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San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Optional Lunch

San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Optional Lunch

Overview

Discover San Francisco's Chinatown on this fascinating walking tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, bustling atmosphere and rich heritage and culture of this storied neighborhood as your insider guide takes you to popular and off-the-beaten path locations, including an authentic Buddhist temple, an herbal pharmacy and Waverly Place, an unassuming 2-block-long alley full of private clubs. Stroll through the street food markets, sample fortune cookies at the factory where they're made, and upgrade to include a 9-course dim sum lunch. You'll leave with a whole new appreciation for this historic and culturally authentic neighborhood.

City: San Francisco

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $55.00

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $55.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tours operate rain or shine; please dress appropriately
If you have dietary restrictions, the restaurant can make substitutions upon your request
We need a minimum of 2 persons to confirm your booking. If you are traveling alone, we will offer alternate dates for you to join us.
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides

What To Expect

All About Chinatown Tours

Meet at Old St. Mary's Cathedral to begin your walking tour of Chinatown's most popular sights and hidden locales. Your guide will highlight the history and culture of Chinatown, explaining how the remarkable authenticity of ancient Chinese culture has been preserved and celebrated in becoming a must-visit San Francisco attraction. As you navigate a historic maze of mysterious sights, have your camera out as you admire eye-popping Chinese decorations adorning the streets. Pass pagoda-style buildings and hear about their significance, and step inside an herbal pharmacy to learn about the uses of ginseng root for longevity, pearl pills for beautiful skin and gecko lizards for energy. Stroll down Stockton Street past busy markets selling some of the freshest and most exotic foods in the Bay Area. Gain an understanding of Chinatown's religious culture as you visit an authentic Buddhist temple, where you'll see dazzling altars adorned with red lanterns, gold antiques and incense-filled bronze urns. You'll also see a Chinese language school to find out how local Chinese families keep alive language and cultural traditions for their children. At your next stop, Waverly Place, your guide will give you the inside scoop on Chinatown's most interesting alley full of temples, private clubs and secret societies. This 2-block-long street may seem unassuming at first glance, but you may be surprised at what you learn. If the intoxicating sights, sounds and smells aren't enough, get ready for a great taste of Chinatown. Visit a fortune cookie factory to sample these 'wise' cookies and watch how they're made. Upgrade to include a hosted 10-course dim sum luncheon at one of Chinatown's most popular restaurants! Ending back near your original starting point, you'll leave with a list of recommended stores and restaurants in Chinatown, so you can continue exploring Chinatown like a real insider. -------------------- ITINERARY -------------------- Dim sum sample menu (if option selected; subject to change): Pork and shrimp dumpling Pork and shrimp pot sticker Steamed Shanghai pork dumpling Steamed chicken and cilantro dumpling Steamed barbecued pork bun Vegetable egg roll Vegetarian fried rice Chicken chow mein Platter of green beans, mushrooms, and tofu Dessert Sesame ball filled with sweet bean paste Two specialty teas: jasmine and chrysanthemum/oolong blend

Chinatown

This electric neighborhood of 10,000 people is not to be missed, and it's not hard to find: listen for the clack of mahjong tiles and nose out the salty spicy squid.

Portsmouth Square

Chinatown’s outdoor living room and the birthplace of San Francisco’s first American flag, first public school, and first cable car line.

Stockton Street

Stroll among the freshest and most exotic foods in the Bay Area at the Stockton Street Food Markets.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co

We’ll sample these “wise crackers” and watch how it’s done.

Stockton Street

At this exotic dried goods store, you'll see ginseng, bird's nests, gecko lizards, fish bladders, sea cucumbers, abalone and more and hear about what these foods can do for you.

The Street of the Painted Balconies

Admire architectural details and hear the history of these secret institutions on Waverly Place

Chinatown

View an authentic example of traditional pagoda style architecture and hear about the origin of the building

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (694)

Elsa_L

Dec 2022

Had an exceptional time with our tour guide, Linda! She gave us so much insightful information about the history of Chinatown. Enjoyed passing through the market, going to a medicinal shop, fortune cookie 🥠 shop…. And her lunch food recommendation was excellent!!!

Response from Host

Dec 2022

Hi Elsa_L: I, in turn, will stand in 3 places at one time: Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico, while eating fabulous Mexican food from ELP, because of your pride in your city! Thank you for your five star review. Happy holidays to you and your family.

Renee_D

Dec 2022

Linda had some great stories and personal life experiences regarding the customs and traditions in Chinatown

Excursion677483

Dec 2022

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and informative. We especially enjoyed seeing the alleyways where mahjong is still being played!