Can include a sampling of dim sum or other Chinese treats. WHO KNEW! Great guides who infused the tour with a ton of character and energy. Copyright 2009-2023. But is there evidence the tunnels exist? Fares Great tour and tour guide of SF Chinatown! Great experience loves it would recommend it. I would highly recommend this company and their guides. Extravagant stories abound (and even some fake tunnels) created by enterprising tour guides in the early 1900s, which exotified the neighborhood and Chinese residents. Extravagant stories abound (and even some fake tunnels) created by enterprising tour guides in the early 1900s, which exotified the neighborhood and Chinese residents. Thank your for your 5 star review. c/o SF Public Library Also, the Sam Wo restaurant was an excellent suggestion. We always hope we can stop in when it's not busy. Cafe Mystery: San Francisco Chinatown Secret Tunnels - Blogger They do ask for a donation to the non-profit organization at the end, but there's no pressure (the tip doesn't go to the tour guide). Linda Lee of All About Chinatown was our guide and she grew up in Chinatown. One group of raccoons followed us from behind, while the other group kept pace about 50 feet in front. The staff at the fortune cookie factory are often overwhelmed by the number of daily visitors. Don was our guide and we really appreciated his insight into Chinatown and China of today. Darin, is concerned the rumor fuels old stereotypes about Chinatown and Chinese peopleThis idea that we're like these sneaky people were hiding stuff and even though we could make millions of dollars by bringing people down to a tunnel, it's our secret and we just don't want you to know about itSo if youre looking to go underneath Chinatown, your best bet is waiting for the new muni line to open. Her enthusiasm is contagious ands she obviously takes great pride and joy in her work. Learn about Chinatown's fascinating history and culture from your expert insider guide. The San Francisco tour guide deception that made Chinatown's - SFGATE The total walking distance is 1.5 miles, and it's nearly flat. The Cameron House, is a community center and the rumored site of a tunnel in Chinatown. Subterranean/Underground Tours or Sites - San Francisco Forum It's a little city within a city that is full of history and always changing. San Francisco City Guides Thank you for taking the time to send us your thoughts. For some 150 years, gossipy San Franciscans have spread rumors that drug runners, human traffickers and other ne'er-do-wells used extensive tunnels below Chinatown to conduct their shady. We start with the earliest history of San Francisco in the 1700s, walk into the days of the Wild West of the 1800s, the immigrants and fisherman of the 1900s, through to the modern technology city of today. I haven't given a step by step sequence to follow, because there are so many ways to walk through the neighborhood, but going in numerical order is probably the most efficient way of doing it. San Francisco Chinatown Tour Itinerary. About this activity Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund Reserve now & pay later She was raised in Chinatown and knows all the back alleys and is funny. San Francisco: Chinatown Walking Food Tour | GetYourGuide And her lunch food recommendation was excellent!!! They also give you an option to add on a 9 course dim sum lunchyum! San Francisco's Chinatown is a large area, densely-packed with interesting things to see. Chinatown (San Francisco) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) - Tripadvisor - 2D & 3D Existing Plans, Request an estimate from us and we'll be happy to assist you. I've listed what I think are the most interesting things to see and do in Chinatown. On my walking tour to Chinatown on Oct 21 The subway, which is almost two miles long and punctuated by four stations, is designed to connect the city's eastern neighborhoods to Union Square and Chinatown. Lynn was wonderful and so full of knowledge about all things Chinatown. Our San Francisco Free Chinatown Tourunearths the true story of a neighborhood often visited, but rarely understood. Tumlin announced the soft opening date at the agency's board meeting Tuesday. BART has 5 lines: Yellow: Pittsburg/Bay Point - San Francisco Airport; Red: Richmond - Daly City/Millbrae. Glad you enjoyed yourselves in Chinatown and thank you for the 5 star review. The highlight was learning about all the insane stories behind some of the street names I used to pass on my way to work every day. Highly recommend this tour to travelers who want to experience this vibrant neighborhood in San Francisco! Then, we will explore the living, breathing community that boldly remains to this day! Starting from the Chinatown Gate on Bush Street, on Grant Avenue: The easiest way to get to many other parts of San Francisco from Chinatown is by cable car. Having been to Chinatown several times before, and seeing only the "tourist" spots, I wanted to see and experience the "real" Chinatown. The Dim Sum lunch was very good as well which is an add-on, if you choose to do it. San Francisco is home to so many enchanting neighborhoods that it can be challenging to explore them all. The free app City Walks provides minimal information and you'll have to pay for an upgrade to access their guided tours. Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour. After a" read more, "I came to san francisco with my girlfriend who has never been and was hoping to show her chinatown and taste some good food. What are some highly rated historical tours in San Francisco, CA? The stories were reinforced by the walk through the streets and alleys of Chinatown. Chinatown San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tours: 5 Top Tours Around This Interesting SF Neighborhood by Jill Loeffler Updated: June 8, 2022 These San Francisco Chinatown walking tours offer you a chance to get a insider's view on this amazing and colorful part of town. However the food was delicious place was clean and quiet but overpriced. We can describe it as a kind of light rail link, with underground as well as above-ground stations. While BART travels to the areas further from the city, the MUNI Metro (Municipal Transport Agency) tours the heart of the city. When the tubes got too small, we laid down on skateboards and kept going. Hi Patricia: Monday, July 17 at 3:00 pm given by Richard L. Tuesday, July 18 at 1:30 pm given by Curt S. Saturday, July 22 at 10:00 am given by Rudy K. Monday, July 24 at 1:30 pm given by Hope K. Tuesday, July 25 at 10:30 am given by Bill L. Friday, July 28 at 10:30 am given by Bill L. Monday, July 31 at 10:00 am given by Cora N. The overwhelming feeling of adventure was intoxicating. The guy is amazing. Great experience with Linda . Alan has extensive knowledge of Chinatown as he has been giving tours for over 40 years! Hi Laura_M: Before you head out to explore, I think the tour will be more interesting if you get a glimpse what life was like here during the Gold Rush era and early 1900's. Chinatown Walking Tour | Free Tours by Foot Central Subway: Here's When You Can Finally RideFor Free! You are so right about the cost of living here. Hi Nikki_T: This was such a thoughtful, flattering review of your experience in Chinatown that I am going to ask my web designer to post it on the website. The day we toured was a nice day weather wise but I'm sure that even on the dullest of days Linda would bring cheer to her troupe. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. The dim sum meal was also very good. Underground Chinatown Tour in San Francisco - Tripadvisor Thank you very much for your 5 star review. This walking tour takes you off the main streets into alleys and areas where you'll find some unique Chinatown sights. really exist in Chinatown. Among those is the story of an underground network of tunnels under Chinatown. 3137. He says, there are stories that the tunnels used to connect spaces where people could use opium. I recommend him. The idea that there was something literally deeper to explore beneath the white-bread suburbia we lived in utterly captivated my 12-year-old mind. Explore the city's 49 square miles, including stops at big-name attractions like Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square. This trip on two of the three lines can be done in a day and will take you to three very different parts of town: posh Nob Hill, peaceful Pacific Heights and the waterfront. All About Chinatown Tours The tunnels are home to a variety of businesses from doctor offices to salons, offering downtown employees and the public a chance to escape the outdoor elements. I'm so glad you and E. enjoyed your tour with me.Thank you for the 5 star review. For future visitors, please ask us to send you a list of restaurants that we recommend if you would like to dine on your own. Enjoyed passing through the market, going to a medicinal shop, fortune cookie shop. Walking tour of San Francisco's Chinatown, Tour popular sights and off-the-beaten-path spots that only locals know about, See the buzzing food markets along Stockton Street and explore Waverly Place, Pop into an herbal pharmacy and an authentic Buddhist temple, Sample fortune cookies at the factory where they are made, 660 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA, 800 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA, Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, Tours operate rain or shine; please dress appropriately. Happy New Year to you and your family and thank you very much for this 5 star review! 11. from $15.00. Fisher was very friendly and knowledgeable. She was also very flexible as we worked through postponing our trip due to the fires. Print this pageto take along and you're all setand you can't beat the cost savings. San Francisco Tours and Corporate Team Building Our Clients Book Now (415-446-1580) Virtual Team Building Activities for Remote Teams Creative online offsites. In the early 90s, my friends and I used to tape flashlights to the handlebars of our bikes and go riding around in underground storm-drain tunnels. It was a little pricey overall but everything in SFO is expensive. Walking Tour The best way to explore Chinatown! My website is allaboutchinatown. Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar/Flickr CC 2.0 If you were my guest from Europe, thank you for teaching me how to say hello in Southern Germany. Using their map- or list-based index, you can bring up historic photos of the place you're standing. Hi jilly681: I hope that G. found Chinatown interesting and memorable, too. Understory, located at the base . There were basements and people would find places to do these things, and so people got the idea that there was these dark tunnelsBut, Darin says, they were just basements. Some popular services for historical tours include: What are people saying about historical tours in San Francisco, CA? For more info and booking, see San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour. San Francisco, California. Golden Gate Park Segway Tour - Easy to learn then 2.5 hours of gliding fun. Linda had some great stories and personal life experiences regarding Linda was very knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming, and knew answers to all of our questions. Merci, maat! Not sure? Taste samples from a Fortune Cookie factory, Portsmouth Square, Chinatowns living room, The dire journey from China to San Francisco, Court rulings that changed America forever, Unique architecture, food, tea and fortune cookies.