What are the nearest attractions to San Francisco Chinatown?

Attractions near San Francisco Chinatown: Transamerica Pyramid Vesuvio Cafe North Beach

San Francisco Chinatown - History, Location & Key Facts 2022

Q: What else should I know about attractions in San Francisco?

As well as visiting the San Francisco Chinatown, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: 5 Must-See San Francisco Neighborhoods and How to Visit Guide to Marin County: Sausalito, Muir Woods, and More Top San Francisco Activities to Book in Advance

The Basics

Nearly all San Francisco city tours include a stop or drive through Chinatown. For history, check out the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum and Portsmouth Square; alternatively, book a Chinatown walking or Segway tour for insight into the neighborhood’s food and culture. A stop in the area is often combined with a visit to nearby North Beach or a tasty, traditional lunch. Chinatown food tours are especially popular.

Things to Know Before You Go

This is a neighborhood to explore on foot, so wear comfortable shoes.
Chinatown bumps right into North Beach, another favorite San Francisco neighborhood, so it’s easy to visit both in one day.
Grab cash before you go, as many of the small shops and food venues only accept cash or have credit card minimums.
The streets of San Francisco Chinatown are mostly wheelchair accessible, although not every shop and restaurant will be.

How to Get There

Chinatown covers about 24 city blocks in northeast San Francisco between Powell, Kearny, Bush, and Broadway streets. Enter through the Dragon Gate at Bush and Grant, walking north into the crowd to find souvenir shops and eateries. Located in the densest area of the city between Nob Hill, Union Square, and the Financial District, Chinatown is easy to reach by walking, city bus, and the Powell Street Cable Car. Driving is not recommended on the traffic- and pedestrian-heavy streets.

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When to Get There

For shopping, go in the late morning when the shops are open but many visitors haven’t yet arrived. Otherwise, the evening hours offer a lively atmosphere, when locals head to Chinatown for drinks and dinner. To see the neighborhood at its best, visit during Chinese New Year, which falls in January or February.

Chinatown’s Fortune Cookie Factory

For a look at the making of fortune cookies, visit Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co., in business since 1962. Located on Ross Alley, off Jackson Street, the factory offers a free tour that allows you to watch how the cookies transform from hot, flat dough into their iconic, fortune-stuffed shape.

Recent reviews from experiences in San Francisco

Wonderful!

Lori_T, May 2022

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour

Great way to see the San Francisco bay area. I used this bus yesterday May 17th and there were no issues with wait times. We waited no more than 10-15 mins for a bus to come by at each stop. Those negative reviews were likely during covid. So don't hesitate to use this method of getting around to see the city and Golden Gate Bridge. You won't regret it.

Excellent tour company

Diana_T, May 2022

Private 2 or 3-Hour San Francisco City Tuk Tuk Tour w/ Your Own Guide

Great tour, awesome people. Highly recommended. Management was very responsive, tour vehicle was clean and well maintained. Tour guide was knowledgeable and personable.

San Fran getaway

Cherisse_D, Apr 2022

Great trip if you want to see the highlights of San Fran. Some of the stops are removed it seems since covid. Our bus driver was awesome! Had a good time

Well worth the money

WilliamBill_R, Mar 2022

San Francisco Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour | 1 Day Pass, Unlimited Use (Classic)

Good overview of city. Narration was very clear. Buses were clean. Lots of stops with good warning of stop coming up with available map and app. Short waits for bus. A stop right outside our hotel at Union Square. Worth the money.

Brian did a amazing job...

Anonymous, May 2022

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Brian did a amazing job of giving us a perfect snapshot of sfo on our first day there. We enjoyed visiting many of his recommendations.

It was a great experience...

Maria_M, May 2022

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Learning about Chinatown with Linda

Theresa_L, May 2022

San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Optional Lunch

Linda was very a very good guide and she has a sense of humor. She shared interesting stories, history and information about the establishments we stopped and buildngs we looked at and walked in. I would recommend this tour if you want to know more about Chinatown than just walking around.

Great time one the Love tour!!

Charisse_E, May 2022

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We had a great time!!! Alfred was a great host. He was very knowledgeable and the VW Bus was awesome!!!

Best tour driver in town

phil_w, May 2022

Visiting Coit Tower, driving through Golden Gate Park, driving down Lombard Street, our driver provided so much SF history and stories, loved the whole tour.

Incredible!!!!!

Esther_H, Mar 2022

What a fantastic time we had! 10 family members from 8 to 65 years old and we ALL had a blast! Staff were friendly, always with a smile and very helpful! The day flew-by way too quickly! We saw the best that beautiful San Francisco has to offer from clean, safe buses! This is a must to do for everyone!

San Francisco hop on hop off tour

KATIA_S, May 2022

This tour gave us an overview of San Francisco. We really enjoyed it. The bus was on time and the audio was well narrated.

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Glen_B, May 2022

The One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz

Rolano was our tour guide and he was amazing. He was ethusiactic, funny and full of knowledge about the histroy of San Francisco, Sausalito, Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods. Being a native of SF he gave recommendations for restaurants and other activities. Rolano is the type of person you would want to book for a private tour. Thanks Rolando for showing us an awesome day.

San Francisco Chinatown