Universal CityWalk is the name shared by the entertainment and retail districts located adjacent to the theme parks of Universal Destinations & Experiences. CityWalk began as an expansion of Universal's first park, Universal Studios Hollywood, and serves as an entrance plaza from the parking lots to the theme parks. The CityWalk chain can also be found at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, United States; Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan; and Universal Beijing Resort in Beijing, China.
CityWalk Hollywood and CityWalk Orlando have some common tenants, but their respective architectural styles are quite different. Where CityWalk Hollywood incorporates a classic modern blend of Hollywood, CityWalk Orlando is almost entirely modern in appearance.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
| Location | Universal City, California |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34.1359945°N 118.3551362°W |
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, California 91608 |
| Opening date |
|
| Closing date | amphitheatre: September 6, 2013 |
| Owner | Universal Destinations & Experiences |
| Architect | Jon Jerde |
| Number of stores | 29 |
| Publictransit | Universal City/Studio City Station |
| Website | Official website |
CityWalk is separate from Universal Studios Hollywood although it does serve as an entrance from the parking lot to Universal Studios.[2] Inspiration came from the Horton Plaza according to Jon Jerde, the architecture of CityWalk Hollywood tries to capture the architecture found all over Los Angeles.[3] Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a three-block entertainment, dining, shopping promenade. It has more than 30 eateries, a 19-screen movie theater featuring IMAX, 7 night spots, indoor skydiving and more than 30 stores.
History
Designed by Jon Jerde, CityWalk opened in May 1993 adjacent to the Cineplex Odeon cinema (operated by AMC Theatres since 2006). A $1 billion, 93,000 sq ft (8,600 m2) expansion opened in 2000, with planning also executed by Jerde Associates. Street performers (magicians and musicians) are a common sight.
CityWalk's central plaza is topped by a 170-foot radial trellis designed and built by Pearce Structures[4] (who also constructed Biosphere 2). The courtyard features a leaping fountain, created by WET. A huge television monitor brought in by Panasonic, is located above the multiplex, showing upcoming Universal movie releases, music videos, and NBCUniversal promotions stands next to the giant guitar towering over the Hard Rock Cafe.
In January 2010, the music video for Justin Bieber's song "Baby" was recorded here.
5 Towers
"5 Towers" is an interactive outdoor concert venue on Universal CityWalk, featuring a technologically advanced staging system. The stage is equipped with thousands of LED fixtures, motion capture sensors, five soaring 42-foot light tower sculptures, a massive video monitor, and a state-of-the-art audio system.
The new staging system serves as the structural artistic centerpiece for CityWalk. It features live music.
Dining
| Casual Dining | Quick Service Eateries | Snack & Refreshments |
|---|---|---|
| Antojito's Cocina Mexicana | Firehouse Subs | Ben and Jerry's |
| Bubba Gump Shrimp Company | Jamba Juice | Cinnabon |
| Buca di Beppo | KFC Express / Pizza Hut Express | Citywalk Pop |
| Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville | Panda Express | Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe |
| Mr. BBQ | Pink's Famous Hot Dogs | Insomnia Cookies |
| NBC Sports Grill & Brew | Raising Cane's | Menchie's Frozen Yogurt |
| Slice House | Taco Bell | Starbucks |
| The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium | The Habit Burger Grill | The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen |
| Vivo Italian Kitchen | Uncle Sharkii Poke | Voodoo Doughnut |
| Wasabi at Citywalk | Wetzel's Pretzels |
Shopping
| Apparel & Accessories | Collectibles, Games & Novelties | Food Specialities, Home, Health & Beauty |
|---|---|---|
| Lids | Cartooniversal | IT'SUGAR |
| Lids Locker Room | Celebrity Authentics | Karma and Luck |
| Line Friends Square | Dodgers Clubhouse Store | Nectar Bath Treats |
| Shoe Palace | Hot Topic | Sephora |
| Sunsastions | NBA Store | |
| Take 2 | Production Central | |
| The Los Angeles Sock Market | Super Nintendo World Store | |
| Tillys | Sanrio Smile Shop | |
| Universal Bazar | Things From Another World | |
| Universal Studios Store |
Entertainment
| Night Spots | Experiences | Cinemas | Game Show Taping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bubba Gump Shrimp Company | Escapology | Universal Cinema | Family Feud (2010–2011) |
| Buca di Beppo | iFly Hollywood (2006–2025) | ||
| Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville |
Universal CityWalk Orlando
| Location | Universal Orlando Resort |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28.4722676°N 81.4656319°W |
| Address | 6000 Universal Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32819 |
| Opening date | February 4, 1999 |
| Owner | Universal Destinations & Experiences |
| Number of stores | 13 |
| Publictransit | 21, 37, & 40 |
| Website | Official website |
The Universal CityWalk in Orlando opened in February 1999 as one component of the expansion that transformed Universal Studios Florida into Universal Orlando Resort. It was built over the former Universal Studios parking lot and entrance. Guests arriving at the resort park in one of two parking garages then travel via covered moving walkways over Universal Boulevard into CityWalk. From there, guests can proceed into either of the original two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
In 2026, Universal Orlando Resort announced several changes coming to CityWalk, including the return of Universal Legacy Store and closure of Burger King Whopper Bar and more.[5]
Dining
| Restaurant | Opened | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Cafe Orlando | 1999 | This is the second Hard Rock Café built on Universal property. The first café was built near the Psycho house, Bates Motel, E.T. Adventure, and Fievel's Playland. Although the first café was considered to be one of the largest in the chain, the company closed down the restaurant to reopen in an even bigger facility and alongside Hard Rock Live in the CityWalk section. The old Hard Rock Café building was demolished in October 2011.[6] |
| Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville | 1999 | |
| Lone Palm Airport | 1999 | A quick service bar across from Margaritaville |
| Antojito's Authentic Mexican Food | 2014 | |
| Starbucks | ||
| Bubba Gump Shrimp Company | 2006 | Inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump |
| Cinnabon | ||
| Pat O'Brien's Bar | 1999 | A franchise of the original bar/restaurant in New Orleans. |
| Panda Express | ||
| Moe's Southwest Grill | ||
| Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom | 1999 | |
| Fat Tuesday | 2010 | A walk up bar |
| Red Oven Pizza Bakery | 2014 | |
| Cold Stone Creamery | 2014 | |
| Menchie's Frozen Yogurt | 2014 | |
| Vivo Italian Kitchen | 2014 | |
| Hot Dog Hall of Fame | 2014 | |
| Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches | 2014 | |
| The Cowfish Sushi and Burger Bar | 2014 | |
| NBC Sports Grill & Brew | 2015 | |
| The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen | 2016 | |
| Voodoo Doughnut | 2018 | |
| Bigfire American Fare | 2019 | |
| Bend the Bao | 2021 |
Former Dining
- Big Kahuna Pizza
- Decades Cafe
- Emeril's Restaurant Orlando
- Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar
- Galaxy Bar
- Latin Quarter
- Motown Cafe
- NBA City
- NASCAR Café
- Pastamore Italian Restaurant
- BK Whopper Bar
Entertainment
- Universal Cinemark at CityWalk, previously operated by Loews Theatres until January 26, 2006, when AMC Theatres merged the Loews Theatres chain, and previously operated by AMC until 2018.
- Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
- CityWalk's Rising Star – A karaoke club featuring a live band and backup Singers.
- Hard Rock Live – A separate performance venue adjacent to the Hard Rock Cafe, with a capacity of nearly 3,000.
- Red Coconut Club
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville – Live bands take to the restaurant's stage to perform every evening.
- Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf – A miniature golf course harkening back to 1950s era drive-in movies. The facility has two different and intricately themed courses: "The Haunting of Ghostly Greens" and "Invaders from Planet Putt-Putt". Opened in March 2012.
- Universal's Great Movie Escape – An Escape room experience with rooms themed to both Back to the Future and Jurassic World.
Former Entertainment
- Blue Man Group Theatre
- CityJazz
- The Groove
- Family Feud Live
Shopping
- Candy Smith (at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium)
- CityWalk Hub Store
- Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company
- The Smuggler's Hold (at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville)
- Universal Studios Store
Former Shopping
- BMG Gear
- Cartooniversal
- Cigarz at Citywalk
- Element Skateboards
- The Endangered Species Store
- Fresh Produce
- Fossil, Inc.
- Island Clothing Co.
- Katie's Candy Company
- P!Q
- Quiet Flight Surf Shop
- TCBY
- Tommy Bahama
- Universal Legacy Store (now replaced by Universal Epic Universe Preview Center as a new exhibition until it was permanently closed on April 22, 2026)
Exhibition
Former exhibition
- Universal Epic Universe Preview Center
Incident
On April 22, 2011, a 33-year-old man from Winter Haven, Florida, was found unconscious in front of the Universal Cineplex 20 theater after being tased by an off-duty police officer due to disorderly conduct. The man was taken to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and later died.[7][8]
Universal CityWalk Osaka
The Universal CityWalk Osaka opened to public on March 31, 2001 as part of the Universal Studios Japan.
Dining
- Red Lobster
- Nolboo
- Ganko
- Shinobuan
- Inaba Wako
- Shabu Sai
- Yakiniku Karubin Champ
- Fugetsu USA
- Gottie's Beef
- Pommenoki
- Fujin Raijin RA-MEN
- Kamakura Pasta
- Kobe Motomachi Doria
- Moana Kitchen
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Kushiro Monogatari
- Bistro 309
- TGI Fridays
- Aen Table
- Kyoto Katsugyu
- Daikisuisan Kaitensushi
- Mos Burger
- Funfun
- Popcorn Papa
- Moomin Stand
- Momi & Toy's
- 551 Horai
- Pizza Napoletano
- Kineya Mugimaru
- Romaken
- St-Marc Cafe
- Seiryumon
Shopping
- Edion
- Nostalgia Museum
- Rock Shop
- Little Osaka
- LAWSON - convenience store chain
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi - drug store chain
- Jump Shop - Weekly Shōnen Jump official shop with character goods
- Claire's
- Maimo
- Gap Factory Store
- Boushiya Flava
Other
- Takoyaki museum (Takoyaki Dining)
- The Original Takoyaki Tamade, Osaka Aiduya
- Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru
- Osaka Amerikamura Kougaryu
- Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan
- Juhachiban
- Naniwa's Specialty Ichibirian
Universal CityWalk Beijing
The Universal CityWalk Beijing opened to public on September 2, 2021[10] as part of the Universal Beijing Resort's first phase with no entrance fee.[11]
Dining
- BMW JOYCUBE
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
- CityWalk Red Oven Pizza Bakery
- CityWalk WUBEI CRAFT FOOD AND BEER
- Cutie Cones
- Donglaishun
- Jumbo Seafood
- KPRO
- Neon Street Hawkers
- Peet's Coffee
- Phoenix House Superior Shop
- Quanjude
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
- TIME TRAVEL GRANDMA'S HOME FLAGSHIP STORE
- Universal CityWalk - The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Shopping
- Adidas
- Harmay
- Kakao Friends
- POP MART
- Swarovski
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Candy Store
- Universal Studios Store
Entertainment
- Universal CityWalk Cinema
References
- ^ Hayes, Dade & Bing, Jonathan (2004). Open Wide: How Hollywood Box Office Became a National Obsession. Miramax Books. pp. 315–7. ISBN 1401352006.
- ^ SMITH, DOUG (1993-05-25). "Celebrating L.A. Icons : Universal CityWalk Is for Real--Almost". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
- ^ NELSON, JIM (2000-04-24). "The Real Mastermind Behind CityWalk". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
- ^ "Peter Jon Pearce site – Building Systems Developments – other projects"
- ^ Kennedy, Alice (2026-04-10). "Universal Legacy Store Returning, Burger King Whopper Bar Closing, & More Coming to Universal Orlando - WDWNT". WDW News Today. Retrieved 2026-04-22.
- ^ Kleinhenz, Marc N. (2020-06-07). "The long and surprising history of Hard Rock Café at Universal Studios Florida". Orlando Informer. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
- ^ "Fla. man dies after police Taser him at Universal Studios complex". USATODAY.COM
- ^ "Autopsy: Police restraints killed Winter Haven man". theledger.com
- ^ "English & Chinese Floor Map". Archived from the original on 2017-06-30. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
- ^ "环球城市大道 正式向公众开放". Beijing Youth Daily. 2021-09-04. Archived from the original on 2021-10-17. Retrieved 2021-09-07.
- ^ "定了！北京环球度假区9月20日正式向公众开放". 北京日报客户端. 2021-08-30. Retrieved 2021-08-30.
- ^ "Universal Beijing Resort Raises the Curtain on Universal CityWalk Beijing - Desitined to Become Beijing's One-Stop Dining and Entertainment Center"