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Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine

69 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 69 reviews collected by Cool San Francisco and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| San Francisco, USA
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from $30 per person

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Your guide: Emperor Norton I
Take a trip into the past.

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Be informed and entertained on this one-of-a-kind 3-hour walking tour of downtown San Francisco, led by an impersonator of the late Emperor Norton. Self-proclaimed as the Emperor of the US, this 19th-century character comes to life as your guide leads you back to the past. Step into a time machine of sorts and learn about the Barbary Coast, the 1906 earthquake, and historic landmarks surrounding Union Square.

What's Included

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Professional guide
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Union Square
San Francisco, CA, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

California Street
San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Old St. Mary's Cathedral

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Barbary Coast Trail

This trail winds throughout the tour and feathures numerous historical sites.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Union Square

The history of Union Square and the Dewey Monument.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Jackson Square

The history of the notorious Barbary Coast.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Maiden Lane

Glamorous Maiden used to be lined with brothels.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Lotta's Fountain

A gathering place since 1875, it's also where the yearly earthquake commemoration is held. Hear the stories of buildings that survived, Lotta Crabtree, Lola Montez, and Luisa Tetrazzini.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Portsmouth Square

The birthplace of San Francisco and Chinatown's living room.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

Hear the history of the cathedral and the passing of the Emperor.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Masks and social distancing required.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Emperor Norton’s Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-19479P1

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

5.00
69 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 69 traveler reviews collected by Cool San Francisco and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
69
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool San Francisco customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Emperor Norton’s Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges.
  • Professional guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drinks.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Masks and social distancing required.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Emperor Norton’s Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine will be included in your confirmation email from Cool San Francisco. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Professional guide
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Masks and social distancing required.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
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