Exploring the Best of San Francisco's Chinatown: A Half-Day Itinerary 2025
- Nini
- Mar 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 5
Just a quick note: This post isn't sponsored by any of the businesses mentioned. All opinions are my own.
Heading to San Francisco for the first time? Make the most of your visit by checking out everything the city has in store. You can't miss a trip to the famous Chinatown. With its countless nooks and alleys, it might feel a bit much to take it all in. Keep reading to make sure you use your time wisely while you're there.
How to Get to San Francisco's Chinatown
MUNI
MUNI is the city's public transportation system. If you are already staying in the city, the following routes stop at or near SF Chinatown:
Cable Car
BART
BART is the public transportation system that serves the SF plus the Bay Area. If you're staying outside of the city or near a BART station, stop at the Powell Station to get to Dragon's Gate entrance (Grant & Bush). You will need to walk a couple blocks from Powell Station or take a MUNI from Powell Station.
Parking
I'm going to be straight forward- there is no street parking at or near SF Chinatown. Sure, there are time-limited street parking spots but I always follow Murphy's Law when it comes to parking- anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Save yourself a headache and don't drive to SF Chinatown. If you're really not into public transpo, take a ride-share, Waymo or use a parking app like Angel Spotter to reserve a spot in a parking garage. Note that the parking garages are not a comfortable walk to and from Chinatown. If you're planning on shopping and carrying bags, be prepared to walk steep inclines back to your car.
Do It For the 'Gram
Looking to get the best instagrammable spots in San Francisco Chinatown? Here are my top choices:
San Francisco's Dragon's Gate, marking the southern entrance to Chinatown, is a cultural hotspot born from a push to breathe new life into the area. Dreamed up in the 1950s, the gate's design is a classic Chinese "pailou," thanks to a 1967 contest won by Chinese-American architects. Opened in 1970 with materials gifted from Taiwan, it acts as a symbolic entrance, showcasing guardian lions and inscriptions that highlight Chinese cultural values. More than just a cool structure, the Dragon's Gate is a nod to Chinatown's history, strength, and lasting cultural identity, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The red lanterns you see all over San Francisco's Chinatown aren't just for show—they're packed with cultural meaning that's been around for centuries. Traditionally used during festivals like Lunar New Year, these bright symbols of good luck and celebration now do a lot more for the neighborhood. Not only do they add to the festive vibe, but they also make the streets feel safer and more welcoming. Recently, the community came together to replace lanterns damaged by storms, highlighting their role as a sign of strength and togetherness. These lanterns are a glowing reminder of Chinatown's cultural roots and its lively spirit.
Waverly Place, known as the "Street of the Painted Balconies," is a charming little alley tucked away in San Francisco's Chinatown. What makes it special are the brightly painted balconies and fancy building fronts that line the street, giving it a stunning look. This hidden gem lets you peek into the historic architecture and lively vibe of Chinatown, making it a favorite for photographers and anyone looking for a cozy, picture-perfect spot. The buildings are close together, and the rich colors make the place feel both old-school and full of life.
Chinatown Murals & Art
As you explore Chinatown, you will notice that some exterior walls are adorned with beautiful murals and art. Most notably:
(Commercial & Grant)
(Grant & Sacramento)
(Grant & California)
Good Eats
Eastern Bakery (720 Grant Ave)
Another classic Chinatown bakery, Eastern Bakery claims to be the first bakery in Chinatown and that they have the best pork buns in town. They have a wide selection of pastries, and their pork buns are a solid choice.
Overall Experience
Spending some time in SF Chinatown is definitely worth it, especially if you're visiting San Francisco for the first time. Aside from the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that you can experience here, there are plenty of places affordable shops to get lost in and spend all your travel money on.