Most people walk right past one of Hollywood’s best free attractions on their way to the theme park.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a three-block open-air entertainment district sitting at the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood. Thirty-plus restaurants, live music, a 19-screen cinema, escape rooms, shopping, and a nightlife scene that keeps going long after the park closes.
No theme park ticket required. CityWalk is free to enter, which makes it one of the most accessible and genuinely fun spots in all of Los Angeles.
Whether you’re planning a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood or just looking for a great dinner and a movie, this guide covers everything — what to eat, what to do, how to get there, and how to make the most of your visit.
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What Is Universal CityWalk?
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a free-to-enter entertainment district located at 100 Universal City Plaza, right at the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood. Think of it as a mini city block purpose-built for dining, shopping, and nightlife — no admission ticket required.
The promenade stretches across three blocks and is packed with 30-plus shops and restaurants, a movie theater featuring IMAX, a live concert venue, and enough going on that you could easily spend a full evening here without setting foot inside the theme park.
It sits in Universal City, just off the 101 Freeway in the hills between Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. Getting there is easy — drive, rideshare, or hop on the Metro Red Line to the Universal City station.
Universal CityWalk vs Universal Studios Hollywood — What’s the Difference?
Universal Studios Hollywood is the theme park. It requires an admission ticket and is home to rides, attractions, and the famous Studio Tour. CityWalk is the entertainment district right outside it — free to enter and open to everyone.
A day at the theme park and a visit to CityWalk are two very different experiences. Plenty of locals come to CityWalk regularly for dinner or a movie and never buy a park ticket. If you’re visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, CityWalk is a natural extension of your day — but it absolutely holds its own as a standalone destination.
The Best Things to Do at Universal CityWalk
CityWalk packs a lot into three blocks. Here’s what’s worth your time.
Dining at Universal CityWalk Hollywood
The food scene at CityWalk is one of the best reasons to visit. With 30-plus eateries covering everything from quick bites to full sit-down meals, there’s something for every appetite and budget.
For a proper sit-down meal:
- Antojitos Cocina Mexicana — authentic Mexican flavors in a lively, colorful setting
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. — Southern comfort food with a Forrest Gump theme, great for families
- Vivo Italian Kitchen — Italian classics in a relaxed, casual setting
- Buca di Beppo — family-style Italian with generous portions
- NBC Sports Grill and Brew — the spot to catch a game with your meal
For something quick:
- Panda Express
- Habit Burger Grill
- Jamba
- Cinnabon
- Taco Bell
- Slice House by Tony Gemignani — grab a pretzel or hot dogs on the go and keep exploring
If you have a sweet tooth, Voodoo Doughnut is a must. The Portland-born doughnut shop brings its wild, over-the-top creations to SoCal and the lines move fast.
Live Entertainment and Street Performances
5 Towers Stage is CityWalk’s open-air concert venue, and it punches well above its weight. The state-of-the-art space features over 5,000 LED lights and hosts a rotating lineup of live acts — from local performers to nationally recognized artists. It’s free to watch from the promenade, making it one of the best free entertainment experiences in LA.
Street performers and pop-up entertainment add to the energy throughout the day. The vibe shifts as the evening kicks in — livelier, louder, and a lot of fun.
Shopping at Universal CityWalk Hollywood
CityWalk has around 30 stores covering everything from pop culture merch to everyday essentials. Universal merch is a big draw — pick up SUPER NINTENDO WORLD gear, Universal Monsters collectibles, or souvenirs from your favorite Universal destinations.
- NBA Store — jerseys, hats, and gear for every team, year-round
- Hot Topic — pop culture apparel and accessories
- Line Friends — character merchandise and lifestyle goods
- Shoe Palace — sneakers and streetwear
- Sephora — full-service beauty retail right on the promenade
See a Movie at Universal Cinema
AMC Theatres at CityWalk is one of the best places to catch a film in LA. With 19 screens including a movie theater featuring IMAX and a brand-new AMC PRIME auditorium, it’s a serious cinema experience. Reclining seats, laser projection, and Dolby Atmos sound make it worth the trip on its own.
If you’re 21 or older, the Director’s Lounge inside the theater serves cocktails inspired by Universal Studios Hollywood films and attractions — a nice touch before the show.
Parking is just $5 with a movie ticket. Pay for general parking on arrival, then bring your receipt to the box office for a rebate. You can also purchase tickets in advance through the AMC Theatres app to have your barcode ready at the gate.
Escapology Escape Rooms
New to CityWalk as of 2025, Escapology brings immersive escape room experiences to the promenade. Choose from themed rooms including:
- Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure
- Batman: The Dark Knight Challenge
- A Pirate’s Curse
- Haunted House
Tickets run $49.99 per adult and $39.99 for kids ages 7-12.
Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood
Getting the most out of CityWalk comes down to timing, transportation, and knowing a few insider tricks before you go.
Getting There
- Metro Red Line — The easiest option. Take it to the Universal City/Studio City station and follow the signs. No parking costs, no traffic stress.
- Rideshare — Uber and Lyft drop off at designated areas near the Jurassic Parking Garage. Signs throughout the property will guide you.
- Driving — Use the Universal Studios Hollywood app or website to check real-time parking availability before you leave. It saves a lot of frustration on busy days.
Parking Costs at a Glance
- General parking before 5pm: $40
- General parking after 5pm: $10
- Movie ticket parking: $5 (pay on arrival, get reimbursed at the AMC box office)
- Valet with full-service restaurant validation: from $25+
- Gold and Platinum annual passholders park free after 6pm (excluding select special event nights)
The Jurassic Parking Garage is the most central option for CityWalk visitors. If you’re coming purely for dinner or a movie, arriving after 5pm makes parking significantly more affordable.
Prices are subject to change — check the Universal Studios Hollywood app or website for the most current rates before your visit.
Best Time to Visit Universal CityWalk
Weekday evenings are the sweet spot. The crowds thin out, parking drops to $10, and the energy at 5 Towers Stage picks up. If you’re visiting on a weekend, aim to arrive before noon or after 7pm to avoid the midday rush.
CityWalk runs seasonal events worth planning around. Halloween Horror Nights transforms the area each fall into one of LA’s most popular Halloween experiences. The holiday season brings a giant Christmas tree and festive entertainment near the AMC Theatres cineplex. Keep an eye on the Universal Studios Hollywood app for updated event schedules and any changes to parking or hours.
Planning your first trip to LA? Check out our First Time Visitor’s Guide to Los Angeles
How to Combine CityWalk With Hollywood Highlights
CityWalk works best as the second half of your LA day. Start your morning in Hollywood proper — see the Walk of Fame, catch the best views of the Hollywood Sign, drive through Beverly Hills, spot some celebrity homes — then head up to Universal City in the afternoon for shopping, dinner, and a movie.
Our Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour is the perfect way to spend a morning in LA. See the Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, and real celebrity homes with a local guide who knows all the inside stories.
The tour wraps up with plenty of time to make it to CityWalk for the afternoon and evening. It’s one of the easiest ways to pack a full Hollywood experience into a single day.
Universal CityWalk with Kids vs Adults
One of the things that makes CityWalk in Hollywood work so well is that it genuinely has something for everyone. The experience shifts depending on who you’re visiting with.
Citywalk For Families
Kids love CityWalk. The open promenade layout is stroller-friendly and easy to navigate, and there’s enough visual stimulation to keep younger visitors entertained before you even set foot in a restaurant or store.
- Escapology’s themed escape rooms are a hit with older kids
- The NBA Store and Universal merch outposts are instant crowd-pleasers
- The 5 Towers Stage performances are free and fun for all ages
- The AMC Theatres cineplex has family-friendly screenings throughout the day
Need more ideas? Our full guide to things to do in Los Angeles with kids has everything you need to plan a great family day.
Citywalk For Adults and Couples
CityWalk takes on a different energy after dark. The dining and shopping scene gives way to a livelier nightlife vibe, and there are plenty of ways to stretch the evening.
- The Director’s Lounge inside AMC is a solid pre-movie cocktail spot (21+)
- Hard Rock Cafe brings live music and classic American fare to the mix
- 5 Towers Stage regularly hosts acts worth staying out for
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is a perennial favorite for a casual drink and a laid-back SoCal vibe
Citywalk For Groups
CityWalk handles large groups well. With 30-plus eateries and around 30 stores spread across the promenade, groups can split up, explore, and regroup easily. Several full-service restaurants accept reservations, which is worth doing if you’re visiting on a weekend or during Halloween Horror Nights season.
It’s worth noting that if you’ve visited CityWalk in Orlando — whether at Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, or the broader Universal Orlando Resort — the Hollywood version has a distinctly different feel. CityWalk in Orlando leans into a tropical resort energy with spots like the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. CityWalk in Hollywood is more grounded in LA culture — a little more laid-back, a little more local, with that unmistakable SoCal edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Universal CityWalk free to enter?
Yes. CityWalk in Hollywood is free to enter. Parking costs apply, but the promenade itself has no admission ticket or cover charge.
Do you need a Universal Studios Hollywood ticket to visit CityWalk?
No. CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood are two separate experiences. You can visit CityWalk any day without buying a theme park ticket.
How much does parking cost at Universal CityWalk Hollywood?
General parking is $40 before 5pm and drops to $10 after 5pm. Movie ticket parking is just $5 — pay on arrival and get reimbursed at the AMC box office. Valet parking starts at $25 with a full-service restaurant validation. Use the Universal Studios Hollywood app or website to check current rates before you visit.
How do I get to Universal CityWalk without a car?
Take the Metro Red Line to the Universal City/Studio City station — it’s a short walk from there. Rideshare drop-off is available near the Jurassic Parking Garage, with signs throughout the property guiding you to the right spot.
What is the difference between CityWalk in Hollywood and CityWalk in Orlando?
Both are entertainment districts attached to their respective Universal parks, but the vibe is distinct. Universal CityWalk Orlando at Universal Orlando Resort is larger, with a tropical resort feel and venues like the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. CityWalk in Hollywood is more compact and carries that classic SoCal energy — a better reflection of L.A. itself.
What happens at CityWalk during Halloween Horror Nights?
Halloween Horror Nights is one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s biggest annual events. CityWalk gets busier and more festive during the season, with extended hours, special dining offers, and a charged atmosphere. Parking costs may increase on event nights, so check the Universal Studios Hollywood app ahead of time.
Is Universal CityWalk good for kids?
Absolutely. The layout is stroller-friendly, the dining options cover all ages, and attractions like Escapology and the AMC Theatres cineplex keep older kids entertained. It’s one of the most family-friendly free attractions in L.A.
Ready to See the Rest of LA?
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is one of those places that surprises people. Free to enter, packed with great food, live entertainment, and shopping — it’s a genuine LA destination in its own right.
But CityWalk is just one piece of what makes Los Angeles so special. Our daily tours from Hollywood Boulevard and Santa Monica Pier cover all of LA’s most iconic locations.
- Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour — Celebrity homes, Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Sign, and the Sunset Strip in two hours
- Half Day Best of LA Tour — Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, and more all in one morning
- Private VIP SUV Tours — Your itinerary, your pace, all from the comfort of a luxury SUV
