City tours in San Francisco

Discover the best way to experience San Francisco with our wide range of city tours designed for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore hidden gems, our guided tours provide the perfect balance of history, culture, and entertainment. Stroll through vibrant neighborhoods, marvel at architectural landmarks, and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle while learning fascinating stories from expert guides. Our tours are tailored to showcase San Francisco’s most iconic attractions as well as off-the-beaten-path treasures, ensuring a memorable and authentic experience. From walking tours and bike rides to bus and boat adventures, you’ll find the perfect option to suit your pace and preferences. Each tour is carefully crafted to highlight the essence of San Francisco, making it an unforgettable journey through its streets, culture, and heritage. Whether you’re interested in food, art, history, or nightlife, San Francisco has a tour that’s right for you. Book your city tour today and uncover why San Francisco is one of the most captivating destinations to explore.

Top City Tours in San Francisco

Hidden Stairways of San Francisco in San Francisco

San Francisco , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (229 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 35.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

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!

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Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (73 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 39.00

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

Walk along the world-famous Fisherman's Wharf as your local tour guide shares some of the fascinating history about the area and how SF became the global destination it is today. This popular walking tour offers plenty of opportunities to fill your camera roll and make memories. We start at Aquatic Park, where you'll see stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. From here, head to Ghirardelli Square where your tour guide will share the origin story of the famous Italian chocolatier. Craving something sweet? Buy some of those delicious chocolate squares to snack on as you stroll the waterfront and part of the historic Barbary Coast Trail. Keep snapping pictures at the Wharf's most picturesque piers like Pier 39 that's overrun with adorable sea lions and the Embarcadero Promenade that's known for its art deco streetcars. But arguably the best picture you'll get is from 150 feet above the city with your optional ticket to the SkyStar observation wheel.

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Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine in San Francisco

San Francisco , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (67 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 30.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Be informed and entertained on this one-of-a-kind 3-hour walking tour of downtown San Francisco, led by an impersonator of the late Emperor Norton. Self-proclaimed as the Emperor of the US, this 19th-century character comes to life as your guide leads you back to the past. Step into a time machine of sorts and learn about the Barbary Coast, the 1906 earthquake, and historic landmarks surrounding Union Square.

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Sand Castles: The Remarkable Story of the San Francisco Embarcadero in San Francisco

San Francisco , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (13 reviews)
Free Cancellation

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.

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Downtown San Francisco Private 2-Hour Walking Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (12 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 15.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Come and discover all the secrets that San Francisco has to offer. We will walk all over the beautiful city, and see some beautiful sites like Union Square, Chinatown, and the Financial District. We are very excited to take you on this journey! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App! With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

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Food, History, and Resistance: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (10 reviews)

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.

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Over the Rainbow in the Castro: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (2 reviews)

From $ 8.99

 

Discover San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood and its rich history with this affordable, self-paced walking tour. • Find out all about the queer predecessors who paved the way for everything from marriage equality to the popularity of the drag art form • Hear from Tony Bravo, the San Francisco Chronicle's Arts & Culture writer, as he guides you around the Castro neighborhood • Do it all in an hour 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.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.

Why book the City Tours in San Francisco?

Choosing a city tour in San Francisco ensures you experience the best of the city without missing its hidden treasures. Expert guides share fascinating insights, helping you uncover the rich history, vibrant culture, and unique charm that make San Francisco special. With carefully planned routes and flexible options, you can enjoy both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path experiences, making your visit memorable and hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About City Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco offers a wide variety of tours including walking tours, bus tours, bike tours, food and drink experiences, cultural and historical tours, as well as evening and night tours to enjoy the city after dark.

The duration of city tours varies depending on the type. Walking tours typically last 2–3 hours, while bus or full-day excursions can range from 4–8 hours. Some tours also offer half-day or customizable options.

It is highly recommended to book your San Francisco tours in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and avoid last-minute availability issues. Many tours also offer free cancellation up to a certain time.

Yes, many tours in San Francisco are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Some tours even offer special packages designed for children, ensuring an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
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