Private Self Guided Tour and Bar Crawl in Chinatown San Francisco

San Francisco , United States

Private Self Guided Tour and Bar Crawl in Chinatown San Francisco

Active

40m - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ever wondered about the secrets lingering in Chinatown's lantern-lit streets? Embark on a self-guided walking tour, unveiling the district's dynamic evolution.

Hear tales of the Gold Rush, Tong Wars, and other legendary characters. Admire traditional and modern artworks, from murals like the Monkey King to the Language of the Birds.

Dive into local pastimes at optional stops along the way, playing 'liar's dice' at Buddha Lounge and sipping Mai Tais at Li Po Cocktail Lounge. Experience the classic vibe of Red's Place and the Irish courage at Chinatown Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge.

Journey through the Battle of Waverly Place, Ross Alley Lanterns, and tales of powerful figures. Each bar, a historical gem, immerses you in the soul of Chinatown, promising an enlightening, enthralling, and fun-filled tour.

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

Available options

Private Self Guided Tour and Bar Crawl in Chinatown San Francisco

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Detailed itinerary

Start your journey through Chinatown at the iconic Dragon Gate of San Francisco. This ornate entrance sets the stage for your exploration of the historical and cultural heart of the neighbourhood, inviting you to delve into its secrets and lesser-known histories.

Wander down Grant Avenue, the bustling thoroughfare that weaves through the heart of Chinatown. As you traverse this lively street, immerse yourself in tales of Chinatown's origins, its pivotal role in the Gold Rush, and the intriguing stories of violence and conflict during the Tong Wars.

Indulge in a local pastime at Buddha Lounge, where you'll play 'liar's dice' while savoring an ice-cold beer. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved drinking hole, experiencing the charm that has made it a favorite among locals. Note that drinks are not included in the tour price.

Sip on a Mai Tai, the tropical cocktail that once left Anthony Bourdain tipsy at Li Po Cocktail Lounge. Delve into the history of this iconic establishment, known for its exotic libations and vibrant ambiance that reflects the dynamic spirit of Chinatown. Note that drinks are not included in the tour price.

Raise a glass at Red's Place, the classic Chinatown haunt that holds the distinction of being the first to serve draught beer. Enjoy the camaraderie of locals while soaking in the timeless charm of this historic watering hole. Note that drinks are not included in the tour price.

Discover Irish courage at Chinatown Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge, the oldest karaoke bar in San Francisco. Unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this iconic establishment, where the spirit of Chinatown comes alive through music and community. Note that drinks are not included in the tour price.

Walk in the glow of the mesmerizing Ross Alley Lanterns, experiencing the enchanting ambiance created by these vibrant lanterns. Let their luminous allure guide you through the atmospheric alleyways of Chinatown.

Discover the influence of vigilante justice in the district at Portsmouth Square. Uncover the stories of resilience and community strength that have played a role in shaping the identity of Chinatown.

Marvel at the words of wisdom in different languages, symbolizing the diverse cultures of San Francisco.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Food and drink

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour begins at the Dragon Gates, located on Grant Avenue and Bush Street. Our App will guide you to this easily recognizable landmark.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About San Francisco

San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.

Architecture/Historical 1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours for a tour $45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature/Park Half-day to full day Free to enter, varies by attraction

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.

Entertainment/Shopping/Dining Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining

Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Cultural/Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sourdough Bread

San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.

Bread Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.

Seafood Contains shellfish

Mission Burrito

The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.

Main Course Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat

Ghirardelli Chocolate

Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.

Dessert Contains dairy, may contain nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Marin Headlands Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge Spa day at a luxury hotel Picnic in Golden Gate Park Wine tasting in Napa Valley Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.

13-22°C 55-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
• Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe

Getting there

By air

San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown

By train

Emeryville Station, Richmond Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

North Beach Haight-Ashbury Mission District Castro Marina District

Day trips

Sausalito

15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.

Napa Valley

80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight

Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.

Muir Woods National Monument

25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.

Festivals

San Francisco Pride • June Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August Union Street Italian Festival • October

Pro tips

Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions