Star-Studded Savings: Free Things to Do Near Madame Tussauds

Live it up with these fantastic zero-cost adventures steps from Madame Tussauds!

Published: June 2, 2026
Friends Posing with Marilyn Monroe at Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Nothing says you’re in Hollywood like brushing elbows with the stars—or at least their waxy doppelgängers—at Madame Tussauds. But just beyond those red velvet ropes, Hollywood Boulevard serves up plenty of exhilarating experiences that won’t cost you a single dollar. We’re talking world-famous street scenes, creative culture, secret gardens, and everything in between. Whether you’re after pop culture moments or quiet spots to take a breather, it’s all buzzing right outside Madame Tussauds, and every bit of it is free. Let us guide you to the best wallet-friendly adventures, so you can leave LA rich in memories without spending a thing. 

Our favorite free things to do near Madame Tussauds Hollywood include: 

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame 
  • TCL Chinese Theatre Forecourt 
  • Hollywood & Highland Art Installations 
  • Runyon Canyon Park 
  • Hollywood Bowl Museum 
  • The Dolby Theatre Displays 
  • Hollywood Farmer’s Market (Entry Only) 
  • Barnsdall Art Park 
  • Capitol Records Building Views 

Hollywood Walk of Fame 

Visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame is like flipping through the greatest hits album of movie magic, with over 2,700 stars embedded right along the sidewalk. You’ll spot names of your favorite actors, musicians, and even beloved fictional characters underfoot as you wander. Whether you’re on a scavenger hunt for the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson, or just love people-watching as street performers bring the boulevard to life, there’s never a dull moment. 

Beyond celebrity spotting, you’ll find glammers, quirky costumes, and impromptu parades on almost every corner. Kids can trace handprints, friends can snap playful selfies by their childhood idols, and you might inadvertently photobomb a film crew. Best of all, the excitement of Hollywood is palpable here: it’s history, entertainment, and a full-on LA experience—all for the price of a stroll. 

TCL Chinese Theatre Forecourt 

If you’re near Madame Tussauds, the TCL Chinese Theatre is impossible to miss. What makes it special—beyond its legendary facade—is the famous forecourt, filled with cement handprints and footprints of cinema’s brightest stars. Put your hands where Marilyn, Bogart, or the cast of Star Wars once pressed their palms and compare shoe sizes with the Hollywood greats. 

The experience here is equal parts nostalgia and Instagram gold. Free to visit, the forecourt is buzzing with movie buffs, local characters, and curious travelers. Whether you’re a bona fide classic film nerd or just after that perfect photo with your hands sunk into celebrity cement, this is a true bucket-list moment right in the middle of the action. 

Hollywood & Highland Art Installations 

Don’t overlook the creative side of the Hollywood & Highland Center. Beyond its bustling shops and theaters, you’ll find quirky public art installations and sprawling murals—totally free and open for anyone passing by. Snap a picture in front of the famous elephant statues, or catch seasonal projects and rotating contemporary pieces scattered throughout the plaza. 

Art lovers will appreciate the surprise finds tucked between escalators and terraces. The ever-changing installations often play off Hollywood themes, with plenty of color, sculpture, and wit. Grab a bench for some people-watching, or simply zigzag past the artwork on your way to your next stop. Every visit brings a splash of creativity and a photo-worthy surprise. 

Runyon Canyon Park

Trail at Runyon Canyon Park

For a different kind of Hollywood spectacle—one with fresh air and famous views—head to Runyon Canyon Park, just a 15-minute walk north from the boulevard bustle. This city park serves as the local go-to for nature escapes, panoramic views, and possibly a celebrity or two out for a jog. The trails wind up the canyon for incredible scenes of the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the glittering skyline. 

The vibe here is relaxed and upbeat, drawing everyone from fitness buffs to casual strollers and dog lovers. Take the easy lower trail, or go all-in for a hilltop trek that rewards you with movie-set-worthy backdrops. Free fitness classes sometimes pop up by the entrance, so do a little stretching and enjoy LA’s outdoor lifestyle at its best.

Hollywood Bowl Museum 

Music lovers, this one’s for you—the Hollywood Bowl Museum lets you dive into LA’s live performance history, with no admission charge. The museum traces the Bowl’s roots from the 1920s and spotlights legendary concerts, iconic performers, and the art of performance itself. Vintage posters, fun artifacts, and even interactive displays bring the city’s musical heartbeat to life. 

Stroll the beautiful grounds outside the museum, where you’ll see the famous shell-shaped amphitheater (if there’s no rehearsal underway). You don't need a concert ticket to savor a piece of LA’s live music legacy, and even on non-event days, the museum’s breezy pavilions and shaded walkways offer a quiet break from Hollywood’s hustle. 

The Dolby Theatre Displays 

You may know the Dolby Theatre for red carpets and Oscar night glamour, but peek inside the public lobby and you’ll find displays of shimmering costumes, photos, and memorabilia from Hollywood’s biggest nights. The grand staircase and the cascading lights above make stepping inside feel like you’re part of the show—even if you don’t sit in the audience. 

Entry to this area is free, and you’re welcome to admire the architecture, all while soaking up movie history. Look for showcases filled with Academy Awards nostalgia, and snap a photo on the stairs where celebs have made headline-grabbing entrances. Pop by before the next big show for a taste of LA’s awards season excitement—without the RSVP. 

Hollywood Farmer’s Market (Entry Only)

Fruit and Baked Goods at a Farmers Market

Every Sunday morning, the Hollywood Farmer’s Market transforms the heart of Hollywood into a buzzing, open-air street fair. While you might be tempted by the fresh tamales or rainbow-hued produce, entry and people-watching are completely free. Savor the upbeat energy as musicians play, flower sellers show off their blooms, and LA’s locals and celebrities mingle among the stalls. 

Wander the aisles and score samples (seek out the peach stand when they’re in season), or just soak up the vibe. With everything from buskers and puppeteers to the occasional friendly goat, this is LA living at its most colorful. Visiting the market, even just browsing, is a weekly ritual for many, and a breezy, free treat for visitors.

Barnsdall Art Park 

Just a couple of Metro stops east, Barnsdall Art Park delivers sweeping city views and a creative buzz—all in a peaceful hilltop setting. Wander the park for free and discover its art galleries, serene gardens, and public spaces frequented by local artists and picnickers alike. 

Highlights include paths lined with sculptures, lawns perfect for sprawling out, and, if you’re lucky, a community event or pop-up art class happening on the green. The distinct exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House sits at the park’s center (tickets only needed for the interior), making it a must for architecture fans. Above all, come for the laid-back gardens and the occasional free music performance with the skyline as backdrop. 

Capitol Records Building Views 

A Hollywood landmark that’s pure LA, the Capitol Records Building is a circular wonder that you’ll spot from blocks away. While tours and entry aren’t available to the general public, the building’s mid-century aesthetic and neon sign make it a stylish backdrop for photos—especially at dusk when the lights kick on. 

Stroll the block to see tributes to musical legends in the pavement and check out the city’s best vantage points for a selfie. The intersection at Vine Street is famous for a reason, and the views of the Capitol Records "stack of records" are classic Hollywood at its finest. It’s a quick, free stop that keeps your sightseeing right on beat. 

 

Whether you’re chasing a classic Hollywood moment, slipping away to gardens or grabbing a taste of local creativity, the neighborhood around Madame Tussauds Hollywood offers plenty for every interest—all without opening your wallet. So, pack your walking shoes, charge your camera, and dive into Tinseltown’s free-spirited side. With this list, you’ll find that the real stars of Hollywood just might be the memories you collect along the way!

Enjoyed this? Check out (Ticketed) Things to Do Near Madame Tussauds Hollywood or Things to Do with Friends in Los Angeles 

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Thursday in Los Angeles: the sweet spot of the week. The weekend crowds haven’t landed, the city buzzes with energy, and the best attractions are wide open for fun. Whether you’re craving action-packed adventures, fascinating tours, golden-hour relaxation, or a taste of that live-and-local LA scene, there’s no better day to jump in. Stick with us—today, you’ll get a tour through LA’s must-see highlights and charming local secrets, all perfectly suited to a Thursday. 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Thursday afternoons often mean golden hour on the terraces, with that famed LA light draping everything in a warm glow.  Evenings are a special treat: many Thursdays offer free public telescope viewings shortly before sunset. If you’re after a slice of LA that blends cinematic scenery, fascinating history, and actual views of the stars, this is your place.  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes  Your ticket to LA’s hottest selfie spot  Fancy a workout with some serious rewards? The Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes gets you up close—really close—to the world’s most recognizable hillside letters, all while sharing tales of Hollywood fame and city history. Thursdays bring smaller groups and cooler morning temperatures, making it an enjoyable way to trek the trails and still have plenty of energy left for the rest of your day.  Here’s what we love: guides lead you through picturesque Griffith Park, pointing out film locations and wildflowers along the way. They’ll pepper the journey with stories of the area’s golden-age movie days, with just enough trivia to keep even the sleepiest tourist entertained. The trail isn’t too intense, but it’ll wake you up!  The climax: that big reveal as the sign emerges from the chaparral. Snap your photos—your followers will thank you—and soak in views that sweep from downtown towers to Santa Monica’s beaches. The air feels fresh, the city looks endless, and you’re suddenly aware you’re having a quintessential LA moment.  After the hike wraps up, consider wandering into nearby Los Feliz for a celebratory smoothie at a neighborhood café, or stop by the Greek Theatre if a concert’s happening later. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Angeleno, this tour brings fresh energy to your Thursday.  Madame Tussauds Hollywood  Meet the stars (wax ones count, right?)  Maybe you’ve always wanted a selfie with Zendaya or want to see how you measure up to LeBron James. At Madame Tussauds Hollywood, you can wander from red carpet bash to music video set without ever leaving the heart of LA. Everything feels modern, fun, and surprisingly hands-on—Thursday vibes mean fewer lines and more time to perfect that pose.  The museum sits just off Hollywood Boulevard, so it’s easy to slot into a day of sightseeing. Walk among A-listers, villains, superheroes, and even classic movie monsters—all ridiculously lifelike, down to every eyelash. We can’t get enough of the interactive sets: leap onto a movie stunt bike, belt out a karaoke hit, or act out a scene with your childhood icons.  What makes Tussauds a Thursday win? It’s the pure, unfiltered fun and the creative photo ops you’ll take away (plus serious bragging rights when you send them home). Afterward, stroll next door to the TCL Chinese Theatre or tiptoe along the Walk of Fame, seeing which names tug your nostalgia strings. It’s playful, weirdly glamorous, and a total blast every single time.  Aquarium of the Pacific  Undersea wonders right in the city  For a touch of Zen and some serious undersea eye candy, chart a course to Long Beach and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Thursdays mean calmer galleries where you can slow down, watch jellyfish drift through neon-lit tanks, and laugh along as sea otters play in their massive pool.  The aquarium covers everything from frosty Arctic seas to tropical reefs, so you can wander from penguins to sharks with just a few steps. 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Thursday is a sweet spot: you’ll mingle with art lovers and family groups, but there’s always space to pause in front of a stirring landscape painting or saddle up to try real historic gear.  Why does this spot matter? The Autry blends everything—film memorabilia, Native American art, frontier artifacts, and the stories that made Southern California what it is today. Don’t miss the galleries of classic Western movie posters (major nostalgia alert), or the fascinating displays on the Gold Rush, Route 66, and LA’s changing neighborhoods. There are hands-on stations for kids, so it’s never just “another museum.”  Many locals come simply for the café and garden, both of which offer leafy hideaways and, often, live music events or talks about Western lore. It’s right across from the LA Zoo, so animal lovers can turn their morning into a full Griffith Park adventure. 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Your best LA stories start right here—happy exploring!    Enjoyed this? Check out the Best Picnic Spots in Los Angeles or Things to Do with Friends in Los Angeles    Step up your sightseeing with Go City®      We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

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