One of the most popular ways of exploring Hollywood is by bus – and there are a number of different organised bus tours of the city available.
(Photo: Big Bus Tours Los Angeles / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
A world-renowned totem of the entertainment business, the legendary Los Angeles district of Hollywood beckons huge numbers of tourists each year with its myriad of cultural landmarks and attractions. And one of the best ways of seeing them all is by booking on to a bus tour. We’ve looked into all the options and picked out 5 of the best Hollywood bus tours currently available that won’t break the bank.
Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
One of the most convenient and time-efficient ways of looking around a place, hop-on hop-off bus tours are a popular choice in Hollywood. Valid for a choice of one or two days, tickets allow you to board and disembark buses at designated stops throughout Los Angeles at your leisure. Along the way, you can listen to pre-recorded, on-board audio commentary in a choice of six languages that tells you all about the landmarks and places of interest that you pass. From $48 per person.
The Film Freak Movie Locations Tour
(Photo: Film Freak Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Visit over 75 actual movie sets and TV locations on this two-hour film-focussed Hollywood bus tour. In the company of a movie-loving guide with decades of experience in the industry, you’ll be taken to iconic silver screen settings from classics such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Bodyguard, Iron Man 3, Zombieland, Rocketman and Back to the Future. During the tour, your guide will regale you with fascinating stories, facts and secrets about the area’s rich movie-making heritage. From $42 per person.
Hollywood & Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour
See where the rich and famous hang out on this two-hour guided tour of Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills by open-top bus. As you go, you’ll discover the hot spots and celebrity homes of the world’s entertainment capital, as well as iconic locations such as the Hollywood Sign, where you can stop for a photo and admire the views of downtown Los Angeles. Other highlights include passing the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, and the Capitol Records Building. If staying locally, the tour price includes drop-off back at your hotel. From $44 per person.
Dark History and Haunted LA Bus Tour
(Photo: American Ghost Walks / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Every city has an underbelly and Los Angeles is no different. This three-hour haunted bus tour invites intrepid types to explore the dark side of LA, hearing chilling tales from the past of ghosts, serial killers, and the paranormal. Taking place after dark for maximum atmosphere, as you pass through the city you’ll be treated to colourful stories of unexplained sightings, tragic misfortune, secret mafia connections, and more. Hollywood highlights include learning the secrets of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the burial place of movie legends Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Burt Reynolds, and others. From $69 per person.
First Class Hollywood Sightseeing Trolley Tour
Travel through LA on a vintage Trolley Bus during this three-hour tour. A restored piece of history, with its classic design, tufted seats and brass details, the bus will transport you back in time as you journey through the city’s most famous neighbourhoods as your guide provides interesting facts and anecdotes about the city’s history, culture and architecture. During the Hollywood stretch of the tour, you’ll pass by such notable places of interest as Hollywood Boulevard, Dolby Theatre, Roosevelt Hotel, and Capitol Record Hollywood Hills. Snacks and bottled water are included in the tour price. From $69 per person.
By Paul Joseph