Los Angeles isn’t exactly a backpackers dream trip, but it definitely has a lot of to offer. Stepping foot in Hollywood for the first time is like stepping foot into every movie that you have ever watched, and becoming part of the scene. Everywhere you look, you recognize a setting; every corner you turn, reveals something new. With all of today’s reality shows that are set in the Greater L.A. area, its almost impossible not to point out every building, statue, store, restaurant or street that you once spotted on television.

Hollywood Boulevard itself is a land filled with tourists and eclectic tour groups. You will see a lot of stereotypes here; from Hawaiian print shirts to khaki pants, and men with their noses in maps to whole families in matching outfits. As one of the most visited streets in America, it’s no wonder that it’s so crowded.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame The Hollywood Walk of Fame consists of more than 2,400 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along fifteen blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California. The stars are permanent public monuments to achievement in the entertainment industry, bearing the names of a mix of actors, musicians, directors, producers, musical and theatrical groups, fictional characters, and others.

It’s best to start your journey of Hollywood Blvd at either end of the Walk of Fame, and make your way to the other. Starting at the West end will bring you to the four Silver ladies of Hollywood Gazebo Statue (featuring Miss Monroe). In the East, the walk runs also North and South on Vine St, from Yucca St to Sunset Blvd, just around Katsuya Restaurant.

It’s impossible to walk down the sidewalk at a normal pace; and if you are actually trying to get somewhere fast, it’s equally impossible to navigate around everyone else that’s not. It’s a street of patience, and everyone is taking in the history and magic of the stars, and randomly popping down to the ground to get a shot with their favourite entertainer.

Wax Museum of the Stars Want to interact with the stars themselves? Head over to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum for an up close look at all of your favourite actors, actresses and entertainers. You are free to walk about the facility at your own time and leisure. Photo opportunities are plenty and welcomed. Just don’t touch the faces or hair.

It’s alright to throw your arm around Britney Spears, or stick your head between Angelina’s and Brad’s. It’s not hard to spend hour in the museum, getting lost in Hollywood’s past, or practising your jump shot beside Kobe Bryant.

Celebrity Spotting Aside from wax stars and the stars on the ground, Hollywood boasts a high population of real stars. If you spend enough time at the corner of Hollywood and Vine or inside the Hollywood and Highland Center, you are bound to run into at least one famous Hollywood Starlet or action hero. I was quite excited to spot Chuck Liddell outside of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre with his family.

Starry Nights Got your fill of Hollywood during the day? Head back over to the Blvd at night, to do some real star spotting. The stars in the sky. Hollywood is just as bustling at night, and you can get a great view of the Hollywood sign in the sparkling night’s sky. Head up to the bridges of the Hollywood & Highland Center for some night photo shots, and a better view of the starry sky.

Star spotting in Hollywood is never short of an amazing time. With the several ways to spot stars, you’ll never run out of things to do, and stars to see. Don’t forget to bring your walking shoes, and charge your camera!