
San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 797 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour worth booking?
San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $59 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 797 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (797)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $59 per person
Discover San Francisco's Chinatown on this fascinating walking tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and rich heritage and culture of this storied neighborhood as your insider guide takes you to popular and off-the-beaten path locations. View historic landmarks, visit an herbal pharmacy and hear about Waverly Place, a secluded alley full of private clubs. Stroll through the Stockton Street food markets and sample fortune cookies at the factory where they're made. You'll leave with a whole new appreciation for this historic and culturally authentic neighborhood.
What you get
About this experience
Discover San Francisco's Chinatown on this fascinating walking tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and rich heritage and culture of this storied neighborhood as your insider guide takes you to popular and off-the-beaten path locations. View historic landmarks, visit an herbal pharmacy and hear about Waverly Place, a secluded alley full of private clubs. Stroll through the Stockton Street food markets and sample fortune cookies at the factory where they're made. You'll leave with a whole new appreciation for this historic and culturally authentic neighborhood.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
All About Chinatown Tours
Meet at Old St. Mary's Cathedral, 660 California St., to begin your walking tour of Chinatown's most popular sights and hidden locales. Your guide will highlight the history and culture of Chinatown, explaining how the remarkable authenticity of ancient Chinese culture has been preserved and celebrated in a must-visit San Francisco attraction.
10 minutes here
Portsmouth Square
Chinatown’s outdoor living room and the birthplace of San Francisco’s first American flag, first public school, and first cable car line.
15 minutes here
Stockton Street
Stroll among the freshest and most exotic foods in the Bay Area at the Stockton Street Food Markets.
15 minutes here
Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co
We’ll sample these “wise crackers” and watch how it’s done.
10 minutes here
Stockton Street
At this exotic dried goods store, you'll see ginseng, bird's nests, gecko lizards, fish bladders, sea cucumbers, abalone and more and hear about what these foods can do for you.
10 minutes here
The Street of the Painted Balconies
Admire architectural details; hear about the history of secret institutions on Waverly Place; and time permitting, visit a secluded Buddhist temple.
10 minutes here
Grant Avenue
Stationery store? Party goods supply store? Come with us to discover exactly what this store sells and why.
10 minutes here
Grant Avenue
View the East West Bank building for an example of pagoda style architecture, common in Asia. But what was here before the bank? At this stop, you'll understand the complexity of the Chinese language, both spoken and written.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Francisco
The cross street is Grant Avenue
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends near Grant Ave., 2 blocks from Old St. Mary's Cathedral, the starting site of the tour.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- All About Chinatown Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tours operate rain or shine; please dress appropriately
- We need a minimum of 2 persons to confirm your booking. If you are traveling alone, we will offer alternate dates for you to join us.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 796 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
796 verified traveler reviews for San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent tour
Great walking tour and Linda Lee was excellent with lots of knowledge, she showed us lots of things we would have missed. Well worth doing this tour
Response from the operator: Hi Tracy_Y: One day, I will buy a few "bat nuts" and try to consume it. I am not sure you will find such a unique food item back home, and if you rethink the possibility of experimenting, I'd be happy to send you a few! Thank you for the 5 star review!
via Viator
What a fun morning!
I joined this tour after my original plans got cancelled, and it ended up being the best day of my trip! I particularly enjoyed getting to experience the Chinatown where people actually live and work, not just the Chinatown that is performed for tourists. Linda made a point of asking each of us if there was anything in particular we wanted to hear or learn about before we took off. We also had a group member who was born and rasied in China, so it was interesting to hear her perspective and input regarding the differences between Chinese Chinese culture and American Chinese culture. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this tour to others visiting San Francisco!
Response from the operator: Hi 201emil: I am flattered that you remembered so much about your tour with me. You are spot on about the guest who was from China, sharing her experiences with us as a Chinese native from China. Our smallish groups make for an authentic, intimate tour for all. Thank you for the 5 star review!
via Tripadvisor
Take this tour!
This was a great tour. Lots of background information, a variety of stops, time to ask questions and get a sense of the community. Linda has a depth of knowledge, a great sense of humor and a warm delivery style. My husband and I both enjoyed it a lot. Highly recommend! Judi, Tucson AZ
Response from the operator: Hi Judi: With such a glowing review, you forgot to mention how much I learned from you and your husband! I learned more about the Chinese in Tucson, reminding me that the history of immigrants everywhere should be researched and told often. Thank you for the five star review. I promise to read Lisa See's book "Daughters of the Son and Moon" soon!
via Tripadvisor
Great local tour guide
We were lucky that day that my friend and I were the only ones on the tour. I appreciated that they did not cancel even thought there were only 2 people. Our guide Linda is a native of Chinatown and gave us a true insider’s view of Chinatown. It was fascinating I have been to Chinatown many times but I learned so much. My friend from Spain had never been there before, and she loved it saying it was one of her favorite things we did during her week here.
Response from the operator: Hi KaraNa: I loved that the tour was memorable for Julia and will take home great memories of her trip here. I hope you return with your spouse to show him where to get great dim sum as well, and thank you for the 5 star review.
via Tripadvisor
Interesting with history
The tour explains a lot of how China Town happened and how it continues along with views and descriptions of daily life.
Response from the operator: Hi John G: Thank you for your 5 star review! Future visitors will appreciate your comments about Chinatown's history and contemporary culture. Was Alan Fong your tour guide? I love to publish positive comments about our tour guides.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 279
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.
How much does San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $59 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.
Is San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 797 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour?
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Around 279 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Francisco?
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San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
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September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Francisco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour?
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Included: Professional guide. Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour?
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The cross street is Grant Avenue Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Francisco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour?
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Across 797 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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