San Francisco City Guides
San Francisco City Guides
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
City Guides are local volunteers who love the city, lore and legends and they will share it all with you--for free. There is a large selection of tours available all over town and lasting 90 minutes to 2 hours. Note that currently we are offering limited tours with the safety of our guests and guides in mind. Please refer to our website and review our safety guidelines.
San Francisco, California
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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(103 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,166 reviews
Excellent
1,090
Very good
62
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Scribs
San Francisco, CA42 contributions
Jan 2020
Fantastic Tour!!!! (Even for SF Natives!)
We have been on walking tours all over the world, and on a clear but cold New Year's day, when we found ourselves with little on the agenda and little motivation to get out, we decided we should take a little bit of a trek throughout the city. How glad we were to meet Kay Rabin and go on her tour! This tour gave us a wonderful glimpse into yesteryear, where we would learn the history of SF's wealthiest railroad moguls and their quirky personalities. In addition, we got a close up glimpse of Grace Cathedral treasures and Fairmont Hotel sights. Who knew about Crocker's spiteful fence and how Grace Cathedral came to be????
Growing up in the city, these hotels and restaurants were only familiar to me for high school formal dining spots or Mother's Day brunches. Who knew of the wealth of history they contain?
What a truly lovely way to learn about this part of the city, with a comfortable pace, interesting information, and a lovely tour guide.
Yes, it was free, but we tipped $20 because it was comparable to other paid walking tours in other places. Be prepared for sometimes windy conditions atop Nob Hill and dress comfortably. Cameras are a definite.
And folks, this Sunday, you can catch the tour and stick around for the 12th Day of Christmas hymn sing at Grace Cathedral! :)
We have been on walking tours all over the world, and on a clear but cold New Year's day, when we found ourselves with little on the agenda and little motivation to get out, we decided we should take a little bit of a trek throughout the city. How glad we were to meet Kay Rabin and go on her tour! This tour gave us a wonderful glimpse into yesteryear, where we would learn the history of SF's wealthiest railroad moguls and their quirky personalities. In addition, we got a close up glimpse of Grace Cathedral treasures and Fairmont Hotel sights. Who knew about Crocker's spiteful fence and how Grace Cathedral came to be????
Growing up in the city, these hotels and restaurants were only familiar to me for high school formal dining spots or Mother's Day brunches. Who knew of the wealth of history they contain?
What a truly lovely way to learn about this part of the city, with a comfortable pace, interesting information, and a lovely tour guide.
Yes, it was free, but we tipped $20 because it was comparable to other paid walking tours in other places. Be prepared for sometimes windy conditions atop Nob Hill and dress comfortably. Cameras are a definite.
And folks, this Sunday, you can catch the tour and stick around for the 12th Day of Christmas hymn sing at Grace Cathedral! :)
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geotech522
5,594 contributions
Jan 2020
San Francisco City Guides is a nonprofit organization that has guides that are locals that love their community and have a great knowledge about the history and setting of San Francisco. The guides are volunteers who earn no salary and do not accept tips. They just ask for a donation; SF City Guides are affiliated with the San Francisco Public Library, and the San Francisco Parks Alliance is their fiscal sponsor. There are more than 300 active volunteer guides who lead all their walks and do most of the work of running the organization, developing tours, training new guides, and organizing special events and continuing educational opportunities for the guides. They provide a unique perspective on San Francisco and the many neighborhoods and important buildings and organizations. We took two great tours.
The first was a tour of the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill. We were given the history of this great hotel and how it was brought back to its original glory like it was just after the 1906 earthquake that devastated the building; it was designed by Architect Julia Morgan. We saw the fabulous lobby which has been restored and went behind the scenes in some of the important public areas including the wonderful Venetian Room where Tony Bennett debuted "I left my heart in San Francisco." There's a statue of Tony Bennett outside the hotel. We also went to the top of the Fairmont Tower to see the magnificent views from the Crown Room. Absolutely stunning!
The second tour we took was to see the Pacific Heights Mansions. This is the neighborhood with the highest real estate prices and the average house costs over $10 million. We saw the houses of the rich and famous. The views of the city from Pacific Heights is just majestic. Two tours worth taking. Can't wait to take more from San Francisco City Guides.
The first was a tour of the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill. We were given the history of this great hotel and how it was brought back to its original glory like it was just after the 1906 earthquake that devastated the building; it was designed by Architect Julia Morgan. We saw the fabulous lobby which has been restored and went behind the scenes in some of the important public areas including the wonderful Venetian Room where Tony Bennett debuted "I left my heart in San Francisco." There's a statue of Tony Bennett outside the hotel. We also went to the top of the Fairmont Tower to see the magnificent views from the Crown Room. Absolutely stunning!
The second tour we took was to see the Pacific Heights Mansions. This is the neighborhood with the highest real estate prices and the average house costs over $10 million. We saw the houses of the rich and famous. The views of the city from Pacific Heights is just majestic. Two tours worth taking. Can't wait to take more from San Francisco City Guides.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell Sawatsky
London, Canada6 contributions
Mar 2020
If part of your reason for visiting San Francisco is to learn about the history, neighbourhoods, and architecture, then this is by far the best way to see the city. You will be given a 1 1/2 - 2 hour guided tour of an area of the city by knowledgeable volunteers who seem to take it as their personal mission to learn everything they can about the tour. Depending on your enthusiasm for public transit, you can buy up to a 7-day pass from the SFMTA and make your way around the city to the various tours, via bus, cable car, historic streetcars or light rail. Be prepared to walk. It's probably not ideal for young children and maybe not even for teens. Couples, friends and solo visitors should all enjoy it. Oh, and there is no cost for these tours, although they do give you the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Regina L
Los Angeles, CA157 contributions
Dec 2019
I was in San Francisco for 4 days in December 2019, and I went on several walking tours with Free Tours by Foot, Wild SF, Emperor Norton, and San Francisco City Guides. Of these tours, I'm afraid that the City Guides tour was the most average. These tours are completely free and given by volunteers who want to share the city with you, so I have a lot of goodwill toward them, but the way they're organized could be improved. I went on the Fisherman's Wharf tour and the Gold Rush City tour. Nearly 30 people showed up for the Gold Rush City tour, but by the time the tour was over, only about 8 of us remained. People started leaving the tour because it was so hard to hear the tour guide. He didn't wear a microphone. It's really too bad, as I'm sure the tour would have been a lot better if we could actually hear the tour guide. The fact that around 20 people left the tour should tell you something. The Fisherman's Wharf tour guide wore a microphone, but it barely gave any additional amplification. (I witnessed far strong microphones on the Free Tours by Foot and Wild SF tours, so I feel I'm being fair with my assessment here.) These tour guides are probably really well-informed but their energy level, presentation style, and tour execution could be a lot more engaging. At the end of the tour, you can donate to the City Guides organization, and the individual guides do NOT accept donations. City Guides is a great thought, but has flawed execution. I'm sure some of the guides are more engaging than others, and I didn't luck out. I recommend Free Tours by Foot, and if their schedule doesn't work for you, then try City Guides.
Written May 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey G
1 contribution
Jul 2021
We went on 3 walking tours with San Francisco City Guides during our recent 5 day trip and enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the city's history and get to know its neighborhoods. The highlight was our Mission Dolores tour. Our leader, Renee, was amazing, especially in her ability to connect the stories of each individual stop to create an engaging telling of the neighborhood's history. The attendees were a diverse group of various ages, with both locals and tourists from out of town. Renee was enthusiastic, inclusive and clear. There is no better way to enjoy a city than to take a walking tour and learn some history, see some sights and identify places you want to explore further!
San Francisco City Guides tours are free but there is a suggested donation-- no pressure but certainly well worth it. It's easy to use their website to learn about and sign up for the different tours and they provide detailed instructions regarding tour logistics.
San Francisco City Guides tours are free but there is a suggested donation-- no pressure but certainly well worth it. It's easy to use their website to learn about and sign up for the different tours and they provide detailed instructions regarding tour logistics.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CindyH
1 contribution
Jan 2021
I just completed my second Virtual Walking Tour and I highly recommend the virtual and then the actual walking tours when the Covid restrictions are lifted. Michael is great as the moderator and Bruce does a fantastic job with his audio presentation and slide show. Just the right pace to be able to keep up and let the information soak in and not be so overwhelmed with lots of stats, which I happen to also love. The sign up is very simple, they provide plenty of reminders, the tours start on time, you can ask questions in the chat box and they are answered at the end of the presentation. Yes, it is free however donations are accepted or you can become a member. If you love San Francisco, sign up and catch some history. There is so much to know, every one is unique and has something interesting to offer. Thank you San Francisco City Guides!
Written January 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason R
Concord, CA2 contributions
Jan 2020
Renee Berger was our guide for about 30 people, for a tour of the Mission District, starting near Dolores Park.
It was an excellent tour, 2+ hrs., included history, architecture and several fascinating murals.
We went on many side streets in the Mission, so that even though I have been to this area many times, so much of the tour sights were new to me!
Highly recommended. Renee also does other tours, including one called "Mission Murals" which I am looking forward to attending.
It was an excellent tour, 2+ hrs., included history, architecture and several fascinating murals.
We went on many side streets in the Mission, so that even though I have been to this area many times, so much of the tour sights were new to me!
Highly recommended. Renee also does other tours, including one called "Mission Murals" which I am looking forward to attending.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie M
Scottsdale, AZ2 contributions
Oct 2020
We’ve been to San Francisco many times and always attend as many San Francisco City Guides walking tours as possible. They are unique with the added benefit of guides who are local volunteers so you know they care. This tour was no different. Carol, our guide , was pleasant and knowledgeable. She had a personal interest in saving and revitalizing the pier so she shared many unusual and interesting facts. The pace was good and the walk was never boring. We’d do it again! Please support this volunteer group!! What they do is amazing and you won’t get a better bang for your buck. PS If you sign up, please show up or be courteous enough to call and cancel so those on the wait list can attend. Once the COVID restrictions are lifted you can just show up at the designated meeting spot without a reservation.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We also think that the personal stories make for the best tours. See you again on your next trip!
Written October 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
globetrekker88
San Francisco, CA49 contributions
Aug 2020
Don't let COVID stop you from partaking in one of the amazing city strolls! Hats off to SF City Guides for finding a way to safely offer these strolls - all guides are wearing masks/face shields and the limited group size allows for safe social distancing. I'm always impressed by the encyclopedic knowledge and passion of all of the guides and how much they love San Francisco and its incredible history. I hope SF City Guides will be able to roll out more strolls and can't wait to sigh up for more!
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth
3 contributions
Jan 2020
We just finished an amazing FREE tour of the Mission Murals in SF thanks to City Guides. Our guide, Renee, made each mural come alive for us with wonderful information about the artist, meaning and content of each mural. She was fun to be with and full of fabulous facts and stories. Don't miss this as a way to learn about one of SF's most special features. And try and get Renee!
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ourfreddie
Brisbane, Australia219 contributions
Hi, we are visiting San Francisco for the first time in June and was wondering which city tour would be the best do for our first time. Thank you in advance.
Katherine Z
1 contribution
It's hard to say which tour is the best but Chinatown is an iconic tour and of course there are great places to grab something to eat before or after. I also really enjoyed the one of the Mission Delores neighborhood to see another less touristy side of the city.
alessandra
Turbigo, Italy16 contributions
Buonasera, sarò a San Francisco ad aprile con i miei figli di 9 e 11 anni, vorrei sapere per fafvore se le guide parlano anche italiano o francese. Grazie anticipatamente
SFCityGuides
San Francisco, CA
Hi, sorry I’m late with this response and and not able to respond in Italian. As far as I know, we don’t have any Italian or French speaking tours. Hopefully, we can expand our tours in the future to include these languages. Again, many apologies.
Ciao, scusate sono in ritardo con questa risposta e non sono in grado di rispondere in italiano. Per quanto ne so, non abbiamo tour in italiano o francese. Speriamo di poter espandere i nostri tour in futuro per includere queste lingue. Ancora una volta, molte scuse.
Kathie R
Tweed, Canada95 contributions
Where do the tours meet?
Where can I find a list and explanation of each tour?
SFCityGuides
San Francisco, CA
Hello!
SF City Guides offers over 60 different walking tours, all of which meet in the specific neighborhood that you will be learning about.
See a complete listing of our walks at our website by googling: San Francisco City Guides
You can also contact the office at: 415-557-4266
sharken29
Stuttgart, Germany16 contributions
Meine Frau und ich sind 3 Tage in SF, vom 15. bis zum 17. November 2017. Ist es korrekt, dass auf deutsch geführte walking touren kostenlos angeboten werden? An wen müssen wir uns wenden und wie lange im Voraus sollten wir buchen?
Trainbook
Ohio695 contributions
For the English tours, you just show up at the meeting place that is listed for that walking tour. No reservations needed. At the end they pass around a yellow envelope and you put in what you want to give them for the tour. The guides do not keep the money. The money goes to the organization which is affiliated with the San Francisco library.
Brooke R
9 contributions
I'm travelling with my husband and our 2 teenagers in march next year, I've been told there is lots of homeless and drug use on the streets, is this corrrect? And also where is the best district to stay. Thanks in advance
ocsailor
Orange, CA22 contributions
There are lots of homeless but for the most part they don't bother the tourist to much. I took a tour that started on the steps of the library, the guide pointed out all the used needles between the concrete steps. With that info, we all watched where we stepped. A mobile shower was also there and most the homeless were busy cleaning up. I wouldn't stay near the civic center area if I could help it. We stayed at the Fairmont on Nobhill. It was beautiful but that uphill climb was tough, took the cable car often instead of walking, and I like to walk.
lamberto1963
Valencia, Spain46 contributions
El próximo agosto vamos a estar 3 días en San Francisco, me gustaría saber desde donde salen los tours y la hora de partida, y si hay varios recorridos
lamberto1963
Valencia, Spain46 contributions
Buenos días, en agosto próximo, vamos a viajar a San Francisco y vamos a estar 3 días, me pueden decir desde donde salen los tours y la hora de comienzo y si hay varios recorridos. Un saludo
anfrancia
Rieti, Italy88 contributions
Siamo 7 persone dall'Italia (3 coppie + 1 single) che visiteranno San Francisco dal 26 settembre al 28 settembre (circa 2 giorni). Ho già prenotato: albergo, Alcatraz by night (26th ore 17,55) e vorrei visitare tutto il possibile a piedi e/o con mezzi pubblici; gradirei avere una guida per questo scopo oltre che per darci consigli su dove mangiare ed ogni altra informazioni. Grazie in anticipo. Saluti Tonino
San Francisco City Guides - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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