Why it matters: SF City Guides is a nonprofit founded in 1978 and sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library, with tours led entirely by trained volunteers and offered free of charge, though donations at the end are welcomed to keep it going. Their Chinatown walk starts at Portsmouth Square and traces more than 150 years of community history through family associations, temples and dim sum shops. Reserve ahead for popular walks, and bring small bills if you’d like to tip your guide.
Good to know
Chinatown and dozens of neighborhoods · free volunteer-led walking tour · about 1.5 to 2 hours