A little advice please!

Question

Hello! I'm after some advice from locals or recently visitors please!

I'm looking to book a week in LA this October with my 14yo daughter and have been looking to stay in Burbank/downtown Burbank based on some research. We want to be central but not too much in the thick of it.

We're big into tv and movies so our primary goal is WB and Universal but alongside that, we love a mall. Nothing high end - just the places us brits miss out on - hot topic, target, five below, Barnes & Noble and really any nerdo comic book/merch kind of place. The kid also likes her anime.

Evening wise, we tend to eat local and early and get back to the hotel to make the most of US TV and a rest - so don't need crazy nightlife.

I've read conflicting information however - some saying Burbank is 'boring' and out of the way and we'd need a car to get about (hell no to driving) and others say most things are a short and easy uber? I'm not against the cost of some ubers but don't want to waste time sitting in traffic. Can we get about in short ubers or on foot? Or public transport without loads of switching if we decide to venture to santa monica or disney adventure?

We'd also love any recs on hidden gems for a couple of low key geeks who want to experience the movie/tv/general LA scene but without being too in the thick of the nuttier side of the tourist coin haha.

All and any advice on location gratefully received!!

Answer

Burbank is a solid choice for a week-long stay focused on TV, movies, and general sightseeing without the chaos of central LA or Hollywood. It’s often described as “boring” by some, but that actually works well for visitors who want a quieter base while still being near major studios and attractions.

Staying in downtown Burbank will put you close to Warner Bros. Studio and Universal Studios, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance or a short Uber ride. You won’t be in the thick of the tourist crowds, and evenings are generally calm and safe, which fits your preference for early dinners and low-key nights.

Transportation considerations:

Uber/Lyft: Most attractions, shopping centers, and studios are a 10-20 minute Uber away depending on traffic. Burbank is generally less congested than Hollywood or West LA.
Public transport: The Metro Rail is limited around Burbank, so getting to Santa Monica or Disneyland via public transport involves multiple transfers and can take a long time. For your itinerary, Uber/Lyft is far more practical.
Walking: Downtown Burbank is walkable for local restaurants, shops, and some malls, but for major attractions, you’ll still need rides.

Shopping and geeky interests:

Burbank Town Center and nearby shopping areas have some of the chain stores you’re looking for, like Barnes & Noble, Hot Topic, and Target.
For more specialized geek/anime/comic stores, you might want to make a short trip to Hollywood or North Hollywood (Little Tokyo is great for anime and Japanese merchandise).
Some hidden gems: Blast from the Past Comic Shop (North Hollywood), Anime Jungle (Hollywood), and Amoeba Music for any media nerd fun.

Studio tours:

Warner Bros. Studio Tour is very close and well-suited for both teens and adults.
Universal Studios Hollywood is slightly further but accessible by short Uber. Consider doing it early in the week to avoid larger crowds on weekends.

General recommendations:

Keep Burbank as your calm base; the quieter environment makes it easier to recover from busy sightseeing days.
Plan key “excursion days” for Universal Studios, Hollywood geek shops, or Disneyland/Disney Adventure to minimize daily travel stress.
If you want a local vibe, consider checking out Magnolia Park in Burbank for quirky boutiques and small cafes.

In summary, Burbank is ideal for a low-stress, central location with easy access to studios, geeky shopping, and quiet evenings. Uber is the easiest way to get to farther attractions; walking is good for local shopping and dining. Public transport is not convenient for day trips to Santa Monica or Disneyland.

A little advice please!

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