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Self Guided Chinatown Tour: Food, History and Culture

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by Cool San Francisco and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | San Francisco, USA

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On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

60 to 75 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Are you looking for a way to explore San Francisco's Chinatown without joining a tour group? Take this self-guided tour led by David Hu, a local and 5th generation Chinese American and 4th generation Japanese American.

This tour through one of North America's oldest districts unveils cultural richness and culinary treasures. Visit four special eateries, including the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and Good Mong Kok Bakery. Explore Chinatown's significance and Bruce Lee's ties to it, and discover stories of the Chinese Exclusion Act's impact. From shopping at Canton Bazaar to exploring the Wok Shop, this tour offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and gastronomy.

Get unlimited use of this tour before your booking date and after it. You can use the virtual tour option at home, too.

Once you have booked, you will receive instructions and a unique code to download the tour. The app displays directions to the starting point; when you’re in the right place, tap start.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

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

End point

California Street
San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

The last stop on our tour is St Mary’s Square.

What To Expect

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Chinatown

Embark on a fascinating journey through San Francisco's Chinatown, one of North America's oldest and most densely populated districts, where vibrant culture, rich history, and delectable cuisine come together.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Dragon's Gate (pass by)

Begin your cultural adventure at the Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue, where you'll step into the lively tapestry of Chinatown and start your exploration of its history, culinary delights, and hidden gems.
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Old Saint Mary's Cathedral (pass by)

See Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, a landmark that stands as a testament to the city's diverse religious heritage and hosts various cultural celebrations, including Chinese New Year festivities and the annual Irish Heritage Festival.
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Canton Bazaar (pass by)

Explore Canton Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace where you can find bargains, souvenirs, and a glimpse into the local shopping culture of Chinatown.
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Chinese Historical Society of America (pass by)

Pass by the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, an institution preserving and showcasing the rich history and heritage of Chinese Americans, offering valuable insights into the community's journey.
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Ross Alley (pass by)

Stroll through Ross Alley, uncovering hidden corners and historical anecdotes as you traverse the narrow passages that hold the secrets of Chinatown's past.
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Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co (pass by)

Step into the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, the oldest fortune cookie factory in the city, where the sweet aroma of freshly made treats accompanies stories of tradition and culinary craftsmanship.
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Good Mong Kok Bakery (pass by)

Indulge your taste buds at Good Mong Kok Bakery, a dim sum haven specializing in delectable dumplings and other traditional delights, adding a culinary dimension to your Chinatown experience.
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Wong Lee Bakery (pass by)

Visit Wong Lee Bakery, where you can savor the flavors of traditional egg tarts and immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Chinatown.
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Portsmouth Square (pass by)

Pause at Portsmouth Square, a central gathering place that holds historical significance, and learn about its role in shaping the community and hosting cultural events.
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Eastern Bakery (pass by)

Discover Eastern Bakery, where the secrets of mooncakes, a traditional pastry with dense fillings, are unveiled, providing a delicious and educational stop on your tour.
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The Wok Shop (pass by)

Pass by The Wok Shop, a culinary haven that supplies woks to professionals, community members, and food enthusiasts alike, showcasing the kitchen essentials that fuel the culinary heartbeat of Chinatown.
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Chinatown Kite Shop (pass by)

Explore the Chinatown Kite Shop, an iconic establishment offering handmade Chinese dragon kites and more, blending cultural artifacts with artistic creations.
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St. Mary's Square (pass by)

End your tour at St Mary's Square, where you can reflect on the rich tapestry of experiences, cultural discoveries, and gastronomic delights encountered on your journey through San Francisco's Chinatown.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self Guided Chinatown Tour: Food, History and Culture?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-110804P634

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool San Francisco and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
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3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

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Currency

Site Settings

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Activity name

Non-refundable

Activity name

Non-refundable

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

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Cool Rewards

  • 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.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.