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.
In demand: 18 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
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.
Chinatown’s outdoor living room and the birthplace of San Francisco’s first American flag, first public school, and first cable car line.
Stroll among the freshest and most exotic foods in the Bay Area at the Stockton Street Food Markets.
We’ll sample these “wise crackers” and watch how it’s done.
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.
Admire architectural details; hear about the history of secret institutions on Waverly Place; and time permitting, visit a secluded Buddhist temple.
Stationery store? Party goods supply store? Come with us to discover exactly what this store sells and why.
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.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 962 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 8 stops.
Prices start at $59 per person for this San Francisco experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 10:00 AM.
Children aged 6–17 pay from $49, adults from $59. Infants go free.
It can: 18 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is The cross street is Grant Avenue. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
The tour explains a lot of how China Town happened and how it continues along with views and descriptions of daily life.
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.
Linda provided an engaging and informative experience and we were grateful to have decided on this tour.
Hi Stacey: Hope your daughter caught up with ABC News and made it on the evening's broadcast, talking about Portsmouth Square Park's renovation impact on residents, store owners and visitors to Chinatown. And of course, thank you for the 5 star review!
Linda Lee offers a very engaging tour of Chinatown, filled with historical and cultural references, and her personal experiences of growing up up in Chinatown.
Hi Dnah and Andrew: Thank you for this 5 star review. I didn't get a chance to see Simon Mendes' film at the Jewish Film Festival this year, but congratulations to your family for an impressive inclusion - hope many will see it for years to come. Glad you enjoyed yourselves in Chinatown with me!
Linda was a star. Growing up in China Town she had a ton of first hand experiences to share with us. Highlight of our stay in San Francisco.
Hi ScottlZ6 & M: I enjoyed our intimate tour of Chinatown as well. Thinking of getting an Uno game to play; looks easy and fun! Thank you for the 5 star review.
It was fantastic! We could ask Linda anything, laughed a lot, and learned a lot! We can really recommend this tour!
For those of you who understand German - hope it's a positive review! I love that my guests post reviews in their own language. All I can respond with is: Thank you Barbara and Milan!
Ryan was a knowledgeable guide! The experience was wonderful. The food and tea were very good. I highly recommend.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour | 2 hours | 4.8 (797) | $59 | |
 Chinatown Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor | 3 hours | 4.9 (688) | $86 | View |
 Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History | 4 hours | 4.9 (1,439) | $96 | View |
 Alamo Sq, Lombard St, North Beach, Chinatown Walking & Metro Tour | 3 hours | 5.0 (2) | $70 | View |
 Ghost Hunt in SF Chinatown with a Professional Investigator | 1h 30min | 4.8 (940) | $55 | View |
 Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour | 2 hours | 4.9 (2,490) | $82 | View |
 Warrior Cat of Chinatown: Self-Guided Quest in San Francisco | 2h–2h 30min | 4.5 (2) | $5 | View |