Cirque and the City The San Francisco North Beach Walking Tour
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join us for an unforgettable 90-minute guided walking tour of North Beach, culminating in a captivating performance of Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi. (Separate ticket available for purchase.)
Explore iconic landmarks featured in the show, including the historic haunts of Beat poets and the legendary Beach Blanket Babylon. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of famous rock and jazz venues, charming shops, and stunning views that highlight the neighborhood's rich culture.
Led by acclaimed guide Blandina Farley, recognized as “Best of the Bay” by 48 Hills and celebrated on TripAdvisor, this tour offers engaging storytelling and deep insights into North Beach’s colorful history. Blandina’s expertise enriches your understanding of the people and places that inspire Dear San Francisco, enhancing your theatrical experience.
Starting and ending at Club Fugazi. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for varying weather. Suitable for all ages! Join us for a memorable cultural journey!
Available options
Cirque and the City The San Francisco North Beach Walking Tour
What's included
Cirque and the City Walking Tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Visits to famed institutions such as City Lights Bookstore, a cultural hub in San Francisco. Founded in 1953, City Lights is a historic independent bookstore celebrating Beat culture and literature.
2
Stop 2
Founded in 1948 by Henri Lenoir, the bar was popular with Beat Generation icons like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.
3
Opened in 1861, the Saloon has seen performances from Hollywood royalty and Rock and Blues legends.
4
The historic café at 601 Vallejo Street in North Beach, San Francisco, was the first espresso house on the West Coast. Renowned globally, it uniquely combines Old Italy with Bohemian culture, art, music, and exceptional espresso. The café has hosted stars like Michael Douglas and served as a filming location for various productions featuring Demi Moore. It has been featured in numerous articles and documentaries, adorned with photos of celebrity visitors and the Giotta family's musical events.
5
This North Beach tailor specializes in custom clothing and shoes. The beautiful designs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser
6
The Savoy Tivoli began as a coffee house, restaurant, and boarding house for Italian seafarers. Completed shortly after the 1906 earthquake, it was originally named the "Savoy Hotel" and became a popular gathering place for Italian immigrants in the fishing and shipping industries. For over 50 years, the Savoy has been known as an affordable fine dining spot in North Beach.
7
Situated near the Vallejo Street Stairway, the Peter Macchiarini Steps honor a San Francisco modernist sculptor and jeweler recognized for his portrayal of Emperor Norton, a local figure who famously declared himself emperor and created his own private currency.
8
Stop 8
Established in 1847, it is one of the city's oldest parks, surrounded by sidewalk cafés and restaurants like Mama's, Park Tavern, and Liguria Bakery, along with St. Peter and St. Paul Church.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Please meet in front of the Club Fugazi theater
Important notes
Please check in at the Club Fugazi Box Office upon arrival.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
