and finding a hidden gem is the ultimate victory. This bustling street market is like a maze of fashion chaos, and the perfect place to unleash your inner fashionista without maxing your credit cards. You'll find both recognizable labels and unique boutique items on offer, as well as handmade oddities from homebound seamsters. Fashion lovers will be in heaven, but really, you need to be prepared to barter. Every item has a hidden price, but you'll need to negotiate to get the best deal. If you don't have wheeling and dealing up your sleeve, prepare to pay a premium. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Original LA Flower Market And finally, if you're after flowers, then the Original Los Angeles Flower Market is a must-visit! Local florists, event planners, and flower enthusiasts flock to discover a wide array of flora. You'll find bunches of pretty much every flower imaginable here, from roses to chrysanthemums, and everything in between. Want to make a big impression on a first date? You know where to go. There's not much more to say, really. It's flowers. If you want or need flowers, this is your best bet. Just bear in mind that the Original Los Angeles Flower Market can get a little hectic on weekends. If you want to beat the rush of frothy-mouthed flower enthusiasts, best head there during the week. And those were our picks of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles! If you're a local who wants some entertainment ideas, or on vacation and need some inspiration, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Bis Bus tour in Los Angeles
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Best Hollywood bus tours in Los Angeles

It’s almost impossible to think of Los Angeles without an image of Hollywood coming to mind – the city is intrinsically linked with glitz, glamor and celebrity. Almost every visit starts with a stroll up the Walk of Fame, a visit to the TCL Chinese Theater and a hike to the Hollywood sign – followed, of course, by some very awesome pics on your Instagram reel. What many people don’t realize, though, is that all these places are actually quite far apart, and while you can walk from one to another, it will take up a lot of your precious time. Instead, one of the best ways to get around is on a Hollywood bus tour – you can travel from one spot to another in comfort while a guide directs your attention to the city’s best historical and secret spots, leaving your hands free for snapping photos (and bragging to your friends). This handy guide will compare three of the best Hollywood Bus tours, and cover: Price Locations Tour language Timing Must-see locations Bus tour #1: Hop-on Hop-Off Hollywood and Los Angeles The Hollywood and Los Angeles Hop-On Hop-Off Hollywood route covers 15 stops, including all the essentials like The Guitar Center, the Comedy Store and Santa Monica Boulevard. The tour operates every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving, and runs from 10am to 4:30pm, departing every 45 minutes. You can hop on and off as many times as you like for as long as your ticket is valid, and the whole circuit takes about two hours. Tickets start from $49/£47 for an adult or $35/£33 for a child, and the tour is available in nine languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Portuguese. Must-see stop: Pink’s Hotdogs If you’ve ever seen a film or tv character eating a hot dog in L.A, chances are they got it from Pink’s Hot Dogs on N. La Brea in Hollywood. They’ve been there since 1939 when Paul and Betty Pink started with a pushcart and some money borrowed from Betty’s mother. There are now several branches but this one is the original, serving around 2,000 hot dogs and burgers a day. Adding to their appeal are the unique and celebrity-inspired names, like the Lord of the Rings Dog (with onion rings), the Ozzy Spicy Dog, the Brando Dog, the Philly Cheesesteak Dog and the Martha Stewart Dog. Bus tour #2: Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Tour – One Day Our second option is the Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Tour. Its Hollywood route covers all the essentials on its 16-stop route, including the Dolby Theater, La Brea Tar Pits, Vine Street and Paramount Pictures. This tour also departs every 45 minutes between 10am and 4:30pm, and the full loop takes around two hours. Languages include English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French and Italian, and tickets start from $39/£34 for an adult and $28/£25 for a child. You can purchase a ticket online, from the kiosk at the Dolby Theater, at any bus stop or on the bus itself, and it’s valid from when you first get on the bus. Must-see stop: Petersen Automotive Museum This is the ultimate destination for movie buffs and petrol heads. First, have your mind boggled by the James Bond Vehicle Collection, which includes the 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish driven by Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day, the 1997 Lotus Esprit S1 ‘Wet Nellie’ that Roger Moore drove off a pier in The Spy Who Loved Me, and the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, which has appeared in five Bond films including Goldeneye, Skyfall and No Time To Die. Then there’s the Omaze Hollywood Gallery, where you can inspect the 1981 DeLorean from Back to the Future. If you fancy putting yourself in the hot seat, you can try your skills in one of the Forza Motorsport racing simulators. Bus tour #3: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus 1-Day Classic Tour The Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Tour is a great option because the 12 stops on the Hollywood route include the TCL Chinese Theater, Rodeo Drive, the Dolby Theater and the Hollywood Sign. It runs between 10am and 3pm every day and departs every 30-45 minutes. Commentary is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese and Hindi, and the whole tour lasts around two hours. If you buy a ticket on its own it’ll start from $39/£34 for an adult or $31/£28 for a child – however if you have a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass, the Big Bus Tour is included and won’t cost you a thing. Must-see stop: Los Angeles Celebrity Bike Tour With a Go City attraction pass, the Los Angeles Celebrity Bike Tour is included with your Big Bus Ticket. It’s a self-guided audio tour which includes helmet, vest, GPS audio directions and bike rental for four hours. Go at your own pace as you get to know some iconic locations from films and TV shows, the best celebrity-spotting hangouts around Bel-Air and Beverly Hills and where some of the Hollywood A-list like to call home. Highlights include Marilyn Monroe’s former apartment, the last house owned by Michael Jackson, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip and Greystone Mansion, which you’ll recognise from many shows and movies including Batman & Robin, The Bodyguard, The Big Lebowski and X-Men. Never miss a thing with Go City Whether you travel by bus, bike or foot, you’ll be able to spot all the favorite’s in Los Angeles with Go City. Get your All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass today and start saving on dozens of attractions all over the city.
Karleen Stevens

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