The Mecca of moviedom, Hollywood has beckoned many -- aspiring stars looking for the right break, eager producers and directors seeking fame and fortune and visitors clamouring for the glitz and glamour of the movie industry. A district of Los Angeles, Hollywood is a place where dreams are born and hopes are raised, some that are fulfilled and some that are to be dashed forever.

Hollywood was established in 1887 to be sedate colony, far removed from the coarseness of downtown Los Angeles. However, moviemakers flocked here attracted by several natural features as well as the ambient light. By 1911, a permanent film studio was set up and since then there has been no looking back for this movie capital.

The must-see sights in Hollywood include the highly publicized Hollywood sign in the hills with each letter nearly 50 ft high, the Hollywood Walk of Fame with names of stars from the world of entertainment imprinted on the sidewalks, the Capitol Records Tower and the Hollywood Memorial Cemetry.

Mann's Chinese Theater is an interesting place with hand and foot prints of over 160 movie stars in the concrete slabs of its courtyard. Take a walking tour of Paramount Pictures and spend an afternoon at the Hollywood Entertainment museum.

If you have had enough of the world of showbiz, escape to Griffith Park, whose Observatory has been immortalized in many movies.

You can get to Los Angeles by air, car, bus and train (see Los Angeles). Hollywood is accessible from anywhere in Los Angeles by public transport buses and light-rail or by car. Anytime is a good time to go.

There are some moderate to expensive hotels in Hollywood. You could also choose to stay in nearby areas such as Beverly Hills or elsewhere in the city. Bring your most stylish clothes and accessories to fit into the glamour scene here. Comfortable walking shoes will be an advantage.

Hollywood boasts of some fine restaurants where the food is great and the atmosphere, even better. You can find celebrity restaurants here as well as restaurants in historic buildings. World cuisine is well represented -- you can choose between Italian, Chinese, French, amongst other. Also, Hollywood is home to several renowned chefs who are masters at fusion cuisine.

Hollywood has some of the most hip and happening nightclubs and bars in Los Angeles. Most places have live music acts and many have special theme nights.