San Francisco Chinatown

The Basics

Nearly all San Francisco city tours include a stop or drive through Chinatown. For history, check out the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum and Portsmouth Square; alternatively, book a Chinatown walking or Segway tour for insight into the neighborhood’s food and culture. A stop in the area is often combined with a visit to nearby North Beach or a tasty, traditional lunch. Chinatown food tours are especially popular.

Things to Know Before You Go

• This is a neighborhood to explore on foot, so wear comfortable shoes.

• Chinatown bumps right into North Beach, another favorite San Francisco neighborhood, so it’s easy to visit both in one day.

• Grab cash before you go, as many of the small shops and food venues only accept cash or have credit card minimums.

• The streets of San Francisco Chinatown are mostly wheelchair accessible, although not every shop and restaurant will be.

How to Get There

Chinatown covers about 24 city blocks in northeast San Francisco between Powell, Kearny, Bush, and Broadway streets. Enter through the Dragon Gate at Bush and Grant, walking north into the crowd to find souvenir shops and eateries. Located in the densest area of the city between Nob Hill, Union Square, and the Financial District, Chinatown is easy to reach by walking, city bus, and the Powell Street Cable Car. Driving is not recommended on the traffic- and pedestrian-heavy streets.

When to Get There

For shopping, go in the late morning when the shops are open but many visitors haven’t yet arrived. Otherwise, the evening hours offer a lively atmosphere, when locals head to Chinatown for drinks and dinner. To see the neighborhood at its best, visit during Chinese New Year, which falls in January or February.

Chinatown’s Fortune Cookie Factory

For a look at the making of fortune cookies, visit Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co., in business since 1962. Located on Ross Alley, off Jackson Street, the factory offers a free tour that allows you to watch how the cookies transform from hot, flat dough into their iconic, fortune-stuffed shape.

What is San Francisco Chinatown famous for?

As one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, San Francisco Chinatown has a long history. Wander through the streets of the nearly 30-block area to find Taoist temples, dragon sculptures, pagodas, dim sum, and other Chinese restaurants. You’ll hear lots of languages, too.

What’s San Francisco Chinatown’s history?

San Francisco’s Chinatown dates back to 1853 when one of the first Chinese laundries was set up. From here, it began to grow exponentially. Chinese pioneers were drawn to California during the gold rush and settled in San Francisco. Here, they retained their culture, including food, to this day.

How long should I spend in San Francisco Chinatown?

Plan on spending the day in Chinatown if you have that much time. There is plenty to do, from just wandering the streets and people-watching to visiting the Taoist temple and doing souvenir shopping. Plus, there is so much good food in the area it’s worth staying for a few meals.

What’s the most famous street in San Francisco Chinatown?

Grant Avenue is Chinatown’s main drag, so you’ve got to check it out. Do some shopping for Chinese-style paper lanterns before working up an appetite for authentic Chinese food at a restaurant on the street. It’s named after Ulysses S. Grant, so there’s some history in the name, too.

Is San Francisco Chinatown worth it?

Yes, Chinatown San Francisco is worth it. It’s one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, and there are layers of history here. Plus, come hungry since you’ll find some delicious Chinese restaurants with various dishes, from dumplings to ducks. Visit the temples, pagodas, and more, too.

What kinds of tours go to San Francisco Chinatown?

Plenty of San Francisco tours run through Chinatown, both group and private, or you can get a local guide to concentrate just on Chinatown itself. Greater San Francisco tours will often stop at Muir Woods, Sausalito, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, North Park, and more for a well-rounded San Fran experience.

Ways to explore

Guided tours can help you explore the best of Chinatown, whether you're filling up on award-winning dim sum on a food tour or admiring murals on an art walk. Rich in history and tradition, Chinatown is even better when an expert guide shares the stories beneath the surface.

Gain a deeper understanding of San Francisco's cultural tapestry on tours that combine a trip to Chinatown with other nearby neighborhoods such as North Beach and Russian Hill. Alternatively, chart your own course on a hop-on hop-off bus tour that takes you to more must-see destinations across the city.

Accessibility

The streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown are mostly wheelchair accessible, although not every shop and restaurant will be.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Cash for shops and vendors, reusable shopping bags, an appetite

What to wear

This is a neighborhood to explore on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

Not allowed

Smoking in and around restaurants, bringing pets into most shops

Amenities

Public parks, playgrounds, bars and restaurants

Address 

Located in a densely packed area of SF between Nob Hill, Union Square, and the Financial District, Chinatown is easy to reach by walking, city bus, and cable car. Enter through the Dragon Gate at Bush Street and Grant Avenue.

Driving

Driving is not recommended in Chinatown due to heavy car and pedestrian traffic. If you must drive, park in one of the handful of paid garages on the outskirts of the neighborhood.

Public transportation

For a classic San Francisco experience, travel by cable car. The Powell–Hyde and Powell–Mason lines both stop a few blocks away. Alternatively, hop on the bus (1, 12, 30, 45) or the Central Subway T Third line.

Best times to visit

For shopping, go in the late morning when the stores are open but many visitors haven’t yet arrived. Otherwise, the evening hours offer a lively atmosphere, with locals heading to Chinatown for drinks and dinner.

Best days to visit

Chinatown is always bustling, but you may encounter fewer crowds midweek. Try to avoid Mondays, when more restaurants are likely to be closed.

Best months to visit

In general, San Francisco is most pleasant in September and October, after the summer fog has lifted and before winter rains begin.

Special events

To see the neighborhood at its most celebratory, visit during the Chinese New Year, which typically falls between January and March. In addition to dragon dances, you’ll catch parades, performances, and culinary delights.