Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

First National Pictures built this Burbank lot in 1926, and Warner Bros. has run its main operation from here since 1937. The public tour started in 1973. It's still a working studio, and that shapes the whole visit: the route can change from day to day with production, and some areas may be closed. Go for what's on the lot that day, not for one specific backlot street.

What's Worth Seeing

The standard Studio Tour takes about 3 hours in two parts. The guided part lasts 45 to 60 minutes and takes you by cart around backlots such as New York Street, Midwest Street and Brownstone Street, plus the Friends Fountain. The rest is at your own pace, and it's most of the time, so don't rush it.

Stage 48: Script to Screen is where the self-guided part begins. It walks through pre-production, production and post-production, with a Foley simulator and an ADR studio you can try. The Central Perk set and Big Bang Theory sets are here, and Central Perk Cafe is a working cafe if you want to eat in the Friends setting. Friends itself was shot on Stage 24.

Action and Magic Made Here comes next. The tour's Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts sets include the Great Hall with the Sorting Hat, and its DC sets include the Batcave.

The tour you book matters. The TCM Classic Films Tour is longer and adds the Property Department, and the Deluxe Tour runs about 6 hours. The Superman Experience is a separate ticket, not part of the regular tour. The site lists what each one includes.

Some rules to know before you book. Guests must be at least 5, and anyone under 18 needs an adult. Everyone goes through a metal detector and must show a government photo ID, and large bags aren't allowed. Photos are allowed only where your guide says so, and video isn't allowed. Walk-up tickets are limited, so buy online. The FAQ has the rest, including wheelchair details for the carts.

How to Get There

The Tour Center is at 3400 Warner Blvd in Burbank. Follow signs for Tour Parking on the south side of Warner Boulevard. The garage clearance is 7 feet, and RVs, trailers and trucks aren't allowed. Arrive about 30 minutes before your tour. Rideshare drops you at the Tour Center's front door.

By transit, the tour's directions page lists Bus 501 from North Hollywood station, Bus 155 from Universal City station and Bus 222 from Hollywood/Highland. All of them leave you about a quarter mile from the Tour Center. Check Metro for current routes.

Nearby

• Universal Studios Hollywood is the other studio tour and a full theme park, in Universal City.
• Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park has free admission.
• The Hollywood Bowl is the outdoor concert venue in the Hollywood Hills.