25 Best Things To Do In SF's North Beach & Chinatown

North Beach and Chinatown are two of the most culturally rich and historically layered neighborhoods in San Francisco, and they’re also the ones I keep coming back to again and again.

Even after almost 30 years in the Bay Area, these two are still in my personal top three most-visited parts of the city. A quick stop is never enough! Somehow, it always turns into an entire afternoon of wandering, eating, and detouring into whatever café, bakery, or restaurant caught my attention next.

North Beach carries San Francisco’s Italian and Beat Generation roots, while Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in the United States, shaped by generations of immigration, resilience, and everyday life that still feels very present on the streets today.

Together, they sit right next to each other, which makes it SO easy to experience two very different cultural worlds in a single walk!

Both neighborhoods are compact, highly walkable, and packed with density—you’re never more than a few blocks away from your next meal, drink, or viewpoint. They also connect easily to Telegraph Hill, the waterfront, and downtown, which makes them ideal for exploring without a strict plan!

In this guide, I’ll show you how I actually spend time in both neighborhoods when I’m back in the city: where I eat, what I skip, what’s worth lining up for, and the spots I end up revisiting almost every time I’m here.

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Table of Contents

SAN FRANCISCO IN A NUTSHELL

Here’s a quick overview of all the useful info you need to plan an awesome trip!

When To Go: September to November brings the best weather, though any time of the year is still going to be great, honestly!

Where To Stay: Palihotel San Francisco for trendiness + downtown convenience, Noe’s Nest Bed and Breakfast for Victorian charm near the Mission District, Beck’s Motor Lodge for retro cuteness + free parking (which is rare in the city).

Nearest Airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK)

How to Get Around: Public transportation within SF (free parking is hard to come by). If you plan on taking day trips outside of SF, you will need a car. We recommend using Rentalcars.com to find the best deal.

Must-Do’s: Explore the trendy Mission District, quirky Haight-Ashbury, and buzzing Chinatown and North Beach neighborhoods. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf with a sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder. Take a ferry ride over to explore Alcatraz Island. Go to the Saturday Farmers Market at the Ferry Building. Get pastries at b. Patisserie or Tartine Bakery.

Before You Go: Pack your puffy jacket, windbreaker, and a beanie no matter the time of year — SF’s weather can be unpredictable, and fog/wind can strike at any moment within the city!

Money Tip: If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, consider picking up a CityPASS or Go City San Francisco attraction pass! These passes have the potential to save you a ton of money on paid attractions and tours throughout the city.

Looking to see more of San Francisco with limited time?

Check out this exciting, jam-packed half-day San Francisco City Tour
CityPASS: Save 44% on San Francisco’s Muni and Cable Car rides plus admission to 4 best SF attractions

WHAT TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO’S NORTH BEACH

The magic of North Beach is the atmosphere.

It’s one of the few neighborhoods in San Francisco where wandering without a plan actually feels like the whole point, with pizzerias and bakeries on every corner, the smell of espresso and garlic drifting through the air, and people lingering just for the atmosphere.

You can go from an Italian bakery to a Beat-era bookstore to a classic neighborhood bar in just a few blocks, and everything is so easy to get to on foot.

Even locals love spending time here. It’s an active neighborhood where people actually gather, eat, argue, and stay awhile.

Catch the North Beach Festival

If you’re lucky enough to be in San Francisco during the North Beach Festival, drop whatever plans you had and go. Better yet, if you’re still planning your trip, try to schedule it around festival weekend.

This is your chance to experience North Beach at its most lively.

As one of the oldest street fairs on the West Coast, this annual celebration transforms North Beach into one giant neighborhood party where locals, visitors, artists, musicians, families, and food lovers all spill into the streets together.

For two days, you’ll find more than 200 vendors selling everything from local art and handmade jewelry to vintage clothing and unique gifts. Outdoor beer gardens, live music stages, Italian street painting demonstrations, poetry readings, maker workshops, and family-friendly activities keep the energy high all day long.

You’ll see locals catching up over drinks at the pubs, families watching chalk artists transform the pavement into colorful masterpieces, pet parents and their pups mingling, and visitors discovering why this neighborhood has remained one of San Francisco’s most beloved gathering places for generations.

Walk along Columbus Avenue

San Francisco North Beach Neighborhood Guide

If you’re only going to wander one street in North Beach, make it Columbus Avenue.

This is the heart of the neighborhood, where Italian cafés spill onto the sidewalks, bakeries scent the air with fresh focaccia, Italian cookies, and cannoli shells, and locals linger over espresso as if they have nowhere else to be.

One of my favorite ways to spend a North Beach afternoon is to grab a cappuccino and wander aimlessly. Pop into a bookstore, stop for a pastry or two, browse a few of the Italian grocer shops, and then keep going.

Relax in Washington Square Park

Washington Park - San Francisco North Beach — Washington Square Park during the North Beach Festival!

This much-loved park is the community center of North Beach. On sunny days, you can find locals relaxing in Washington Square Park, located right in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church, known as the “Italian Cathedral of the West”.

Since it is a bit smaller than some of the other iconic parks in SF, the park draws a smaller crowd than Dolores Park and Fort Greene, but the atmosphere is still quintessentially San Francisco.

On any given afternoon, you’ll see dog walkers, older residents chatting on benches, families picnicking, and locals stretching out in the grass with a book. It’s a great place to rest and watch the world go by!

Climb to the top of Pioneer Park

pioneer park coit tower - www.travelswithelle.com

If you’re looking for some of the best views in North Beach, make the climb up to Pioneer Park.

From various points throughout the park, you’ll be rewarded with lovely panoramas of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city’s iconic skyline.

Located at the top of Telegraph Hill, Pioneer Park is home to Coit Tower and several scenic walking paths that connect to the famously gorgeous Filbert Steps and Greenwich Steps.

While it’s possible to drive up, I highly recommend exploring on foot instead! The walk is far more enjoyable than sitting in a line of slow-moving cars, and you’ll get to appreciate the gardens, viewpoints, and hidden corners of Telegraph Hill along the way.

It’s about a six-block uphill walk from Washington Square Park via Filbert Street. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill perched among the trees (sightings seem to be a bit less common these days).

Climb the Filbert Street Steps

San Francisco Embarcadero Coit Tower View — Views en route to the Filbert Street Steps!

Want one of San Francisco’s most rewarding urban walks? Head for the Filbert Street Steps.

Just blocks from the Embarcadero district begins one of San Francisco’s many hidden wild spots that is very much worth the detour: the Filbert Street Steps.

These historic stairways wind their way up the eastern side of Telegraph Hill through lush gardens, hidden cottages, flowering plants, and pockets of greenery that feel surprisingly removed from the city surrounding them.

The first time I walked them, I couldn’t believe I was still in the middle of San Francisco!

You can either climb toward Coit Tower or descend toward the Embarcadero; either way, you’ll be treated to beautiful bay views, charming hillside homes, and a unique “urban jungle” atmosphere that’s unlike anywhere else in the city.

👉 Looking for more great views of the city? Check out these 15+ best places for San Francisco viewpoints!

Looking for an all-inclusive attraction pass? With CityPASS, you can save 44% on San Francisco’s Muni and Cable Car rides plus admission to the 4 best attractions!

Browse through all the fun shops

San Francisco North Beach - Locali Visitor Information Center

The niche stores and antique/vintage shops in the North Beach neighborhood are not as funky as those in Haight-Ashbury, but are still well worth a visit for those looking for unique finds.

Some notable shops in the area to check out are The Epicurean Trader (gourmet foods, cheeses, and spices galore), SF Rock Posters and Collectibles (vintage rock posters, handbills, and memorabilia), and Harper 67 Vintage & Modern Resale (curated vintage).

No stroll through North Beach is complete without stepping inside Molinari Delicatessen, a neighborhood institution that has been serving Italian meats, cheeses, sandwiches, and imported specialty foods since 1896. Not hungry? Just pop in to admire the hanging salamis, old-school atmosphere, and shelves packed with Italian pantry staples.

Another favorite stop of mine is Locali, a visitor center unlike any other. Part gift shop, part community hub, and part local resource center, Locali showcases products designed by San Francisco artists, makers, and small businesses.

If you’re looking for local recommendations, unique gifts, art prints, home goods, or neighborhood tips, the friendly staff are always happy to point you in the right direction.

Go on a food tour of Chinatown and North Beach

If you’re the type of traveler who likes to understand a destination through its food, this is one of the tours I’d personally recommend.

I’ve been a fan of Secret Food Tours ever since taking their Seoul food tour in South Korea, and what they do particularly well is combine food, history, and local culture into one experience.

Rather than simply walking you from restaurant to restaurant, their guides help connect the dots between the neighborhoods, the people who shaped them, and the foods that became iconic along the way.

Their North Beach and Chinatown food tour explores two of San Francisco’s most fascinating neighborhoods in a single afternoon.

You’ll sample everything from North Beach pizza and Italian treats to Chinatown dim sum, while learning about Gold Rush-era San Francisco, the Barbary Coast, the city’s famous cable cars, Beat Generation history, and the colorful stories that shaped these streets.

Highlights include a flight of coffees featuring local roasters, a classic North Beach pizza stop, authentic dim sum in the heart of Chinatown, visits to historic landmarks, and plenty of hidden local stories you would almost certainly miss exploring on your own.

Grab a coffee at Caffe Trieste

With the sheer amount of third-wave coffee shops in SF, there are plenty of other places where you can get a better latte, sure. But that’s not why people come to Caffe Trieste.

People come because it feels like stepping into a different era of San Francisco. This longstanding coffee shop is full of old photographs, regulars chatting over espresso, and visitors lingering far longer than they intended. On weekends, there is often live music filling the room, which only adds to the charm.

The coffee is simple and unapologetically Italian. You won’t find an elaborate pour-over menu, nor will you find trendy seasonal drinks. Just espresso, cappuccinos, and a whole assortment of yummy classic Italian pastries.

👉 FUN FACT-ish: Apparently, Francis Ford Coppola wrote much of The Godfather screenplay while sitting at Cafe Trieste back in the day. But honestly, even if that weren’t true, I’d still recommend stopping by.

Grab a slice of pizza at Golden Boy Pizza

North Beach - Free and Affordable Things To Do in SF - Travels With Elle

If somebody told Papu that he could only eat one thing in North Beach, there is a very good chance that he’d choose a slice from Golden Boy.

Welcome to this dive-y, unassuming pizza spot that has made a huge name for itself in the local community. If you had to choose just one slice, the thing to eat at Golden Boy is their garlic clam pizza.

The slices are served in thick Sicilian-style squares and are plentifully packed with fresh toppings. Definitely well worth the $5 a slice!

Listen to live music at Comstock Saloon

Founded in 1907, Comstock Saloon is one of North Beach’s oldest eating and drinking establishments. It features live jazz on a nightly basis (no cover), which makes it a super-economical option while you’re in the area.

You can’t miss the old-school decor, complete with wooden booths, antique ceiling fans and a long mahogany bar. The well-dressed Comstock Saloon bartenders serves both classic and inventive cocktails and the saloon offers a daily happy hour.

If you’re here on the weekend, check out their weekend brunch.

Get in line for Sotto Mare

Tucked between other establishments in the North Beach neighborhood is this lively, bustling, seafood restaurant, Sotto Mare. The old-school North Beach vibe here is so great and inviting. It’s a small restaurant, packed with people, clanging utensils, and the sounds of chatter!

If you get a seat on the ground floor, the view of the kitchen as the cooks work and prepare seafood dishes is great entertainment. No matter what you do, you will have to order the Cioppino, their signature dish.

Dine on the freshest seafood at Betty Lou’s

Betty Lou's - The Perfect 3 Day San Francisco Itinerary - TravelsWithElle

Betty Lou’s ~~might be~~ IS my favorite restaurant in North Beach. It’s my favorite in all of SF, actually.

That’s saying a lot considering how much competition there is in this neighborhood.

The first thing to know is that the name is incredibly misleading. It sounds like a diner. It is not a diner. It’s a tiny seafood-focused Italian restaurant that somehow flies under the radar while nearby restaurants attract lines around the block.

Whenever friends ask me where to eat in North Beach, THISSS is one of the first places I mention. In fact, if Sotto Mare and Betty Lou’s both had tables available at the exact same moment, I’d 100% choose Betty Lou’s over Sotto Mare.

The seafood linguine is my go-to order (with tomato cream sauce, of course), and if you’re with more than two others, I’d also spring for a cioppino for the table to share. The wok-fried crab has also developed a loyal following and is worth ordering if you’re sharing with a group.

North Beach definitely has no shortage of Italian restaurants, but Betty Lou’s is the one I dream of constantly! 100% worth a visit.

Check out the nightlife

North Beach has SUCH a lively nightlife scene, with so many bars and clubs to choose from. And when I say lively, I mean it. Good luck finding parking here from Friday to Sunday night!

Be sure to check out Vesuvio Cafe, a historic Beat hangout, and The Saloon, which claims to be the oldest bar in San Francisco.

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana / Slice House

Tony's Pizza - San Francisco North Beach — Tony Gemignani in the flesh at the North Beach Festival!

So sorry for all the food recommendations, but that’s what North Beach is all about.

If you’re more of a New York-style pizza person than a focaccia-style pizza person, skip Golden Boy (which Papu loves, but isn’t really my thing) and head straight to Tony’s Pizza Napoletana instead.

Founded by world champion pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani (pictured above!), this is one of the most celebrated pizza restaurants in the country, serving multiple regional styles of pizza from New York and Detroit to Neapolitan and Sicilian.

The menu is huge, but if it’s your first visit, I’d stick with one of the New York-style pies. The crust has the perfect balance of chew, crispness, and flavor that makes you immediately understand why people willingly wait in line here.

Don’t want to commit to a full pie? Right next door is Slice House (another one of Tony’s brands), where you can grab pizza by the slice instead.

WHAT TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO’S CHINATOWN

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America and one of the largest Chinese communities outside of Asia.

Walking through the Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue feels like stepping into another world, with lantern-lined streets, traditional herbal shops, bakeries, produce markets, and restaurants packed into a relatively compact area.

Snap some photos at Dragon’s Gate

Chinatown - Free Things to Do in San Francisco

Start at Dragon’s Gate on Grant and Bush St. Take a good, hard look at all of the dragons, fish and lions on this ornate pagoda-topped gate located at the southernmost entrance to Chinatown.

Also known as the Gateway Arch, this is the only authentic Chinatown Gate in North America! Similar to ceremonial gates in Chinese villages, there are three passageways — two small side ones for “common folk” and a large central passageway for dignitaries.

It sure is a beautiful sight to see!

Walk to Stockton Street

Take a quick stroll over to Stockton Street to experience the very strong Chinese influence in the area. Stockton’s Chinatown section consists of sidewalks teem with elderly Chinese out shopping.

The area is truly reminiscent of busy districts I’ve visited in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong! Many of the ground-floor stores display food items ranging from barbecued ducks and other freshly cooked deli meats to live fish swimming in tanks and vegetable/fruit fill bins displayed outside.

If you want a taste of locals shopping for groceries, checking out Stockton gai (or “street” in Chinese) is a must.

Have dim sum in Chinatown

Servers wheeling around carts of hot food around the restaurant, unlimited hot tea refills—what’s not to like about dim sum? Since San Francisco is a fairly expensive city to visit, going out for dim sum in Chinatown offers some of the best value on food in the city.

My friends and I can typically eat a full meal and still only pay less than $20 per person. (Ugh, inflation.)

Never had dim sum before? Start with freshly steamed BBQ pork buns, shiu mai, spare ribs, or freshly baked egg tarts. These are sure to be winners at the table.

Karaoke in Chinatown

There are so many good dive bars and karaoke bars in Chinatown! Hard to believe, but it’s actually worth sticking around til nighttime to check out the unique vibes here. Plus, you’re sure to interact with more locals than tourists or affluent tech transplants.

Some notable bars include Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge (hidden gem, open karaoke space with lovable owner) and Li Po Cocktail Lounge (tropical vibes, famous for their Chinese Mai Tai).

Try the egg tarts at Golden Gate Bakery

golden gate bakery sf - www.travelswithelle.com

Coming from someone who’s been to Hong Kong multiple times (home of the egg tart), nothing beats Golden Gate Bakery’s egg tarts. There are so creamy, soft and irresistibly flaky.

It’s best when it’s warm and straight out of the oven, which is how you’ll receive them. Seriously one of the best things about Chinatown!

As the bakery is very popular, plan accordingly and be prepared to wait. And from time to time, they love to be closed for extended amounts of time throughout the year. You can use this Facebook page to stalk (I mean, check) if they’re open.

Buy fortune cookies at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Did you know that fortune cookies were first made in California in the 1890s or early 1900s? If you want a deep dive into how they’re made, stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown for a free tour to learn more about the process and grab a few samples on your way out.

A variety of different fortune cookies are also available for purchase in their store. Every time we stop by, we try to support them by buying something — even though we don’t LOVE fortune cookies. It would be a shame if they ever closed — they’re a local institution!

Pro Tip: If you can’t get enough of the Chinese eats, sights, and culture, consider checking out Clement Street in the Richmond District between Park Presidio Blvd and Arguello Blvd. Though less touristy, this is where a ton of authentic and delicious Chinese eateries are located. Some locals even consider this the ‘real Chinatown’. Must-try when you’re there: Good Luck Dim Sum, Marco Polo (gelato) and Genki Crepes.

Get matcha treats at Matcha Cafe Maiko

Matcha Cafe Maiko is a must-visit destination in San Francisco’s Chinatown for anyone who loves matcha or wants to try it for the first time.

This cozy grab-and-go dessert shop offers a wide range of matcha treats, including soft-serve ice cream, lattes, and shaved ice, all made with high-quality matcha sourced from Japan.

The cafe is located on Grant Avenue, one of the main streets in Chinatown, making it a convenient stop during a day of exploring the neighborhood. Be sure to try the signature Maiko Special, which includes soft serve ice cream, matcha jelly, and mochi, for the ultimate matcha experience!

Walk up the stairs of Macondray Lane

Macondray Lane is a charming alleyway in Chinatown that offers a glimpse into the city’s historic past. The lane is lined with beautiful gardens and historic homes, some of which date back to the 1800s.

Walk up the steep stairs and admire the Victorian architecture and colorful facades of the homes. The street is also known as the inspiration for the fictional Barbary Lane in Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of the City” series, which has become a beloved part of San Francisco’s literary history.

If you’re looking for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, go enjoy a peaceful moment in this hidden gem of the city.

Again, it’s steep, so comfortable shoes are recommended!

WHERE TO STAY IN NORTH BEACH AND CHINATOWN, SAN FRANCISCO

There are tons of lodging accommodations in San Francisco ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious. Hotels tend to cost a bit more than in other urban cities, so take care to do some research before settling on an option. North Beach and Chinatown are safe neighborhoods, so any hotel around there should be good.

Here are some nearby hotels I recommend checking out:

Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf – A boutique, stylish stay just steps from Fisherman’s Wharf where you can easily walk to the waterfront, Pier 39, and even make the longer-but-scenic stroll into North Beach for dinner or coffee.

Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf – A comfortable, family-friendly base in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf where you can walk to Pier 39 in minutes and continue on foot to Ghirardelli Square or North Beach without ever needing a car.

MORE SF HOTELS

ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR VISITING SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Driving? Be prepared for the horrendous Bay Area traffic, especially on weekdays during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Especially driving out of the city! Hopping onto the bridge to leave San Francisco could take almost an hour during rush hour. Plan your drives accordingly.

Do not rent a car if you’re primarily going to stay within the city. Traffic sucks and parking is an expensive nightmare. What’s worse is that if you do rent a car, many hotels charge $35+ for overnight parking. If you’re considering street parking as an alternative, good luck because most hotels are located in metered street parking areas. SF is pretty compact, so most tourist attractions are close to each other and BART/Muni are there to fill in the gaps.

Dress in layers. Even in the summer, mornings and evenings in San Francisco can be cool and chilly due to the coastal climate. Packing layers when you head out to explore will help you stay prepared for any kind of weather. Of my 20+ years of living in the Bay Area, I have never gone to SF without bringing a jacket with me.

Wear extremely comfortable walking shoes. Even though public transportation is plentiful, San Francisco is a very walkable city and you should definitely enjoy the city on foot! Because of how hilly the city is, you’re going to be doing some hill climbing while you’re at it.

Expect fog and wind while in San Francisco, and bring layers so that when it rolls in, you’re prepared! Sure there are clear, sunny days, but that’s more common in the summer and early fall.

SOME OF THE BEST ANNUAL EVENTS IN SF

Golden Gate Park Band (April to October) – Free outdoor classical concerts in Golden Gate Park
Bay to Breakers (3rd Sunday of May) – Wild citywide costume run from Bay to ocean
Stern Grove Festival Concerts (June to August) – Free summer concerts among the trees!
Yerba Buena Gardens Free Concerts (May to October) – Casual downtown outdoor concerts in city gardens
North Beach Festival (June) – Italian food, street performers, neighborhood celebration
SF Pride Week (June) – Massive LGBTQ+ celebration and downtown parade
Shakespeare in the Park (June to September) – Free open-air Shakespeare performances under the stars
Salsa Festival on the Fillmore (June) – Live salsa music and street dancing celebration
Fillmore Jazz Festival (July) – West Coast’s largest free jazz street festival
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (October) – Huge free bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park