San Francisco Icons Walking & Metro Tour

San Francisco , United States

San Francisco Icons Walking & Metro Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Icons of SF tour starts at Alamo Square, where we'll introduce you to the Painted Ladies, beautiful Victorian houses perfectly framed against the San Francisco skyline. After that we walk through the fun Fillmore District before catching a bus to Russian Hill and the next icon, Lombard Street (passing the house used in the movie Mrs Doubtfire). On our tour you'll walk down the 'crookedest street in the world' – the best way of avoiding traffic AND getting the best photos.

From there we stroll into North Beach, one of SF's most historic, picturesque and fascinating neighborhoods. We can even stop for refreshments in one of the great cafes or bars there. From there it's just a short walk to the final icon. SF's Chinatown is the oldest in the U.S., and its design has been copied by other Chinatowns all over the world. It's where the city started and is the perfect place to end your tour, because it has some of the best restaurants in the city.

Available options

San Francisco Icons Walking & Metro Tour

What's included

We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.

All Metro travel is included ($10 value).

Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Get the best view of one of the most famous icons of SF - the Painted Ladies, beautiful Victorian houses.

See this trendy, fun, neighborhood.

Stop 3

One of the legendary 7 hills of San Francisco and offering great views of the bay and Alcatraz.

Stop 4

Walk down the crookedest street in the world. It's the best way to see it.

Stop 5

Get some great views of this icon of SF.

Stop 6

Walk through the streets of our Little Italy. It's a beautiful, historic neighborhood, full of great bars, cafes and restaurants. And a great bookshop.

Stop 7

The first Chinatown in the US and the one responsible for the design of all other Chinatowns. It's also where the city was born. Walk the streets and learn the neighborhood's history

What's not included

Gratuities not included, because voluntary. If you enjoy tour please allow 15-20%.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you will miss the tour.

By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by Real San Francisco Tours terms of service.

Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking.

This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace, climbing several hills and sets of steps. It’s not suitable for people with mobility issues.

Meeting point

The guide will be checking-in guests in Alamo Square, on the corner of Hayes and Pierce Streets, by the steps, from 10 minutes before the tour.

Be sure to allow extra time for traffic and finding parking. We CANNOT wait for latecomers, there are other guests.

Important notes

Thanks for making a booking with REAL SAN FRANCISCO TOURS.

This ticket has ALL the information that you'll need - PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY!

PREPARATION

Allow PLENTY of time to get to the meeting point. Remember that YOU'RE responsible for getting to the meeting point on time - not us. We do NOT have a phone/email help center. There's no point. You have ALL the information you need right here.

Be sure to wear layered clothing, we can get 4 seasons in a day in SF..

TRANSPORT / PARKING

There is parking in the area, but it can be hard-to-find and expensive, so please consider taking public transport, it will probably be faster than driving. The tour starts near public transport.

WHERE TO MEET

The guide will be checking-in guests from 10 minutes before the tour in Alamo Square, on the corner of Hayes and Pierce Streets, by the steps into the park. Please bring either a paper or electronic copy of this ticket for the guide.

If you get to the meeting point before the guide, great, relax! We'll be there.

We normally wait 5 minutes for latecomers (if necessary) before starting the tour. We have an average of 10 guests per guide, so it's very likely there will be other people on this tour. We CANNOT hold for latecomers - it's not fair or professional. There are NO refunds if you miss the tour.

TIPS / GRATUITIES

It's customary, if guests enjoy the tour, to tip the guide (this is a service industry). Obviously it’s up to you, but please bear in mind that our guides work very hard to make your experience enjoyable and a gratuity is a sign of appreciation. Guides are able to accept cashless tips via an app.

FINALLY!

Thank you again and see you on the tour.

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