Food Art And Cultural Tours In San Francisco

Explore one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, with this selection of San Francisco art, history and food experiences.

San Francisco is a city bursting with culture. From a variety of art and a thriving food scene in the city center, to outdoor experiences that are available around most local green spaces, no two days in this part of California need to ever be the same.

On your next day out in San Francisco, take some time to explore what its outdoor spaces have to offer. From walking across one of the world’s most famous bridges to learning more about one of its best artistic communities, here is a selection of cultural experiences to discover in this Northern California city.

1. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a globally recognizable landmark that is remarkable in more ways than one. As well as having the tallest bridge towers in the United States, the bridge was so difficult to build that it’s now one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. From the bridge, pedestrians can see out across the cityscape, as well as Baker Beach and Fort Point National Historic Site, a Civil War-era brick fortress. The San Francisco side of the bridge has a visitor center and souvenir gift shop to pick up informational guides, as well as the Round House Cafe, which is perfect for a lunchtime snack. Stretching 1.7mi (2.8km), the Golden Gate Bridge takes around 35 minutes to walk from end to end, but there is also a bus service.

3. Alemany Farmers’ Market

Market

Locally known as the “People’s Market,” Alemany Farmers’ Market opened in 1943 as a way for farmers to sell surplus produce during World War II. Over 70 years later, and this friendly food market, now based in Bernal Heights, is one of the most popular in San Francisco and a busy weekend spot. It’s not the type of market where you will find artisan bread, fusion street food and to-go cocktails. Alemany Farmers’ Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables for low prices, focusing on Southeast Asian produce. Looking for inspiration for their next dish, chefs from San Francisco’s best restaurants and kitchens are often found perusing the stalls. It’s open from dawn until dusk, so arrive early for a parking space.

4. Chinatown

Building

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in the United States and has a wealth of history and culture to offer. Spend a day exploring its streets and admiring the ornate temples, including the Tien How Temple, as well as the district’s famous Dragon Gate. There is a selection of modern dim sum restaurants and traditional restaurants available for dinner reservations. Choose Z & Y Restaurant for a popular traditional spot, or if you feel like trying something new, head to Mister Jiu’s for Chinese food with a Californian twist. You can easily find your way around the neighborhood on your own, but if you would like a guide to give a little more information about the history of your surroundings, San Francisco City Guides run free tours that are open to the public every Tuesday and Saturday at midday.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.