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 actually a great choice for your type of trip. It’s central to Hollywood, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. Studios, yet quieter than staying directly in Hollywood or downtown LA. For a TV/movie-focused itinerary with a 14-year-old, it provides a convenient balance of accessibility and low-key atmosphere.

Regarding transportation, here’s what to expect:

Most studios (WB, Universal) are short Uber rides from central Burbank — generally 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Walking around Burbank itself is very doable; the downtown area has restaurants, cafes, and some local shops within a few blocks.
Public transport exists (Metro, buses), but it’s not the most convenient for a tourist itinerary — you’ll likely spend more time planning connections than enjoying your trip.
For destinations like Santa Monica or Disneyland, Ubers are possible but will be longer (roughly 45–60 minutes to Santa Monica, 45–50 to Disneyland). You’ll need to plan for peak traffic times, but for short visits and evenings, it’s manageable.

For shopping and geeky/nerdy finds near Burbank:

Burbank Town Center – decent selection of mainstream shops like Hot Topic, Barnes & Noble, and other mid-range stores.
Universal CityWalk – mostly tourist-focused but has a few fun stores for collectibles and pop culture merchandise.
Melrose Avenue – excellent for comic book stores, anime, and quirky shops (some may require a short Uber, 10–15 minutes).
Downtown Glendale – accessible by Uber in 10–15 minutes, has Target, Five Below, and other accessible American retail stores.

Hidden gem suggestions for low-key entertainment:

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – quieter and more structured than Universal, and very accessible from Burbank.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater – historic puppet shows, very unique LA experience for teens.
Collectible & comic stores in Burbank, Glendale, and Hollywood – good for anime and comic exploration without the tourist crush.
Griffith Park Observatory – iconic views and short hikes, can do a late afternoon visit with minimal walking if needed.

Overall, staying in Burbank will allow you to enjoy a mix of studios, shopping, and geeky adventures with minimal walking and without feeling immersed in LA’s hectic tourist areas. Using Uber selectively will cover any destinations beyond walking distance efficiently.

A little advice please!

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