Take a closer look at the oldest Chinatown in North America on one of these fascinating San Francisco Chinatown tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Perhaps the most famous Chinatown in the United States is a must-visit for anybody looking to tap into the history and food culture of San Francisco. Now spanning around 20 square blocks of the downtown area, there have been Asian eateries and businesses here since the late 1840s. Navigating past the tourist shops to find the most authentic snacks, tea houses and restaurants requires some local expertise, which is where these four excellent tours, selected using criteria such as their value for money and duration, can help.
San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Fortune Cookie
There are landmarks and there are hidden gems aplenty in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The best way to bundle them all into one experience is to take a walking tour of the area. This 75-minute tour is the ideal introduction to the area, detailing the social history of Chinatown through visiting businesses such as a traditional apothecary, a fortune cookie factory and other local enterprises. Also stop by Waverly Place and St. Mary’s Cathedral, and get pointers on where to find the city’s best dim sum. From $23 per person.
San Francisco Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour
Perhaps the most obvious type of tour to San Francisco’s Chinatown involves food, and this tour includes the consuming of hearty quantities of it. Over three hours you will get a broad overview of the various sensory experiences unique to the Chinatown here. Experience aspects of Asian culture – including a trip to a local Buddhist temple, a look at antique instruments and a visit to a fortune cookie factory – coupled with food tastings that include dim sum and Chinese tea. Tour runs daily. From $74 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Chinatown Walking Food Tour in Frisco
Another one of the excellent foodie walking tours of Chinatown focusses almost exclusively on the food itself. You will be able to try food tastings from five different specialty eateries and stores. This includes authentic tastes of Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan foods, including barbecue pork buns, Hong Kong-style dim sum, and buttery egg tarts. Learn about the history of these dishes and their context in the development of San Fran’s Chinatown. Tours on Sat and Sun. From $75 per person.
Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown & Bay Cruise Combo Tour
Another popular way to experience Chinatown during your visit to San Francisco is by combo tour, pairing the experience with some of the other top sights in the city. In the case of this popular full-day tour, you will visit Tin How Buddhist Temple and a fortune cookie factory during a larger walking tour that also encompasses Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill. The tour price also includes a ride in a cable car and an hour-long cruise of San Francisco Bay. A perfect overview of this stunning city. Tours from Thu-Mon. From $89 per person.