You may think of restaurants like Cut, the Ivy, Providence and Ortolan or hotels like the Beverly Wilshire, the Roosevelt and the Marmont as typical locales where you’ll find a-listers in their element. You’re right, but dropping $100 tabs might not suit your fancy. So if you’re looking for a quick fix, the red carpet isn’t always as unapproachable as you may think.

Standing outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is your best shot at spotting a celeb at the best value. Unlike a restaurant or hotel, the Grauman’s scene is 100% free. Not to mention, it’s located right next to the Metro subway station (Hollywood & Highland), and premieres typically take place early in the week (when flights are less expensive, hotel rates are lower and the weekend crowds are not as overwhelming). Hancock premiered on Monday and I saw Will Smith slowly parade down the red carpet with his family. Visitors to LA for their first time were in shock to say the least.

If you’re not the star struck kind of person and just trying to make your way down Hollywood during a premiere — when street closures kill the flow of traffic — I suggest walking/driving down either Franklin or Hawthorn.