Many consider
Hollywood a city by its own. It is true that it has the potential and the area to be a city, but the reality is that it is a
district of Los Angeles. It is the best known district of the city and it’s likely to be the most famous district in the world thanks to the film industry.
Another common misconception is about the famous Hollywood sign. People generally think that it was built to advertise the movie capital in the world. The truth is that the sign originally advertised the housing projects situated in the valley. Originally, read “Hollywoodland” and only in 1949 it gained its current look. After many years of deterioration in 1978, Alice Cooper started a public campaign to gain money for restoration. Nine well-known celebrities became donors and gave money to restore a letter. This way the letter “Y” stand tall these days thanks to Hugh Hefner, just like the “W” thanks to Andy Williams.
Despite the fact that this iconic sign is visible from almost everywhere in Hollywood, many want to get as close to it as they can. You can get as close as 100 meters to it if you want to. The 15 meter tall letters are visible even from satellite. Because of its popularity this sign is a trademark of Hollywood and the fact that this district is a movie heaven many films have steady shots of the sign. Several TV shows and programs also feature this unique landmark.
While in Hollywood, it’s almost impossible not to meet a celebrity that you were admiring in front of your television just days ago. However, it is a misconception that the movie industry is situated within the borders of this area. The truth is that while the film companies moved their studios and headquarters outside Hollywood, to Burbank and western Los Angeles, only effect, lightning and editing studios are still operating in here.
Of course, the main attractions are the theaters and other venues. Because of the large number of movies, related events that take place in these venues many restaurants and lounges open each year. These restaurants vary a lot in matter of quality: you can find fine and at the same time affordable ones, but if you want you can chose from several high-end, ultra-luxury restaurants, which are proud to have a guest list full of Hollywood A-listers.
If you aren’t lucky enough to meet or even get an autograph from your favorite actor or actress you should visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As you know this is the first of its kind; the first star was awarded back in 1960. From then on more than 2000 others were awarded to movie and broadcast television actors or musicians. Over the years, even fictional characters got their own stars at The Walk. Mickey Mouse was the first cartoon character who had a star. It was given as a surprise for his 50th birthday. Not only musicians and other performing actors got stars here: sportsmen also have their own, just like Muhammad Ali.
Because of its popularity The Walk was copied by other cities, this way you can find the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong and London, the Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto or the St. Louis Walk of Fame. Not only foreign cities have their own walks of fame, even Hollywood has a second one. This one is a little different, having the handprints of the awardees. This one features exclusively rock stars.
Hollywood has ten neighborhoods, which guarantees the variety of styles throughout the city. Maybe the best known of them is West Hollywood. Here you can find the Sunset Strip that is a two-kilometer long connecting the western side of the district with Beverly Hills. The wall-to-wall advertisements are trademarks of this strip.
Every famous designer has a boutique here, like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace or Prada. This is a real nightlife hotspot because of the lavish rock bars and nightclubs. It is not only popular among the tourists but also among rock stars, musicians and entertainers. This area was already popular among partygoers in the 1960s, London Fog being one of the most popular spots. After over 30 years of operating, it was closed and today the Duke’s Coffee Shop is in its place. Other famous nightclubs that are operating even today are Whisky a Go Go, Roxy or Pandora’s Box.
Searching for clubs to spend your night at, you shouldn’t stop at the borders of the Sunset Strip. In other parts of Hollywood, you can find many other clubs and lounges too. One of these is The Room. The recipe of its success is as simple as its name: good music. Young deejays play real party anthems all night long. Over the years, this bar became popular among young-Hollywood. On the same street, you can find the Opium Den. Young rockers frequent this one. On the Hollywood Blvd., you can find the Mood, which is an Indonesian theme club with go-go dancers. Next to the Mood, you can find the Geisha House. This is a sushi bar, perfect to rest a little between two parties.
Even when everybody went home, you can find a perfect spot to party at; this is the At the Factory. This club is open until eight in the morning, so you can enjoy the house music long enough.
If you want to see sights you saw on TV, give yourself a chance to meet your favorite celebrity or just have a good time parting, than Hollywood is the perfect holiday location for you.
