food tour of chinatown san francisco

Celebrating 12 Years of Delicious Food Tours - Small & Large Group Team Building Available

CHINATOWN FOOD TOUR

Quick Details

Hour Glass   Duration: 3 hours

Map Marker   Stops:  Five different tasting locations

Food Tastings: All food included. Enough food for lunch. Vegetarian friendly. No Vegan options.  Click here for food substitutions.

ABOUT CHINATOWN FOOD TOUR

Don’t fall for the culinary tourist traps when you’re in San Francisco’s Chinatown! Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco offers an irresistible food tour in the cultural hotspot of Chinatown.

Explore the remarkable and historic culture and foods that define Hong Kong and mainland China. Taste authentic Cantonese, Mandarin, and Szechuan cuisine from five Chinese-owned and operated restaurants, food establishments, and bakeries.

Tasting Locations

(We go to the 5 following delicious places, subject to change)

*Private Tour tasting locations may be different than ones listed below.

• New Hollywood Bakery: (est. 1991): Our favorite light and buttery buns filled with barbecue-flavored cha siu pork.
• Xian House of Dumplings: Handmade noodles and dumplings in the Chinese tradition
• House of Dim Sum: Some of the best dim sum options in Chinatown, SF
• Grant Place Restaurant: Local favorite known for Hong Kong-style dim sum and Chinese specialties.
• AA Bakery: (est. 2002): Freshly made, out of the oven, Hong Kong-style egg tarts cooked to a smooth flan-like perfection with a buttery flaky crust.

Behind every great food establishment in this city, there is an equally great story of history, tradition, and even innovation. On our Chinatown food tour, you discover these amazing histories while tasting what has made these Chinese restaurants and bakeries so prized among locals.

Discover just what makes our food tours the best in the city!

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy a variety of five delicious foods from the best specialty food stores and ethnic eateries.
• Three hours of delicious fun with a wonderful guide
• Our fun, fascinating, and knowledgeable tour guide divulges tidbits of information only locals know.
• Walk hidden streets and alleys off the beaten path.
• Hear fun and interesting stories about the Chinese immigrants’ arrival in SF, the Tong Wars, Chinese architecture, and more.
• Visit the Chinese Fortune Cookie Factory, the oldest Buddhist Temple in SF, and an authentic Chinese market.
• Taste a variety of styles of Chinese cuisine, including the best-baked bun, dim sum, and egg tart, all without waiting in the long lines.

Private Chinatown Food Tour

Want to make our delicious and fun Chinatown food tour a private event? Contact Us! We specialize in curating the best private culinary experiences.

• Chevron down Meeting Location

Pacific and Grant Avenues, San Francisco, CA.

The tour meets in front of the East West Bank, located at 1066 Grant Ave San Francisco, CA 94133 . The cross streets are Pacific and Grant Avenues; please meet on the Grant Avenue side.

The closest BART station is Montgomery. It is about a 20-minute walk to the meeting location. The Portsmouth Square Parking Garage is located at 733 Kearny Street, between Clay and Washington Streets, and is about a five-minute walk away from the East West Bank.

• Chevron down What's Not Included?
• Feel free to bring a bottled beverage. Some of the food establishments supply water.
• A tip for your guide. It’s customary to tip between 15%-20% of the ticket purchase price.
• Chevron down Activity-Specific Policies

Please review the seller’s policies for this activity. Once tickets are purchased, these are binding.

• Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
• Activity takes place rain or shine The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders are allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).

Related Food Tours

• Most Popular!
• Map Marker San Francisco
• Clock 11am-2pm
• Calendar Friday & Sunday

MISSION DISTRICT FOOD TOUR

The Mission District is one of San Francisco’s most interesting and eclectic neighborhoods, combining a range of influences into one unique culture. This three-hour walking tour includes tastings at five different establishments.

• Clock 11:30am-2:30pm
• Calendar Saturday & Monday

NORTH BEACH FOOD TOUR

This three-hour walking tour gets you off of the main drag and into the beautiful side streets of North Beach and the Barbary Coast, offering the opportunity to discover unexpected shops, sites, and bites.

8 Best Chinatown Food Tours in San Francisco in 2023

LOOKING FOR THE BEST CHINATOWN FOOD TOURS IN SAN FRANCISCO?

You’ve come to the right place because this post features the Top 8 Chinatown Food Tours in San Francisco. We’ve also included other San Francisco food tours that highlight other neighborhoods close by. 

Don’t have time to read the article? As chefs, we recommend this Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour as the best Chinatown food tour in San Francisco , which have perfect five star reviews.

This historic neighborhood is an important part of the culinary heritage of the city, and it is jam-packed with delicious restaurants and bakeries where you can taste the best food in Chinatown, San Francisco .

Let’s dig in and help you find the best Chinatown tours in San Francisco for your trip to the “City by the Bay.”

Top 3 Picks: Chinatown Food Tours in San Francisco

Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour

Chinatown & North Beach Walking Tour

✔️Pizza + Pastries

Little Italy & North Beach Walking Tour

✔️Top SF Food Tour

8 Best Chinatown Food Tours in San Francisco

1. chinatown culinary walking tour.

• ❤️ Best For: A tour that is as informative as it is delicious
• ⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ Check Rates & Availability

⌛ Duration : 3 hours | ⏰ Start Time : 10:30 AM | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 15 guests

Prepare to graze your way through Chinatown on this Culinary Walking Tour , where you can sample delicious treats from Cantonese bakeries, dim sum shops, and restaurants.

The local tour guide will also take you to explore the local shops, where you will learn about and sample ingredients used in regional Chinese cuisines.

The tastings vary, but you can expect to taste classics, including Peking duck, moon cakes, and dumplings like siu mai .

This was one of the best food tours. Our guide Cynthia was funny and shared a lot of interesting stories about china town. The food was excellent. I would do this tour again. – LAVONDA ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) 

HIGHLIGHTS : Behind the scenes at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory | Traditional Chinese lunch included | Tea tasting

Unlike most walking tours, you will get to sit down at two different restaurants to share a meal, where you will sample several regional Chinese dishes.

If this is not enough, the tour makes a stop at the Golden Gate fortune cookie factory and finishes up at a tea shop for an informative tasting.

Along the way to more tasty treats, the guide will provide historical and interesting facts about Chinatown and stops to admire the temples.

The tour is scheduled to take three hours , and the walking path is relatively flat for San Francisco, which makes it accessible for most people. 

Prepare your appetite and get ready to experience this neighborhood that is an important part of the culinary history of San Francisco on this Chinatown food tour in San Francisco .

2. Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour

• ❤️ Best For: A best of food tasting tour for first-timers to Chinatown

⌛ Duration : 3 hours | ⏰ Start Time : 11:30 PM | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 10 guests

Whether you love tea and dim sum or are excited to try them for the first time, this Chinatown food tour is your chance to taste the best from this historic San Francisco neighborhood.

This three-hour tour will take you on a culinary adventure through the streets of Chinatown, where you will eat a dim sum feast and eat at a restaurant that is over 100 years old .

Not only will you get a San Francisco dim sum tour, but you will also get to visit the Golden Gate fortune cookie factory .

The food at every location was great. And the tour ended nicely with an experience at a tea tasting shop. I would recommend this to anyone visiting San Francisco. – JIRI ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

HIGHLIGHTS : Visit the oldest restaurant and bakery in San Francisco | Instructive tea tasting | A fortune cookie factory tour in San Francisco

The tour takes a one-mile route with seven stops where you will learn about this quintessential San Francisco neighborhood that dates back to the Gold Rush Era.

Along the way, you will be treated to bubble tea, try an egg tart at a traditional bakery , and visit a fortune cookie factory.

The tour also includes a stop at a classic Chinatown tea shop , where you will learn about the techniques, the types of teas, and their medicinal properties.

This is a perfect San Francisco food tour in Chinatown for anyone wanting to experience the best of this delicious and interesting neighborhood in one afternoon.

3. San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour

• ❤️ Best For: A deep dive into the cuisine of Chinatown

⌛ Duration : 3 hours | ⏰ Start Time : 10:00 AM | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 12 guests

This San Francisco Chinatown food tour lets you take advantage of the opportunity to escape the touristy parts of San Francisco and experience the real Chinatown.

You will not only get to do tastings at five great restaurants and bakeries , but you will also get to experience a cultural side of this special portion of the city.

Between the stops to taste the best food in Chinatown San Francisco, the group will make stops at a temple and markets while learning about the history and way of life of the people in Chinatown.

Thank you to our guide Kasey and to the hardworking restaurant staff that prepared food for us to sample. Everything was delicious, and Kasey’s historic information was very interesting. Would highly recommend – WENDY ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

HIGHLIGHTS : Five stops for food tastings | Cultural stop at the oldest Buddhist temple in Chinatown | A visit to a famous fortune cookie factory

You will sample plenty of snacks along the way, including a stop at the famous Grant Place for dim sum and Peking duck . 

In fact, the tour makes five stops for food tasting that will provide a great cross-section of the regional Chinese Food in Chinatown San Francisco, from bbq pork buns to Hong Kong egg tarts .

This is a great Chinatown SF food tour , which is just as much about the food as it is about experiencing a historic part of San Francisco.

4. Chinatown and North Beach Walking Tour

• ❤️ Best For: Tasting two neighborhoods in one day

⌛ Duration : 4 hours | ⏰ Start Time : 2:30 PM | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 15 guests

This Chinatown and North Beach walking tour is the perfect way to get a taste of these two dynamic neighborhoods in one afternoon. 

This four-hour tour starts in Chinatown, where the group will try out several types of dim sum from San Francisco’s oldest bakeries.

Along the way, you will explore Chinatown and its history and traditions before stopping for a tea tasting .

This tour was great!! Brian was very knowledgeable. He seemed to know everyone. Fun fun fun. I would definitely recommend this tour. In fact, I already have. – MARY ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

HIGHLIGHTS : Two neighborhoods in one day | Tastings that range from dim sum to pizza | Cultural education in two cities

The tour then heads over a few blocks to the Italian North beach neighborhood to try out some world-renowned chocolate and pastries . 

The tasting doesn’t stop here, as the group will make a relaxing stop for some wood-fired pizza after exploring the famous Columbus Avenue. 

Book this SF Chinatown food tour and loosen your belt as you prepare to never stop eating as you taste through two of the most delicious neighborhoods in the city.  

5. Chinatown Food & History Walking Tour – Small Group

• ❤️ Best For: A quick tasting and tour of Chinatown

⌛ Duration : 2.5 hours | ⏰ Start Time : 11:00 PM | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 12 guests

Instead of guessing where to eat authentic Chinese food, book this Chinatown Food and History Walking Tour and let the professionals take you out to eat. 

You will not only get a guided lunch where you will get to taste several varieties of dim sum , but along the way, you will learn about the history and culture of Chinatown.

If this is not enough, there are stops along the way for a traditional tea tasting and a visit to a fortune cookie-making factory . 

I’m born and raised in San Francisco and wanted to do this tour for a new look at the city I know and love. Highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in a local’s perspective of San Francisco! – EMMA ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

HIGHLIGHTS : Tea and fortune cookie tastings | Stops at three historic landmarks | Sampling of dim sum 

The tour kicks off at the famous Dragon Gate, with stops at historic landmarks, including Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral and Portsmouth Square.

Whether this is your first time in the Bay Area or if you are a seasoned veteran, this will be an informative and delicious San Francisco Chinatown tour you will remember for a long time.

6. The 10 Tastings of S an Francisco: Private Food Walking Tour

• ❤️ Best For: A customized private tour
• ⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars

⌛ Duration : 3 hours | ⏰ Start Time : Flexible | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 8 guests

With this private walking tour , not only do you get a private tour, but you get a customized experience that is based on your preferences and food tastes.

If you are not interested in spending the day with several strangers, you can book this private tour led by a knowledgeable local San Francisco resident .

You will chat with your guide leading up to the tour to discuss what you are excited to taste in the city. 

Had a great time touring the Mission district with our guide, and we tasted a wide variety of delicious foods and enjoyed it a lot. – CHANTELLE ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

HIGHLIGHTS : Customized tour | Private group setting | Eight food tastings are included

They will then put together a customized plan that will include tastings at eight different locations .

If you want to spend part of your time sampling dim sum in Chinatown SF, and finish off with a visit to North Beach for some tiramisu, they can arrange an itinerary .

In fact, many people that have taken this tour end up booking another day to explore the food in a different neighborhood like the Mission District.

Taking a private tour like this one is a great way to connect with locals and experience the cuisine in the city in a more relaxed and intimate tour setting.

7. San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Optional Lunch

• ❤️ Best For: An educational walking tour with a 10-course dim sum lunch

⌛ Duration : 2 hours | ⏰ Start Time : 10:00 AM | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 15 guests

This San Francisco Chinatown walking tour is a perfect opportunity to take a deep dive into the cultural dynamics and history of this amazing neighborhood.

This tour goes further and breaks away from the ordinary to give an authentic glimpse of the traditions that are now a part of the daily life of many residents in Chinatown in San Francisco.

You will learn about the unique decorations and the distinct architecture and visit many shops, including places that specialize in Chinese herbal medicine.

Our tour with Jim was fantastic! We learned so much about the culture and history of Chinatown, and he kept our two kids more than entertained. We experienced so much more than we would have on our own – worth every penny! – CANDICE ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

HIGHLIGHTS : Visits to shops that sell exotic ingredients and herbal medicines | 9-course dim sum tasting | A walking tour that is off the beaten tourist path

Along the way, you will stop at an ornate temple and discover many important Chinese ingredients at the local markets .

To cap off the tour, you can choose to add on a special 9-course dim sum tasting at one of Chinatown’s most famous and delicious restaurants.

This is not your typical tour that glosses over the surface, and if you book , you will be treated to a tour that covers the best of Chinatown in San Francisco.

San Francisco Food Tours: Beyond Chinatown

8. little italy and north beach walking tour in san francisco.

• ❤️ Best For: A taste of the culinary and cultural heritage of North Beach

⌛ Duration : 3 hours | ⏰ Start Time : Ex. 10:30 AM | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 15 guests

Do you love Italian food and culture? If so, you will love this little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour .

This tour has been recognized multiple as one of the best food tours in the United States by Lonely Planet. 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to walk the streets of North Beach with tastings along the way from historic bakeries, delis, and restaurants.

We had a great time on this tour! Even if you are a local, you will still enjoy it! We learned a lot about North Beach and can’t wait to go back and visit some of the stops.  – AMY ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

HIGHLIGHTS : Visits to a historic deli and bakery | Pizza tasting at Mona Lisa | Sip a cappuccino or espresso at a local cafe

The tour dips into the history of this unique neighborhood , and you will even learn about the beatnik and coffee culture that make this area a draw for locals.

You will get to eat some pizza and taste everything you can imagine that is produced in North Beach, from artisan salami to freshly baked cannolis . 

You will not end this San Francisco food tour hungry, but you will certainly want to visit again to taste more of the delicious food you tasted during the tour.

9. San Francisco Walking Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours

• ❤️ Best For: A culinary and cultural tour of the Mission District

⌛ Duration : 3+ hours | ⏰ Start Time : 1:00 PM | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 12 guests

This San Francisco walking tasting tour combo is an incredible way to experience and taste the Mission District. 

This dynamic multicultural neighborhood is one of the culinary hotbeds in the city, with some of the best Mexican taquerias in the country. 

Two of the tastings that are highlights of this tour include a stop to try one of the famous Mission Style burritos , followed by a queso birria taco that will make your mouth water.

Mark was so energetic and knowledgeable. He was so personable and had wonderful stories to share. The food experiences were unique, and the historical and artistic narrative was amazing. – DARCY ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

HIGHLIGHTS : Eat a Mission-style burrito | Visit the Mission District’s famous street murals | A special “mystery” dish at the end of the tour

The Mission District is also home to some incredible artisan bakers, chocolatiers, and ice cream makers that might just be the secret tour stop.

Not only will you taste many of the best dishes in this neighborhood, but you will also get a tour of the area’s incredible street art and murals .

Prepare yourself for a special experience where you will see the real side of San Francisco away from the touristy spots, with some stunning food along the way.

10. San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz

• ❤️ Best For: A food tasting at the ferry building and Alcatraz in one tour

⌛ Duration : 1 to 4 hours | ⏰ Start Time : 10:00 AM | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 10 guests

If you hope to visit Alcatraz during your trip, why not book this San Francisco combo tour that includes a food tour of the Ferry Building?

The ferry building is a culinary showcase that features many of the best food purveyors and restaurants in San Francisco, all in one large building. 

This includes legendary artisans like Acme Bread Company and Miette Pâtisserie , where you can taste their delicious treats. 

Our host was very knowledgeable, the food was great, and we had a very enjoyable time! We got to learn lots of history of the Ferry Building and learned a lot about the vendors and the local sourcing there. – NANCY ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

HIGHLIGHTS : Explore the Ferry Building farmer market | Tasting of artisan food products and dishes | Ferry ride and audio tour of Alcatraz 

After eating your way through some of San Francisco’s best delicacies, you can board the ferry right outside the building.

You can take in the views of the city on the way to visit Alcatraz , which is one of the top tourist destinations in San Francisco.

Why go through the hassle of booking Alcatraz tickets when you can get two tours in one, and they secure your boat tickets to Alcatraz?

If you want to explore further, you can also check out one of the tours to the famous redwoods near San Francisco . 

Is Chinatown San Francisco worth visiting?

Yes, Chinatown is worth visiting and is one of the top cultural and food destinations in San Francisco.

A visit to Chinatown offers up a chance to experience this historic neighborhood that Chinese immigrants founded during the Gold Rush.

Today, Chinatown is an epicenter of regional Chinese cuisines and influences, and visitors can visit the local markets, temples, and amazing restaurants within eight city blocks.

What is special about Chinatown in San Francisco?

Chinatown in San Francisco is special because of its culinary and cultural heritage, which dates back to the Gold Rush.

This San Francisco neighborhood features stunning regional Chinese restaurants and bakeries that range from dim sum houses to traditional bakeries.

Chinatown also features many historic attractions and sites that are a significant part of the history of San Francisco. 

Is San Francisco a foodie city?

Yes, San Francisco is one of the top culinary destinations in the United States, and travelers from across the globe fly to San Francisco to taste the local delicacies.

San Francisco is home to world-class fine dining restaurants that garner the recognition of the Michelin Guide, with several receiving the top honor of three stars.

This foodie city also features culinary specialties that are native to the area, which includes San Francisco sourdough, Dungeness crab, cioppino, and the Mission-style burrito.

What is Chinatown in San Francisco known for?

Chinatown in San Francisco is best known for its bustling street-side markets and its restaurants that feature a diverse selection of regional Chinese cuisines.

One of the top draws to Chinatown is the many bakeries that specialize in baked treats like egg tarts and dim sum dumplings that are sold right from steaming baskets.

Chinatown is also well known for its important part of the heritage of San Francisco, which started with Chinese immigrants that moved to the city during the Gold Rush.

Is Chinatown in San Francisco safe?

Chinatown is just as safe or safer than most neighborhoods in San Francisco and ranks number six in violent crimes of the major areas in the city.

Chinatown is a very safe place to visit if you stay on the main roads and visit during the daytime when there are lots of people around during their shopping or visiting restaurants.

Crime rates in San Francisco are on the high side, but a large portion is property crimes, as San Francisco has a relatively lower incidence of violent crime than most major cities in the United States.

Is Chinatown SF open on Sundays?

Chinatown is always open as it is a neighborhood in San Francisco.

Sunday is one of the busiest days for many restaurants and bakeries in Chinatown, especially those that serve dim sum specialties like dumplings and egg tarts.

While the majority of the shops and markets are open on Sundays, they tend to be slower than on weekdays, which makes it a great time to visit.

Where is Chinatown in San Francisco?

Chinatown is located in the northeast portion of the San Francisco Peninsula, just blocks from the North Beach neighborhood and the financial district.

Stockton Blvd. and Grant Ave. run parallel to each other and run the length of Chinatown. 

Chinatown is just a five-minute walk north of the popular tourist destination of Union Square and a fifteen-minute walk south from Pier 39.

Which cable car goes to Chinatown?

Both the Powell-Mason and the Powell-Hyde lines stop at Washington and Powell St, which is just one block from the western edge of Chinatown.

You can catch a ride to Chinatown on both lines from Market street or Union Square.

If you are coming from the Fishermans Wharf area, you can take both the Powell-Hyde and the Powell- Mason lines depending on which stop is closer.

Wrap-Up: Best Chinatown Food Tour in San Francisco

With several options to choose from, we understand how it can be challenging to pick the best one for you.

After many trips to SF, this Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour is our top choice for the best food tour in Chinatown San Francisco .

Now all you have to do is show up in some comfortable shoes and save your appetite.

For a unique and memorable addition to your trip to San Francisco, book a Chinatown walking food tour in San Francisco, and let the professional guides lead you through this important part of the city.

Gabriel is the head writer for Chef Travel Guide and has been featured in the Huffington Post, Martha Stewart, Eat This, Not That, Real Simple, Muscle and Health, and many more. He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. After escaping the “kitchen life”, he is now focused on his passion for the outdoors and world travel. Gabriel’s passions include trail running and hiking on California's incredible trails, camping in the redwoods, and exploring the golden state from the Eastern Sierras to the rugged North Coast.

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CHINATOWN FOOD TOUR

Tea & dim sum , what to expect on this chinatown: tea & dim sum tour.

Join us on our Chinatown culinary journey, where you’ll discover the birthplace of the fortune cookie, indulge in an array of dim sum and tea, and delve into the rich history of Chinese immigrants. Our tasty 3-hour Chinatown food tour adventure takes us to the heart of Chinatown, where you will meet locals and witness firsthand the hustle and bustle of the oldest Chinatown in the country.

• Full Meal: Dim sum, bubble tea, duck/pork roll and dessert
• Tea Tasting:  Sit with locals for a 30-minute tasting
• Fortune Cookie Factory: See the oldest in the world
• Small Groups: 10 guests per guide 
• Children: 8+ (contact us for younger)
• Vegan & Gluten-Free: We can accommodate you!
• Private Tour Options: see our team building events page for more info

Explore, Eat, and Engage on this Chinatown Food Tour

+ Eat a dim sum feast, Full meal included + See the back alleyways of Chinatown + Sip on delicious, high-quality bubble tea + Taste a historical pastry from a local bakery + Visit the first fortune cookie factory in the world + Try Cantonese-style duck  + Learn and taste all about Chinese tea (30 mins)

Dim Sum Feast: We dive fork-first into the heart of Chinatown with a Dim Sum feast that’s oh-so-delish! As we munch and crunch, we’ll chat about the exciting tales of America’s eldest Chinatown, setting the perfect tone for our Chinatown food tour. Bring an appetite and curiosity!

Fortune’s Origins: Next, we journey to the magical world of the fortune cookie factory. Let’s sample a cookie (or five) and see if our fortune predicts a food coma!

Bubble Tea & Alleyways: After refreshing ourselves with the town’s freshest bubble tea, we delve deep into Chinatown’s storied alleyways. Here we uncover tales of the notorious gambling block, sailors, 10-cent haircuts, and dreams of a new world, adding layers to our culinary exploration.

Local Pastries: The adventure intensifies as we visit a heritage bakery for a Chinese snack. We marvel at a church that stood tall during the 1906 earthquake and step into the park that heralded the Gold Rush era, essential stops on our Chinatown food tour.

Cantonese Tastes: Weather check! If it’s sunny, we picnic in the park; if not, we cozy up in a local eatery. Either way, we brace ourselves for a Cantonese flavor explosion. Prepare to have those taste buds dancing!

Tea Traditions: As we wind down, it’s tea time, but with a twist! At a nostalgic tea shop, we sip, slurp, and learn. This is where we delve into why tea isn’t just a drink in Chinese culture—it’s a whole mood. And who knows? We might just make friends with a Chinatown local.

Whether a seasoned traveler or a curious local, this tour promises a deep dive into the vibrant soul of Chinatown. Secure a spot now and experience the authentic flavors and tales of our Chinatown food tour.

CHECK OUT THIS CHINATOWN FOOD TOUR VIDEO!

MAKE IT A PRIVATE FOOD TOUR

Add a bit of excitement to the ‘wine and dine’ portion of your next business trip vacation or Tuesday (why not!?).  We customize your private cocktail and/or food walk to fit your needs in one of our select neighborhoods. If you book a private food tour experience with us, we can customize any of our food walks to fit your needs. We can also meet at your hotel or office and create an itinerary that fits you and your time in the city. Our base price starts with our standardized tour rates, but we are happy to add more. Feel free to email us at [email protected] for private groups. 

The Best Tour of San Francisco Chinatown

• (650) 355-9657

Wok Wiz Chinatown Walking Tours

Wok Wiz Walking Tours is the perfect way to explore all that Chinatown has to offer. Join us on the best walking tour of San Francisco’s Chinatown.

“One of the top 100 things about San Francisco.” Gourmet Magazine

“One of the best tours in San Francisco!” The New York Times

“‘Not to Miss’ while in San Francisco, Wok Wiz is among the ‘top ten.’” Cooking Light Magazine

Wok Wiz Classic Tour

The Wok Wiz Chinatown tour is offered on several times per week and is available as a walk only experience, or ending with a dim sum tasting luncheon. Hear fascinating stories about the first Chinese immigrants to arrive in San Francisco during the Gold Rush.

Chow Ciao! Multicultural Stroll

What do China and Italy have in common, besides Marco Polo and noodles? Great love of family and too much fun. See changing neighborhoods with ethnic foods in diverse, colorful communities. Hear stories of history & folklore of these changing neighborhoods. 

“I Can’t Believe I Ate My Way though Chinatown” Tour

For food-lovers only! We are very serious about food and love to feed people! Experience one of San Francisco’s most popular destinations for visitors by eating your way through it. Enjoy tastings, tea shop visit, food focused stops and a hosted dim sum luncheon on this tour, while you learn about America’s largest Chinatown.

Wok Wiz Classic Tour: A Winning combination!

“This tour is a nice combination of local and national history with an interesting variety of food choices at lunch. Our guide was well read and grown up in the area which added to our walk through the neighborhoods. A very pleasant morning.”

Wok Wiz Classic Tour: An Absolute Smash!

“My wife, my adult son, and I could not have enjoyed the Wok Wiz tour more! Quock Dorothy: Nae Ho! Our tour guide gave us a warm, dynamic, and incredibly informative tour explaining the depth of the culture and history of Chinatown, Chinese culture, and the history of San Francisco. We finished with a Dim Sum lunch that was the best Chinese food I’ve ever had, aided by Dorothy’s good-humored chopstick coaching. The tour was a high point of our vacation. This should be a Do Not Miss for anyone visiting San Francisco.”

I Can’t Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown! Tour: A culinary treat!

“I had a ton of fun on the “I Can’t Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown ” tour. Frank, our host, was vivacious, fun and humorous and we ate SO well. I never would have tried some of the menu items – not that they were “scary” but I’d have stayed with something familiar and I loved almost everything. I particularly enjoyed the tea tasting. Great tour!”

Visitors will find dim sum teahouses, shops, and restaurants frequented by locals. Experience Chinatown by wandering its back alleys, peek into herbal shops and Chinese temples of this historic neighborhood.

Gift Cards are available! Call (650) 355-9657 to purchase.

Meet Our Team

We love to walk, talk, eat, and laugh with you!

Tina Pavao, Owner

Shirley’s daughter, Tina will gladly assist with booking a tour. This former 4th grade teacher now works with the tour leader team in operating Wok Wiz.

Lola Hom, Tour Leader

Born and raised in Chinatown, Lola was a member of the elite all-girls St. Mary’s Drum & Bugle Corps. Pleasant and engaging, she was a flight attendant for the FLYING TIGERS and is an extensive traveler.

Frank Jang, Tour Leader

Frank grew up above the Wo Chong Bean Sprout Factory in Chinatown. He supports countless community fundraising events. Frank is currently the Vice President of the Association of Chinese Cooking Teachers.

Gimmy Park Li, Tour Leader

Gimmy is a veteran of nearly 40 years as a public affairs program host and producer at KNBR Radio. In addition to leading Wok Wiz tours, she volunteers with the Presidio Park Stewards.

Dorothy Quock, Tour Leader

Dorothy receives rave reviews for her wonderful tours. Born in Chinatown, she has been with Wok Wiz since 1991. Dorothy spent a year in China writing a guide book.

Hank Quock, Tour Leader

Hank is the former president of the Association of Chinese Cooking Teachers, and also a performer. Born and raised in Chinatown, Hank taught Chinese cooking for 25 years and is a retired restaurant owner.

Emily Soo, Tour Leader

Emily was born in Santa Rosa and resides in San Francisco’s Chinatown. She spent many years in the hotel and restaurant industry, including “high tea” service at the Garden Court in the Palace Hotel.

Herman Young, Tour Leader

Besides being a tour leader, Herman coaches badminton, and basketball at several Bay Area schools. He has been a Chinese New Year’s Parade float driver for the past 15 years.

Wok Wiz Daily Tour: An Absolute Smash!

Wok Wiz Daily Tour: A Winning combination!

Chinatown Local Food Tour in San Francisco

Taste your way around chinatown’s lively streets, markets, and hidden gems with a local foodie guid.

Max 12 Guests

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Want to explore the flavors of San Francisco’s Chinatown but not sure where to start? Our local foodie guides are here to help! Join a small group of food-loving travelers to discover the labyrinth of alleyways and markets that make up this vibrant neighborhood, and enjoy authentic dishes and flavors from the spots that the locals just love. You’ll even visit a fortune cookie factory! From Dim Sum to Peking Duck to Chinese tea and Moon Cakes, taste the very best that Chinatown has to offer.

Tour Overview

What's included.

Guided walking tour of the lively Chinatown neighborhood

A variety of delicious local food and drink stops

Sit-down meal with Peking Duck

All food and non-alcoholic drinks included

Visit one of the last fortune cookie factories

A passionate local foodie guide

Maximum group size of 12

Select participants and date

Check Available Tours

Discover Chinatown with your foodie guide

Enter through the Dragon Gate

Moon cakes at a century-old bakery

Visit restaurants handed down through generations

Indulge in authentic Dim Sum

Meeting and drop-off point

What to bring?

See what people are saying

Leave a review

Amazing history filled tour

Katrina King

June 23, 2023 00 am EST

We loved this small group tour. Scott our tour guide was knowledgeable about the city and the food in Chinatown. We visited some excellent venues that we would not have found ourselves- and there was plenty of food!

Elizabeth williams

June 12, 2023 00 am EST

Jennifer Slavik

April 23, 2023 00 am EST

Great tour Great guide we really enjoyed the tour.

Andrew Allen

October 26, 2022 00 am EST

Emelie Oskarsson

October 10, 2022 02 am EST

More than food … a lot of history!

Michelle Smith

September 11, 2022 02 am EST

All the places we stopped to eat, the fortune cookie factory and the tea stop (guy at the tea shop was so funny and very knowledgeable of the tea’s). Everything was great - thank you to Brian our tour guide.

Chinatown as we would never imagined

Claudio Pimentel

August 09, 2022 01 am EST

Isabella was very kind guiding us through Chinatown! All the places were very interesting and the history this place has is incredible. The food was top and a special remark for the tea tasting with Ken. Thanks again Isabella for the wonderful tour!

Great experience

Olivia King

March 31, 2022 00 am EST

I have been to SF before, but never took a food tour. The process was smooth from the booking, to meeting our foodie guide, to the delicious food. 5 stars all the way around! We had a small group of 5 people and had a great time trying traditional chinese food in chinatown. If you go, try the green tea, it was amazing!

Loved this Tour!

System Admin

January 26, 2022 15 pm EST

We did this as a family holiday activity. Brian was our guide and he was fabulous. He arrived with some super yummy warm buns that were perfect for our rainy chilly start. He shared so many great stories that really brought the history alive. I learned so much about my own city. The food was so good. I loved that we tasted so many different flavors and dishes from different areas of Chinese food. I've been to China town so many times and never knew there was a fortune cookie making store where they still make them by hand. And they are super tasty. What a great day!

A Fantastic Experience

January 25, 2022 15 pm EST

This was our first gastro tour and it certainly set the bar high for future food tours! Brian, our host, was very knowledgeable, engaging, and professional. His insights into the history of the area, as well as his genuine desire for us to thoroughly enjoy our experiences made this tour. We experienced Chinese cuisine, a tea tasting, delicious confections, and pizza and wine…. not to mention the great company of our fellow tour guests. Typically we avoid group tours because there is always someone obnoxious in the group. Not this time….. everyone enjoyed each other’s company and this was in part due to Brian’s brilliant hosting skills! The value for the cost of this tour is unparalleled….. truly a DO NOT MISS experience!

Great Time in San Francisco!

November 10, 2021 20 pm EST

We had a great time. I really enjoyed sampling the different teas and learning about them in an authentic way. We visited places I could have never found on my own, amazing experience!

Where to meet?

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

Is this tour suitable for kids?

What if I'm vegetarian or vegan?

What if I have other dietary needs?

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Are drinks included?

Free Cancellation outside of 24 hours

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San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour

• Food tasting
• Local guide
• Bottled water
• Entry/Admission - Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco
• Entry/Admission - San Francisco
• Entry/Admission - Portsmouth Square
• Entry/Admission - Old Cathedral of St. Mary
• Entry/Admission - Tin How Temple
• Entry/Admission - Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• 1066 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA We will be meeting outside in front of The East/West Bank
• 1068 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• A minimum of two people per booking is required
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 1066 Grant Ave 1066 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA We will be meeting outside in front of The East/West Bank See address & details
• 1 Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco Stop: 3 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 652 Pacific Ave Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 3 Grant Place Restaurant Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 Portsmouth Square Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 5 Old Cathedral of St. Mary Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 6 Tin How Temple Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 7 Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll end at 1068 Stockton St 1068 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA See address & details

• KoryK707 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hands-down a phenomenal adventure Had an incredible tour host and foodie-hike through North Beach & Chinatown. The host was passionate about the stories of these neighborhoods and brought such life to the activity. We had some specific dietary needs and went well out of her way to make sure everyone could have something special to partake. Would strongly recommend this to any group! Read more Written April 19, 2024
• Sightseer507198 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles North Beach Food Tour Spud did an awesome job of mixing delicious spots with telling us stories about North Beach. We are from the area yet we learned a lot. Spud made sure everyone was having a good time. Hidden gems pointed out along the way were a highlight. Overall fantastic day! Read more Written April 16, 2024
• PeWiWa 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Eating with the locals at the Mission District. A taste of the Mission District booming food scene was a great 3 hour walk. Michael B led the way, shared his knowledge and in closing, we finished at the scrumptious Tartine Bakery. Loved it. Read more Written April 15, 2024
• Emma V 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unique Food and History Experience Tour was great and well worth the price! Three hour walking and food tour that included 4 food stops and one dessert spot. All were delicious and learned a lot along the way. There was an opportunity to buy alcohol separately at three of the stops - good wine or Italian drink pairings based on the food. You will definitely leave the tour feeling very full so don't eat a large breakfast before meeting your tour guide. Read more Written March 28, 2024
• Angela A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get to know San Francisco We loved out food tour, our guide, the knowledge of food and history of the city that was shared with us as we toured. Our guide was very accommodating of gluten-free and vegetarian needs within our group and it truly was a lovely experience. I would recommend this tour to anyone. Read more Written March 27, 2024
• bdwood2000 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Top Of The Line Chinatown Food tour. The three of us took a private ChinaTown tour, with five food stops along the way. Possibly with guide other than Jenny P. I would be raving about the food, but Jenny made the area come alive, incredibly alive in the past. We learned so much of the history, and what a history it is of the area: Mexican settlers, Gold Rush, Barbary Coast, Literary Scenes, the list goes on. Jenny was an excellent guide: a vast knowledge of the area, an incredible vocabulary, and a passion for SF history and relating to her audience. The time flew by. I can not recommend strongly enough the pleasure we had while on the tour, and the excitement we left with. Read more Written March 23, 2024
• rkellee 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Familiarize yourself with this area Spud was knowledgeable and personable. Even though I am a native San Franciscan I appreciated all the stories about the area and city. There was a good selection of tastes. A great way to see the area. Read more Written March 16, 2024
• dianehA6832TK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Day out in the Mission District We had a great tour of the Mission District! Michael, our guide had so much knowledge about San Francisco, we learned so much and all the food stops were excellent! We now feel comfortable to go there on our own and revisit some of the restaurants. Thanks for a great day! Read more Written February 28, 2024
• Ambassador362374 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Too much talk, not enough food & wine! We've loved many food tours in Europe, so thought we'd try the experience in S.F., even though we've lived here for 30 years. The Mission District food was OK, but the overall experience was a little below average. Biggest concern was that we were supposed to be on a 3 hour tour, but our guide talked so much that it lasted for over 4 hours, and that wasn't a bonus. He talked for 45 minutes on the sidewalk before we even went to our first food stop, and we were HUNGRY! A little history goes a long way, but too much history is just a bore. Enjoyed the side trips to view the Mission murals, but we spent more time looking at street art than eating. And of the 5 restaurants we went to, we only went inside one. All other food was eaten on the sidewalks out of paper bags. We arrived at our final destination so late that we had to take our "breakfast buns" on the go, and who wants breakfast buns for dessert @ 3pm? Finally, not a single food stop included anything to drink except water. There was sangria and beer to be purchased at an added cost, but every food tour we've done in Europe very much sampled the food and the wine TOGETHER. This tour was completely devoid of alcohol, which I'm afraid makes it not worth the cost. Read more Written February 24, 2024
• lisae860 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tourist or locals...a great way to get to know The City neighborhoods We are local and had a great time! We learned about the history of the area and the food in the Mission. We had a variety of great food from taco's and empanadas to pastries. A terrific way to spend 3 hours getting to experience The City and the food. I highly recommend for tourist as well as locals Read more Written January 29, 2024
• Discover46263877305 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sampling the best of North Beach Excellent food tour in North Beach. Michael was extremely knowledgeable about the history of San Francisco and North Beach. The food was great and the tastings were all outside. It was a fun way to sample some of the best restaurants and to learn about the area. Highly recommend this tour. Read more Written January 27, 2024
• laurietQ2006TI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Magic in the Mission We had a fabulous foodie day in the Mission with Jinnie P. All of the food was delicious and Jinnie was an excellent guide. An added perk was seeing the many murals that grace the walls of buildings in the Mission. It is a vibrant City neighborhood, and even though I grew up in SF, I was fascinated by some of the historical gems Jinnie shared with us. I would highly recommend this tour to locals and tourists alike. Read more Written January 22, 2024
• ceciliaderubira 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ocean Beach tour Excellent history and Italian food. The guide was very knowledgeable and conscious of San Francisco's history and why the city evolved the way it did. Read more Written January 20, 2024
• P8215PHnorab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Magnificent Mission We like food tours to eat, of course, but also to see a part of a city we want to know more about. This tour was FANTASTIC for both! Our food stops were exceptional, and our guide was knowledgeable, funny, and gracious. What a great way to spend a few hours! Read more Written January 5, 2024
• Q736LPmariak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mission District Food Tour - An exceptional experience! Great experience! Our guide was fantastic. We learned a lot about the history of the Mission District as well as the food. Great atmosphere in the group. Thank you for the wonderful experience! Read more Written January 2, 2024

More to explore in San Francisco

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour provided by Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco

Chinatown Food & History Walking Tour

Home > Tours > Chinatown Food & History Walking Tour

Chinatown Food & History Walking Tour

Elevate your San Francisco experience with a captivating historical and culinary adventure through Chinatown. Savor delicious homemade Dim Sum, witness the intriguing process of Fortune Cookie creation, and delve into the secrets of the largest Chinese enclave outside Asia. This journey promises to be a delightful exploration of culture and cuisine

• Stop At: The Dragon's Gate
• Pass By: The Old Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception
• Stop At: iCafe or Hang Ah for Pork Buns & Spring Rolls or Carnival Buns.
• Stop At: Portsmouth Square
• Stop At: Delicious Dim Sum
• Stop At: Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
• Narrated walking tour of Chinatown
• Plenty of stops with Photo opportunities
• Food included on your tour:
• Pork Buns & Spring Rolls or Carnival Buns at iCafe or Hang Ah
• Delicious Dim Sum
• Fortune Cookies
• Small group activity guaranteed, maximum of 12 customers
• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel Pick up or drop off.

Restrictions

• In order to cancel the booking with no penalties you must contact us at least 24 hours in advance.

When would you like to go?

Unavailable, please select:, options selected:, optional extras, price breakdown:.

• Stop At: Dragon's Gate
• Stop At: Old Cathedral of St. Mary
• Stop At: iCafe or Hang Ah
• Stop At: Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co.

Pickup Info

Hotel pick up is not provided for this tour. * Please be at the meeting point: The Dragon's Gate, Bush St @ Grant Ave, San Francisco at 10:45 am, 15 minutes before the tour begins at 11 am

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Wok Wiz Chinatown Walking Tours

Review Highlights

“ Gimmy had many historic facts and very cute, alley streets we got to walk down to learn about the past to the present Chinatown highlights. ” in 3 reviews

“ We saw a Buddhist temple, fortune cookie factory , Chinese herbalist shop, nice shops, interesting facades. ” in 5 reviews

“ Even he was thoroughly impressed with Dorothy 's, our tour guide, knowledge of chinatown SF and its history. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Kristina P.

Business Owner

Strolls of San Francisco's Chinatown highlighting its history, people, culture and food with an optional casual dim sum lunch at the end. Award-winning and plenty of fun, our team of tour leaders are all Chinatown natives, are articulate and receive rave reviews - join us soon! …

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Overall rating

Gimmy was a fantastic tour guide whose knowledge of Chinatown was illuminating and moving. We are grateful to have the opportunity to take our students to experience this rich cultural site!

Bernie, Shirley's husband give us the tour on our 10th anniversary that was 25 years ago. It was awesome then and I've heard just as good if not better now.

Bottom Line: For the average tourist, Wok Wiz demystifies San Francisco's Chinatown and offers a deeper understanding of the culturally-rich community that lives in the 20 square block neighborhood. At first glance, Chinatown is a busy tourist attraction with a fun Dragon Gate and souvenir shopping galore. But as can be learned through the Wok Wiz walking tour, Chinatown is actually a community of Chinese-Americans living their daily lives and tourists get to temporarily immerse themselves into this fascinating culture. Even though I had previously taken a walking tour of Chinatown with another company I knew there was still lots for me to learn about this fascinating area of Fog City. Here were some of the tour highlights for me: - Gimmy, our tour guide was great and I appreciated that she brought some show and tell with her to the rendezvous point like a picture of Chinese immigrants working on the trans-continental railroad. I always knew that we have the Chinese to thank for that 1860s feat of engineering but Gimmy told us that the US Government just officially recognized their contribution last year. - As an American history enthusiast, I already knew about the earthquake and subseqent fire of 1906 but what I didn't know is that during the rebuilding address, street numbers were not necessarily reassigned in the same location. There was so much rubble that city officials weren't exactly sure were some buildings were located prior to the distructive seismic tragedy. - Our first stop was in a jam packed Chinese stationary store. Here I enjoyed learning about the tradition of money envelopes. I also liked checking out the colorful calendars. - There are many places that I would feel awkward going in alone and the herbalist is one of them so I was glad to be shepherd by our guide. At the local herbalist, we saw the pharmacist mixing together a variety of natural ingredients and weighing them out to fulfill ancient prescriptions for Chinese medicine. I also enjoyed seeing the different varieties of ginseng here. Once again, Gimmy broke out her "show-and-tell" and we got to inspect and smell some of the "prescriptions" she had on hand. - Chinatown is a residential so community so we saw laundry blowing in the wind outside of single occupancy rooms that are 10x10 and rent for $700 to $1,000 per month. I learned that the citizens in those buildings share a bathroom and kitchen. To escape the crowded living space the residents enjoy socializing in nearby Plymouth Square. - I appreciated being welcomed into the Ma Tsu temple and learning more about this Buddhist based religion. It was ok to take pictures here if no one was praying. I noticed a donation box on my way out and was glad to share my thanks. - I am fascinated with the fortune cookie factory on Ross Alley so I am glad that is one of the stops on the tour. At the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie factory you can see how fortune cookies are made and even snap a few photos. They do ask for a $0.50 cent donation for photos so get your quarters ready. If you are lucky you'll get to sample some fortune cookie rounds too. You can buy bags of fortune cookies here for your family or mix it up a bit with bags of fortune cookies with adult sayings. - There are many places to taste tea in Chinatown and I think I've had tea at most of them but I finally found the best spot thanks to Wok Wiz - Red Blossom Tea Company. This family-owned store is run by a well educated second generation tea purveyor who pays very close attention from where she sources her tea. This is a very trustworthy spot for the highest quality tea - Our final stop was lunch at the Oriental Pearl Restaurant. We had dim sum, wonton soup, a noodle dish and some other delicious dishes here. Aside from the food being really good, the restaurant was quiet with nice white linens. As an added bonus, the bathroom was clean. There wasn't any naked ducks, opium or abalone on this two-hour walking tour but I still feel like I increased my understanding of one of the country's best Chinatowns.

See all photos from Courtney K. for Wok Wiz Chinatown Walking Tours

I live in San Francisco and had family visiting. They wanted a Chinatown tour. Even though I had been to SF Chinatown many times I love to learn new things. Gimmy was our tour guide and she was amazing. Knowledgeable and brought us off the beaten path to places that I would not have found on my own. My family really like the interactive nature of going in some of the shops to mingle with the owners and try different products (no hard sell at all). It was fun for them to learn about and for me as well. This was only a part of the tour. Gimmy had many historic facts and very cute, alley streets we got to walk down to learn about the past to the present Chinatown highlights. I had called to ask questions and spoke to the owner, Tina. She was very responsive and as well communicated via email as the tour date approached to make sure we knew where to go and a reminder of the meeting location. Felt very taken care of. Thanks Wok Wiz.

Kristina D.

May 10, 2023

Thank you, Judy, for your positive review! You were so nice to chat with in the pre-booking planning stage and Gimmy enjoyed her time with you on tour. We’d welcome you back anytime.

We wanted to take a foodie tour of Chinatown and had a hard time choosing which tour to take. I'm very glad we took the Wok Wiz Foodie tour. Our guide, Frank, was born in Chinatown and he deftly combined stories of life growing up in Chinatown with great food - most of which we never would have found on our own. While some of the stops on the tour are well-known, Frank was able to add extra context and because he's a member of the community we got extra attention at each stop from the proprietors. It was interesting to me how we traveled from quiet restaurants and shops with almost no tourists briefly crossing paths with the hordes of visitors as we walked by souvenir shops before stepping off the beaten path once again to learn a bit of history in between bites of food. Make sure you go hungry if you go. You definitely don't need to have breakfast before starting the tour. I'm definitely glad we chose Wok Wiz.

Aug 2, 2017

Thank you, Thom, for your positive feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your time with Frank in Chinatown. He has a plethora of historical, cultural and food related knowledge! We hope you join us again one day.

I had the most amazing experience today with Frank and the eating walking tour. I joined the tour last minute only finding out about it 45 minutes before the tour started it. They were so accommodating and let me join. We went to two different restaurants, two different bakeries, markets, tea tasting and a couple other stores. He is so knowledgeable about cooking and food he helped me with my food allergies made sure that everything I knew everything that was in everything I ate he explained how the food was made (even taught me how to make a couple things). And he was fun and funny as well! He grew up in Chinatown and was so full of history and understanding the intricacies of the neighborhood and how the neighborhood has evolved over the years. Not only was it an eating tour, it was also a history lesson. I loved loved loved my tour! And can't emphasize enough how wonderful Frank was!

See all photos from Lisa M. for Wok Wiz Chinatown Walking Tours

Mar 29, 2019

Thank you, Lisa, for your positive review. We are so glad you were able to join us today. Thank you for sharing your experience and photos. Frank knows so much about all aspects of food and he loves sharing time in Chinatown with our guests. I'll certainly relay your kind words to him. Come see us again one day!

I'm a little biased in this review - ya see, I have a close relative that is one of the tour guides (Alberta), and I FINALLY got to join her on the tour of Chinatown. We all met up at the Hilton in Chinatown. This is where you meet Shirley Fong-Torres and the rest of your group. The tour actually begins in Portsmouth Square and here you'll learn the history of the square and how each tour is run per your guide. Along the way, I learned about my guide's personal experience with Chinatown and how she relates to this historical place. We'll walk through Grant Street, a tea factory, the fortune cookie factory, a temple, and a few other stores that encourage the understanding of Chinese culture. We'll brave the crowds of Stockton street to take note of various produce, delicious goodies, and other notables that those who aren't familiar with Chinatowns will take quite delight in learning about. And should you choose, you can continue your tour to lunch where you'll dine with the rest of your group over a basic lunch. (I would recommend asking your guide for a better recommendation on lunch instead. I think you'll get a better bang for your buck this way and have a better variety of goodies to try.) All in all, growing in San Francisco and spending quite some time as a child in Chinatown, I still learned quite a few things. One story even brought a tear to my eye. If you haven't been around very many Chinatowns and would love to learn more about the history of San Francisco's, take a Wok Wiz tour. Every tour guide is different and you'll get an experience no matter what. If you have a fun group, that will play a difference too. And of course, don't forget to tip your guide! Tips are always appreciated!

Gimmy Park Li did our tour this last Saturday, and my husband and I were the only ones on the tour. She was so funny and a wonderful host! She took us all around and pointed out things we never would have noticed. She has great knowledge and we even stopped at the Wok Store so that we could replace our bamboo steamer and buy a new wok. We had done the eating tour of Chinatown many years ago and am so glad that they still have such wonderful tours.

For the price I wouldn't say this tour was worth it. I didn't really feel like I got a good feel for the history of Chinatown, and the dim sum lunch was...well, I know they need to make the tour palatable for the tons of midwest tourists that come that have never eaten dim sum before, but it really wasn't what I was expecting. Chinese chicken salad, an egg roll, char sui bao, chicken and mushroom shui mai, a potsticker, and a lotus seed paste sesame ball for dessert. Hmmm. Instead of the tour, walk around Chinatown, find the fortune cookie company in the alley, and go get dim sum at a restaurant with full cart service.

Yesterday we had the most enjoyable tour of Chinatown with Gimmy. She was so knowledgeable, engaging, and witty. We saw a Buddhist temple, fortune cookie factory, Chinese herbalist shop, nice shops, interesting facades. I really liked that we were not pressured to buy things at tourist shops. Instead, Gimmy showed us shops that specialized in certain things--all very nice shops--so if we wanted, we could come back knowing where the best stores are. Lunch was in a very nice restaurant and was delicious.

Jul 6, 2017

Thank you, Crystal, for your positive comments. We are happy to hear that your time in Chinatown with Gimmy was enjoyable. We hope to see you again in the future perhaps for the food focused "I Can't Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown" tour - it's a delicious way to spend the day.

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Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour of San Francisco (www.getyourguide.com)

Sample the foods of the world’s largest chinatown outside asia on a 3-hour walking tour of san francisco’s chinatown. see artisans making fortune cookies by hand. stroll down the small alleys, and learn about cooking techniques that date back centuries..

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• Sample the foods of the largest Chinatown outside Asia
• Try different types of Dim Sum
• Learn about Chinese teas and herbs
• Look inside a local Buddhist temple
• Visit Chinese markets and marvel at the produce
• See musical instruments that you have never seen before
• Marvel at Chinese antiquities and relics
• Watch artisans making Fortune Cookies by hand

Explore the largest Chinatown outside Asia on a 3-hour food tour of San Francisco’s Chinatown, and discover a maze of alleys off Grant Avenue and Stockton Street, where traditional techniques that date back centuries are still practiced. See food markets and local restaurants, with a surprise around every corner. Watch artisans making Fortune Cookies by hand, and enliven your senses with new flavors, smells, and aromas. Your guide will help you search out authentic crafts and pottery, explore exotic produce, and learn about herbs and teas from the very people who know them best. Uncover the hidden secrets that only intrepid locals know about. As you taste and see everything from Dim Sum to fortune cookies, teas, incredible antiquities, rare and unique musical instruments, and authentic cookware, you’ll know you’ve really experienced Chinatown. Marvel at statuettes and ritual objects that are literally thousands of years old. Visit a music center where you’ll see musical instruments you’ve never seen before. Try different types of Dim Sum from the oldest Chinese bakery in San Francisco. Go to one of the city’s oldest cathedrals, and look inside a Buddhist temple.

• 3-hour walking tour
• Food and beverages

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• Private Tours

Local Tastes of the City Tours wants your entire experience with us to be exceptional and we want you to feel confident reserving a tour, whether by phone or online, which is why offer one of the most flexible change/cancellation policies around. We ask you to give us 48 hours notice to cancel a tour. If it's less than 48 hours, and the unexpected happens, such as being delayed at the airport, flight cancelled, or something else, call us and we'll do our best to make you happy.

San Francisco Chinatown & North Beach Food Walking Tour

Taste the best of two worlds, Chinatown and Little Italy. $89 per person - 4 hours

• All food, a glass of wine, and non-alcoholic drinks included
• Important Info

On their own, North Beach (Little Italy) and Chinatown stir your senses...

Together, they awaken you to the tastes of a city like San Francisco, where food is everything to us.

While there will always be plenty of noteworthy restaurants to taste across our 7x7 metropolis, there's always something special that draws us, locals and travelers alike, to Chinatown and North Beach's most classic restaurants.

On this small-group walking food tour, your Bay Area local guide weaves history and storytelling into a handful of stops where you enjoy full servings of what makes this food scene so eclectically San Francisco: peking duck, teas, fortune cookies, pizza, cannolis, and more.

The only two things you really need to know for this tour: wear comfortable shoes and come hungry! These neighborhoods sit next to each other, making it easy to walk from one side of the world to another in just four hours.

• All food and drink is included
• Start in Chinatown with moon cakes from one of the neighborhood's oldest bakeries
• Enjoy tea tastings in Chinatown
• Sit down for Chinese food at a local favorite spot
• Enjoy chocolate from one the top chocolatiers in the US
• Bite into a fresh cannoli from an Italian bakery, which has been making cannoli since 1942
• See famous sights like Coit Tower from lesser-known vantage points and secret alcoves
• Relax with pizza at Mona Lisa Restaurant
• Expect more than 5 generous food and drink tastings along the way
• Vegetarian and special dietary needs welcome
• Whether you are in Union Square, Pier 39, Market Street, or Nob Hill, our tours are easy to get to.

Taste of the Tour

These are just some of the highlights when you come out with our San Francisco local guides.

Start at the Dragon's Gate of Chinatown

Begin under the archway of the intricately designed gateway into North America's oldest Chinatown. Throughout the tour, you zigzag across Kearny, Grant, and Stockton streets — often cutting through alleyways — to see the elaborate architecture, stop in some of Chinatown's oldest restaurants, and more.

Stop for treats at Chinatown Bakeries

One of the first stops is at an iconic Chinese bakery in San Francisco, where you get to try complimentary moon cakes. It opened in 1924, and has been a neighborhood mainstay ever since. In 2020, loyal customers ensured this beloved bakery stayed open, with many people special ordering its popular coffee crunch cake and moon cakes with homemade filling.

Sit down for a traditional Chinese meal

In addition to generous samples, this tour also includes a sit-down meal at a favorite local spot in Chinatown. Enjoy Peking Duck, potstickers, sesame balls, and tea, as you chat with your small group. Vegetarian and vegan options can be added!

Savor Local Favorites

Enjoy everything from BBQ Pork Buns, Sui Mai, Rice Cakes, Shrimp Dumplings, and more from Chinatown's favorite restaurants. Savor Dim Sum; from onion pancakes to Shanghai Dumplings and more, at local Chinatown eateries.

Enjoy tea tastings at a wonderful local spot

We also stop in a wonderful local spot for a variety of tea tastings where you learn Chinese customs regarding tea ceremonies, as well as the health benefits of the tea leaves you taste.

Meet chocolatiers, cannoli pioneers, and more in North Beach

During this portion of the North Beach walking tour, you experience the friendliness of this neighborhood through its rich and delectable foods. Expect samples from a top U.S. chocolatier, cannolis from a Sicilian bakery, and of course local pizza! Bonus: Enjoy a glass of wine with your pizza during our stop to the Mona Lisa Restaurant on Columbus Avenue.

Important Information

• Upon booking, let us know if you have any dietary requests for the tour
• Our tours operate daily
• If you need to get in touch with us, we are available 24/7. Contact us here , or by phone at (415) 665-0480

Cancellation Policy

Local Tastes of the City Tours wants your entire experience with us to be exceptional and we want you to feel confident reserving a tour, whether by phone or online.

We ask you to give us 48 hours notice to cancel a tour. If it's less than 48 hours, and the unexpected happens, such as being delayed at the airport, flight cancelled, or something else, call us and we'll do our best to make you happy.

Meeting Location

Our tour begins next to 400 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA (Chinatown) at Bush and Grant, in front of the Chinatown (Dragon) Gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this san francisco food tour wheelchair-friendly.

Yes, please let us know at the time of booking.

Is this San Francisco food and walking tour kid-friendly?

Yes, and we've heard from plenty of parents how much fun their kids had in the fortune cookie factory in Chinatown!

Does this tour offer vegan and vegetarian options?

Yes, we are happy to accommodate dietary needs. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Are masks required on this tour?

Vaccinations are not required on our tours; however, we highly recommend that you are vaccinated.

Are you able to dine indoors in San Francisco restaurants?

Masks may be required in some stops. Proof of vaccination is required on all tours.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

This tour covers about 8-10 city blocks with some slight inclines on hills, particularly in the North Beach neighborhood.

Is it called North Beach or Little Italy in San Francisco?

Locals call it North Beach and people outside San Francisco call it Little Italy, however it is the same neighborhood.

If I need to cancel my booking, can I get a refund?

Local Tastes of the City Tours wants your entire experience with us to be exceptional and we want you to feel confident reserving a tour, whether by phone or online, which is why we offer one of the most flexible change/cancellation policies around.

What is the meeting point of this tour?

Our Chinatown and North Beach Food Walking Tour begins next to 400 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA (Chinatown) at Bush and Grant, in front of the Chinatown (Dragon) Gate.

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Self-Guided Chinatown Food Tour in San Francisco

On this Self-Guided Chinatown Food Tour San Francisco, you will be taken away from the “tourist traps” and will get a glimpse into how everyday locals feast. You will get to taste a variety of dishes from different Chinese regions, both traditional and modern. Let us show you the hidden culinary side of Chinatown!

Table of Contents

Self-guided chinatown food tour san francisco overview.

1: Welcome Drink at China Live

China Live 644 Broadway

2: Course 1 at Good Mong Kok

Good Mong Kok 1039 Stockton St

3: Ross Alley & Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

56 Ross Alley

4: Course 2 at Z&Y Restaurant

Z&Y Restaurant 655 Jackson St

5: Portmouth Square

Portmouth Square

6: Course 3 at Sam Wo or Capital Restaurant

Sam Wo (except Tuesdays or afternoons) 713 Clay St

Capital Restaurant (on Tuesdays and afternoons) 839 Clay St

7: Waverly Place

Waverly Place

8: Dessert at Dragon Papa

Dragon Papa 752 Grant Ave

Chinatown Self-Guided Tour Map

1: china live.

China Live, Broadway, San Francisco, CA, USA

2: Good Mong Kok

Good Mong Kok Bakery, Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA, USA

4: Z&Y Restaurant

Z & Y Restaurant, Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

5: Portsmouth Square

Portsmouth Square, Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

Sam Wo Restaurant, Clay Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

6: Capital Restaurant

Capital Restaurant, Clay Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

Chinatown, San Francisco, CA, USA

8: Garden Bakery

Garden Bakery, Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

Here’s some tips to keep in handy before you start your experience:

• All of the selected dishes we recommend eating at each restaurant only budgets the base price; tax and tip are not included
• Many of the restaurants and stores are cash only, so be sure to stop by an ATM
• If you do happen to go during the weekday lunch rush or weekend dinner rush, be prepared to wait for seating at some of these restaurants
• If at all possible, call Z&Y Restaurant when starting your experience to make a reservation
• Please let your server know if you have any food allergies
• Don’t be afraid of the language barrier, most merchants speak great English
• How to say thank you: Xiexie (pronounced shi-eh shi-eh)
• Parking is tough here. Metered parking and garage parking can be pricey. We recommend taking public transportation. https://goo.gl/maps/Npf54Bjf6152
• Wear comfortable shoes. This route is precisely 1 mile along even pavement, but some parts do have a small incline.
• Bring a jacket. San Francisco weather can be hot one second, and freezing the next, so be sure to dress in layers.

Tour Introduction

San Francisco’s Chinatown is filled with colorful alleyways and streets, some with unusual smells and some with kitschy souvenirs. However, behind the Dragon Gates and pagoda rooftops is a vibrant neighborhood, which is home to gener- ations of Chinese American immigrants and a new evolving Chinese American cuisine. Before your journey begins, let us tell you just how the oldest Chinatown in Northern America began, and the Chinese cuisine within.

The first example of Chinese American cuisine emerged in 1848, at the beginning of the Gold Rush Era. Many young bachelors, mostly from the Cantonese region of China, flocked to San Francisco to take part in the search for gold. After the frenzy, many of these young men decided to stay in San Francisco as there was a high demand for their cheap labor. At the end of a long hard day’s work, many gold miners would congregate at eateries for dinner and drinks. Later, after the miners had finished their dinner, the hungry and tired Chinese workers would arrive at the eateries, but by then, the staff were tired, and kitchens were out of most ingredients. At that point in the evening, the chef would just throw together whatever food scraps he had left in the kitchen and called it a meal. This dish eventually become known as one of the first famous Chinese American dishes: Chop Suey.

Chinese men who arrived during the Gold Rush were not welcomed in San Francisco. Their appearance was different from the white men with long braided ponytails, different skin color. Speaking a foreign language, didn’t help either.

Because there were few available jobs, the white man’s verbal discrimination turned into violence, forcing the Chinese to self-segregate within the safety of their own neighborhood. Racism became so intense that the Chinese population would leave Chinatown for work then rush back at night to stay safe. This intense xenophobia led to the enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which made it very difficult for anyone from China to immigrate to the United States or for American born Chinese to even become citizens.

Tension remained high for many years until the great earthquake of 1906 – a blessing in disguise to the Chinese community. The neighborhood was burnt down to ashes and dust. Chinatown was destroyed and this provided a chance to rebuild the community into something better, something more beautiful. City officials required that the newly built neighborhood had to be an asset to the city, so the Chinese saw this as an opportunity to design buildings catering to what Americans imagined “ethnic” China was like. More and more tourist began to pour into this newly rebuilt neighborhood and it was no longer labeled as a “slum”.

As time went on, discrimination toward the Chinese lessened. Once the immigration laws were repealed in 1943, Chinese families came to America in search of a better life. Chinatown was now more densely populated by women and children in addition to working class men.

In 1960, Cecilia Chiang who later became known as the moth- er of Chinese American cuisine, moved to San Francisco’s Chinatown. She originally came to visit her sister, who lived on the edge of Chinatown. One day, as she was walking down bustling Grant Avenue, she ran into some friends whom she had known while living in Japan. They were hoping to open up a Chinese restaurant, but needed Cecilia’s help as they didn’t know much about the cuisine. Her friends didn’t speak great English and didn’t even have checks to put a deposit down for the lease. So, Cecilia decided to help them out and wrote a $10,000 check. They eventually backed out. By law, the landlord was not obligated to give Cecilia her money back, thus, she was stuck with a restaurant lease.

How was this young lady with no restaurant experience going to run a restaurant herself? Having come from a wealthy lifestyle raised on food cooked by private chefs, Chiang had no cooking or restaurant experience but was determined to succeed. She noticed most so called “Chinese restaurants” were serving up dishes from the Gold Rush days like Chop Suey and Egg Foo Young, that didn’t taste very good. Chiang decided she wanted to be different compared to all the other Chinese restaurants in Chinatown and serve real, authentic Chinese food. She could only afford to hire a few staff including two cooks, an accountant, and a manager. Cecilia herself became the janitor, and the dishwasher, and did all the grocery shopping. With only the memories of what traditional Chinese cuisine tasted like, she tried her best to serve delicious and authentic dishes at her new restaurant, The Mandarin. At the time, many American were fascinated by this exotic cuisine, but wanted more dishes with familiar ingredients. She struggled to better understand the American palate and experimented with new menu items, sometimes changing menu items as frequently as every day.

After 2 years of being open, Cecilia began building regular clients, including Alexis Tangier, the owner of a high-class restaurant located in the wealthy Nob Hill neighborhood. He loved how different her food tasted compared to all the other Chinese restaurants he had eaten in and decided to introduce one of his friends, Journalist Herb Caen from The San Francisco Chronicle, to her restaurant. Caen instantly fell in love with Cecilia’s Chinese American dishes he had never tasted before. Soon after, he published a review about her cuisine that was widely read. As a result, the Mandarin became so popular, that Chiang had to relocate to a bigger, more elaborate space at Ghirardelli Square. Even until today, Chiang continues to influence the development of Chinese American cuisine.

Though she eventually sold The Mandarin (which later closed in 2006), Cecilia Chiang’s legacy continues. She has mentored famous chefs such as Julia Childs, James Beard, Alice Waters, and George Chen, who used to bus tables at her restaurant, and now owns the newest establishment in the neighborhood, China Live. Her son, Philip Chang, went on to co-open the fast casual Chinese American chain, P.F. Chang’s. In 2013, Chiang even won a James Beard Foundation Award for lifetime achievement. Cecilia Chang has truly become the mother of Chinese American Cuisine in America, which can still be seen today in San Francisco’s Chinatown’s restaurants.

Years of history is hidden behind Chinatown’s walls and unique flavors hidden in it’s countless dishes. This guide, designed by local foodies, for those wanting an insider’s look into one of San Francisco’s most famous neighborhoods, is all you will need to to explore the depths of the country’s first ever Chinatown – through its people, its history and its cuisine.

As you explore Chinatown with open eyes and ears, you’ll notice that Chinatown is continuing to evolve in new ways. For example, we look to two of the newest additions to Chinatown for the latest innovations – China Live and Mister Jiu’s. Both of these eateries are bringing something new and innovative to the community that Chinatown hasn’t seen before. Famous chefs like, Brandon Jew and George Chen, are diving into their heritage to showcase traditional dishes, but with a twist. Their menus change often, using the freshest, in season, local ingredients. This is only the beginning of a movement that will showcase Chinese American dishes in a different light, essentially interpreting flavors and ingredients that may scare some away. One could even call these new dishes Chinese-Californian cuisine.

Today we’re going to tell the story of Chinatown from a locals perspective that will showcase innovation juxtaposed with regionality, and tradition.

Image Credit: China Live Google Maps

Chinatown is a beautiful community with welcoming locals and delicious cuisine. Here at Avital Tours, we want to show you the backside – the locals perspective – that’s why we’re steering you away from the Dragon Gates, beginning your journey at the “back” of Chinatown.

China Live brings Chinatown something unique and innovative. Familiar with New York City’s Eataly? That’s the exact concept founder and world-renowned executive chef, George Chen, was going for. This project, which took about 3 years in the making and is still in progress to expand, is a one-of-a-kind food, drink, and retail emporium. China Live is an interactive culinary and cultural destination offering an in-depth exploration of Greater Chinese gastronomy. Here, Chen demystifies Chinese ingredients and recipes while educating guests on the rich history and influence. In describing his projected outcomes of this project, Chen states “I think this is the perfect place to kind of bridge the cultures across the oceans and the past to the present and future”. The menu is hyper seasonal and changes daily – truly producing only the freshest dishes and capturing California cuisine.

Take a step inside and discover what this establishment has to offer. The first thing you will see is the beautifully tiled Oolong Cafe. We welcome you to grab a cup of tea here as a welcome drink before furthering your exploration.

Next, you will pass by Bar Central. If you get thirsty at the end of your journey through Chinatown, come back and enjoy a Shanghai Kelly’s Bad Bad cocktail, a twist on the classic Pisco Punch, created by one of San Francisco’s favorite bartenders, Duggan McDonnell. McDonnell continues the legacy of Pisco in San Francisco, and takes pride in calling it one of the city’s preferred spirits since it was San Francisco’s most popular spirits during the Gold Rush. This Chinese-California cocktail of Encanto Pisco with Plantain Pineapple Rum, Blue Curaçao & Gun Powder Green Tea, Fresh Lime & Pineapple, and Orange Bitters, is not to miss.

Next, you’ll see the Market Restaurant. Look to the left, and take a peek inside the kitchen to see chef’s preparing one of our favorite dishes on the menu – the peking duck with a kumquat glaze and traditional condiments served in a sesame pocket. If you’re still feeling hungry after this self-guided tour, come back here to try this dish.

The other half of the first floor of China Live is a retail market. Here you can purchase a wide array of goods such as spices and imported cookware. Since opening day, locals have been filling up the dining space for a one of a kind dinner experience. China Live showcases the beginning of modern day Chinatown – bringing locals from all over the city to discover the growth of this amazing neighborhood.

After you enjoy your cup of tea from China Live, head out – side and take a left towards Stockton Street. Step away from Grant Avenue filled with materialist goods and souvenirs, and step into the local side of Chinatown. Even from afar you will notice the street bustling with overcrowded buses, locals running around grocery shopping, and quirky stores. Keep an eye out for your first course: Good Mong Kok.

Image Credit: Christine Kang via Google Maps

As you stumble down Stockton Street past the produce outlets, past the fish markets, and past the spice shops, you’ll notice this quaint, but bustling, no frills eatery. Here you can grab the best cheap dim sum in the neighborhood, which makes Good Mong Kok a local’s favorite. Be prepared to wait in line, but don’t worry, it moves fast and it’s definitely worth it.

Dim sum is a style of Chinese cuisine, particularly Cantonese, prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. Most of the Chinese who immigrated to San Francisco were from Guangdong Province, a Cantonese region, and thus brought their regional dishes with them to San Francisco. Freshly made and served on carts that went around the restaurant for customers to choose from, this style of dining became a tourist attraction. Americans soon grew fond of the little hors d’oeuvres, eating them in restaurants and eventually grabbing some as a snack on-the-go.

Chef Bo Cina from District Oakland restaurant recommends “the pork and vegetable Cha Siu Bao (though the bbq pork version is also great), the perfectly seasoned shrimp Har gow (Xia Jiao) with bamboo shoots, and don’t forget the soy and Hunan chili paste”. We love the perfectly balanced peanut and pork dumplings (Fung Gow) too! You just might have to come back later to try the shu mai and steamed pork buns as well!

The staff are used to many tourists and locals, so don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know what something is. If anything, just point to choose what you want, we guarantee you’ll find just about everything to be delicious. We’re unsure if it’s just the tasty sesame balls or because you can feed yourself under $5 here, but Good Mong Kok is not a spot to miss.

Next, you will discover the history of Ross Alley and learn the story of the fortune cookie. Take a left out of the restaurant and follow the map to your next destination.

Image Credit: lonelyplanet.com

As you remember, the Chinese retreated to their neighbor- hood due to vast amounts of outside discrimination. Imagine how bored Chinatown residents must have become confined to a few square blocks. Thus, to entertain themselves, notorious pastimes, such as gambling, prostitution and drug use emerged.

Fun fact: Ross Alley is the oldest alley in Chinatown, dating back to the times of the Gold Rush. Between the 1860’s up until 1906, small alleys like this were notorious for slave auctions, brothels, opium dens, and gambling halls. This was probably not the place you would have hung out at the time (or maybe you would have….)

During the late 1800’s, Chinatown consisted mostly of bachelors; there was actually only a very small population of women. To fulfill needs of intimacy, most women at the time were actually brought overseas by “gangs” to be sold in slave auctions that took place in small alleys like this or taken into custody at brothels.

Another commodity at the time was Opium, a very popular drug in China, enjoyed for leisure by all levels of society. The first shipment of Chinese opium arrived in San Francisco in 1861. A few years later, 1864, became known as “the Year of Opium” in San Francisco, as huge shipments were arriving regularly. Though it was illegal, laws were not strictly enforced except when the police needed to scheme for money. Secret opium “dens” were created to hide from cops. A typical opium den might have been a Chinese-run laundry that had a basement, back room, or upstairs room that was tightly sealed to keep drafts from making the opium lamps flicker or allowing the opium fumes to escape – always hidden in small side alleys like this. However, during the 1906 earthquake and fire, all of these dens were wiped out and were never rebuilt.

Gambling was yet another bustle to pass the time. Throughout alleys, windows would be boarded shut, but you could still hear the echo of Mahjong, a tile-based game that originated in China. The sounds of tile pieces and coins being tossed around constantly rang throughout the neighborhood. This to was an illegal pastime that often caused tension between “gangs.”

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Tucked away in this tiny alley is the last standing handmade fortune cookie factory in America. Follow the scent of freshly made sweets and you’ll know you’re in the right spot. The ironic part about the fortune cookies served in Chinese restaurants after meals, is that their origin actually lays with the Japanese. Here’s the inside scoop!

The fortune cookie was invented by a Japanese immigrant named Makoto Hagiwara. In 1895, he came to design, manage, and live at the Japanese Tea Garden in the city’s Golden Gate Park. As a way to entice customers, and show his gratitude for their visit, he gave out Japanese fortune tea cookies with “thank you” notes inside. Their shape is supposed to evoke that of the bells at temples where people prayed for health and good fortune, and to also resemble the look of a bow. The fortunes on the other hand, just acted as souvenirs for travelers. Though a baker, Hagiwara outsourced the production to Benkyodo, a small Japanese bakery in San Francisco’s Japantown. Chinese restaurants then began to use these cookies as “thank you” gifts to their diners as well. This became very popular and soon many Chinese restaurants made this a staple at the end of each meal. Due to the 1942 Japanese internment, Benkyodo was taken over by enterprising Chinese businessmen who saw this a growing business amongst their culture.

Modern day Ross Alley is now known as the site of the The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, which is now owned by Franklin Yee and opened in 1962. Even from down the street, you can smell the sweet scent of freshly made, warm, heavenly, cookies. Today, about 20,000 cookies are handmade a day by two women manning what you will see to be a very large piece of machinery. Once you walk in, take a bite into one of the complimentary reject cookies and you’ll get a fresh taste of a buttery-sesame mixture. It’s free admission to walk in, watch, and have a sample, but if you want to take a picture, remember it costs 50 cents.

While we love the story of the Fortune Cookie being invented in San Francisco, some historians claim that they were invented in Los Angeles. So, in 1983, San Francisco’s pseudo-legal Court of Historical Review held a mock trial to determine the origins of the fortune cookie. To no one’s surprise, the judge (a real-life federal judge from San Francisco) ruled in favor of San Francisco. Included among the evidence was a fortune cookie whose message read: “S.F. Judge who rules for L.A. Not Very Smart Cookie.”

You will now head towards the second course of your experience to get a feel for one of China’s seven regional cuisine styles. Head back towards Jackson St. and walk over one block to the next restaurant.

Image Credit: Z&Y Restaurant Google Maps

Z&Y restaurant is our restaurant of choice for authentic Szechuan style cuisine. Though Cantonese dishes are prominent in San Francisco’s Chinatown, it’s important to note that there are actually 7 regional cuisines in China. Szechuan cuisine, originating from the Sichuan province in southwestern China has particular pungency and spicy bold flavours resulting from the use of garlic and chili peppers, as well as the unique flavor of the Sichuan pepper. Be careful, this place takes spice to a whole new tingling-numbing level. Owner and chef, Han Lijuan and his wife opened up this restaurant 9 years ago to showcase great Szechuan cuisines to a Cantonese filled neighborhood. Bringing the heat with his Northern Chinese dishes infused with Szechuan flavors, Chef Han has lovingly opened a restaurant that locals from all over the bay flock to in order to get their fix of hot and cold dishes infused with spicy peppercorn chili, served family style. Not only has Chef Han served prestigious guests, such as presidents and prime ministers of the People’s Republic of China, but his restaurant has actually made the list for the top 100 restaurants in San Francisco and is even a Michelin 2017 Bib Gourmand restaurant.

Our favorite dish is hands down the Wontons with Spicy Peanut Sauce. Also a favorite of Chef Joshua Skenes from Michelin 3-starred San Francisco restaurant, Saison, he jokingly says these dumplings are “spicy like (his) wife. They have a thin skin so they’re not dumplings in a traditional sense, but more like wontons. There’s a sauce made from chilies, soy sauce, and vinegar and its just sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.” For vegetarians, or if you have a larger group and want to order more food, the House Cold Noodles is a great addition to your progressive meal. This cold dish combines cucumber, beansprouts, and noodles of course, infused with chili oil.

Next, to get a feel of how everyday locals use their leisurely time, we will take you to Portsmouth Square. Follow the map to your next destination.

Image Credit: LauraDel via Flickr

Portsmouth Square also known as the “Heart of Chinatown” and “Chinatown’s Living Room” plays an important role in this neighborhood. Just walk in during the middle of the day and you will see the area bustling with Tai Chi and Falun Gong practitioners, and neighborhood locals playing Chinese checkers, cards, hanging out, sharing snacks, and socializing with one another. This square played an import- ant part in history as well – it was the location where the discovery of gold was announced and also where the first public school in California for non-whites was built.

You must be wondering why Portsmouth Square is called a living room? Well, most of the apartments in this area are single rooms, with a history dating back to the 1850’s. Back then, there was many young adults who migrated here that could not afford the Foreigner Tax, which was required before they could head up to the gold fields. Instead of heading back to China after such a long migration, they settled in Chinatown. Since they were single, young men, they did not need space to entertain guests or full kitchens, so most of the apartments were built with just one large room. The original studio apartment, so to speak.

So, Portsmouth Square became Chinatown’s “living room”, as a lot of young Chinese hung out there. Like we mentioned before, there was little to no entertainment in the area, so life here was boring and dull, and the highlight of any day was probably hanging out in Portsmouth Square. Today, many of the SRO’s house newly immigrated Chinese and the older Chinese population as they are very affordable. To this day, you can see that the square still acts as an entertainment space for the older Chinese crowd.

In our mission to create community, we stumbled across a friendly looking older gentleman soaking in the sun. When we asked Mr. Alan Wong about his memories of the history of Chinese American food while growing up, he lit up and glared at his bag of french fries that he was holding. He told us of the time when the now closed Fong Fong Bakery & Soda Fountain used to be the go to spot. “When I was younger, my parents were extremely poor. Sometimes if they had enough money to get by for the week, they would give my brothers and I some spare change. This was our favorite place to go when we had money – it was a luxury for us.” He told us he could purchase 3 orders of french fries and lychee ice cream for the same amount of the bag of fries he was currently holding in his hands. Though he has seen many Chinese American dishes come and go Mr. Wong claimed “I’m happy to see how things have changed for the better since I was younger”. He even went on to mention that nowadays, some of his favorite places include New Lung Ting and Capital Restaurant!

For your third course, you will taste traditional Cantonese comfort food. You have the choice of a BBQ Pork Rice Noodle Roll at Sam Wo or Salt and Hot Pepper Fried Chicken Wings at Capital Restaurant. Once you have decided, follow the map to either restaurant of your choice.

Image Credit: Chris Perez via Google Maps

The infamous Sam Wo dates back to 1907. This restaurant has been the place to go for late meals after a night out for about 100 years now. Generations and generations of locals have flocked here to get their inexpensive fix of Barbeque Pork Rice Noodle Rolls and Jook. This is one of those famous, no-frills, late-night food fixes that has it’s “you-get-what- you-get service”.

Unfortunately in 2012, the original location was closed down after having its health permit suspended. With years of history behind them and the demand of loyal customers, Julie Ho, daughter of the owner, revived the restaurant at a new location. At this current location, the food is truly still the same home cooked style comfort food it has always been, however the decor takes on a more contemporary meets old school feel. The dishes served here are the definition of Chinese comfort food. The restaurant’s most popular dish, and quite frankly our favorite as well, is the BBQ Pork Noodle Rice Roll. Ask for spicy mustard on the side, but be careful, a little bit goes a long way. For our vegetarian guests, we recommend the plain jook with a chinese doughnut on the side! This classic Chinese breakfast combo is the ultimate comfort meal.

If you happen to drink one too many Chinese Mai Tai’s tonight, circle back to Sam Wo for your late night indulgence. Tip: If you get the chance, stop by the original location at 713 Clay St to get a true feel of this restaurant’s years of history.

Note: Sam Wo is closed on Tuesdays and some- times closes between lunch and dinner hours. If this happens to be a time you’re on your self guided experience, head over to Capital Restaurant instead for more Chinese comfort food. Or if you just simply rather eat Fried Chicken Wings instead of a BBQ Pork Rice Noodle Roll, we say head over there too.

Capital Restaurant

Capital Restaurant is your local no frills restaurant serving up traditional Cantonese and Chinese-American dishes. It may look like the interior hasn’t been upgraded since the 1970’s, with scotch tape covering up the degrading wooden table panelings, but that definitely doesn’t take away from the pleasingly unpretentious food. The simple decor matches the simple yet delicious food that mom used to make when you were younger.

Owner Samantha Lo intentionally placed the restaurant’s best selling dish, the Salt and Hot Pepper Chicken Wings, on the cover of the menu when she took over the restaurant from her mother-in-law in 2007. Definitely hard to miss when peer a the menu, but if you do, most of the time she’s already halfway to the table with your wings before you can even order.

Chef Staffan Terje from Barbacco favors these wings as well and says they’re “very tasty and versatile”. For our vegetarian friends, we recommend ordering the Braised Tofu with Black Mushroom and Greens. Capital Restaurant isn’t here to impress the ultra-foodies, but rather to satisfy your Wednesday night take-out needs.

Note: Capital Restaurant is closed on Mondays. If this happens to be the day you’re on your self guided experience, head over to Sam Wo instead for more Chinese comfort food. Or if you just simply rather eat a BBQ Pork Rice Noodle Roll instead of Fried Chicken Wings, we say head over there too.

Next you will learn the meaning behind the architecture, temples, and many surnames you’ve seen throughout Chinatown thus far. Follow the map to your next destination, the picturesque Waverly Place.

A picturesque street full of sights and smells to overwhelm you, Waverly Place houses a multitude of restaurants and temples. Just look around and you will see a great deal of beautiful architecture. Many Tongs and Family Association gathering spaces, a piece of history very unique to the Chinese community, also line this street.

Look about and ponder “The Street of Painted Balconies”. Away from the tourist front, this has to be one of the most beautiful, little local streets of Chinatown. Pops of green, yellow, red, and pink coat the beautifully crafted buildings. Peer at the many balconies, and notice how they unusually point upwards; these were especially designed this way to ward off spirits.

Located on the top floor of many of these picturesque buildings, are the meeting spaces of what Chinatown calls “Tongs”. Tongs are associations that formed within Chinese immigrant communities around the 1800s. They were essentially assembled in Chinatown to help the community with legal, monetary, and protective services, because they weren’t able to use “white” services. However, the Tongs slowly became known for criminal enterprises, trafficking in drugs, prostitution, gambling and even slavery. Soon, many Tongs formed affiliations with the gangs within Chinatown. Remember the leisurely activities bachelors took interest in the olden days on streets like Ross Alley? These were typically controlled and run by the gangs or Tongs. Today, there are still a handful of of Tongs. However, activity is now much quieter and behind the scenes.

On the lighter side, you will also notice common Chinese surnames such as Wong, Fong, Chan or Louie, plastered on a few buildings. These house the whereabouts of Family Associations, societies formed around a family surname. Chinese descendants that hold the same surname are entitled to the services their specific Family Association offers. Earlier Family Associations attempted to discourage prostitution, encouraged the Chinese to live moral lives, and fought for higher wages for immigrants competing with “whites” for labor. Today, they provide family descendants with community services, money in times of need, scholar- ships, share family history or news, and host family reunions. When we talked to Mr. Lee, he gloated that his family name is actually the largest in San Francisco’s Chinatown. He went on to mention “generations ago, our family association community helped my family settle in Chinatown. They offered assistance in finding cheap housing, helped some of my family learn English, and aided us in finding fair jobs. Before I entered college, I even got assistance with applying for scholarships, and am now able to contribute back to my family.”

Lastly, if you look closely at the some signs, you will notice that some of the buildings house temples. These are not elaborately labeled like other places of worship, as the importance of the structure lies in the prayers to the gods rather than the outdoor decor. If you’re up for it, we welcome you to #BreatheCuriosity and explore the Tin How Temple. This happens to be the oldest Taoist temple in Chinatown, which opened in 1852. The Tin How Temple was originally established in this neighborhood so those who traveled to America overseas could give thanks to goddesses for protecting their journey. Here locals pray to the goddess of the sea, burn incense, and have their fortunes read. The building is accessible to the public for free, but note you will have to take the stairs up a few floors.

Update: Dragon Papa has sadly shut their doors. We will be updating our dessert stop soon. In the meantime, check out the option stops section for more dessert ideas.

Your final stop on this experience concludes at Dragon Papa, a one of a kind dessert shop, show included. This little shop is the only one in San Francisco that makes the freshly pulled dragon beard dessert. In fact, there’s only one other producer of this dessert on the West Coast, truly a nearly lost art. Once you walk in, you will be greeted by the store owner, Derek Tran, a seemingly young male too young to run a shop himself. We talked to Derek, who told us he’s actually a fourth generation Dragon Beard maker, and car- ries on the tradition of his great grandfather – a chef in the Forbidden Palace in Beijing where he specialized in preparing Dragon Beard candy for the emperor’s court. Derek’s father originally made Dragon’s Beard candy at the famous Koi Palace in Daly City, but the two have since ventured out on their own. Locals love this spot as it’s a dessert from their homeland that they can’t get anywhere else. Elder residents as well are even happy to find their favorite childhood treats.

You can enjoy watching the dessert creators from the storefront window twist and stretch a thick ring of malt syrup until it forms hundreds of thousands of silky white strands. The candy, that looks like a sort of cotton candy floss, is coated around a mix of toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut. As each dessert is meticulously hand crafted, only 7 boxes per hour can be produced for a total of about per 60-65 boxes a day.

The name “Dragon Beard” derives from the mess you make when you eat it. Before delving in Derek told us “take a selfie after you eat it…white little strands hang from your mouth, making you look like you have a chinese folk lore dragon’s beard”. Here, they sell a few other Hong Kong treats, all made by hand, including ginger candy and warm mochi coated in seeds. The original flavor Dragon’s Beard dessert is definitely the dessert to order, but we also recommend trying the coffee flavor if you’re feeling adventurous. Derek is the most hospitable shop owner ever. He will be more than thrilled to tell you the history of the art, describe the candy making process, and describe all the flavors you will be tasting – so #BreatheCuriosity and ask!

Optional Stops

Li po cocktail lounge.

Li Po Cocktail Lounge is that peculiar dive bar that you typically wouldn’t enter. However, when Anthony Bourdain is a fan, why not give it a shot. We recommend ordering the highlight cocktail – a Chinese Mai Tai given that the original Mai Tai was invented in Oakland, across the bay. Chef Val Cantu from Michelin-starred restaurant, Californios, jokes that “the Mai Tai’s here will get you there much faster.” If it gets too busy at the main bar, there’s a hidden seating area downstairs that also has another bar.

New Lun Ting Cafe

New Lun Ting Cafe, also known as “The Porkchop House”, is a Hong-Kong style eatery serving comfort food that was established in 1970. Their most popular dishes consist of an unusual but delicious concoction of Cantonese, British, and American influence. Look around and you’ll mostly see plates of pork drenched in a classic burnt orange sauce served with a side of cabbage or corn. Some tend to even opt in for the classic spaghetti instead of the side of rice.

These days you’ll see the place packed with local families and older couples, but back in the 1970’s it was actually known as a “bachelor’s cafe” due to it’s single style seating usually populated by unmarried men. In the late 1980’s, table furnishings went from single seating to a more traditional family style seating. Though there’s still a table of single style seating that gets filled with loyal customers of bachelors, it’s now a spot for all locals to enjoy traditional, homemade, Chinese-American diner dishes.

Mister Jiu’s

Mister Jiu’s brings to chinatown innovative Chinese- California cuisine. This contemporary establishment twists Chinese traditions with artistry and organic/seasonal, local ingredients. Marcia from Tablehopper says that “Jew has learned the importance of knowing where [his] ingredients come from and isn’t inspired to buy dried scallops from a jar in a shop where he doesn’t know a thing about them or even how long they have been sitting around. It’s about the integrity of everything used in the kitchen, so the kitchen’s four dehydrators have been running full time.” Though just about every dish is amazing, we highly recommend pairing your food with one of their specialty cocktails, from bartender Danny Louie, named after symbols of good fortune.

Golden Gate Bakery

Golden Gate Bakery is the place to go in the city for Dan Tats, also known as Egg Tarts. The perpetual line out the door should be a clue that some sort of wizardry is going on inside this bakery. One of San Francisco’s iconic foods, the Egg Tarts here are amazingly fresh and warm, with flakey layers of dough, filled with an indescribable fluffy custard. Hold on before stuffing your face with this deliciousness! These treats routinely come right out of the oven, so be sure not to burn your tongue.

AA Bakery hits 3 birds with one stone – delicious pastries, intricate cakes, and home cooked food. Many neighborhood locals flock here to meet their elaborate cake needs as well as cravings for Hong-Kong style homemade food and pas- tries. Owner Henry Chen came to the States when he was 20 and dabbled in the food industry as a server and cook before landing in the pastry scene, where he’s been ever since. He enjoys making something out of nothing. “With baking, all you have is flour, sugar and eggs — you basically have nothing to start with, but can be very creative,” says Chen. Note the strong community vibe here; regulars hang out and chat while they sip on Hong Kong-style Milk Tea and pastries.

Chinese Cultural Center of San Francisco – Visual Arts Center

The mission of the CCC is dedicated to elevating under- served communities and giving voice to equality through education and contemporary art. Stop by to experience the beautiful rotating art exhibit.

Tour Conclusion

Avital Experiences wants to thank you for taking the the time to let us show you exactly why we love Chinatown. For years, this neighborhood has housed many great traditional Chinese-American restaurants, but it’s now also showing San Francisco’s culinary scene something new and innovative. We hope you enjoyed our recommendations and received a glimpse into how current day locals live in Chinatown. If you enjoyed this self-guided tour, we encourage you to tell your friends and family to try it out for themselves. Did you take any awesome photos? Share them at @avitalexperiences!

More Walking Food Tours with Avital

Enjoyed your self-guided experience in San Francisco and hungry for more? Book a guided tour with Avital in North Beach or the Mission District for even more incredible food, delicious drinks, and awesome stories!

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San Francisco Chinatown Self-Guided Walking Tour

Melissa Zink / TripSavvy

San Francisco's Chinatown has more guided tour options than the local herbalist has ginseng roots. Many of them are informative and entertaining, but they control the schedule, and you have to plan around that. If you'd rather:

• Tour Chinatown when you want to
• Stay as long as you want at places of interest
• Skip the bits that bore you
• And do it all for free

This self-guided tour covers all the same sights to which tour guides will take you.

Print this page to take along and you're all set—and you can't beat the cost savings.

This walking tour takes you off the main streets into alleys and areas where you'll find some unique Chinatown sights. At a leisurely pace, it takes about 2 hours, including a stop for lunch. If you're a shopper, it may take a bit longer than that.

The total walking distance is 1.5 miles, and it's nearly flat.

Get Ready to Tour Chinatown

Chinatown is woefully short on public restrooms. Your best bet is to find one before you go in. There's a Starbucks at the corner of Sutter and Grant, just a block from the Chinatown gate.

Chinatown Gate to Portsmouth Square

Today's Chinatown was rebuilt after San Francisco's 1906 earthquake, and its architecture is an odd mix of Edwardian fundamentals and Chinese details. Starting from the Chinatown Gate on Bush Street, on Grant Avenue:

• Start at the Chinatown Gate: This 1970 addition to the Chinatown entrance marks the transition into Chinatown from Union Square. A pair of Chinese guardian lions is traditionally believed to provide protection. Called Shi in Chinese or "Foo Dogs" in the West, they're a common sight in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government office, and temples.
• Walking on Grant Avenue: Grant is especially touristy near the Chinatown gate. It's a good place for souvenir shopping, with several large shops offering t-shirts and other trinkets. Further up the street, you'll also find modern Asian items that are both stylish and easy on the pocketbook. This part of Grant is a good place to stop and look up. This isn't a ploy to make you look silly: a couple of interesting things are above eye level. Look around and you'll see that the street signs are written in both English and Chinese and the ornate streetlights (put up in 1925) are supported by golden dragons.
• Stop at St. Mary's Church: Grant at California. The granite stones used in this historic church's foundations came from China and its bricks came "around the Horn" of South America with the gold seekers. It was the first church built as a cathedral in California and for many years was one of San Francisco's most prominent buildings. Inside is a small display of photographs from the 1906 earthquake and fire, showing both how badly it was damaged and how closely the new structure resembles its predecessor.
• Walking: When you cross the cable car tracks at California Avenue, listen. Not only will it help you avoid an approaching car, you'll also hear the cables that move the cars humming beneath the street.
• Stop at the Wok Shop : 718 Grant Avenue. This long-time Chinatown shop sells an extensive selection of cleavers, woks, and chopsticks, all of which make great (and useful) souvenirs.
• Stop at Eastern Bakery : 720 Grant Avenue. Opened in 1924, Eastern is the United States' oldest Chinese bakery. Mooncakes are their specialty, filled with a light melon or rich-tasting lotus-seed paste.
• Walking: At Clay Street, turn right, then go left to enter one of San Francisco's original city parks.
• Stop at Portsmouth Square : One of three city parks set aside by San Francisco's first mayor, Portsmouth is Chinatown's social center, with residents using it as an extension of their homes, taking the kids there to play or meeting friends. You'll sometimes find men playing Chinese chess (also called elephant chess) and groups of women playing cards. Also in the park is the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial and a marker commemorating the first public school in California. The only public restroom on the tour route is in the park, but be warned—cleanliness can be an issue.
• Walking: Cross the park to Washington Street and turn left.

Portsmouth Square to Broadway

• Stop at the Old Telephone Exchange: (743 Washington) This lovely building is now the East West Bank, but it started out as the Chinese Telephone Exchange. Callers often asked for people by name only, thinking it rude to refer to a person by using a number, so the operators working here had to know each subscriber by name. With many subscribers having the same name, they also had to know everyone's address and occupation. And - they had to speak not only English but also five Chinese dialects. Today's building was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fire.
• Walking: At Grant Avenue, turn right—or take a shortcut through Wentworth Place to Washington Street.
• Chinatown Restaurant Row: Between Grant and Kearny Street on Washington are some of the best-rated restaurants in Chinatown.
• Walking: After looking around or having a bite to eat, return to Grant Avenue. This route bypasses one of Chinatown's best-rated tea shops, Red Blossom. If you want to stop in, turn left on Grant to get there. Otherwise, turn right at Grant and continue.
• To Buy a Unique Souvenir:  Talk to the folks outside the door at 924 Grant or enter through the nondescript lobby and you'll find a place to get one of Chinatown's most unusual souvenirs, a custom-made, carved stone stamp from Rainbow Sign and Art.
• Be Prepared for Game Birds: In the block between Pacific and Broadway on the right side of the street is a small shop called Ming Kee Game Birds. They sell birds used in Chinese cuisine, including a blue-skinned chicken. FYI: Several years ago, a lot of controversy arose over Chinatown shops selling live poultry and shop owners are still sensitive to gawkers and photographers.
• Stop at the Chinatown Mural: At the corner of Columbus Avenue and Broadway where Chinatown meets North Beach, you'll find a mural on the corner building. One side commemorates North Beach's Italian roots. The side facing Broadway is dedicated to San Francisco's Chinese heritage
• Walking: At Broadway, turn left. At Stockton, cross the street and turn left again, walking along Stockton.

Stockton Markets and Alleyways

• Explore the Chinese Markets: The next two blocks of Stockton are packed with markets. Some sell the same kinds of vegetables and groceries you'd find at a neighborhood store anywhere, but others sell fresh fish, Asian specialty vegetables, and foods. For fun people-watching, look for older Chinese women shopping, arguing over asparagus, wrangling over radishes or shaking an eggplant to see if it's firm.
• Walking: At Jackson Street, turn left, then turn right into Ross Alley (which is halfway to Grant)
• Stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory : (56 Ross Alley) It's not what you might expect of a factory, but more like a Wallace and Gromit invention gone awry. Some people think the staff rude, and they'll give about 30 seconds to look around before insisting you buy something, but it's worth a look and something you're not likely to see anywhere else. Bring cash if you want to buy some fresh fortune cookies and expect to pay to take a photo, too. 
• Stop at the Sam Bo Trading Company: (50 Ross Alley) This small shop sells Buddhist and Taoist religious items, Buddha statues, incense and paper goods burned in tribute to ancestors and the gods. A pack of handmade paper printed in gold purchased here makes an inexpensive, beautiful souvenir.
• Walking: At the end of Ross Alley, go right on Jackson and then left into Spofford.
• Explore Spofford Alley: There's not a lot to see in this short alley, but listen: it's home to numerous mahjong parlors and you can hear the tiles clicking as you pass, especially on weekends when you might also get a glimpse inside through an open door.
• Walking: At the end of Spofford, turn left and walk to Waverly Place. Turn around at Washington to walk the street's two-block length.
• Explore Waverly Place is often called the Street of the Painted Balconies, but it wasn't built for tourists and these days the paint is growing a bit faded. Walk along its two-block length and you'll find a dry cleaner, travel agency, employment agency two funeral businesses and two temples. Amy Tan fans may recall the name Waverly from "Joy Luck Club," and Dashiell Hammett's "Dead Yellow Women" is also set here.
• Stop at the Tien Hou Temple : (125 Waverly Place) The smell of temple incense is one of Chinatown's sensory treats, and you'll find plenty of it on the top floor at 125 Waverly Place, in a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven. After you climb the long stairway, you'll find a tiny, incense-filled room hung with red and gold lanterns, several shrines and a statue of the goddess in the back. They don't mind respectful visitors (but don't allow photographs). Admission is free, but I recommend making a small donation, just to be polite.
• Family Benevolent Associations: You'll see the offices for several of these associations on Waverly Place, including the Eng and Wong families. They began as social clubs to serve social and personal needs of Chinese workers and provide political and social support systems to newcomers. These days, they are mostly gathering places, particularly for older Chinese who live in Chinatown.
• Bing-Tong Kong Freemasons: During the early twentieth century, Bing-Tong Kong was one of San Francisco's most powerful Tongs, groups often compared to modern gangs. In the 1930s, it started using the name "Chinese Free Masons," but whether they are formally associated with that organization is unclear. This building appears briefly in the 1982 film Chan Is Missing , directed by Wayne Wang.
• Stop at the  Clarion Music Center (816 Sacramento Street) sells Chinese drums, cymbals, flutes, Tibetan singing bowls and many unusual instruments and is well worth a stop if you like that kind of thing. They are closed on Sundays.

The easiest way to get to many other parts of San Francisco from Chinatown is by cable car. Find everything you need to know about riding them in the San Francisco Cable Car Guide .

• If You're Done for the Day: Turn left at Sacramento Street and right onto Grant. Walk 3 blocks and you'll be back where you started.
• To Go to  Union Square : Turn right on Bush, left on Stockton and you'll be there in 3 blocks
• To See the  Ferry Building, Waterfront, Bay Bridge : Turn left on Grant to California and catch the cable car (the one going downhill)
• To Check Out Nob Hill: Turn left on Grant to California and get on the cable car (the one going uphill)
• To Go to  Fisherman's Wharf : Turn right on Sacramento and walk 2 blocks to catch the Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde cable car
• To Explore North Beach: Turn right at Sacramento Street and then right onto Stockton. It's about 6 blocks to the edge of North Beach from there

Apps for Your Chinatown Tour

Sutro Media's San Francisco Chinatown app provides a map and an A to Z listing of points of interest. The map is filled with detailed icons, but unfortunately, they overlap and are hard to read on a mobile phone screen. If you're the type who likes to wander but occasionally wants to know more about something, you may find it useful.

The free app City Walks provides minimal information and you'll have to pay for an upgrade to access their guided tours. It's a pricing strategy, this app rates only 2.5 stars out of 5, largely because of complaints that the free version has nothing to offer.

Time Shutter - San Francisco  is custom-made for history buffs and anyone who wonders what a place looked like long ago. Using their map- or list-based index, you can bring up historic photos of the place you're standing. Double-tap and they'll transform into modern-day views.

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San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tours: 5 Top Tours Around This Interesting SF Neighborhood

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: June 8, 2022

These San Francisco Chinatown walking tours offer you a chance to get a insider's view on this amazing and colorful part of town. It's a little city within a city that is full of history and always changing.

If you want to get to know the real Chinatown, then I recommend taking one of these guided tours. They range from free tours offered through the SF Public Library to more involved paid options that include sampling food.

On these tours, you get the chance to try dim sum (traditional small plates), take a peek into the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, and see this district's gorgeous temples. You will love what you learn on all of these SF Chinatown tours.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. SF Chinatown Walking Tour

On this Chinatown adventure, you'll see the cultural side of this small city within San Francisco and discover the secrets of this old-world neighborhood.

You'll learn more about Chinatown's herbal pharmacies, watch how fortune cookies are made at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory , and see very colorful food for sale along Stockton Street.

During the walk, you'll also stop by an authentic Buddhist temple, taste some exotic teas (if available during your tour time), and get an insider's list of where to shop in Chinatown . 

This tour runs daily at 10 am.

Tour Length : 2 hours Book : Chinatown Walking Tour

2. Chinatown Food Walking Tour

Dive into the amazing dishes of San Francisco's Chinatown. This interesting food walking tour will take you to some of this district's top restaurants, bakeries, and food shops.

You'll love this San Francisco Chinatown walking tour as you get to sample five tasty foods, including traditional egg tarts and barbecue pork buns. You will also visit the local fortune cookie factory, SF's oldest Buddhist Temple, and an authentic Chinese food market.

As you learn about this district's cuisine, you will also learn quite a bit about its history. Your guide will also give you some fun insider's tips on additional places to visit here. 

This tour runs on Saturday and Sundays at 10 am.

Tour Length : 3 hours

Book : Chinatown Food Walking Tour

>> Find additional fun food walking tours around SF

3. Food Walking Tour of Chinatown & North Beach

This combined trip of both Chinatown and North Beach takes you through two of the most visited neighborhoods in the city . 

First, you'll get the chance to savor some Chinese tea and try the famous dim sum in Chinatown. You'll also get a chance to walk by some of the most famous Chinese sculptures and architecture. 

After your exploration of Chinatown, you'll walk a few blocks over to San Francisco's North Beach community. Here you'll learn more about this Italian neighborhood's hidden secrets and find the best places to enjoy its amazing coffee.

From dim sum and tea to pizza and wine, this is a great way to stimulate your senses and learn about the unique cultures of these two famed SF neighborhoods. This tour is offered most days at 2:30 pm. 

Tour Length : 4 hours

Book : Food Walking Tour of Chinatown & North Beach

>> Additional cool night tours around town

4. Free Guided Walking Tours

SF City Guides offers informative, free, two-hour San Francisco Chinatown walking tours each week.

They start at Portsmouth Square on the corner of Washington and Kearney Streets. During the trip, you'll walk along Chinatown's crowded streets, learning about the district's historic temples and its colorful past.

Periodically, the library also offers other tours of Chinatown, although none of these are currently listed on their schedule. Check the schedule before your trip to see if one will be offered during your visit.

Tour Length : 2 hours

Start Time : See current schedule

Price : Free

5. Self-Guided Tour of Chinatown

If you prefer to explore Chinatown on your own, check out my self-guided tour . I created this for anyone who is not able to book one of the tours above or would just prefer to head out on their own. It includes a walking route that takes you past three Chinese temples , as well as the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, and helps you find a great place for dim sum for lunch. 

On this tour, you can also opt to visit the Chinese Historical Society , discover bargains along Grant Avenue, and step inside the oldest herbal pharmacy in SF.

>> More great self-guided tours and suggested itineraries around SF

Top Guided San Francisco Walking Tours : Do you want to explore additional neighborhoods in San Francisco? Here you'll find some of the best options throughout the city, including everything from the 75th Anniversary Golden Gate Bridge Walking Tour to the colorful Haight-Ashbury Flower Power tour.

Food Walking Tours : San Francisco is famous for its amazing restaurants. Why not sample some of its tasty treats on these food walking tours? Choose from the sweet treats in the Ferry Building to the savory delights throughout the Mission District.

More Self-Guided Walking Tours : Do you prefer to venture out on your own? This list of self-guided tours includes something for everyone. You can choose from detailed audio tours to self-guided walking tour maps. Both allow you to explore on your own while seeing the sights at your own pace.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

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DIY San Francisco Chinatown Tour: Customizable Food Tour

Experience the bay area like a local on this customizable san francisco chinatown tour. explore chinatown’s food scene at your own pace..

No trip to the Bay Area would be complete without a S an Francisco Chinatown tour . As much as we love exploring Chinatown, our San Francisco group tours only pass through this neighborhood.

What is the best Chinatown tour San Francisco has to offer?

We think it is when travelers create their own unique S an Francisco Chinatown tour through our customizable private tour option .

By the way, you can also check out our award winning San Francisco tour .

This way you can explore every street at your own leisure and pop into all of the C hinatown San Francisco shops that you want. Pro tip: before arriving, check to see if there are any events happening while you are visiting. San Francisco Chinatown events make for very memorable experiences. 

To better help travelers looking to explore San Francisco on their own we are launching a customizable San Francisco Tours series.

There are many  things to do in Chinatown San Francisco, but one of our favorites is to eat.  Whether you’re staying at an Union Square hotel or adventuring around town with a San Francisco bike rental, here’s our guide to exploring Chinatown’s Grant Street with your stomach.

What Time To Start?

Chinatown San Francisco hours vary based on each store and restaurant, most places will open between 10am – 11am. We suggest starting your tour anytime after 10am.

San Francisco Chinatown Parking

If you have rented a car on your Bay Area adventure, you can start your C hinatown San Francisco tour by driving to Chinatown and finding parking. Depending on the day and time of year, it might be hard to find  parking near Chinatown San Francisco. You can start by checking out these possible parking options . 

After you successfully find parking, make your way to the south gate to start your food tour. Alternatively, we’re happy to pick you up from any central location in downtown San Francisco. Just let us know when you’re booking the tour!

Begin at the Dragon Gate 

The Financial District ends at the jade tiled gates that lead into the southern entrance of Chinatown. Some maps label this entrance as Chinatown Gate and others refer to it as the “Gateway Arch”.

Whatever you want to call it, it’s the southern entrance to the oldest and biggest Chinatown in the world, and it is where we recommend you start your S an Francisco Chinatown Tour. 

You’ll find an inscription from Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the Father of Modern China, hanging below the jade tiles that reads, “All under heaven is for the good of the people.” Below the inscription you’ll find two foo dogs flanking each side of the gate protecting those within.

Close by are two C hinatown San Francisco stores, b oth called Michael. These stores originally had different names until the early 2000’s, when Michael Jackson spent a million dollars at each store and the owners felt it would be appropriate to rename their shops after the King of Pop. If you are waiting to do a little C hinatown San Francisco shopping, we recommend visiting these iconic stores. 

Skip The First Restaurant

If you went into the very first restaurant past the Dragon Gate of Chinatown, you’d end up in a Glatt kosher restaurant. Welcome to San Francisco! Sabra Grill is actually a fantastic hidden Israeli and Mediterranean restaurant.

Although it would make an excellent addition to most S an Francisco food tours,  it doesn’t fit in with this authentic S an Francisco Chinatown food tour, so we suggest you skip it for now. 

Take the Perfect Photo at California and Grant Street

This intersection is the best location to capture memories from any of the many C hinatown San Francisco tours that you might decide to embark on. 

At this intersection, you’ll find the original line for San Francisco’s cable cars. Before cars, the only way around San Francisco was with a horse drawn carriage. Take a look up Nob Hill while you’re at the intersection, and you’ll see why this was a problem.

This is a fun spot for people watching, since you get a glimpse of the unique “Chinatown deco” that makes this neighborhood famous. Eventually, you’ll catch a glimpse of a cable car stopped in the middle of the intersection picking up and dropping off passengers.

Be warned: this California line cable car does not go to Lombard Street. You’ll want to hop on the Powell-Hyde cable car if you want to catch a view of “The Crooked Street.”

Join the Dim Sum Lunch Rush at Far East Cafe

For your San Francisco Chinatown tour we suggest you stop for lunch at one of Chinatown’s best dim sum restaurants, Far East Cafe. Who better to trust with your lunch than a nearly 100 year old purveyor of dim sum?

Both the classic Cantonese and Sichuan menu and the decor of this stalwart has changed little over years. Day after day they provide quality food and service to hundreds of travelers enjoying tours of Chinatown San Francisco. 

Venture off Grant Street to R & G Lounge – Every Locals Favorite Chinatown Spot

Another option for lunch on this DIY S an Francisco Chinatown tour is the R & G Lounge. Locals have been chowing down on Cantonese food here since 1985!

In thirty years the restaurant has grown to three stories and in all that time, their salt and pepper Dungeness crab is still the talk of Chinatown, which is why we think you should add it to your San Francisco Chinatown tour.

Sorry vegetarians, this is likely San Francisco’s least vegetarian/vegan friendly neighborhood.

Taste Freshly Made Candy at Dragon Papa

Have you ever had a dessert that was first made for an emperor? Stop at this San F rancisco Chinatown bakery and enjoy  Dragon’s Beard Candy.

Chinese have been enjoying this dessert for over 2,000 years. Here at Dragon Papa you can watch two generations of Hong Kong candy makers stretch and twist malt syrup into silky looking treats that resemble cotton candy.

Catch a Free Tour and Tasting at the Last Hand-made Fortune Cookie Factory

Did you know fortune cookies are sold pretty much everywhere except China? We’ll give you one guess as to where they were invented. Hint: it wasn’t China.

The fortune cookie was invented right here in San Francisco, but not in Chinatown. It was actually created by a Japanese American who was the grandson of the man who designed the Japanese Tea Garden.

Currently, NYC is the largest manufacturer of fortune cookies, but San Francisco is home to one of the last remaining fortune cookie factories, where the cookies are still made by hand. Tours are free, but photos are 50 cents so come prepared with pocket change.

Chinatown San Francisco at Night

Exploring Chinatown San Francisco at night can be a very fun experience. It will give you a chance to experience the nightlife of Chinatown and admire the lights.

Adding any or all of these stops on your DIY San Francisco Chinatown tour will ensure that you create the best C hinatown food tour San Francisco has ever seen. 

Book Your Chinatown Tour Now

For more information on S an Francisco’s Chinatown check out some of these blog posts: 

How to Spend 3 Days in San Francisco

Things to do Alone in San Francisco 

5 Must-See Spots San Francisco Tour Buses Are Banned From

Discover San Francisco like never before! Join our Explore S.F. group on Facebook, your ultimate guide to the city’s best-kept secrets. From local tips to monthly adventures, this is where your journey begins. Click here to join and start exploring!

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• Perfect One Day in San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers

Want to make the most of your 24 hours in San Francisco?

You’ve landed at the right spot! In this article, I have curated a concentrated itinerary based on my many trips to this Californian city. Just a step down from full-on living there, I dated an SF local long enough to form a solid lay of the Bay Area land. 

While San Francisco itself is not particularly large, the Bay Area is, and the many neighborhoods within SF can prove overwhelming. One day in San Francisco will not be enough time, but you can still see the highlights and get a feel for the city. 

So, let me take you on a city tour covering the famous landmarks you can’t miss, including a sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge and the history of Alcatraz Island. I’ll also include extra recommendations for those with a little more time on their hands, along with travel information to help your trip planning.

Sample One Day in San Francisco Itinerary

So, here’s everything you need for a jam-packed day trip itinerary, all in one scroll.

Travel Tip!  Parking is just abysmal. If you opt for public transportation, be ready for things to take a bit longer, even though they have awesome public transport. 

• Start your day with a  sunrise view at the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit the  Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field.
• Walk down  Lombard Street,  the “Crookedest Street in the World.”
• Take in the  view from Coit Tower.
• Head to  Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39  for a (somewhat overpriced) meal looking out onto the water.
• Will take a large chunk of time:  Depart for  Alcatraz Island;  take a guided tour of the former prison and its grounds.

Late Afternoon:

• Arrive back onto the mainland for a  cable car ride to Union Square.
• Gasp for breath on the hills of  Chinatown and eat Dimsum  or do  tacos in the Missions District.
• End the day with a nightcap at a rooftop bar with views of the city skyline, the LGBTQ-friendly Castro neighborhood, or a rave at Bill Graham Civic Center.

Recommended hotel options for the night :

• Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel at Embarcadero (Union Square)
• Mid-range: Hotel Zephyr (Fisherman’s Wharf)
• Budget:  Cow Hollow Inn and Suites (Marina District)

Yes, it’s a full day. 

Personally, I thought visiting Alcatraz was totally worth it, but if you’d rather stay on the mainland, then you can swap it with Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury Street instead.

Quick Facts to Visiting San Francisco

We’ve all seen pictures of those crazy steep streets in San Francisco. With 43 hills and 220 parks, SF is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, bustling Chinatown, and those cool red cable cars.

Coming from the California Gold Rush and through the memories of the Summer of Love, this city is now a thriving hub for innovation. The city attracts lots of tech bros, hipsters, and a wonderfully diverse international crowd.

What to Do in San Francisco in One Day

Sunrise at the golden gate bridge.

Wake up early, like real early. I mean the ‘get ready to catch the sunrise’ kind of early. You’ll want to watch as this iconic bridge lights up with hues of orange and pink and pray that the fog is at bay. 

Located at the mouth of San Francisco Bay, the bridge is open 24/7, and the most popular spots include Battery Spencer (for a front-and-center view), Crissy Field (if you fancy a morning jog with a view), and Fort Point (for a unique, underneath-the-bridge perspective). 

You can also walk or cycle across the bridge, but it does stretch for a whopping 1.7 miles.

Not everyone may be into waking up for the sunrise, but here are a couple of perks: free parking until 8 am, and if you come later, it can get very crowded.

Pro Tip : The weather here can be quite unpredictable, often chilly and foggy, even in the middle of summer.

The Palace of Fine Arts

After watching the sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge, head over to the Palace of Fine Arts. This stunning architecture was built in 1915 and survived two major earthquakes. 

Once you enter its rotunda, be ready to be blown away by the grandeur of its Roman-style dome and intricate sculptural details. 

The nearby residential buildings are some of the most expensive in SF, so take a walk around to see how the other half lives.

Crissy Field

From there, walk along Crissy Field, a former airfield transformed into a park with views of the bridge and the bay. It’s an excellent spot for a leisurely morning stroll or a cycle ride along the beach.

Side Trip:  I once went to House of Air, a trampoline park on the west end of Crissy Field. They’ve got different sections, like a room full of trampolines, a trampoline dodgeball area, and parkour obstacles. It was so much fun!

Lombard Street

Next up, drive 10 minutes or walk for 40 minutes to the one and only Lombard Street, known far and wide as the “Crookedest Street in the World.” This quirky street is a part of many classic SF postcards. Its eight sharp turns are set against a steep hillside, flanked by beautiful Victorian mansions and blooming hydrangeas.

Located between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, this block is often swarmed with tourists taking pictures and cars slowly driving down. 

Since 2020 , you need to pay and make reservations to drive down this one-way street. But you can always walk it up for free. Climb up the stairs on either side of the street for an even better vista, especially when it’s clear, and you can see Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid. 

Walk through the North Beach neighborhood to Coit Tower, a 210-foot landmark on Telegraph Hill, to some of the city’s best panoramic views and beyond. Built in 1933 at the bequest of Lillie Hitchcock Coit to beautify the city she loved, the tower is also a tribute to the city’s firefighters.

Inside the tower, admire the beautiful murals painted during the Great Depression, depicting various aspects of life in California during the 1930s. 

To reach the top of the tower, you can either brave the stairs or take a two-minute elevator ride (there is a  small fee  for both options). Once you’re up there, you get 360-degree views of the city’s skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.

Pro Tip : The area around the tower is a residential neighborhood with very limited parking. Also, make sure to spot the  wild parrots of Telegraph Hill , a flock of colorful and noisy birds that have made the area their home!

Afternoon: Alcatraz Island

Fisherman’s wharf and pier 39.

By now, you must be getting hungry. Head to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 for some delicious clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, freshly shucked oysters, or crab from the many seafood vendors.

Walk along the pier to see cute sea lions basking in the sun and enjoy street performers while you work towards Pier 33 to catch your ferry to Alcatraz Island. 

Alcatraz Island

This infamous island was once home to a federal prison and housed notorious inmates like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. The prison has been closed since 1963, and the island is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. 

Note!  Adding this attraction will take a large part of your San Francisco day trip itinerary.

To get to Alcatraz, you’ll need to take a ferry ride from Pier 33. Alcatraz Cruises is the official ferry provider, and it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance  here  because they sell out quickly, especially in the summer. The short journey on the Pacific Ocean passes bay views, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline. 

The audio tour of the prison (included with your ferry ticket) is highly recommended. You’ll get a glimpse into the lives of prisoners, and it takes you through the eerie cells and hallways while sharing chilling tales about the prison’s most infamous inmates.

The narration is exceptionally well done, with stories from ex-prisoners and guards but also of the Native American occupation.

Alcatraz Island also has a dark, mysterious beauty outside the prison. You can wander around the prison’s exterior and the island’s gardens.

Planning Tip!  The tour can take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours, not including the 15-20 minute ferry ride. 

Book your Alcatraz tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly. You can check availability  here  and purchase them directly from their website. 

Evening: Chinatown or Mission District

After returning from Alcatraz Island, I’d pick between these two neighborhoods to end your day trip to San Francisco. And I would entirely base this on food preference, Mexican or Chinese fare.

The largest Chinatown outside of Asia, San Francisco, is bursting with color and culture. The entrance at Grant Avenue and Bush Street is marked by the Dragon Gate, an Instagram-worthy spot.

Walking down Grant Avenue, you’ll find endless antique shops, dim sum restaurants, and traditional Chinese pharmacies. Don’t miss Portsmouth Square, where locals practice Tai Chi and play mahjong.

With the steepest streets, you’ll catch the most amazing views of the red cable cars cruising down the hills in Chinatown in this perfectly organized city grid.

Fun fact:  did you know that the fortune cookie was actually invented here, not in China? You can also take a fortune cookie factory tour and see how they are made!

Mission District

A district with a strong Latino influence, Mission District has become one of the trendiest areas in San Francisco. Its streets are lined with colorful murals, taquerias, and trendy cafes.

Valencia Street is packed with boutiques and home decor stores, while 24th Street features many specialty shops for spices, herbs, and sweet treats. Dolores Park is a hub for youth on the rare sunny summer days.

Finally, Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley have some of the best murals in San Francisco. From political statements to abstract pieces, these alleys are constantly changing, so even if you’ve been before, it’s worth stopping by again.

Here, you can find the best burritos in the city at taquerias like La Taqueria or El Farolito. If you’re a fan of baked goods, Tartine Bakery is known for its mouth-watering pastries and fresh sourdough bread.

Safety Tip!  At night, it’s definitely not the safest area.

San Francisco Nightlife

Honestly, this is what I did the most while in this city. There are just so many options, and where you decide to go really depends on the kind of nightlife you’re into. 

As a techno lover, famous DJs always play, from big venues like Bill Graham to more club-like experiences like Halcyon, Temple, and Audio.

You can go club-hopping the eclectic Mission Street for salsa clubs, DJs, and tons of dive bars. The Castro is also full of life at night if you’re looking for a gay-friendly experience.

There are also plenty of rooftop bars with views and an abundance of live music from jazz to hip-hop.

Places to Visit with Extra Time

Other places around san francisco.

• Golden Gate Park:  This sprawling park spans over 1,000 acres and features numerous attractions, including the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, the De Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. You need a half day just for this park!
• Haight-Ashbury : Known for its link to 1960s counterculture, today this area is filled with boutiques, vintage clothing shops, eclectic eateries, and the constant stench of weed.
• Muir Woods National Monument : Just outside San Francisco, this forest is home to towering, ancient redwood trees.
• Sausalito : This beautiful town across the Golden Gate Bridge is known for its waterfront views, charming boutiques, and gourmet dining.
• The Painted Ladies : A famous row of Victorian houses, a great photo opportunity with the San Francisco skyline in the background.
• The Exploratorium : This hands-on science museum is immersive and fun for all ages. It’s located on Pier 15, just a short walk from the Ferry Building.
• Land’s End:  A scenic hiking trail that takes you along the coast and to some of the best views of Golden Gate Bridge.
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art ( SFMFO ): This museum has diverse collections of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo.
• Twin Peaks : A popular spot for tourists to get panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Oakland!

Day Trips from San Francisco

• Napa Valley and Sonoma:  Less than two hours away, these world-renowned wine regions are a scenic escape from the city. Explore wineries, enjoy tastings, and take in the beautiful countryside.
• Silicon Valley:  Visit the headquarters of some of the biggest names in tech, such as Google, Apple, and Facebook. You can also explore the Computer History Museum and learn about the evolution of technology.
• Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea : Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to see some of California’s most beautiful coastal landscapes, including the famous Bixby Creek Bridge.
• Yosemite National Park : Enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas of one of California’s most famous landmarks.
• Santa Cruz : A coastal town famous for its beach boardwalk and surf culture. Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum or take a stroll along Pacific Avenue.
• Sacramento : The capital city of California, it’s packed with historical sites like Old Sacramento, the California State Capitol Museum, and the Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.
• Big Basin Redwoods State Park : California’s oldest state park, home to ancient redwoods, beautiful waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

For first-time visitors to San Francisco, Nob Hill and Union Square are highly recommended for their proximity to major attractions. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Marina District, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Hayes Valley are also considered safe and deliver a mix of shopping, dining, and residential experiences.

Safety Tip!  It’s no secret that San Francisco has a homelessness and increasing crime problem. While the city is still generally safe, I would avoid the Tenderloin district, SoMa (South of Market Street), and parts of Chinatown, especially late at night, due to higher incidences of street crime.

Best Hotels in San Francisco

Is 1 day enough for san francisco.

San Francisco has a lot going on, and it would be tough to fully explore it in a single day. I recommend planning for at least three days. This doesn’t even include the time to see the entirety of the Bay Area.

San Francisco is a city full of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Trying to explore them all with such little time won’t do them justice. If you’re short on time, prioritize the must-see sights and think about hopping on a bus tour or city tour to cover more ground.

Best Time To Visit

San Francisco is famous for its cool, foggy weather and microclimates, but it’s a great place to visit any time of the year. The city has so many microclimates that it can be super foggy here while being completely sunny across the Bay Bridge in nearby Oakland!

That said, most people find the best time to visit is during September and October when temperatures are warmest and there’s less fog. If you are okay with slightly cooler weather, spring (March-May) can be a good time to go to San Francisco without the high tourist crowds. 

Contrary to popular belief, summer (June to August) is not the hottest season. The weather is cool, often draped in fog (known as the famous “Karl the Fog”). This is, however, the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds, especially at popular attractions.

Getting to San Francisco

San Francisco is possibly one of the most accessible cities in America. The city itself has an efficient public transportation system, including the historic cable cars, buses, and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) metro system.

The city is served by three major airports. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the largest and closest to the city, with direct flights from most major cities around the world. Oakland International Airport (OAK) and the San Jose International Airport (SJC) are also viable options and are well-connected with domestic flights.

By Public Transportation

Amtrak runs a network of train routes linking San Francisco with cities nationwide. The California Zephyr route, for instance, has scenic rides between Chicago and San Francisco.

Numerous bus companies, including Greyhound and Megabus, operate regular services to and from San Francisco’s main bus terminal, the San Francisco Transbay Terminal.

San Francisco is well-connected by a network of highways for those who prefer to take a road trip. If you’re coming from the south, you’ll most likely take the US-101 N, the beautiful coastal route that starts from Los Angeles. The I-5 S is the most direct route from the north, and the I-80 W is your best option from the east.

The Port of San Francisco welcomes domestic ferries from nearby cities like Oakland and Vallejo and international cruise ships.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to San Francisco

While San Francisco has its fair share of problems and may not be my top pick to live, I think it’s an iconic city that tourists, both domestic and international, should add to their USA trip plans. This is especially true if you love going out.

If you’re planning other adventures in California, check out our comprehensive guides to other exciting destinations in the state.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

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Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

I love visiting San Francisco . It boasts amazing food (especially in Chinatown, Japantown, and the Mission), lots of gorgeous hiking trails, and plenty of top-notch attractions that make passing the time here a breeze (don’t miss visiting Alcatraz during your visit!).

While it’s not very big, choosing the right neighborhood to stay in can greatly impact your visit. Each area of the city is very different and it can take some time to get around town, so you’ll want to stay close to the activities and attractions that appeal to you.

Plus, some areas are safer than others. San Francisco has a large community of unhoused people (particularly in the Tenderloin and parts of the Mission), which some visitors may be unused to encountering.

So, to help you have fun and stay safe, I want to break down the best neighborhoods in San Francisco and the best places to stay in each, so you can pick the ideal accommodation.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay for Sightseeing and Families: Fisherman’s Wharf

Where to stay for shopping and convenience: union square, where to stay for foodies: north beach, where to stay for luxury: nob hill, where to stay for nightlife & food: the mission district.

It is the most touristy area in town though, which comes with some downsides: it’s expensive and crowded. I wouldn’t stay here for an extended period, but it’s perfect for a few days if you want to easily hit all of San Francisco’s most iconic sights.

Best places to stay in Fisherman’s Wharf :

• BUDGET : HI San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf – This is a great hostel with lots of common areas, a huge and fully equipped guest kitchen, free breakfast, and even a small movie theater. The beds aren’t anything special (the mattresses are thin and there are no curtains or individual outlets), but there are female-only dorms, as well as a café on-site (with reasonable prices). The hostel is always kept clean and tidy and the staff organizes a lot of free events too (like bike tours, museum tours, and pub crawls). It’s easy to meet other travelers here.
• MIDRANGE: Argonaut Hotel – Everything in this award-winning four-star boutique hotel is nautically themed. The spacious rooms feature historic brick walls and timber beams, and I love all the naval décor (like large compasses or mirrors shaped like ship windows). Each room has a minifridge and minibar with local goodies, a 50” HDTV, and a coffee maker with complimentary locally roasted coffee. The bathrooms are a bit small and dated, but the water pressure in the showers is good. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center, in-room spa services, and a seafood restaurant in which you get a $15 USD daily credit with your room.
• LUXURY: The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square – This five-star hotel is located in the former Ghirardelli Chocolate factory, just steps from Fisherman’s Wharf. All of the loft-style apartments retain industrial elements from the building’s past, with exposed brick walls and huge warehouse windows that bring in a lot of natural light. The luxurious one- to three-bedroom apartments have a fully equipped gourmet kitchen (there’s no breakfast or restaurant on-site), spacious bathrooms, two flatscreen TVs, a fireplace, soundproofing, and a washer and dryer. If you’re traveling by car, there are two complimentary valet parking spots included in your room too (this is virtually unheard of in SF and a nice perk).

Best places to stay in Union Square:

• BUDGET: HI San Francisco – Downtown – Located in a renovated early 20th-century hotel, this fun hostel is similar to the HI facility in Fisherman’s Wharf, offering free breakfast, lots of organized social activities (like pub crawls and walking tours), decent beds with big lockers and outlets (but no privacy curtains), fast Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen. There are large private rooms and female-only dorms, and the property is wheelchair accessible too.
• MIDRANGE: Hotel Emblem – As a fan of the Beat Generation ( On the Road is one of my favorite travel books ), I think this beatnik-themed four-star hotel is super fun. There’s a book nook in the lobby, giant quotes printed on the walls, and a writing desk in every room. The eclectic rooms all feature velvet chairs, pillowtop mattresses, a smart TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, a safe, and bedside USB outlets. There are nice complimentary bath products and plush bathrobes in the large bathrooms too. I especially love the hotel’s speakeasy bar and adjoining café, which serves healthy breakfast options.
• LUXURY: Hotel Nikko – This five-star hotel is part of a Japanese brand (the SF location is its only one in the US). I’m a bit of a Japanophile, so I love that the entire place has a chic Japanese design and a fine-dining fusion restaurant melding Japanese and Californian cuisines (even in the breakfast buffet). The spacious rooms and suites feature seating areas, desks, minibars with complimentary bottled water, and coffee makers. The large, sleek marble bathrooms have oversized showers, a bidet, complimentary bath products, bathrobes, and slippers. The hotel also boasts two fine-dining restaurants, a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, a spa, and a pool with a jacuzzi. Make sure you go up to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views over the city!

I also love all the literary history here. It used to be the epicenter of the Beat Generation in the 1950s, and today you can visit the still-operating independent City Lights Bookstore from that time, as well as the Beat Museum (one of my favorite museums in town). Plus, it’s a convenient place to base yourself. The neighborhood stretches between Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square and you’re close to the Embarcadero as well as important landmarks like Coit Tower.

This is the best area overall in which to stay, in my opinion. The entire neighborhood is a nice blend of Old World charm and modern urban life that defines San Francisco.

Best places to stay in North Beach:

• BUDGET: Green Tortoise – This hostel is an institution in San Francisco. It’s my favorite in SF (and one of my favorites in the entire country). It offers free breakfast, free dinners multiple times per week, and even a free sauna! It has a huge common room, so it’s easy to meet people, and has a very fun, social atmosphere. The wooden bunks are basic (thick mattresses, no curtains) but comfy. I’ve stayed here a bunch, and it never disappoints.
• MIDRANGE: Hotel Boheme – This three-star historic hotel offers a unique and comfy stay right on Columbus Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares of the neighborhood. The rooms are homey, with a vintage 1950s charm thanks to the colorful walls, artwork, and soft lamp lighting. Room amenities are basic, with a small flatscreen TV, a wooden wardrobe, and a small seating area. The tiled bathrooms are a bit small, but the showers have fantastic pressure. I love the complimentary glass of sherry served in the lobby every afternoon. It’s a nice, unique touch.
• LUXURY: As this is more of a residential neighborhood, there aren’t any higher-end hotels here. If you’re looking for luxury, head to nearby Union Square for a plethora of options, including The Ritz-Carlton , a five-star hotel on the northern side.

This area is clean and safe, and while it’s a steep climb no matter which way you slice it, you can take the historic cable cars to get around (one of the best things to do in San Francisco anyway). Plus, you get stunning views over the surrounding cityscape from nearly everywhere you look.

Best places to stay in Nob Hill

• BUDGET: Music City Hotel – This music-themed hotel/hostel is super fun. All the décor is bold and music-oriented, with band posters and framed records on the brightly colored walls. There are both private rooms and modern capsule pods with individual reading lights, privacy curtains, and lockers (female-only pod rooms are available too). The private rooms are themed after different legendary musicians, like Janis Joplin or the Grateful Dead, and include Bluetooth speakers, an electric guitar and amp, a flatscreen TV, boxed water, and chocolates. All bathrooms are shared (unless you stay in the Janis Joplin room), and custom complimentary bath products are available to all guests. There’s free coffee, tea, and fruit in the lobby at all times too.
• MIDRANGE: Petite Auberge – I love this French-style bed-and-breakfast on the edge of Nob Hill and Union Square. The décor makes you feel like you’re staying in a farmhouse, with uniquely patterned walls, hardwood floors, antique wooden furniture, and a fireplace in some rooms. All rooms are spacious and include a desk and flatscreen TV. Rhe bathrooms are a bit small and the shower pressure kind of weak, but I do appreciate the complimentary continental breakfasts (with pastries, cereals, yogurt, eggs, juice, and coffee) and happy hour with wine and snacks in the evenings.
• LUXURY: The Fairmont San Francisco – I love the timeless grandeur this five-star hotel exudes, with opulent décor such as marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and ornate furnishings. The rooms are spacious, with high ceilings and windows that let in a lot of natural light. Amenities include a flatscreen TV, a desk with built-in USB ports, a tea/coffee maker, and a safe. The bathrooms are large too, featuring marble bathtubs, plush bathrobes and slippers, and complimentary toiletries. The entire place feels like a resort, with a spa, gym, and several restaurants, including the kitschy Tonga Room, the legendary tiki bar in the basement (it’s so cheesy — and I absolutely love it!).

I think the Mission also offers the most diverse nightlife scene in town. You can find everything from trendy cocktail lounges (I like Dalva on 16th) to dive bars, along with live music venues and dance clubs. Valencia and Mission Streets are particularly popular for barhopping; they are also the safest areas of the neighborhood too.

I do want to mention that the Mission has a high presence of unhoused people, and while they are simply dealing with their own struggles and usually don’t pose any real danger, a lot of visitors aren’t comfortable in their presence. If that’s the case, I would not stay in the Mission. Another good neighborhood for nightlife is The Castro (the LGBTQ+ district), but there are very few places to stay there ( The Hotel Castro is pretty much the only option — luckily it’s a good one).

Best places to stay in the Mission:

• BUDGET: 1906 Mission – This eco-friendly bed-and-breakfast is a no-frills property with private rooms that have shared bathrooms. I really appreciate how the property prioritizes the environment, using energy efficient lighting and repurposed building materials throughout (the wooden headboards are especially cool). Everything is clean and comfortable, and the rooms have hypoallergenic bedding, flatscreen TVs, and desks (in most). While the bathrooms are shared, they’re always kept clean and feature rainfall showerheads and free organic toiletries.
• MIDRANGE: Inn San Francisco – This cute bed-and-breakfast is situated in classic SF Victorian mansion from the 1870s. You can really feel the history here: the grand double parlors are adorned with woodwork, marble fireplaces, and stained-glass windows. All of the rooms are uniquely decorated with antique furniture and décor yet feature modern conveniences, like an HDTV, a minifridge, and comfy beds. All the bathrooms are different (some have claw-foot tubs), but all are beautifully tiled and offer complimentary toiletries. There’s also a tasty complimentary breakfast buffet as well as a rooftop sundeck and hot tub in the tranquil English garden out back. If you’re looking for a place to stay that truly captures the historic essence of the city, this is it.
• LUXURY: The Mission is a bit of a grittier area, so it’s not the best place to stay if you’re looking for luxury. There are no four- or five-star hotels here, so if you’re looking to stay in one, I’d recommend Union Square or Nob Hill (see above).

San Francisco offers amazing food, lively nightlife, and proximity to the outdoors, all of which I love. There’s such an array of neighborhoods here too, each with a different vibe. By choosing the best one for your needs, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic stay!

Book Your Trip to San Francisco: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a Guide? San Francisco has some really interesting and detailed tours on offer. For tons of walking tour options, check out tour marketplace Get Your Guide .

Want More Information on San Francisco? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to San Francisco for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Community and a sense of friendship are what make the USF experience memorable. Celebrate and reconvene with fellow Dons — tell a story and have a laugh!

Upcoming Reunions

Recent graduate reunion for the classes of 2024, 2019, and 2014.

Thursday, Oct. 17 |  6-8pm | $10 Church of Eight Wheels, San Francisco's Roller Disco 554 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Food & Music Festival Reunion Tent

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 1-3pm | $25 Hilltop Campus Welch Field

Green and Gold Reunion for the Classes of 1999 and 1994

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 3-6pm | $30 Hilltop Campus Gleeson Atrium

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Reunion Event for the Classes of 1979, 1984, and 1989

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 7-9 pm | $30 Hilltop Campus, Fromm Hall

Alumni and Family Mass

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Half Century Club Brunch Reunion for Classes of 1974, 1969, 1964, 1959

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Reunions go beyond simply reconnecting with former classmates; they offer a chance to honor your USF journey through the reunion class gift. Each reunion class establishes ambitious financial and participation targets, sending a powerful message about the commitment to educating individuals who go on to change the world from here.

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Hotels and Accommodations

The University of San Francisco has established links and preferred rates with selected hotels in San Francisco, listed below. These rates are subject to availability. It is always prudent to check for potentially better deals online.

Located in Union Square between Geary and Mason St. The Handlery Hotel is 3 miles from USF's Main Campus.

(Promo Code: UNIVSF) Located downtown San Francisco in between Nob Hill and Chinatown, the Stanford Court Hotel is 1 mile from USF's Downtown Campus.

(Corporate ID: 100229955) Centered between Nob Hill, Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Bridge, Holiday Inn is 2.5 miles from USF's Main Campus and 2 miles from the Downtown Campus.

Offer Code: USFFF Located at Fisherman's Wharf, Hotel Caza is 2 miles from USF's Downtown campus and 4 miles from the main campus.

Find Your Reunion Liaison

For inquiries regarding reunion programs, events, and volunteer opportunities contact:

Matilda Tavares Senior Associate Director, Alumni Engagement [email protected] 415-422-4084

For inquiries regarding making a reunion gift contact:

Sydney Smith Director, Alumni and Reunion Giving [email protected] 415-422-4235

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