Best Cultural Tours in San Francisco 2025

San Francisco , California

From $ 35.00

Please note: this walk is not at all strenuous. Obviously there's some stairs but this is done at a leisurely pace and suitable for almost everyone. This breathtaking 2 mile walking tour of San Francisco's hidden stairways is the #1 rated Airbnb Experience in the Bay Area. See gorgeous mosaic tiled steps and hear the stories behind them, then take in stunning 360° views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and downtown San Francisco. You'll also discover beautiful neighborhoods and gardens that tourists rarely see...you might even go home with a succulent! I'll provide commentary, context and some history along the way. Generally SF is dry May-October. There can be fog in the summertime, mostly in the morning. Temps rarely above 70F (21C) or below 50F (10C). Rain may cancel. Instagram account to see more photos: @hiddenstairssf #hiddenstairssf Message me if you have questions!

San Francisco , California

From $ 32.00

- Explore the city with San Francisco's most hilarious, imaginative and EXCITING storyteller! - Enjoy original FOLKLORE and FAIRYTALES told by Clyde Always: a professional storyteller, published poet and decade-long resident of the City by the Bay. Hear about witches & wisemen, hobos & hipster-emperors. Bring your imagination! - Get to know these three famous neighborhoods: the Mission, the Castro and the Duboce Triangle. - Get insider knowledge of the best eateries, parks, shops and more. See beautiful street-art, landmarks and architecture. Experience the City like a local. - BEWARE! Some of the information presented will be highly UNBELIEVABLE. Have fun sorting the fact from the fiction. -A 2.2 mile (3.5 km) walk with no hills. One public restroom along the way. - Please note: this tour is NOT for the whole family. Script includes profanity and you might see a nudist or two. - Guaranteed to entertain, enliven and uplift. An experience you'll always remember.

San Francisco , California

From $ 9.99

Take in San Francisco's historic waterfront with a tale of its creation, and looming demise with this walking tour along the Embarcadero. • Find out how rising seas and increasing storm surges are predicted to flood streets, and the infrastructure above and below, and what the future might look like • Hear from producer Claire Schoen who creates award-winning stories in sound for radio and podcasts • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

San Francisco , California

From $ 16.00

Our representative will pick you up from your hotel in Alexandria. Then we proceed to see the Qaitbay Citadel which was built on the site of the Ancient pharaohs (lighthouse) of Alexandria then to Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Named after the Mameluke Sultan Al- Asharf Qaitbay, the Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria is considered one of the most important defensive strongholds in the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the citadel that used to formulate an important part of the fortification system of Alexandria in the 15th century A.D. Then you drive along the Cornish to see the whole city passing over bridge of stanly land mark of modern Alexandria then drive back to your hotel.

San Francisco , California

From $ 11.99

Explore San Francisco's historic Japantown at your own pace on this self-guided audio tour. Japanese-American local Kristin Eriko Posner will guide you through the neighborhood, sharing little-known stories on how history shaped the food, culture, and landscape of the oldest Japantown in the U.S. This geo-tagged audio tour is best between 10:30am - 3:30pm on Wednesday-Saturdays, when all of the businesses on the tour are open. However, it can be taken at any time, on any day. Most stops are open until 6pm. The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

San Francisco , California

From $ 39.00

The Castro District in San Francisco is known for its rich LGBTQ+ history and vibrant culture. It might be small, but it really packs a punch! It was where Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in North America, lived and owned a camera shop. It is also home to many national landmarks, like one of the last historic movie palaces from the 1920's, The Castro Theater. And Queer Arts Featured, a gallery taking the culture of the neighborhood into a new era. With your experienced, local guide you'll not only see the sights but learn the rich history of America's first 'gayborhood.' Learn how local businesses, still standing today, helped solidify the Castro's place as a gay Mecca. Or the role the US military played in forming the neighborhood. Or why did they switch GLBT to LGBT? And what do the different colors of the rainbow flag represent? Find out the answers to these questions and much, MUCH more on my Castro District Historic Walking Tour!

San Francisco , California

From $ 25.00

The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood was the center of the counter-culture movement and the Summer of Love. I'll bring its bohemian history to life and even share some dark secrets from its distant past. I'll bring you to the homes of the musicians that lived here and you'll marvel at the colorful murals and beautiful Victorian houses along the way. Oh, I'll also introduce you to the world's greatest record store!

San Francisco , California

From $ 34.00

Visit iconic landmarks with a local guide as you discover hidden gems along the waterfront. Hear captivating stories about San Francisco's dramatic boom and bust history. Learn about the Gold Rush and how Cable Cars were invented. See our playful colony of sea lions and famous rolling fog. Along the way you'll sample delicious treats like Ghirardelli Chocolate and Boudin's Sourdough, all while your guide shares fascinating tales of the city's colorful past. You can enjoy this walking tour on its own, or choose to upgrade with a Golden Gate Bay Cruise for even more adventure! Our Golden Gate Bay Cruise is truly like none other. Let Captain Sal Alioto regale you with stories only a 3rd-generation local could share as you take in stunning views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges on his historic Monterey Clipper. Bay Cruise only available for ages 7 and older. Walking tour is open to all ages. Come join us!

San Francisco , California

From $ 29.00

Hop into a fun and unique open-air vehicle for an unforgettable journey through San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods and streets! Departing from Dylan’s Tours Shop in Little Italy, this thrilling tour takes you on a ride down the famous Lombard Street, also known as “The Crooked Street,” followed by a descent down Filbert Street, one of the steepest streets in the city, located in the heart of Russian Hill. Don't walk it! Drive it Cruise through the vibrant streets of Little Italy and Chinatown, soaking in the rich culture and lively atmosphere of these historic neighborhoods. The adventure includes a photo stop at Coit Tower, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the entire city and bay. Perfect for those short on time but big on adventure, this tour is the ultimate way to experience San Francisco’s charm, history, and stunning scenery in under an hour!

San Francisco , California

From $ 6.99

On this ghoulish adventure you’ll explore the haunted neighborhoods of Union Square, Nob Hill, the Barbary Coast, Chinatown, see their haunted spots and hear their tales of the afterlife. This tour is guided by the voice of an experienced spooky Professional British Narrator and hauntingly creepy sound effect to set the mood for this ghostly walk through the streets of San Francisco. Simply go to the Westin St Francis's front door, press start tour, and put your phone in your pocket. Our App's technology will guide you step by step from there. As we walk, I’ll share with you the haunted locations and their spooky stories. You’ll learn about Chinatown’s dark past. The history of the 1906 earthquake. The gold rush era. The Jazz age. The Barbary Coast. And much more! It’s a tour of history, tragedy, mayhem and of course, ghosts. This is not a tour for the faint of heart. The tour begins outside the Weston Saint Francis. If you dare!

San Francisco , California

From $ 5.99

This is a self guided audio tour of San Anselmo, a unique town nestled in the heart of Marin County. Originally called Junction due to the meeting of several railroad lines, the town slowly grew from a few ranch houses and farms to the vibrant community we see today. You'll learn about some of our early residents, and about the influences the railroad and the San Francisco earthquake had on the growth and development of our town. By the end, we hope you will have a better appreciation of why our residents truly treasure living in this community.

San Francisco , California

From $ 7.99

Are you looking for a way to explore San Francisco's Chinatown without joining a tour group? Take this self-guided tour led by David Hu, a local and 5th generation Chinese American and 4th generation Japanese American. This tour through one of North America's oldest districts unveils cultural richness and culinary treasures. Visit four special eateries, including the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and Good Mong Kok Bakery. Explore Chinatown's significance and Bruce Lee's ties to it, and discover stories of the Chinese Exclusion Act's impact. From shopping at Canton Bazaar to exploring the Wok Shop, this tour offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Get unlimited use of this tour before your booking date and after it. You can use the virtual tour option at home, too. Once you have booked, you will receive instructions and a unique code to download the tour. The app displays directions to the starting point; when you’re in the right place, tap start.

San Francisco , California

From $ 20.00

Tour a turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts masterpiece designed by renowned architect Albert Pasis. Featuring a frescoed interior, famous stain glass windows and one of the last operational Murry-Harris organs this is one of the most beautiful rooms in San Francisco. One-of-a-kind tour of interior led by trained guides. You will lean about the history of Jews in San Francisco's gold rush, and see many of the religious artifacts of this still vibrant community and have a chance to revel under the dome of this amazing house of worship.

San Francisco , California

From $ 39.00

I am a San Francisco native with six generations in the City. I have written three books about San Francisco and record a San Francisco factoid video almost every day. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is also an activist and organizer, I offer a perspective into this dynamic neighborhood that few others can.