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The 13 Best San Francisco Walking Tours

Explore the beauty of San Francisco on two feet with these informative jaunts.

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Strolls by San Francisco's classic Victorian homes is a must-do activity in the city.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Despite its famous hills, San Francisco is full of leisurely (and occasionally flat) strolls. To get in a workout while on vacation and see some of San Francisco's top attractions , consider signing up for a walking tour. Local guides lead participants to some of the most interesting areas of the city, sharing history, hauntings and delicious food along the way. Here are 13 of the best San Francisco walking tours, analyzed by U.S. News using traveler opinion and expert input.

Victorian Home Walk

Stroll by more than 200 of San Francisco's colorful Victorian homes on this two-hour tour. The guided walk explores the Pacific Heights neighborhood, taking visitors past filming locations for "Mrs. Doubtfire," "The Princess Diaries," and other beloved movies and shows. Participants will also be shown the interior of a period Queen Anne Victorian. Reviewers say the guide provides interesting information. They also appreciate the leisurely pace of the walk, which doesn't include large hills. Tours are available Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., and tickets cost $25 paid in cash only. Reservations are required.

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San Francisco City Guides – Golden Gate Park: East End

On this two-hour tour, participants will meander through San Francisco's famous Golden Gate Park . Sticking to the east side of the park, guides take tourgoers to landmarks like the National AIDS Memorial Grove and the Music Concourse, while sharing information about the park's past and present. The walking tour does involve climbing stairs and small hills. Reviewers describe the tour as wonderful and praise the friendly, insightful guides. The tour, which is offered two Sundays per month at 1 p.m., is free but donations are welcome. San Francisco City Guides also offers tours focused on Alfred Hitchcock's famous San Francisco filming locations, the 1906 earthquake and architecture in Chinatown , among other themes.

Wild SF Walking Tours – Haunted San Francisco Ghost Tour

Delve into San Francisco's seedy past with tales of true crime, hauntings, unexplained deaths and even the Black Plague on this 90-minute ghost tour. Guides regale participants with stories about historic sites throughout the city that are believed to be haunted, including the Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square , a former brothel, underground speakeasies and a church associated with cult leader Jim Jones. Reviewers say the tour is informative and the stories, while tragic, are not too scary. Tickets cost approximately $25 per person, though the tour is not advised for children younger than 10. Tours depart most evenings at 7 and 9 p.m. Wild SF also offers tours of San Francisco's street art, a food crawl through Chinatown and Little Italy, and a free tour of the city.

Free Tours by Foot – All-in-One Tour

See the best of the city in five hours on this free tour. During the excursion, you'll take an iconic cable car ride , visit Chinatown, learn about the buried sunken ships from the Gold Rush era, pass historic Nob Hill mansions and visit the biggest cathedral in the city. You'll also stop for a lunch break. Reviewers recommend the tour, explaining they learn a lot about San Francisco. Tickets start at $7, which cover the cost of the cable car ride, though the company asks that you name your own price at the end of the tour. Tours are scheduled on varying days, departing at 10 a.m. Free Tours by Foot offers tours of Lombard Street and downtown, among other areas of the city.

San Francisco Native Tours – Original Tour

Nosh on more than a dozen food samples, including dim sum, pizza and Ghirardelli chocolate, as you explore neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach and downtown on this four-hour tour. Reviewers, who highly recommend the tour, say the food is amazing and the guide informative. Tickets start at $65 per person, including the cost of the food. Tours, which are limited to 10 participants, are available Monday through Friday at noon. San Francisco Native Tours also offers private tours, as well as a version of the original tour that includes alcoholic drinks.

Urban Trek USA – Urban Trek 4

History buffs interested in 19th-century San Francisco will want to book this small group tour. Limited to seven participants, the tour explores Chinatown, North Beach, Coit Tower , the Ferry Building Marketplace , Union Square and more, emphasizing the historical events that shaped these popular neighborhoods. Reviewers highly recommend the tour and praise guides for their great customer service. Tours depart at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and conclude around 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $39 to $69, depending on the number of people on the tour, and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour; you'll need extra cash for the tour's single bus ride to the top of Telegraph Hill. Reservations are required. Urban Trek USA also offers tours of Russian Hill, Pacific Heights and the Marina District, among other neighborhoods.

Free SF Tour

For a budget-friendly look at all San Francisco has to offer, join the daily 2 1/2-hour Free SF Tour, which takes visitors through the city's downtown. The tour visits a variety of neighborhoods, including Chinatown, the Embarcadero, the Financial District and more, providing an overview of the city's history, current affairs, as well as tips for making the most of your visit. Reviewers report learning lots of interesting facts and highly recommend the tour. Tours depart daily from Union Square at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; tickets are free. Reservations are not required – just join the tour at its designated meeting place. The company also offers this tour in Spanish, as well as a fee-based evening tour of Chinatown in both languages.

Courtesy of All About Chinatown

All About Chinatown takes travelers through the company's namesake neighborhood for a fun history lesson.

All About Chinatown Tours – Daily Tour

Discover the gems of San Francisco's Chinatown on this daily two-hour walking tour. Participants see many historic and architecturally significant buildings, stop at a fortune cookie factory, visit the Stockton Street food markets and see an authentic Buddhist temple, among other sights. Tourists also have the option to stay for a dim sum luncheon at the conclusion of the tour. Reviewers describe the tour as interesting and worth the cost. Many also advise staying for lunch Tickets for the tour start at $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 6 to 17; children 5 and younger tour for free. You'll want to budget an additional $30 per person if you opt for lunch. Tours leave at 10 a.m. from Old St. Mary's Cathedral, and reservations are required. The company also offers private culinary tours and scavenger hunts.

San Francisco Architecture Walking Tour

Architecture buffs can get an in-depth look at significant structures in the city's Financial District on this roughly 2 1/2-hour tour, which is led by a local historian. The guided tour takes participants to various buildings in downtown San Francisco, as well as to rooftop gardens, open spaces and historic landmarks. Because of the lecture-style delivery of the tour, it's not recommended for young children. Reviewers applaud the guide for his expertise and say it's a must-do activity for those interested in architecture. Tickets cost approximately $40 per person. Tours run on select days at 2 p.m.

Cruisin' the Castro – Historical LGBTQ Tour

Hear the history of San Francisco's first gay community, the creation of the rainbow flag and the "Summer of Love" on this two-hour tour through the Castro district. As you listen to the guides' stories, you'll visit sites like Harvey Milk Plaza, the GLBT Historical Society Museum, Pink Triangle Park and more. Reviewers applaud the well-informed guides, who they describe as passionate and entertaining. Tickets start at $28 per person and are free for children younger than 5. However, the company does not recommend the tour for young children as some of the stories may be deemed inappropriate. Tours depart most days, except Sunday and Monday, at 10 a.m. The company also offers private tours.

Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour

The Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour explores the history, fashion and architecture of this iconic neighborhood as well as modern-day happenings. You'll hear stories about music icons like the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin as you weave your way through 12 blocks in about 2 1/2 hours. Reviewers say they enjoy their guide and learn a lot about the neighborhood. Tours run Tuesday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. or Friday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost approximately $20 and are free for children 9 and younger.

Local Taste of the City Tours – Chinatown and North Beach Night Walking Tour

Stop for tasty food samples in two of San Francisco's most famous neighborhoods on this three-hour tour. As guides share information about Chinatown and North Beach, you'll enjoy samples from the oldest Chinese bakery in the city, chocolate from Z. Cioccolato, cannoli from a North Beach pastry shop and more. Reviewers highly recommend the tour and say the food is great. Tickets start at $59 for adults, $39 for youth ages 12 to 16 and $15 for children ages 2 to 11; infants younger than 2 tour for free. The price includes drinks and food, and tours are available daily at 6 p.m. The company also offers daytime food walking tours of Chinatown only and a combo tour of North Beach and Little Italy.

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , San Francisco , California Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

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THE 10 BEST Quebec City Walking Tours

Walking tours in quebec city.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City

2. Amazing Old Quebec City Classique Walking Tour with 1 Funicular Ticket included

3. Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City

4. Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal

5. Private Tour: Quebec City Walking Tour

6. Guided Winter Walking Tour in Old Quebec City

7. Old Quebec City Private Walking Tour: History and Nature

8. Historic District of Old Quebec walking tour (3h)

9. Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City

10. Private Guided Quebec City Walking Tour with Funicular Included

11. Quebec City Shore Excursion: Private Guided Quebec City Walking Tour

12. Old Québec & French Canada Private History Walking Tour

13. Walking Tour Through Quebec City's History

14. Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide Quebec

15. Quebec City Shore Excursion: Grand Walking Tour of Quebec City

16. Historical Tasting Old Quebec Walking Tour

17. Private Walking Tour in Old Quebec by Tours Accolade

18. Old Town Quebec Outdoor Escape Game: The European Charm

19. Quebec City Shore Excursion: Private Walking Tour

20. Guided tour « from the bee to the bottle » with tasting - English

21. A Grand Walking Journey in Quebec City

22. Quebec City Tourist Tour

23. Christmas Magic in Old Quebec

24. APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide

25. Old Quebec City: A Day of Culinary Delights

26. Goat Hiking, Beaver Dam Visit and picnic in Quebec forest

27. Walking Tour - Quebec City - The Heart of New France

28. Private Walking Tour of Quebec with licensed tour guide

29. Montcalm & St. Jean Baptiste districts walking tour (2,5h)

30. Quebec Local Fashion Designers Shopping Tour With A Stylist

What travellers are saying.

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• Amazing Old Quebec City Classique Walking Tour with 1 Funicular Ticket included
• Old Quebec City Food & Drink Tour / Day Experience
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Shorter, easy hiking/walking tours in Scotland - Scotland Forum

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Shorter, easy hiking/walking tours in Scotland

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Seeking ideas for waling/hiking tours which offer shorter distances (up to 10-12 km/day or 6-8 miles/day)?

It seems that many tours, even the "easy" ones, have longer hiking days of up to 22 km/day. With some physical challenges, I worry that's a bit much for me.

Planning to travel in mid Sept. Prefer better quality lodging.

Looking for planned tours but willing to plan our own if necessary.....but not sure how the bag transfer would work in that case!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

7 replies to this topic

have you any particular area in mind? Once you get into Rural highlands the problem you will encounter is that there are many areas without anything at all 6-8 miles apart, have you considered basing yourselves in one place (grantown comes to mind) and explore "there and back" walk options, or perhaps shorter walks involving a taxi or public transport to the start or finish?

One guided holiday option might be https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/7-night-scottish-highlands-guided-walking-holiday

If you are thinking long distance trails then the West Highland Way done over longer than usual might be an option for example https://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-11/west-highland-way/

I have walked with HF at their house in the western highlands. Each day they offer walks at 2-4 different levels, depending on season and how full the house is. Generally the easiest walk level is no more than 6-8 miles, and they sometimes offer easier and/or slower walks than that. They also do a limited number of walks that combine walking and sightseeing.

Road Scholar also does trips to Scotland but am not sure if any are strictly walking.

Sorry, the American company Backroads is I believe based in Berkeley, CA.

You could check out Macs Adventures also(no connection with myself!):

https://www.macsadventure.com

You could have a look at Inntravel holidays. I have gone on several of their walking holidays abroad and really enjoyed them. They have different levels of walking effort from gentle to challenging.

Their description of their gentlest grade is:

"You don’t need to be a seasoned walker or fit enough to walk for miles and miles over rugged terrain to enjoy an Inntravel walking holiday – our holidays are all about seeing a region up close, not bagging peaks. We encourage you to pause at every opportunity, be it a monument, a viewpoint or a craftsman’s workshop. There’s no luggage to weigh you down, and, with no group, it’s you who sets the pace.

You can rely on us to select accommodation of character and to provide trustworthy route notes to guide you there, so relax and enjoy… "

The hotels I stayed in were nice and characterful with very good food. More details at https://www.inntravel.co.uk/walking-holidays/uk/scotland

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Recommendations for a good walking tour? - Quito Forum

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We will be staying in the Historic District of Quito for 2 days on our way back from Galapagos in May. Any recommendations for a good walking tour so we don't have to do too much wandering on our own? Recent events have made us leery of individual/independent roaming in the city. Thanks in advance for any suggestions offered!

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