San Francisco Chinatown
San Francisco Chinatown
San Francisco Chinatown

San Francisco Chinatown Tours and Tickets

17,137 reviews

San Francisco’s Chinatown, one of North America’s oldest and largest, has long been one of the city’s top attractions. Highlights of this bustling neighborhood that dates back to the California Gold Rush include shops, dim sum restaurants, temples, and markets.

  • Grant Avenue at Bush Street, San Francisco, California, 94133

Tours and Tickets to Experience San Francisco Chinatown

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What are people saying about San Francisco Chinatown

Don_B, Oct 2023
My "busman's holiday" in SF
I'm a native San Franciscan. 73 years now and counting! I think I enjoyed the Big Bus Tour every bit as much as did our niece during her first time visit to The City by the Bay. Big Bus is THE practical, economic, environmentally appropriate way to get the lay of the land. Our (3) coaches were skillfully driven. Rider safety and comfort are obvious first concerns. The entire staff was friendly, helpful, and, last but not least, well informed. Great job Big Bus!
Franya_R, Oct 2023
Great way to see the city.
The bus was clean, the narration on the bus was informative. Headphones were available on the bus at no additional charge. You can get a map of the stops on the bus. It was easy to Hop Off” and Hop On the bus. Wait was not too long . Maybe 15 minutes. An easy way to see an overview of San Francisco if you don’t have much time (and don’t get off the bus). The bus drivers were helpful.
Jonathan_W, Nov 2023
Great Tour of San Fran!
Outstanding and informative tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. We would highly recommend this tour. The bus was a definite attention grabber as we traveled throughout the city.
John_M, Nov 2023
Very fun
Fantastic tour, with great and fun commentary. The only thing I would add in is to stop and get out for pictures at the Haight-Ashbury sign. Otherwise a brilliant tour, and Tara is excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Q:What is San Francisco Chinatown famous for?
A:As one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, San Francisco Chinatown has a long history. Wander through the streets of the nearly 30-block area to find Taoist temples, dragon sculptures, pagodas, dim sum, and other Chinese restaurants. You’ll hear lots of languages, too.
Q:What’s San Francisco Chinatown’s history?
A:San Francisco’s Chinatown dates back to 1853 when one of the first Chinese laundries was set up. From here, it began to grow exponentially. Chinese pioneers were drawn to California during the gold rush and settled in San Francisco. Here, they retained their culture, including food, to this day.
Q:How long should I spend in San Francisco Chinatown?
A:Plan on spending the day in Chinatown if you have that much time. There is plenty to do, from just wandering the streets and people-watching to visiting the Taoist temple and doing souvenir shopping. Plus, there is so much good food in the area it’s worth staying for a few meals.
Q:What’s the most famous street in San Francisco Chinatown?
A:Grant Avenue is Chinatown’s main drag, so you’ve got to check it out. Do some shopping for Chinese-style paper lanterns before working up an appetite for authentic Chinese food at a restaurant on the street. It’s named after Ulysses S. Grant, so there’s some history in the name, too.
Q:Is San Francisco Chinatown worth it?
A:Yes, Chinatown San Francisco is worth it. It’s one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, and there are layers of history here. Plus, come hungry since you’ll find some delicious Chinese restaurants with various dishes, from dumplings to ducks. Visit the temples, pagodas, and more, too.
Q:What kinds of tours go to San Francisco Chinatown?
A:Plenty of San Francisco tours run through Chinatown, both group and private, or you can get a local guide to concentrate just on Chinatown itself. Greater San Francisco tours will often stop at Muir Woods, Sausalito, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, North Park, and more for a well-rounded San Fran experience.