Hollywood, the Walk of Fame and the studios

No first visit to LA is complete without the icons of Hollywood: the Walk of Fame with its starry pavement, the TCL Chinese Theatre and its celebrity handprints, and the buzz of Hollywood Boulevard, all free to stroll (though be ready for the crowds and costumed characters). For film fans, the studio tours at Warner Bros. or Universal go behind the scenes for a bigger ticket. Manage expectations: Hollywood itself can feel grittier than the glamour suggests, but it's an essential slice of the city. We'll explain what's free, which paid tours are worth it, and how to see the best of it.