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Hollywood Film & TV studio tours

  • Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)

Last updated: 02 November, 2024

As the world centre of the film and TV industry, no trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a deeper look into this high profile and often fantastical world.

The big three film studios in town – Warner Bros, Paramount and Sony – all offer behind-the-scenes guided tours of the studios, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into how the films are made.

Another option is to join the audience for a taping of a popular sitcom or chat show. You can often turn up and queue on the day to get in.

Logistics

Price from: £50
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-5 hours

Getting there & doing it

At time of writing, Warner Bros offer a 2.5-hour VIP Studio Tour that takes guests through back-lot streets, sound stages, sets and craft shops. See tour recommendations below.

Sony’s guided walking tour takes you on a fascinating stroll of its studios.

Paramount offer a 2-hour and a 4.5-hour VIP Studio Tour around the last remaining major film studios in Hollywood.

Universal Studios, contrary to a popular perception that it’s now just a theme park, is still a working film studio and offers a guided tour of the sets.

Tickets to be in the audience of some top TV shows can be bought through On-Camera Audiences.

When to do it

Tours run regularly all year round, seven days a week, but start times vary. Weekend tours often have limited availability, so book ahead.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Los Angeles

HOLIDAYS MADE HERE: WB Tour Hollywood will once again transform the iconic Midwest Street backlot into the beloved town of Stars Hollow (DEC 18 THRU JAN 5TH) Holidays Made Here Transports Visitors to “Gilmore Girls” Stars Hollow Our Studio Tour brings you closer than ever to the entertainment you love. You’ll explore one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles with one of our expert Tour Guides. Explore iconic backlot sets and sound stages. Learn how movie magic comes to life at Stage 48: Script to Screen, from classic Hollywood costumes to green-screen technology used to create special effects. Dine in our expanded Central Perk Café and shop in our Friends Boutique, complete with costumes from the hit show on display. The Grand Finale lets you step into the movies with recreated sets from the DC Universe where you can encounter Superheroes and Super-Villains. Then swish and flick your way through Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and be sorted by the enchanted sorting hat.

Price $73

Min age 5

Rating 4.57 / 5 [4505 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Los Angeles

** VALID FOR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD IN CALIFORNIA ONLY ** On the VIP Experience, you’ll have exclusive access to backlot sets not open to the general public. And you’ll enjoy unlimited express access to ALL rides and attractions. Get ready to be treated like a star. Your day begins on the red carpet, and from there, it only gets more exclusive. Walk among the most iconic sets in cinema history, enjoy a gourmet meal and experience the Park in a different way. What really sets this day apart is the exclusive access you’ll have on the VIP Experience. Today, you’re a celebrity!

Price $369

Min age 5

Rating 4.66 / 5 [515 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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