The Warner Bros. Studios Tour in Burbank is one of those Los Angeles experiences that feels both classic and surprising at the same time. It is part museum, part working studio, and part nostalgia trip through some of the most iconic TV shows and films ever made. If you love movies and sitcoms or have friends and family coming to LA to visit and you want to take them to see something “Hollywood-y”, this tour is an easy win.
How to Visit
The Warner Bros. Studios Tour is located in Burbank, California, just a short drive from Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles. It is best to book tickets in advance since time slots often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays.
My friend Lauren and I did the “basic” tour and enjoyed it. Other tours are offered for die-hard movie fans which include different movies, shows, or MORE movies and shows. And just remember that the exhibits change. I visited several years ago and took my friend Deanne from Australia on the tour and we saw Big Bang Theory sets, the huge spider from Harry Potter, etc., none of which I saw on my more recent tour.
When you arrive, you check in at the studio visitor center where you go through a short introduction before starting the tour. Most tours are guided and run in small groups, which helps keep everything organized and easy to follow.
Parking is available on site, and it is worth arriving a little early so you have time to explore the lobby area before your scheduled tour time.
What to Expect
The experience starts indoors in a space that feels very museum-like. You will see displays that highlight Warner Bros. history, props from films and TV shows, and interactive exhibits that set the stage for what you are about to see on the lot.
After that introduction, you board a tram and head out onto the studio lot. This is where the tour really comes alive.
You get to see real production buildings, soundstages, and exterior sets. Since it is an active studio, you will often see crew members working, equipment being moved, or productions actively filming. It feels like you are stepping into a place that is still very much in motion, not just a set piece frozen in time.
One of the highlights is getting off the tram at different stops to walk through curated areas and exhibits. You go inside a couple of these spaces, which adds a more immersive feel to the experience.
Iconic TV and Movie Moments
You tour guide will point out memorable locations from movies, shows, and even music videos! Our guide pointed out a spot where SJP’s character Carrie Bradshaw famously smoked a cigarette in the series and my friend had to take a photo.
The tour also takes you inside an actual soundstage. During our visit, we went inside the soundstage for Abbott Elementary, which was fascinating to see up close. Even if filming is not happening that day, it is impressive to stand inside a space where a major show is actively produced. The only thing about working soundstages is that you’re not allowed to take any photos.
Friends, Batman, and Harry Potter
The Friends experience is one of the biggest draws of the tour. There is a recreated Friends soundstage where you can sit on the Central Perk couch and a tour guide will take your photo. It is one of the most popular stops, so expect a bit of a line, but it moves fairly quickly.
There is also a Central Perk café where you can grab a themed bite or drink. I tried Rachel’s Trifle, which is a fun nod to one of the show’s most infamous moments. Nearby, there is a Friends themed shopping area with souvenirs and collectibles.
Outside, you can take a photo in front of the iconic Friends fountain, which is another must-stop for fans.
Beyond Friends, the tour includes entire sections dedicated to Batman and Harry Potter. The Batman area showcases props, costumes, and vehicles from different films, while the Harry Potter section gives you a closer look at the Wizarding World behind the scenes, including props and set details that fans will instantly recognize.
Exit Through the Gift Shop
The tour wraps up by returning to the visitor center, which leads into a large gift shop. This is where you will find merchandise from Friends, Harry Potter, The Lego Movie, Ted Lasso, and many other Warner Bros. properties. It is easy to spend extra time (and money) here if you are a fan of any of the franchises represented on the tour.
Before you leave, make sure you head up to the top deck of the parking structure. The view from there is one of the best surprises of the entire experience. You can see across the studio lot and get a real sense of how large and active the production campus is. It is a simple moment, but it really puts the whole tour into perspective.
The Warner Bros. Studios Tour is one of the best ways to experience Hollywood up close. It balances nostalgia, filmmaking insight, and fun photo moments in a way that makes it enjoyable for both casual visitors and serious film fans.
Nearby Attractions
Bob’s Big Boy
Located in Burbank, Bob’s Big Boy is a Southern California institution and one of the most famous surviving examples of classic roadside architecture. Opened in 1949, the restaurant is known for its iconic Big Boy statue, retro atmosphere, and connection to Hollywood history. Fans of film and television often stop by for a meal and a milkshake while soaking in the nostalgic charm that has made it a local landmark for generations.
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Walt Disney Studios Tour
The Walt Disney Studios Tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside the historic studio lot where many beloved Disney films, television shows, and animations were created. Guests can see iconic buildings, learn about Walt Disney’s legacy, view exhibits and archives, and get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential entertainment studios in the world. Unlike larger studio tours, this experience focuses heavily on Disney history and storytelling.
Read More: Go Inside Walt Disney’s Office and the Walt Disney Studio Tour
What to Do in the San Fernando Valley
The San Fernando Valley is packed with hidden gems that many visitors overlook. Explore attractions like the Valley Relics Museum, the Nethercutt Collection, the Japanese Garden at Sepulveda Basin, and the Wildlife Learning Center. You can also enjoy classic Valley experiences along Ventura Boulevard, browse local bookstores and boutiques, visit vintage diners, or spend an afternoon plane spotting at Van Nuys Airport.
Read More: What to Do in the San Fernando Valley
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Land Acknowledgement
Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California. I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.