San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Optional Lunch
5
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San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Optional Lunch
By All About Chinatown Tours
Recommended by 97% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Dive deep into Chinatown, one of San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods, on this walking tour. Your guide shares commentary as you explore highlights including a Buddhist temple, fortune cookie factory, and medicinal herb shop, visiting both well-known sights and hidden gems in this vibrant district. Upgrade to include a 9-course dim sum lunch for a flavorful meal at one of Chinatown's great restaurants.
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Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- Discover the shops, temples, and food purveyors of Chinatown
- Taste fortune cookies after learning how they are made
- Hear the history of immigration to San Francisco from China
- Upgrade to include a 9-course Chinese dim sum lunch
- Professional guide
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Make your own way to the centrally located meeting point to meet your guide, who shares commentary about Chinatown’s history, culture, and daily life. Stroll along Stockton Street, passing markets with fresh seafood, vegetable vendors, tea shops, and Chinese bakeries. Stop at an herbal pharmacy, where you learn about the medicinal uses of items such as ginseng root, gecko lizards, and pearl pills. Then try the samples at a fortune cookie factory. See a Chinese-language school and Waverly Place, an alley filled with temples and secret clubs. Note buildings designed to resemble pagodas, and Chinese decor along the streets. Go to a Buddhist temple that houses gold antiques, and learn about Chinese Buddhism in local practice. Your tour ends near your starting point. Upgrade to include the 9-course lunch at a popular dim sum restaurant in Chinatown (sample menu below).
- Departure details
- Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, 660 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA The cross street is Grant Avenue
Return details- 800 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA The tour ends on Grant Ave., 2 blocks from Old St. Mary's Cathedral, the starting site of the tour.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2326WALK- Tours operate rain or shine; please dress appropriately
- If you have dietary restrictions, the restaurant can make substitutions upon your request
- Most travelers can participate
- We need a minimum of 2 persons to confirm your booking. If you are traveling alone, we will offer alternate dates for you to join us.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2326WALK
Itinerary
- You'll start atOld Saint Mary's Cathedral660 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USAThe cross street is Grant AvenueSee address & details
- 1All About Chinatown ToursStop: 10 minutesSee details
- 2ChinatownStop: 10 minutesSee details
- 3Portsmouth SquareStop: 15 minutesSee details
- 4Stockton StreetStop: 15 minutesSee details
- 5Golden Gate Fortune Cookies CoStop: 10 minutesSee details
- 6Stockton StreetStop: 10 minutesSee details
- 7The Street of the Painted BalconiesStop: 10 minutesSee details
- 8ChinatownStop: 10 minutesSee details
- You'll end at800 Clay St800 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USAThe tour ends on Grant Ave., 2 blocks from Old St. Mary's Cathedral, the starting site of the tour.See address & details
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
jilly681
00Chinatown Trek with the Best
This is the third time we have taken this tour! Linda Lee is so engaging, knowledgeable and fun! She shared the h…
nicolehX594SN
00Great 2 hour tour
Linda made the tour light and fun. She had great history of the area and a great sense of humor. I would definitely…
Ohsoglamjewels
00China town tour with dim sum lunch
Linda was amazing, very informative tour of China town, and the dim sum lunch was an added plus to this tour.
Ellen B
00Private tour with Lynn
Because some folks in our small group have mobility issues, we opted for a private tour. Lynn was our guide, and sh…
Kelly R
00Love the personal angle of things
We did this tour on Memorial Day, and it was interesting to learn some of the history of Chinatown in SF, and what …
Odyssey706041
00excellent tour with personal experiences
Linda gave excellent value for money with insights into Chinese-American history and culture including her own expe…
mariaaba
00The best historic tour of a SF Landmark!
If you are a first time visitor to SF/West Coast, this is a must Tour. You will learn the history of Chinese Ameri…
438danieln
00The real deal
Highly recommend. Linda is authentic (native) and dynamic. the tour mixes history, culture, anecdote. She has a …
Venture764044
00Private your
Linda was incredible! Very fun and knowledgeable. Even as a local playing tourist, I learned so much!
Cindy K
00Chinatown Tour Linda Lee
Our tour was amazing! Linda was not only informative, but was very engaging to her audience. We would recommend thi…
Riane M
00All About Chinatown Tour
Wonderful informative, fun tour with Linda! Linda is so knowledgeable about Chinatown, and it was great learning ab…
Sherry W
00Great tour
We had a great tour with Linda! She made the experience informative and fun. Our tour included lunch that was fant…
thewritetranslator
00Fun and Educational
LINDA’s background and knowledge of Chinatown helped to make this tour very fun and educational. My 11-year-old an…
KathleenDawson
00Wonderful, Fun and Educational Tour
We loved our tour with Linda Lee. She made the time fly by with her thoughtful insights and funny approach. We were…
Carrie F
00Chinatown tour
Fantastic tour! Great way to learn about Chinatown’s history and not get bogged down in trinkets! Linda is fantasti…
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
376 reviews
Excellent
341
Very good
26
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Bill S
San Carlos, CA3 contributions
Aug 2022
So many reviews on this site were written to acknowledge Linda. I toured on Saturday 8/20. No Linda!! But we had Don. His tour was fantastic. Language, culture, history, he had it all. Very open to questions and handled them all while tying into his ongoing dialog. We learned so much about this amazing city within a city. Even got good tips on how to tell genuine jade from fake. We had a teen with us and even she cocked an eyebrow once or twice! Loved it. The dim sum lunch was delicious and good value, with a mix of regular dishes plus 3 or 4 dim sum items. Our only surprise was when Don left the restaurant without giving us an opportunity to share a gratuity with him - perhaps he's used to guests who don't understand the custom - but my wife was able to track him down before he got too far! Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn more than the superficial tourist stuff.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
When Don comes across a question asked on the tour that he doesn't readily have a deep knowledge of, Don will contact me and then will begin a lively discussion of what we both know, and don't. I have learned so much from Don that I am even thinking....I should take Don's tour!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and appreciative review. Don will be thrilled to read this online. We know how great he is - so will others once they read your 5 star review.
Written August 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Slig0gal
North Easton, MA16 contributions
Mar 2023
This was a very worthwhile adventure! Don was a super knowledgeable guide! Despite the rainy weather we felt like we got to see many interesting parts of the
area. Don was kind, informative and a great personality. I'd highly recommend him. The highlights were the stories about the various characters in murals, history of SF Chinatown and how it has evolved and secret alleys! The luncheon I think well worth it! Thanks!
area. Don was kind, informative and a great personality. I'd highly recommend him. The highlights were the stories about the various characters in murals, history of SF Chinatown and how it has evolved and secret alleys! The luncheon I think well worth it! Thanks!
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
Hi SligOgal:
I'm thrilled that you learned so much about Chinatown and more with Don. I don't exaggerate when I tell guests that Don is a super knowledgeable guy, using your words. I'm also delighted that you enjoyed your lunch. It's hard to know where to go and what to order, and adding the luncheon to your program makes the visit a well rounded experience. Thank you for your 5 star review.
Written March 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle M
1 contribution
Oct 2022
We booked this tour for a work team activity. It was the perfect ratio of walking, stopping, and information with historic photo exhibits. Super informative. Easy for any age/ability. Great for out of town attendees as well as long time locals. Beth was super friendly and her love for the city shone through. As a former educator, she was a natural speaking to a group of people and encouraging questions.
Don't forget to buy some fortune cookies at the factory :)
Don't forget to buy some fortune cookies at the factory :)
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
Hi M3Trav:
This review confirms for future visitors that Beth is an outstanding tour guide for any group, any size, any interest. As a teacher, Beth knows how to listen, how to communicate, and how to engage so that visitors are continually learning and having fun at the same time. Thank you for your thorough review and the 5 stars from myself and Beth.
Written November 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eva M
1 contribution
May 2021
5-Stars for the tour - not for the meal
Linda provides great coverage of the history and culture. She augments the tour with personal anecdotes and a great sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
I would have passed on the lunch, though. Taste is a personal thing. For me, having eaten a variety of dim sum over the years, the meal was disappointing. If you have never tried dim sum before it could be a good entry level introduction.
Linda provides great coverage of the history and culture. She augments the tour with personal anecdotes and a great sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
I would have passed on the lunch, though. Taste is a personal thing. For me, having eaten a variety of dim sum over the years, the meal was disappointing. If you have never tried dim sum before it could be a good entry level introduction.
Written May 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
Dear Eva M: Thank you for your 5 star review and your comments about the luncheon. I’ve work with the chef and dropped the standard egg roll with other choices to make the selections more distinctive. While many of our guests enjoy the dim sum luncheon, there's always room for new flavors, new ingredients!
Written May 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amber
Portland, OR4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
The kids loved the Fortune Cookie Factory, of course! I really enjoyed learning about the history of San Fran, how much influence the Chinese had, hearing the stories of the people who founded Chinatown and how that flows through into modern day. My son even opted for a haircut afterwards. Our guide, Don was very knowledgeable and gave the tour a welcoming and inviting feel. He was so pleasant and easily answered any questions during our time together. We are so glad we did this tour and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in experiencing Chinatown in an authentic way.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
Hi Amberohs: Don is an outstanding guide in so many ways, and your family was fortunate to have him on the day of your tour. Beyond the wealth of historical and cultural info that Don can share, he got your son to get a haircut? High five, Don! Thank you for your 5 star review - I'll be sure to send this review to Don McNab.
Written July 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nebraska Outback
Sutherland, NE147 contributions
Nov 2021
I can't recommend this tour enough! We were looking for an in-depth tour of the history and culture of Chinatown, and we certainly found it in the tour presented by Linda Lee. She is absolutely delightful, with a wonderful sense of humor and an incredible knowledge of the area and the people. If you're looking to expand your knowledge of the City of San Francisco and Chinatown and its people, this is the tour for you!
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
Hi Muriel and Mark: This review is comparable to getting a great recommendation from an employer! Thank you so very much for taking the time to write such a flattering and thoughtful summary of your experience in Chinatown. May I come knock on your door in Sutherland if my Airbnb is full?
😉
Written November 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Xycid
San Francisco, CA27 contributions
Apr 2021
Can I just say: you should definitely go here!!
Chinatown is the easiest way to travel to Hong Kong or China or Taiwan without actually flying across the ocean. It's a national treasure. And, take my word for it, right now (esp. if you're vaccinated) might be the best time to visit before tourists fill the streets (and they will).
Have some real Chinese food, buy some bok choy or excellent Chinese tea, take a few photos of local murals for your Instagram, watch old grandmas make fortune cookies and submerge yourself in a unique culture for a few hours.
And thank you to Linda Lee for the tours, her perfect Chinese-American accent and for sharing the history of her neighborhood. Support Chinatown, learn more about Asian-Americans, support local Chinatown businesses.
Chinatown is the easiest way to travel to Hong Kong or China or Taiwan without actually flying across the ocean. It's a national treasure. And, take my word for it, right now (esp. if you're vaccinated) might be the best time to visit before tourists fill the streets (and they will).
Have some real Chinese food, buy some bok choy or excellent Chinese tea, take a few photos of local murals for your Instagram, watch old grandmas make fortune cookies and submerge yourself in a unique culture for a few hours.
And thank you to Linda Lee for the tours, her perfect Chinese-American accent and for sharing the history of her neighborhood. Support Chinatown, learn more about Asian-Americans, support local Chinatown businesses.
Written April 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
Dear Xycid:
This is exactly the kind of review every person in Chinatown would like future visitors to read. Chinatown is open and bustling with vitality. Xycid, you nailed it!
Written April 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dixxydean16
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Solo
The tour was a bust. The host was friendly, but I feel like I learned less about Chinatown, than learned about the guide's favorite shops. This is picky, but I also felt the tour style was juvenile and less professional than I've seen in the past.
If you're looking for a history of Chinatown, and more of a guide to bridge divide between your knowledge of China and Chinese, essentially making the area a little more accessible for the layperson, id maybe look elsewhere.
If you're looking for a history of Chinatown, and more of a guide to bridge divide between your knowledge of China and Chinese, essentially making the area a little more accessible for the layperson, id maybe look elsewhere.
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
Hi Dixxyde:
I'm sorry you were disappointed in your tour. If you would be so kind, please contact me privately through our email about your guide. A review like this is helpful for the guide to know how he/she can improve the tour content for the future.
Email: info@allaboutchinatown.com
Thank you for your feedback!
Written September 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Moffett1
Media, PA63 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Linda was a laid back, knowledgeable guide. Might need a little more volume when talking on the street. She clearly grew up and knows this area. It was fun to hear her voice tone change when she spoke as others talked to her. Learned some facts -wished there had been more but our tour included kids who probably didn’t want more history. The tour zigzagged across the area. Not sure I could find many of our stops again if I wanted to revisit or put titles on my pics. We added the optional lunch. It was great. Couldn’t eat it all. They boxed it and enjoyed it again another day. Thanks for the suggestion sheet at the end of the tour. We’ll try to visit another restaurant during our stay.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
Dear Moffett1:
Thanks for your thorough review! It's always a challenge to be heard on the noisy streets of Chinatown, but that's the authenticity of it. We are walking through multiple streets of a bustling, lively community. Feel free to send me the photos you took if you want me to identify some of our stops. And Happy New Year!
Written February 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diana J
Jackson, WI8 contributions
Guide, Linda, was warm and welcoming, not to mention very knowledgeable. (She has been giving this tour for 30 years!) Born and raised in Chinatown/SF, she is the one to lead and educate. Lunch afterward was very good as well. Lots of food and definitely leftovers to enjoy the next day! Linda also shared a list of local businesses that are "must visits" --much appreciated. Will recommend Linda and her tour to anyone who asks!
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda L
Dear dianaj797:
I'm most thrilled for you in finding the chili sauce that can make your taste buds and stomach smile! Please visit again while you are living here.
Written July 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LauraDiItaly
Milan, Italy1,832 contributions
At what restaurant is the optional LUNCH served ?
Some places seem rather run down now ... after Covid months.
THANK YOU 😊
Sandy B
Newburgh, NY1 contribution
I forgot the name. Definitely nothing special and we were the only ones there, however, the food was delicious and that’s what I wanted my family to experience.
Monique S
6 contributions
Hi Linda. My wife Monique and I were on your tour Memorial Day weekend in 2019. I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but we really enjoyed the meal and would love to go back. Can you please send us the name?
Lisa F
San Antonio, TX
HI Linda -
we would like to sign up for the lunch, however we don't eat pork or shellfish. Will this limit what we are able to enjoy for lunch or are there plenty of other options?
Susanne B
4 contributions
You can request any type of filling - it does not have to be shrimp or pork. However the same facility does process shellfish and you should be carful if you are very allergic.
You may want to contact the organizer to see if they can identify an alternate lunch option that would work for you.
Grandviewdrive
Peoria, IL68 contributions
Can you add two more to 10am Tuesday October 15 tour?
Kate F
Piedmont, CA7 contributions
Hi Linda, I am the coordinator for a group of 20 women. We would like to arrange your walking tour with lunch on Wednesday, 10/2/19. Is that possible?
Linda L
13 contributions
Hi Karen:
On that day, I have 2 guests booked for the 10am tour. If you don't mind joining these two guests, I can confirm your request right away.
Please contact me again through my email address.
Kate F
Piedmont, CA7 contributions
Hi Linda, I am the coordinator for a group of 20 women. We would like to arrange your walking tour with lunch on Wednesday, 10/2/19. Is that possible?
Fred Hascher
1 contribution
Hi Linda, Will you be leading the tour on Sept 27 ? Most of the positive reviews speak highly of you so we want to make sure you will be the guide.
Seastone
Phoenix, AZ
May two people split the lunch? I am aware it is dim sum but we eat very small meals frequently and it would just be a total waste for both of us to order the lunch option.
John K
Gallatin, TN480 contributions
We did not have the lunch as we had other plans but I understand it was very good. I donot know if you can split the lunch but the tour company could answer that, we found them to be very friendly and helpful