Universal Citywalk ⎯⎯ What to do in Los Angeles

I confess that I wasn't very excited when I heard about Universal Citywalk in Hollywood, especially since I visited Universal in Orlando several times during my exchange. But because it was so close to where I was staying (literally a metro station), I ended up being attracted by not having to walk far to get there and decided to go check it out.

To get

For those who don't have a car in the city, just get off at Universal City / Studio City station (red line), or take bus 101 – Hollywood Freeway North to Universal Studios Blvd. Next to the metro station there is a free shuttle to Universal every 15 minutes. I recommend taking the shuttle, as it is a good climb to Citywalk and with a very narrow sidewalk. For those driving, there is parking there and it costs around $18 before 5 pm.

Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles Hollywood — Universal Citywalk in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Shops and Attractions

Universal Citywalk was one of the most fun things I did in Los Angeles, with lots of interesting shops. Among them, the highlight is Hot Topic, a store dedicated to pop culture full of all-stars, band t-shirts, dolls Pop! by Funko and other accessories. I went when Pride, Prejudice and Zombies were about to premiere in the cinema and look what was there, the Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy dolls. Cute!

Funko Pop! of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy ⎯ from the film Pride, Prejudice and Zombies ⎯ at Hot Topic at Citywalk in Los Angeles.

There's a Universal Studios store there, with Harry Potter themed souvenirs, funny Simpsons objects and everything possible from the world's favorites, the Minions. Other stores that can also be found there are Abercrombie and Fitch, Billabong, Guess and Fossil.

The beauty part (can't be missed hehe) is Lush, the natural and best-smelling cosmetics store in the world. There are soaps, scrubs, moisturizers, shampoos, deodorants and many different bath bombs. All products are cruelty-free, that is, not tested on animals and several of them are also vegan.

Minions section of the Universal Store at Citywalk Hollywood.

Restaurants

Among the restaurants there is the famous Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., specializing in shrimp and with a Forrest Gump theme, a Johnny Rockets and the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood. Fast-food outlets KFC, Pizza Hut, Panda Express and Subway are also present, as well as a Brazilian steakhouse called Samba. For dessert, I recommend stopping by Ben & Jerry's and trying some of the most delicious ice cream flavors I've ever tasted (Chocolate Therapy and Everything but the... are my favorites, I recommend them!).

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant at Citywalk. Specialized in shrimp and seafood.

For those who are in Los Angeles and looking for a cheap and fun program, a trip to Universal Citywalk is a suggestion. Lively place, full of shops, restaurants and right at the entrance to the Universal parks in Hollywood!

If you're curious to know what the park is like, you can read this post by Flávia, from Quarto de Viagem, telling us about the day she visited Universal Studios Hollywood.