Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown

Summary

Select from a mid-morning or early afternoon tour to suit your schedule, and meet your guide at the boutique Clift Hotel in Union Square. Admire some of the most unique buildings in the heart of San Francisco's tourism and shopping district, including landmarks designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and other famous architects, plus works of art by Salvador Dali and Philippe Starck. See evidence of San Francisco's contradicting cultures as you stroll past historic hotels, modern tech hubs, luxury flagship stores, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. Hear the clanging bells of cable cars while walking among throngs of shopping bag-toting tourists mingled with tech and financial district workers, New Age hippies, panhandlers, and other figures of San Francisco’s diverse downtown streetscape. Feel what a difference one city block can make as you cross over into Chinatown, where the neighborhood has a distinctly different vibe. Learn about the important history of Chinese immigration and culture in San Francisco and scout for Feng Shui symbols while walking past narrow alleyways, tea shops, herbalists, markets, and traditional bakeries. At the end of the tour, your guide can direct you to a renowned steakhouse or dim sum restaurant for a taste of the city’s contrasting cuisine (own expense).

Tour info

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

We actually go INSIDE 16 different venues including select art galleries with mosaics, sculpture and iconic photographs. Explore Renaissance Baroque architecture with décor in several hotel lobbies in the bustling Union Square area. Then discover Chinatown with its exotic unique shops, Buddhist monastery, Old St. Mary's church, local art and alleyways ending in the movie "Joy Luck Club " and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' s" Ross Alley. See where fortune cookies are made and have a taste. This is an easy 2 hour 30 minute walking tour with a local expert guide. Tea tasting included or optional.

What’s included?

  • Guided walking tour of Union Square and Chinatown

  • Fully-narrated tour

  • Local guide

  • Entry/Admission - Union Square

  • Food and drinks

  • Gratuities

  • Transportation to/from attractions

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 2h 30m

  • Mobile tickets accepted

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Hobnob Tours

About operator:

Fun,fascinating and informative walking tours of NobHill,Financial District and Union Square/Chinatown.Featured on the Travel Channel with Samantha Brown. Stroll palatial ballrooms, roof top gardens, famous movie and song locations ("I Left my Heart in SF")cathedrals, architectual icons, art and sculpture. Experience the passionate history of old San Francisco

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