2024 TCL Chinese Theatre VIP Tour
Tours and Tickets
TCL Chinese Theatre VIP Tour
3.5

TCL Chinese Theatre VIP Tour

By TCL Chinese Theatres
About

Ages 3-90
Duration: 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Professional guide
  • Entry/Admission - TCL Chinese Theatres
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off


  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10096P1

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10096P1

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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • TCL Chinese Theatres
    3,520
    Los Angeles, California
  • petes267
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Viewing the Outside of the Chinese Theatre
    Out on Hollywood Boulevard early and passed the Chinese Theatre- great as so few people around good time to take photos. We called back later when it had opened and decided that the wait + numbers of people would take too long. A few extra photos of the pavement signatures and more walking- Is it worth a tour- not sure but that's for the individual. Certainly impressive from the outside.
    Written May 4, 2024
  • GroverR
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Center of Hollywood
    You can't come to Hollywood without seeing the Chinese Theatre. The history of the theater to Hollywood and Hollywood position to culture in the US make this a must see. We only had a few moments, but I had to bring our group here to see it.
    Written April 21, 2024
  • Cavalier1994
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One and done must-see tourist spot!
    Fun to check this off our LA attractions list by heading to this iconic location. There is a paid ticket tour of the theater itself but most come here to see the famous movie star handprints and names adorning the forecourt of the theater. For free, which is the best part. Seeing the names of famous Hollywood stars makes you wonder how so much showbiz history happened here, from Marilyn Monroe to Tom Hanks to Arnold to 1920 silent stars to Michael Jackson. There’s even homages to the Marvel Avengers, Twilight, Harry Potter casts. Beware of street vendors or costumed guys who can be aggressive with charging for pictures. This visit takes less than 30 mins (much better attractions or the beach await you) and there is free street parking along the nearby streets.
    Written April 11, 2024
  • TutormomCM
    0 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hollywood is a Dump- Skip it and hot to beach
    This experience was terrible. There was a man with no pitch singing Michael Jackson songs outside the theatre and it was deafeningly loud. We had people trying to give use CDs outside the theatre. Who even has a CD player anymore? They were yelling profanities at us with our child because we politely refused. It was a scan to get you to take it and then ask you for money. Illegal street vendors selling fruit cups that came from God knows where with unwashed hands. People trying to “sell” us “tours” with dirty brochures they pulled out of the trash. Homeless people with garbage bags sitting on the Walk of Fame. Shame on you California for allowing this to happen! What a tragedy!
    Written April 9, 2024
  • lb33wonka
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Touristy but Iconic
    I’m sure if you’re visiting you’ll want to stop here but make sure it’s not the only reason you’re in the area. Try to include it with madame tussauds or something else in the area. I’m talking about the signatures on the ground not the movie theater.
    Written February 25, 2024
  • AMohsen
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Movies and Celebrities Stamps and Commemoration
    It is the spot known for celebrating newly released movies and stamping on the ground the names of celebrities and top movies as a commemoration symbol. It is located on the Walk of Fame.
    Written January 29, 2024
  • Banditgal
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chinese Theater Great Tour
    My son asked to visit the Chinese Theater when we were in CA. We were outside and there was a tour guide named Michael. I asked Michael some questions when we were there and he took us on a tour of the theater. He was amazing, and he even was intrigued when my son who is 11 asked a ton of history and architectural questions about the building. He was so nice to make my son's day. I would highly recommend visiting when you are there. Such great memories.
    Written December 25, 2023
  • joaniemaria
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Go to a movie here if you have a chance!
    We watched “Napoleon” on the IMAX screen. It is a great place to watch a movie. I like the decor and the displays in the lobby. Go to a movie here if you have a chance. The seats are retro, but quite comfortable with plenty of legroom.
    Written November 25, 2023
  • JimF353
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An integral part of entertainment history
    Our tour of the theater was exceptional. Our guide was so knowledgable of the history of this theater as well as the many, many premiers of films, the stars, directors and entertainment personnel who were a part of the history of this theater. This theater steeps in entertainment history. The hand and foot prints of the stars at the entrance of the theater, the actual dresses and costumes worn by various stars and the beauty of the theater made for and inspiring visit. A tour of this theater is a must for anyone visiting Las Angeles. Highly recommended!
    Written November 2, 2023
  • elizabethlascheid
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is Only for the Large Main Theater that has the 70 MM screen.
    If you are not going to the main theater that has the 70 MM screen, I would not bother. The place is crowded, not clean and filled with people taking photos of the cement with the names in it and they don't seem to care if they push or knock you over. Now, as to the main theater. There is only one and you will know when you look up the movie you want to see. The other theaters are smaller and not comfortable. This main theater is beautiful. It has all the old art deco that was the pride of the Chinese for decades. They have redone all the seats and there is not a bad seat in the house. Each row is lifted so you can see and the backs of the chairs go back. They are super comfortable. The concessions are nothing to write home about. They are the same as any movie house. They are pricey and not great. The service is super nice. The sound is great and the picture is amazing. We saw Oppenheimer there and are so happy we did. We will be back for another great movie like this one, but as to the smaller theaters that are now part of the Chinese Theater, we will pass. If you are a tourist, your wallet is in your front pocket. Take all the photos you want but be considerate of others. Have a great time.
    Written September 26, 2023
  • Waddler
    0 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quick photo stop
    We checked out the messages and prints in the concrete outside the theatre - these are clearly visible. The exterior of the building is reasonably interesting, but really its just a quick photo stop.
    Written September 6, 2023
  • CasandraTP
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hollywood history
    This really Is Hollywood history with so many stars hand and foot prints from the past and present. The theatre is beautiful and is definitely worth a visit to see up close. As it is on the Walk of Fame it is full of tourists but if you get there early enough you can avoid the large crowds. To walk around the outside is free and it is amazing the calibre of stars there are.
    Written July 30, 2023
  • thewanderingmeatball
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic but Touristy
    Cool place to visit to check out all the handprints and conveniently located along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is a very crowded spot so you will have to contend with a lot of other people.
    Written July 3, 2023
  • CarolH979
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome Hollywood history
    I don’t know what the actual theater is like, we just went to see the hand/footprints out front. There are dozens of hand/footprints from celebrities dating back to the 1930s. Fun to walk around and see your favorites! There is no admission for this-the slabs are in front of the theater, immediately adjacent to the Walk of Fame for anyone to see.
    Written June 25, 2023
  • TheShis
    0 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    A photo-op place. Nothing more.
    This is just one of those places for a photo-op. There's no need to take the overpriced touristic tour within the theaters.
    Written June 24, 2023
See all 3 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

3.5
3.5 of 5 bubbles37 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
12
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
6

Mike S
Fort Lauderdale, FL30 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The theater itself is iconic but....the crowds can be pushy and the parking terrible. I would recommend an Uber or Lyft to the location to walk around. Lots of street vendors can be aggressive too. Its worth the walk to see all of the stars on the walk and the dates signed. It can also be a bit dirty and there are no bathrooms available either. I would recommend keeping the stuff you are carrying to a minimum too...less to keep track of. As with any city area, beware of pickpockets and panhandlers.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cathy H
BETTENDORF11 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Family
We took the tour and because of the heat we opted to see the movie on another night - we realized it was the same thing (the tour only lets you see the lobby and the theatre area) only cheaper and we got to see the movie. The history is cool but if you just want to see inside, buy a ticket to the imax movie showing when you are in town. The handprints and footprints are open to the public and you’ll be able to go in the theatre 20 minutes prior to your movie and see everything.
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Makayla Muscat
Sydney, Australia360 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
In just 30 minutes, you will become acquainted with the life and legacy of Sid Grauman.

On this tour, guests are shown various costumes, props, iconic artwork, and architecture associated with the history of the theatre. Visitors will also learn about the history of cinema as well as hear fun facts and stories about the famous venue and some of the most iconic cemented hand and footprints in the forecourt.

Booking options are available. Alternatively, walk ups are welcome as tours run 7 days a week (excluding special events).

Photography is permitted on VIP Tours, so your camera is essential.

With a professional guide, this small group tour is ideal for anyone with an interest in Hollywood history. A visit to Los Angeles would be incomplete without visiting this unique landmark.
Written January 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tatjana G
Jacksonville, FL1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
Biggest scam of LA experience! Waist of time and money! Nothing to see or hear that is interesting and lasts only 5-10min maximum. No return policy and poor service. Smells bad inside.
Written April 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrea P
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Solo
First of all, this gem of a treasure needs some serious care. The building is being used as a cash cow and as it falls into more disrepair as time goes by, it's a travesty and should be taken over by the National Trust. The forecourt is swept daily, but little care is given to the legendary signatures and prints themselves. Ugly steel moveable fences are set up as a "promenade". The forecourt fountain has yet to be restored, nor is the wonderful dragon mural and marquee cleaned from the heaps of dirt and pigeon dung that has built up over the years. Inside is almost as cringeworthy with badly-fitting plastic cases displaying iconic Hollywood fashions that are gathering dirt under hot lights that damage them. Please Hollywood, save this treasure. Go and see a film here, by all means. You won't regret it, but pay attention to loving the building too.
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cherilyn J
34 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Couples
It’s a historic treasure! The ornate design and decor. From 1920’s. They have original and custom artifacts as well. They have the original theater with IMax and additional theaters in upper levels. The tour was awesome. We loved Lear big about the history and unique facts. The book they sell is worth it for $3. Loved seeing all the celebrity concrete prints and insignia out front. Highly recommend!
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

fiamma11
Tysons Corner, VA4,944 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
One can enter this theater by either attending a movie being shown or by taking a tour. Because it is an icon of Hollywood, along with the adjacent Walk of Fame, this site is popular. We bought our ticket online and I recommend going that route. The tour wasn't very long but it was fun.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Debbie P
Glen Waverley, Australia272 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Family
The TCL Chinese theatre is an amazing theatre. The seats are comfortable with lots of leg room. They slightly recline which was nice.The IMAX is amazing. The theatre’s decoration is just sensational. It’s hard not to get distracted. Everywhere you look there are beautiful details. The food and drink is typical movie fare. The hot dog was good as was the popcorn. There were ample bathrooms. In the foyer there are some costumes to look at. We enjoyed the Darth Vader and storm trooper. You also need time to look at the foot and hand prints of celebs outside the theatre. Great fun.
Written September 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Irish4052
Indianapolis, IN272 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I went today for the tour of the VIP tour . We both really enjoyed our tour guide Peter. He had lots of interesting information. He pointed out several beautiful aspects of the theater. Some of the things he pointed out I probably would have missed on my own. He had great knowledge of the history of the theater and current events . The tour definitely did not disappoint and I would highly recommend it .
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mitchell M
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
I took my friends visiting LA on a VIP tour of the TCL Chinese Theatre. Our tour guide was great and very informative. There were many famous hand and footprints outside the theatre which was awesome. The theatre itself is beautiful and historic. The main theatre is IMAX with reclining seats. There is another set of smaller (by seats) movie theatres upstairs, one being in 4D! I have seen movies in both the main theatre and upstairs and it has been a pleasant experience. They also serve alcohol which is nice to have a beer and watch a movie. The tour was great and the theater is even greater!
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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