TCL Chinese Theatres
TCL Chinese Theatres
4
About
Walk in the steps of the Tinseltown's stars: visit the theater's famous forecourt and gaze down at the stars' footprints, handprints and autographs immortalized in cement.
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from $36.99
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience TCL Chinese Theatres
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Hollywood undoubtedly conjures up images of movie stars and high-end lifestyles, and to this day, tourists flock here from around the world to see the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre and to catch a glimpse of the famed Hollywood sign up close. Celebrity impersonators and crowds give these areas the feeling of an amusement park while many clubs and hotels fill up around the weekends for late-night partying - the Hollywood club scene is a haven for thumping music and table-side bottle service. But parties aren’t the only way to enjoy this area, many visitors come to the neighborhood to sit back with a picnic to watch a performance at the Hollywood Bowl and those looking to stay fit trek along nature trails in the Hollywood hills and in Griffith Park.
How to get there
- Hollywood/Vine • 2 min walk
- Hollywood/Highland • 2 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,890 within 3 miles
Attractions
535 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- WikumjBromley, United Kingdom327 contributionsMust see for any movie fanNot sure why this doesn't have a higher average review score here - it is a must see for any movie fan going to Hollywood - and was in fact the highlight of our visit to Hollywood, outside of the studio tours. We came mainly to see the messages and signatures of stars in the pavement, which itself was interesting seeing the history of the stars and celebs. However the real highlight was the 45 minute tour of the building. I highly recommend this at it was not too expensive and they validate your car parking ticket so that covers the cost anyway. The tour allows you to go inside the building which is very beautiful and unusual from the inside with it's grand Chinese theme, and the tour guide was incredibly informative about how the theatre was built and it's history. Crazy to think that this is where most movie red carpets have been hosted over the last century right up to the present day.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 14, 2023
- CasandraTPSydney, Australia1,097 contributionsHollywood historyThis 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.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 30, 2023
- Jim FGreensburg, Pennsylvania210 contributionsAn integral part of entertainment historyOur 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!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 2, 2023
- joaniemariaEldridge, Iowa2,443 contributionsGo 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.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 25, 2023
- BanditgalArlington, Massachusetts18 contributionsChinese Theater Great TourMy 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.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 25, 2023
- Cavalier1994Bethesda, Maryland126 contributionsOne 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.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 11, 2024
- Grover RPensacola, Florida18,123 contributionsCenter of HollywoodYou 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.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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
4.0
3,519 reviews
Excellent
1,135
Very good
1,416
Average
775
Poor
129
Terrible
64
permia
Ireland41,097 contributions
Oct 2019
We heard an intriguing account of the inspiration for the hand and foot impressions.
Shortly before the its 1927 opening Sid Grauman and a couple of movie stars arrived by limousine and stepped onto the cement forecourt that was still soft, leaving their shoe-prints. Thus a legendary idea was born.
It’s a gorgeous and remarkable edifice. Ornate with Chinois features throughout, it is one of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks.
It was fun picking out the stars’ impressions. Marilyn of course, but also many more from the past, and more recently.
Shortly before the its 1927 opening Sid Grauman and a couple of movie stars arrived by limousine and stepped onto the cement forecourt that was still soft, leaving their shoe-prints. Thus a legendary idea was born.
It’s a gorgeous and remarkable edifice. Ornate with Chinois features throughout, it is one of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks.
It was fun picking out the stars’ impressions. Marilyn of course, but also many more from the past, and more recently.
Written January 20, 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.
Prats1
San Ramon, CA8 contributions
Dec 2019
The Chinese theater & the walk of starts outside is essential part of the Hollywood visit. Even if people dont take the inside the theater, its the outside that is a must to visit. People of all ages will be able to identify actors, characters, singers on the walk of stars or their hand & foot prints in the theater.
Written January 22, 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.
Yenyok
New York City, NY207 contributions
Feb 2020
The TCL Chinese Theatre is a movie palace along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and adjacent to the Dolby Theatre. The floor in front of the theatre is filled with cement hand and foot prints of famous Hollywood actors and actresses. We had fun matching our hands and feet with the one of the artists. Marilyn Monroe feet were so small.
Written March 1, 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.
Frank Masters
Lansdale, PA862 contributions
Mar 2020
I have been here a very long time ago and wanted to come back and tour the area alone. Nothing really changes except the people. Its a must see event when in the Hollywood area on tour.
There are the street actors, actors dressed in costume working for tips too. Maybe some music and maybe you'll even see Cousin Sal from Jimmy Kimmel's theater, right across the street.
There are the street actors, actors dressed in costume working for tips too. Maybe some music and maybe you'll even see Cousin Sal from Jimmy Kimmel's theater, right across the street.
Written March 6, 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.
nickelcitygirl
Sudbury, Canada680 contributions
Sep 2019
We didn't have time to go in to the theatre so unfortunately I can't comment on that, but we really enjoyed looking at all of the Hollywood hand and footprints in what's called The Forecourt of the Stars. Also known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the building has such an impressive looking exterior. A must see along Hollywood Boulevard.
Written August 18, 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.
Kerri G
Salt Lake City, UT36 contributions
Apr 2023
We went to see a movie here on an afternoon on a recent trip to LA before we headed to the Griffith Observatory. It was a good way to spend a little bit of time in the area. The theatre is fine, but definitely not fancy. It was fun to walk around outside afterward and see the hand and feet prints, and we got our parking validated which made parking very reasonable.
Written April 23, 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.
jehenson81
Washington DC, DC22,400 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
The only other time I visited LA, the area in front of the theater was closed off for Christopher Walker’s hands in cement ceremony. This time I was actually able to wander around, get some photos and test out my hands verses the stars. There were a few people I had never heard of, but lots I had. It was really fun and for most of my time there, I had the place basically to myself since it was before most of the tourists arrive.
Written January 7, 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.
JayOh
Orlando, FL5 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
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
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.
Jim F
Greensburg, PA210 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
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
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.
Banditgal
Arlington, MA18 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
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
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.
Renatahehu92
3 contributions
Hola, actualmente se pueden hacer tours dentro del Teatro o están suspendidos? Y se puede ver alguna pelicula ahi? Gracias por sus comentarios.
Alguien tomó el tour que incluye la tarjeta GO LOS ANGELES? hay que reservar? Quisiera un horario por la noche después del tour de Warner de las 3 pm .Envié correo pero no me ha contestado
_pequitas_org
Province of Pontevedra, Spain253 contributions
Hola. Se lo puedo decirte y recomendar como lo hicimos nosotros, por separado en un dĂa cada uno. AsĂ se disfruta y ve mejor. Es mi consejo. Un saludo
Derek T
Denver, CO28 contributions
Where is the best place to park? I’m taking my kids to look at the walk of fame and hand prints.
Nancy D
Los Angeles, CA1,788 contributions
You can pay $3 for two hours if you get a validation from a store in the Hollywood Highland center. This site does not allow me to post a link. If you google Hollywood Highland parking, you will get more details. Have fun.
Chantelle M
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
i see on the website there are 2 tours avaliable :
LOBBYISTS & HANDPRINTS TOUR (NR) and
TCL CHINESE THEATRE TOUR.
does anyone know the difference between them? and are they worth doing?
thanks
DrCDB
Chile540 contributions
Agree with the other reviewers, the best value option is to get to see the inside by seeing a movie. The handprints you can do it yourself (no tour needed).
Eva Krupova
Istanbul, TĂĽrkiye9 contributions
Unfortunatelly the Chinese Theater was closed. The big truck was in front of the theater so we did not see anything.
itaca117
152 contributions
Ciao, vorrei sapere se si può visitare da soli il teatro e poter vedere le lastre di cemento senza una guida, se si, quanto costa e se si può entrare a qualsiasi orario. Grazie
epistocuro
Turin, Italy2,951 contributions
Penso proprio che si possa
Lauren M
Melbourne, Australia9 contributions
What are the opening hours for tours?
cszostak
Doylestown, PA556 contributions
Tours start in the morning. The best place to go for specifics is their website. They have tour options as well as times. You can book everything in advance, guaranteed a spot. Have fun!
Lauren M
Melbourne, Australia9 contributions
What are the opening hours for tours?
Michael S
Los Angeles, CA96 contributions
Christine from New York posted the hours but this theatre chain hosts many special events from Academy events, (there is more than one academy), to industry screenings to film festivals, so worth a phone call before you go.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingTCL Chinese Theatres - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about TCL Chinese Theatres
- TCL Chinese Theatres admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $36.99, while a popular guided tour starts around $5.20 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience TCL Chinese Theatres:
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood Admission Ticket (From $36.99)
- Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour (From $27.00)
- Los Angeles: City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour (From $49.00)
- Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Bus tours (From $35.00)
- Hollywood Walking and Hiking Sunset Tour with LA Skyline (From $25.00)
- Hotels near TCL Chinese Theatres:
- (0.02 mi) Apartment in the Heart of Hollywood
- (0.06 mi) The Hollywood Roosevelt
- (0.12 mi) Hollywood Celebrity Hotel
- (0.10 mi) Samesun Hollywood
- (0.11 mi) Orange Drive Hostel
- Restaurants near TCL Chinese Theatres:
- (0.03 mi) Randy's Donuts
- (0.03 mi) JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles
- (0.03 mi) Hollywood Rock Cafe
- (0.08 mi) Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
- (0.05 mi) california PIZZA KITCHEN
- Attractions near TCL Chinese Theatres:
- (0.01 mi) City Sightseeing Los Angeles
- (0.03 mi) Have Fun Tours
- (0.03 mi) Anvio VR Hollywood
- (0.03 mi) Virtual Room Los Angeles
- (0.03 mi) Red Line Tours