Chinatown Walking Tours
Explore San Francisco’s Chinatown With One of These Walking Tours
If you’re planning a visit to San Francisco or are an area resident expecting visitors from out of town, you can take a cable car ride, stroll the waterfront, eat some overpriced and over-spiced chowder on Fisherman’s Wharf and indulge in all the other things you’re supposed to do here. Millions of people engage in these authentic San Francisco experiences each year, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but sooner or later, you’re going to have to fit Chinatown into the agenda. Since that’s a foregone conclusion, why not get a little more out of the experience and take a Chinatown walking tour to get a look at the really interesting stuff that most visitors miss when they hit this iconic neighborhood?
All About Chinatown Walking Tour
Chinatown native and noted insider Linda Lee leads this Chinatown walking tour that takes guests behind the scenes and gives them a unique perspective on this vibrant, if occasionally kitschy, neighborhood. Officially sanctioned by National Geographic Traveler, folks taking this walking tour will get information on the history and culture of the neighborhood, along with a gourmet dim sum luncheon.
Chinatown Adventures With Wok Wiz Tours
This is Chinatown tour is equal parts walking tour and immersive culinary experience. Guests learn a bit of the history of the neighborhood, but the emphasis of this walking tour is on good food and authentic preparations. Each tour is guided by a Chinatown native who imparts fascinating tidbits about eccentric buildings and legendary Chinatown characters. After seeing, smelling and tasting various cooking demonstrations, guests are treated to an authentic dim sum lunch at one of the neighborhood’s best restaurants.
Gray Line Chinatown Tour
If you’d prefer to experience Chinatown at night when the crowds are (mostly) gone and you want to see the beautiful San Francisco skyline as well, this hybrid walking/bus tour might be just the ticket. The tour kicks off with a Chinese feast at one of the better area restaurants, and guests stroll the streets and back alleys after dinner during a guided tour that allows guests to soak in the sights, sounds and smells of Chinatown after dark. After the walking portion of the tour, guests board a luxury coach for a nighttime tour of the city complete with a trip out to Treasure Island for a spectacular view of the city.
If you’re an intrepid soul with a smartphone and need to blaze your own trails off the beaten path, you can also conduct your own research and guide your own Chinatown walking tour. If that sounds more like your type of adventure, there are several advantages to doing this on your own. You can graze at several eateries instead of dining at one or two, linger at the places that interest you the most, shop at merchants that rely more on local business and enjoy this uniquely San Francisco experience on your own terms. It’s up to you. But no matter your preferences, definitely do not miss spending at least an afternoon strolling through Chinatown.