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With 24 city blocks, Chinatown has been in the center of San Francisco since the 1850s, and is frequented by more people each year than even the Golden Gate Bridge. With so much ground to cover, both first-time and repeat visitors can easily get overwhelmed with choices. That’s where this list comes in: it’s a quick “greatest hits” guide to help you hit the highlights, then explore deeper if you’ve got the time.
If you want the highlights at a glance, these 11 spots showcase the best of San Francisco’s Chinatown—from iconic landmarks and hidden streets to longtime food favorites and classic nightlife—all within a few walkable blocks.
At a glance: Most visitors spend 1–2 hours covering the highlights, or half a day exploring food, temples, and side streets in more depth.
Want the deeper guide? Start with our main Chinatown attraction page for a bigger-picture overview and planning info.
Here are the best ways to experience San Francisco’s famous Chinatown.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America and one of the most densely packed cultural neighborhoods in the city. Within just a few walkable blocks, you’ll find historic temples, ornate architecture, hidden alleyways, legendary restaurants, tea shops, and some of the city’s most photogenic streets.
Many visitors experience these Chinatown highlights as part of a private San Francisco Jeep Tour, which makes navigating the narrow streets, steep hills, and nearby neighborhoods effortless—especially when combining Chinatown with places like Union Square or North Beach and Little Italy.
Chinatown is easy to combine with nearby favorites—many visitors explore Chinatown on foot, then keep the day going with a short hop to another neighborhood. If you’re building a simple “two-neighborhood” outing, these combos are the classics:
This is the iconic archway that welcomes you into Chinatown as you enter from the Union Square area. As you enter, be sure to stop briefly to admire the huge lion statues on either side.
Why it’s worth seeing: This is the ceremonial entrance to Chinatown and one of the most recognizable photo spots in the neighborhood—especially striking in the morning light before crowds arrive.
Address: Grant Avenue at Bush St.
Wander away from the main drag of Grant Street and explore the many historic alleyways alongside it. We recommend Waverly Place and Ross Alley – this is classic Chinese city life at its best and a great way to soak in life in China.
Local tip: The alleyways show the quieter, everyday side of Chinatown and are where you’ll find temples, murals, and hidden businesses most visitors miss.
This classic Chinese building was the first to be rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fire. It is one of the most photographed buildings in all of San Francisco for its unique architecture.
Why it matters: This building symbolizes Chinatown’s resilience after the 1906 earthquake and is one of the best examples of early Chinese-American architecture in San Francisco.
Address: 601 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Right on the main street of Grant, the tea house was originally named Yau Hing when it opened its doors 35 years ago as an apothecary. Today, at the Red Blossom Tea Company you can have a tasting and tutorial about Chinese teas and learn how to properly brew each style of tea.
Visitor takeaway: Even a short stop here adds cultural depth to your visit—you’ll leave understanding why tea plays such a central role in Chinese traditions.
Address: 831 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
While it may seem a little out of place in this area of brightly colored Chinese lanterns and Asian architecture, this Gothic Revival cathedral dates back to 1854 and is a historical landmark not to be missed.
Why it surprises people: The contrast between this historic cathedral and its surrounding lantern-lined streets highlights Chinatown’s layered cultural history.
Address: 660 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Open for over a century since the 1920s, this is a unique piece of Chinatown’s history. You can enjoy an authentic Chinese meal here. While not inexpensive, the food is very good and a must-stop for a wonderful culinary experience.
Good to know: This is a sit-down experience best enjoyed when you’re not rushing—perfect for travelers who want classic Cantonese dishes in a historic setting.
Address: 631 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
If you crave authentic Chinese noodles, head to this Sichuan-style restaurant. Enjoy savory, tingly sauces over springy noodles garnished with a variety of meats and delicious flavors.
Visitor tip: Expect bold, spicy flavors—this is a great stop if you’re looking for something less touristy and more regional.
Address: 915 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94133
See how fortune cookies are made in this one-room factory. Write your own fortune and have it added to a cookie for just one dollar, or purchase a jumbo fortune cookie for a few bucks more.
Why it’s fun: It’s quick, interactive, and memorable—ideal for families and anyone who wants a hands-on Chinatown experience.
Address: 56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108
If you have a sweet tooth, try an authentic Chinese egg custard tart. These pastries have a delicate egg custard filling and are sold alongside other traditional baked goods. Note: The bakery’s open days and hours have been limited since the pandemic. Call before visiting: (415) 781-2627
Plan ahead: Hours can be unpredictable, but catching this spot open is a small win for pastry lovers.
Address: 1029 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
The oldest Buddhist/Taoist temple in the United States is located here at Waverly Place. For a small fee, you can walk upstairs to view it on open days. If it’s closed, admiring the beautiful façade from the outside is a good option.
Why it’s special: Visiting one of the oldest Chinese temples in the U.S. adds historical depth to your Chinatown walk, even if you only see it from outside.
Address: 125 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
When it’s time for a drink, Chinatown’s storied bars are a great way to relax. These local dive bars are cozy and welcoming to tourists.
End-of-day idea: These classic bars are a relaxed way to unwind after exploring Chinatown and nearby neighborhoods like North Beach and Little Italy.
Buddha Lounge – 901 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Mister Bing’s – 201 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Li Po Cocktail Lounge – 916 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
San Francisco Jeep Tours offers family-friendly private tours covering the must-see attractions. Many guests pair Chinatown with nearby favorites like Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and North Beach in one smooth city loop.
If you want Chinatown plus other neighborhoods in one easy outing, these tours are great fits:
San Francisco Jeep City Tour or
Sunset and City Lights Jeep Tour.
These quick answers help visitors plan a Chinatown visit and see how it fits into a broader San Francisco sightseeing itinerary.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and most vibrant in North America. It’s packed with history, culture, food, and hidden corners that reward curious explorers.
Classic icons and hidden alleys.
The neighborhood’s top highlights include Dragon Gate, historic alleyways like Waverly Place and Ross Alley, the Sing Chong Building, Red Blossom Tea Company, traditional temples, bustling markets, and longtime family-run shops.
It depends on how deep you want to go.
For a quick overview, 1–2 hours is enough to walk through Dragon Gate, explore a couple of alleys, and pop into a tea shop. To fully enjoy temples, shopping, snacks, and a sit-down meal, plan closer to half a day.
Yes—one of our most popular destinations.
Private Jeep tours can enter Chinatown, pass through main streets and nearby areas, and often include a quick stop near Dragon Gate or along Grant or Stockton Street for photos, depending on traffic and timing.
A longer city loop gives you the most flexibility.
A 2.5- or 3-hour Private San Francisco City Sightseeing Tour by Convertible Jeep is ideal if you want to combine Chinatown with North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and other key districts.
Start at Dragon Gate, then wander the alleys.
Begin at Dragon Gate, stroll up Grant Avenue for the classic lantern-and-shop vibe, then duck into Waverly Place and Ross Alley for a quieter look at temples, murals, and hidden businesses. If you’re pairing neighborhoods, it’s easy to continue on to North Beach afterward.
Local tip: Chinatown is compact but layered—don’t skip the alleys. Some of the most interesting history and photo spots are just steps off Grant Avenue.
