So. you’ve mingled with the stars (or their waxy counterparts) at Madame Tussauds Hollywood—now what? You’re right in the heart of Tinseltown, where award-winning theaters, quirky museums, epic views, and movie magic leaps from every corner. Whether you’re after jaw-dropping celebrity stories, breezy bike rides through Beverly Hills, or crave a big-screen experience, this famous neighborhood has you covered. Ready to turn your trip into a blockbuster? Let’s roll!
Our favorite things to do near Madame Tussauds Hollywood include:
- TCL Chinese Theatre Tour
- Dolby Theatre Guided Tour
- Hollywood Museum
- Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour
- The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes
- GRAMMY Museum
- Explore Hollywood Boulevard
- Musso & Frank Grill
- Runyon Canyon Park
TCL Chinese Theatre Tour
A stone’s throw from Madame Tussauds, TCL Chinese Theatre is more than a showstopper on Hollywood Boulevard—it’s a bonafide slice of movie history. Guided tours take you behind those famous red pillars and into lavish auditoriums where countless film premieres have delighted both stars and superfans. You’ll see the walls lined with memorabilia and learn titbits about Hollywood legends who graced these halls. The dramatic architecture and sweeping ceilings give the sense you just stepped into a glamorous awards night.
The courtyard is a must for film buffs, crammed with handprints, footprints, and signatures from generations of screen icons. There’s something uniquely fun about trying to match your own hands to Marilyn Monroe’s or John Wayne’s boots! Every visit reveals a new detail—whether it’s the intricate décor or stories hidden in the cement. A stop here guarantees that larger-than-life Hollywood feeling continues long after you leave the wax museum.
Dolby Theatre Guided Tour
Swing by the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, and walk the very path where A-listers strut their stuff every Oscar season. On a guided tour, you’ll climb those famous steps, peek into grand balconies, and gaze up at a ceiling dripping with crystal. Guides sprinkle tours with fun backstage secrets and insider trivia—just the sort of details that bring old Hollywood dreams to life.
The theater oozes grandeur, but it’s also surprisingly welcoming. You can almost imagine the energy of the crowd and bright lights as you look down from the stage. The Dolby also hosts big-name concerts and Broadway shows, so if you time it right, you could catch some live glitz. As a combo with Madame Tussauds, this experience doubles your Hollywood royalty moments—one for your star selfie collection, and one for your Oscar speech rehearsal!
Hollywood Museum
Hollywood Museum
Step out of Madame Tussauds and into a world where artifacts have as much star power as their owners. The Hollywood Museum, just around the corner in the historic Max Factor Building, houses four dizzying floors of showbiz magic. Each level brims with costumes, props, and rare posters from movies and TV. Feel your jaw drop at Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell, or sashay past Marilyn Monroe’s dazzling makeup set.
What makes this place special is its knack for making Hollywood history personal. From Judy Garland’s ruby slippers to the Batman Batmobile, every exhibit tells a behind-the-scenes story. You’ll spot the clever touches left by makeup legend Max Factor himself—the glamour is real, and so is the nostalgia. For anyone with a passion for pop culture, a stop here feels like flipping through Tinseltown’s most cherished photo album.
Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour
Why only see stars at Madame Tussauds when you can spot their actual homes from an open-top bus? The Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour whisks you past Beverly Hills mansions with running commentary that’s equal parts playful and juicy. Settle in, pop on your shades, and listen as your guide reveals secrets about who lives where, which movies filmed on these blocks, and exactly why those hedges are ten feet tall.
It’s a blend of sightseeing and Hollywood gossip—think palm-lined streets, swoon-worthy real estate, and endless stories layered into each neighborhood. This is your chance to feel like a VIP while soaking up LA’s unbeatable sunshine. The tour covers plenty of ground, so you’ll get a great feel for the area and might even spot a celeb or two watering their lawn!
The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes
If you’re ready for some fresh air and stunning cityscapes, take The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour. Starting just a quick Uber from the Walk of Fame, you’ll follow knowledgeable guides up gentle hills and winding trails, pausing for plenty of classic LA photos along the way. The climb is fun but manageable—ideal for kids, friends, or solo explorers—and you’ll learn loads about movie history as you walk.
When you reach the top, that unmistakable white sign is all yours. Snap as many photos as your heart desires, and enjoy open-air views stretching from downtown skyscrapers to the ocean. Guides add plenty of fun facts, making the whole outing energetic and social—think group selfies and tales that connect Hollywood’s landscapes to its moviemaking heart.
GRAMMY Museum
Music fans, this one's for you! Head downtown and immerse yourself in the GRAMMY Museum, where pop, rock, and hip-hop legends get their time in the spotlight. Interactive displays let you mix your own tracks or sing along with virtual performers, while curated exhibitions take deep dives into artists who shaped music history. Rotating displays mean there’s always something new to hum along to.
Chill out with multimedia shows, then daydream about your Grammy moment as you tour galleries filled with glitzy gowns, famous instruments, and jaw-dropping trophies. It’s an upbeat, joyful space that captures the eclectic spirit of the music industry. Whether you’re more Taylor Swift or Tupac, you’ll find a beat that gets your toes tapping.
Explore Hollywood Boulevard
Explore Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard buzzes with energy day and night—a walk here is as entertaining as any movie premiere. The famous Hollywood Walk of Fame sparkles underfoot, stretching for fifteen blocks and covered with pink terrazzo stars. Keep your camera handy for snapshots with your favorite names, and watch street performers, magicians, and superheroes liven up the sidewalk.
Stop into kitschy souvenir shops or snack stands for giant pretzels and frappe milkshakes; the people-watching is unbeatable. From neon lights to history-packed theaters like the El Capitan, every step offers something new to discover. And if you’re into old-school Hollywood, historic hotels like the Roosevelt add a dose of vintage glamour. Each block somehow outdoes the last—this is Hollywood’s personality in its purest form.
Musso & Frank Grill
Dine like a true Hollywood insider at Musso & Frank Grill, a steakhouse that’s been a legendary local favorite since 1919. Slide into red leather booths, ogle at the classic wood paneling, and let tuxedoed servers deliver you the city's best martini—perfectly chilled, naturally. The menu? Think classic comfort: the flannel cakes are a breakfast staple, but we go back for the juicy steaks, creamy chicken pot pie, and decadent banana cream pie for dessert.
The mood is old-school Hollywood at its finest. You can almost feel the ghosts of Charlie Chaplin and F. Scott Fitzgerald lingering at the bar, and the hush of industry deals whispered across linen-clad tables. Whether you’re in for a fancy lunch or finishing a long day of sightseeing, there’s a timeless magic to every meal here—and plenty of people-watching too.
Runyon Canyon Park
Need a break from city bustle? Runyon Canyon Park offers wide-open trails and panoramic views just a 15-minute stroll from Hollywood Boulevard. Hike to the summit and soak in 360-degree vistas of Los Angeles—on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pacific. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed: joggers with headphones, locals walking their dogs, and visitors sharing directions to that perfect overlook.
Bring water, your camera, and perhaps a pair of sunglasses for celebrity spotting—you’ll often see fitness-loving actors blending into the crowd. Early mornings are especially lovely, with rosy sunrise lighting up the Hollywood Hills. It’s a brilliant way to recharge between studio tours and sightseeing sprints.
There you have it—everything you need for an unforgettable day (and night) just steps from Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Dive into red-carpet history, wander legendary streets, dine like the movie stars, or take in the city from dazzling new heights. Hollywood’s heart beats strongest right here, and with so much to see, you’ll feel like a star long after you’ve put your camera away. Lights, camera… adventure!
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Universal Studios Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes
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