Chinatown San Francisco is a historic neighborhood between the Financial District and Nob Hill, next to North Beach. Start at Dragon’s Gate on Grant Avenue, then walk the main streets and browse shops, markets and restaurants.
- Location: About 30 square blocks, between Bush Street, Broadway, Kearny Street and Powell Street.
- Main entrance: Dragon’s Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street.
- Shops and markets: Many open around 9 or 10 a.m. and close by 6 or 7 p.m.; business hours vary.
- Getting around: Cable cars and the Central Subway connect Chinatown with other parts of San Francisco.
Finding Chinatown and its main entrances
Dragon’s Gate marks Chinatown’s main entrance at Grant Avenue and Bush Street. From there, Grant Avenue leads into the neighborhood, which San Francisco Travel describes as North America’s first and largest Chinatown.
San Francisco Travel gives the neighborhood’s approximate boundaries as Bush Street to the south, Broadway to the north, Kearny Street to the east and Powell Street to the west. It was founded in 1849 during the Gold Rush and rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake. Chinatown is about a 10-minute walk from Union Square.
The neighborhood’s size makes it easy to link a Chinatown walk with nearby North Beach or the Financial District. You can also build it into a one-day San Francisco itinerary.
A walk through Grant Avenue and side streets
Grant Avenue is Chinatown’s main street, known for ornate architecture and traditional lanterns. It’s a natural place to begin a walk, with side streets and the other commercial corridor close at hand.
Grant Avenue and Stockton Street are the neighborhood’s two main commercial corridors. San Francisco Travel describes both as liveliest during the day and early evening. Chinatown’s streets can be visited at any time, while individual businesses set their own hours.
For a pause during your walk, Portsmouth Square is one of the neighborhood’s identified places to visit. The Chinese Historical Society of America Museum on Clay Street and the Chinese Culture Center are other cultural stops; the Culture Center is free.
Food stops and market browsing
For food in Chinatown San Francisco, combine a browse through its markets with a meal at one of the neighborhood’s restaurants. Many shops and markets open around 9 or 10 a.m. and close by 6 or 7 p.m., though hours vary by business.
Many restaurants serve dinner until 9 or 10 p.m., and a few late-night spots stay open later. Since opening times differ, check San Francisco Travel’s official site before you go.
How do you get to Chinatown by public transport?
Cable cars provide connections from Chinatown to visitor hubs including Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and the Embarcadero. For planning other trips around the city, use this guide to getting around San Francisco.
The Central Subway Line also has a Chinatown stop.
Chinatown-Rose Pak station is about a 50-minute walk or a 6-minute drive from a two-star inn in San Francisco.
FAQs
Is Chinatown San Francisco worth visiting?
It offers a walkable mix of historic streets, commercial corridors, markets and cultural stops. Its location also makes it easy to combine a visit with North Beach or the Financial District.
Where is the Chinatown gate in San Francisco?
Dragon’s Gate, Chinatown’s main entrance, stands at Grant Avenue and Bush Street.
What time do Chinatown shops and markets close?
Many close by 6 or 7 p.m., but hours vary by business. Restaurants often serve dinner later.