Universal CityWalk is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex located next to Universal Studios. It's home to more than a dozen restaurants, lots of retail shops and an 18-screen movie theater. Located outside the theme park's gates, it's accessible to everyone.

CityWalk looks like a narrow, pedestrians-only city street with lots of colorful, brightly-lighted signs hanging above. It vibrates with neon energy in the evening and at night.

One visitor described it as Kind of a mini scale Vegas scene without all the booze.

Universal CityWalk hosts free outdoor concerts in summer and you'll often find street performers there, too. In warm weather, kids love running through the water play area to cool off while the adults watch and take photos.

Besides the shopping and dining opportunities, you'll find an indoor skydiving center and a bowling alley. Bands perform at the 5 Towers live performance stage.

Universal CityWalk Tips

• When you pay to park at Universal CityWalk - and it's not cheap. You can offset that with their movie ticket rebate. Mid day on weekdays, most Citywalk businesses offer validation that can lower your costs.
• You can get to CityWalk easily using public transportation on the LA Metro Red Line, which runs from downtown through Hollywood to Universal City. From the Metro station, you can take a free shuttle.

Universal CityWalk Review

Universal CityWalk is a high-energy place with lots of good spots for eating, souvenir shopping  and an evening's entertainment.

Online reviewers are divided in their opinions about CityWalk. Some say it's too expensive and nothing special, but others love the people-watching, street performers and overall energy. Locals who review on Yelp tend to rate it lower than the visitors who rate it at Tripadvisor.

I'd rather spend my time an Universal inside the theme park than at CityWalk and that's what I tell my friends. If you want to take a break from the theme park and have a quiet meal in a sit-down restaurant, it is a good place to do that.

For an easy evening out, I'd go to Hollywood & Highland (which has cheaper parking and a lively street scene) or to the Los Angeles Farmers Market and The Grove.

The movie theatre at CityWalk includes an 8-story IMAX screen, stadium-style rocking seats and 360 degree digital surround sound, but I'd go elsewhere for my movie-watching, too - perhaps to the Arclight Cinerama Dome on Sunset.

The Basics About Universal CityWalk

1000 Universal Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA
818-622-4455
Universal Citywalk Website

If you're driving from US 101 going south, exit at Lankershim. Turn left turn onto Cahuenga Boulevard and then left onto Universal Studios Boulevard. Follow the road up the hill to Universal CityWalk.

From US 101 North going south, exit at Universal Studios Boulevard and follow the signs to Universal CityWalk.

There's a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway station at Universal City, on the Metro Red Line. Across the street from the subway station is a free shuttle bus to Universal CityWalk.

More About Universal Studios

• Read about visiting, when to go, what there is to do
• Find out how to buy tickets
• Get some tips to make the most of your visit