Explore San Francisco with These Free Guided Tours

Free Tours by Foot partners with expert local guides to offer several daily tours in San Francisco, including the “All in One”, a five-hour walk that will take you to the city’s most famous sights. There is also a shorter, two-hour “Original San Francisco” tour that will take you to the cafés of Little Italy and the Financial District with its modern skyscrapers. Other tours focus on Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Castro, and they range from one-and-a-half to three hours. Not all tours are offered regularly, so be sure to book in advance to confirm your desired tour and date.

While a tour of this historic mansion on Franklin Street comes at a fee, the Haas-Lilienthal House offers free, guided walking tours through Pacific Heights, highlighting the diversity of the architecture and culture of the neighborhood. The tours start at 12:30 p.m. on certain Sundays and cover approximately 15 blocks in 90 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour includes moderate hills.

This National Historic Landmark on Seventh Street in SoMa is the headquarters for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Oral argument hearings are open to the public, but the James R. Browning United States Courthouse also offers free docent-led tours that include the old post office lobby and select courtrooms. No reservations are required for these one-hour tours taking place on certain Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Just look for the tour guide in the lobby after passing through the building’s security screening (don’t forget to bring your photo ID!).

What started in 1976 with librarian-led tours of City Hall has grown to an organization of more than 275 volunteer guides who offer more than 70 different tours. From tours focusing on San Francisco essentials, like the Painted Ladies and the Golden Gate Bridge, to theme-based walks centered around music, history and architecture, there is a tour for everyone each day of the week. Walkers on San Francisco City Guides tours should register in advance to receive tour details, but walk-ups are always welcome.

Free 90-minute walking tours organized by the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District include hidden stories and live performances. Local history, activism, and music are brought to life as actors portraying significant figures join your exploration of this neighborhood. Tours are scheduled just once a month on Fridays and start at 2 p.m.