Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood sits on a hillside in Universal City, just over the Cahuenga Pass from Hollywood. The site opened as a film studio in 1912 and as a studio lot in 1915, and the theme park itself opened in 1964. Unlike most theme parks, it remains a working film and television studio, and that is what sets it apart.

The headline attraction is the Studio Tour, a guided tram ride around the backlot that passes sets and soundstages and includes encounters such as King Kong, with clips introduced by Jimmy Fallon. Beyond that, the park is divided into the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot, which sit at different levels and are connected by a long series of escalators called the Starway.

Among the themed lands, Super Nintendo World recreates the Mushroom Kingdom, with interactive play and the ride Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter includes a replica of Hogwarts castle and the shops of Hogsmeade, along with themed rides. Other attractions and shows change over time, so check the park map for the day you visit.

The park suits families with children old enough for the rides, teenagers and film fans, and it is a full-day outing. Queues can be long in school holidays and at weekends, so arriving at opening time and heading for the most popular rides first is a sensible approach. Express-style tickets that reduce waiting are sold, at a higher price.

Plan for heat in summer, as many queues are outdoors, and wear comfortable shoes for the walking and the escalators between lots. Food is available throughout the park, and Universal CityWalk, the dining and entertainment street outside the gates, is a convenient place for dinner afterwards. It helps to download the park's app or pick up a map on arrival, check ride wait times through the day and move between the Upper and Lower Lots strategically rather than criss-crossing. Some rides have height requirements, so check them in advance if you are travelling with younger children, and keep in mind that the Studio Tour can be affected by filming on the lot.

Universal City station on the Metro B Line is at the bottom of the hill, with a free shuttle up to the park, which avoids the paid parking structures. Hollywood Boulevard is just a few stops away on the same line, so it is easy to combine with sightseeing there on another day.