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Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown

4.8 (20)
San Francisco, US
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Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown

4.8 (20)
San Francisco, US
Share
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant art and architecture of San Francisco's Union Square and Chinatown with this captivating walking tour. In just 2 hours and 30 minutes, you will explore 16 different venues, including art galleries showcasing stunning mosaics, sculpture, and iconic photographs. Marvel at the Renaissance Baroque architecture adorning the hotel lobbies in Union Square, and then delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Chinatown. Visit unique shops, a Buddhist monastery, and the historic Old St. Mary's church. Wander through alleyways that have been featured in movies like "Joy Luck Club" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom." And don't forget to enjoy a taste of freshly made fortune cookies. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, this art and architecture tour is a must for travelers seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore 16 different venues with art and architecture
  • Discover Renaissance Baroque architecture in Union Square
  • Visit a Buddhist monastery in Chinatown
  • Taste fortune cookies and explore unique shops in Chinatown
  • Enjoy a 2.5-hour walking tour with a local expert guide
  • Guided walking tour of Union Square and Chinatown
  • Local guide
  • Fully-narrated tour
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to/from attractions

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Are you ready to embark on a journey through art, architecture, and culture? Introducing the Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown, a fabulous experience that will take you inside 16 different venues, revealing the hidden gems of San Francisco. With a local expert guide leading the way, get ready to explore Renaissance Baroque architecture and discover the cultural wonders of Chinatown. This 2 hour 30 minute walking tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with art, history, and immersive experiences.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can anticipate an enriching and immersive experience that will transport you to the heart of art and architecture. Step inside select art galleries featuring intricate mosaics, captivating sculptures, and iconic photographs. Marvel at the Renaissance Baroque architecture found in several hotel lobbies around bustling Union Square. Then venture into the vibrant streets of Chinatown, where you'll encounter unique shops, a Buddhist monastery, and the historic Old St. Mary's church. Explore local art, meander through charming alleyways, and learn fascinating stories behind famous scenes from movies like "Joy Luck Club" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" in Ross Alley. And don't miss the opportunity to see where fortune cookies are made and taste these delightful treats. With a tea tasting option available, this tour promises to engage all your senses.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for art enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the vibrant cultural tapestry of San Francisco. Whether you're a history buff seeking to uncover hidden stories or a curious traveler eager to explore a city from a unique perspective, this experience will captivate and inspire you. Open to all age groups, this tour offers something for everyone. It's an excellent opportunity for locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the rich artistic heritage of San Francisco.

Why book this?

Booking the Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown is your ticket to an extraordinary journey through San Francisco's art scene and architectural treasures. Unlike typical tourist experiences, this carefully curated tour takes you inside 16 exclusive venues, providing access to art galleries and historic sites that are often overlooked. Guided by a passionate local expert, you'll gain insights and knowledge that go beyond surface-level exploration. Discover the intricate details of Renaissance Baroque architecture and uncover the stories behind famous film scenes in Ross Alley. Immerse yourself in the culture and spirit of Chinatown, walking through its alleyways and visiting its unique shops. With the added option of a tea tasting, this tour guarantees an unforgettable adventure filled with fascinating discoveries.

Good to know

This walking tour has a total duration of 150 minutes, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of Union Square and Chinatown. The meeting point is in front of the Marker Hotel, where you'll join your expert guide and fellow travelers. From there, you'll embark on a 120-minute journey through the Renaissance Baroque architecture around Union Square, followed by a 75-minute exploration of Chinatown. The tour encompasses a mix of indoor and outdoor locations, providing a well-rounded experience of San Francisco's art and architecture. While other details such as inclusions and exclusions are not explicitly mentioned, you can expect a well-organized and insightful tour, unveiling the hidden cultural treasures of the city.

Reviews

Travelers who have taken the Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown rave about the unique and immersive experiences they encountered. They praise the knowledgeable and engaging local guides who bring the history and culture of the destinations to life. Visitors express their gratitude for the opportunity to step inside exclusive venues and learn about the hidden stories behind the art and architecture. Many commend the organized itinerary and the chance to explore areas that are not often frequented by tourists. Overall, feedback suggests that this tour offers a fantastic blend of art, history, and culture, leaving participants with a deep appreciation for San Francisco's vibrant heritage.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Union Square

.

Admission Included

Chinatown

.

Reviews

(20)

4.8 (20)

sandrapJ643VO

Very enjoyable! Our guide Valerie took us to interesting unique places we wouldn’t have found on our own. We especially enjoyed visiting the galleries where Valerie had contacts.

A3097UBjeremys

Valerie was our tour guide and she was great! She knew so much history of the city. Walking through the hotels was incredible seeing all the architecture. We also went into a few galleries. We were lucky enough to the the only ones on the tour so she gave us options on where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see.

Navigator781699

We loved this tour! Our guide was superb and we were able to see so much of the historic places and viewed stunning artwork, including shoes as well as murals and paintings. Would highly recommend this for an up close and personal tour of the theater district, Nob Hill and Chinatown.

Cheri_V

Valerie was very knowledgeable about San Francisco and it’s history. It was great to walk into some of the original hotels and hear the history, see the architecture and especially the cool staircases. If only walls could talk. The China town tour was a little bland. A few taste tests would have provided a better idea where to come back for more. Definitely worth every Penny!! Thanks Valerie for the history.

portcreditboy

Wonderful tour! Valerie was very informative, and her selection of sites provided a timeline of San Francisco's development

michellecB3001GN

We really enjoyed our tour! Delightful. Lots of interesting history and architecture. Our tour guide was very patient with our million questions.

MariaIsabel_M

Out guide Valerie was great, and on time, she was knowledgeable on our tour and very patient with us that had a lot of questions. She contacted me to set up the exact details of our meet up, so no mistakes could be made. We walked everywhere (which we love to do). We love that pretty much we got to see every detail in downtown buildings, the art galleries (that where open) and Chinatown. When I asked she even recommended me and called a great Chinese restaurant. It was great. Definitely wear comfy clothes and shoes.

esme0827

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour experience with Valarie. Highlights for us were the St. Francis Hotel and the Neiman Marcus rotunda. We really appreciated the historical and architectural details Valarie provided and it was fun to see familiar sights through new eyes. As a bonus, it was a good pandemic-friendly (mostly outdoors) activity. We’re looking forward to another Hobnob tour!

Mark R

This was our second San Francisco walking tour with Valerie. We wanted to learn the history of Union Square and Chinatown. Valerie's in-depth knowledge made the tour a big success for us. The post earthquake/fire architecture is very interesting. The hidden treasures of the many hotels, art work /galleries and people are fascinating. The evolution of Chinatown and the plight of the immigrants was eye opening. We are looking forward to our next tour with Valerie/Hobnob.

Sightseer638188

Had a wonderful and enlightening tour with Rajni. She is very passionate about San Francisco and knows so much history and where the hidden gems are. Most I would have passed by if she hadn't been there to show me. We had a great time and the tour was very informative.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-04 05:46