Little Italy: Tours and Guided Visits

In the old days, the charming San Francisco quarter of Little Italy was a sunny shore with fishing wharves and docks. It drew many Italian American immigrants in the early 1900s and today, Little Italy is one of the liveliest districts and rich in Italian tradition.

Discover the charm and vibrancy of the neighborhood and experience its Italian culture and cuisine with a Little Italy tour in San Francisco.

Check out our comprehensive guide on Little Italy, one of the most exhilarating sightseeing tours in San Francisco.

Where is Little Italy located?

Little Italy is a small area located in the North Beach district, in San Francisco’s northeastern area. The best place to start orienting yourself in the area is probably the junction of Broadway and Columbus Avenue, close to Chinatown. Its buildings are distinct in their pleasant charm and color, decorated with fine paintings in some instances.

The San Francisco neighborhood is easily accessible by car and public transportation. The bus lines with stations closest to Little Italy in North Beach are Union Street and Columbus Ave (Bus 39 and Bus 45). By cable car, the closest stations are Mason Street and Filbert Street.

You can also travel to Little Italy by BART, stopping at Outer Mission from SF MUNI (44 minutes) or from Upper Market from The Castro (58 minutes) or Mission Dolores Park.

What are the highlights in Little Italy?

Saints Peter and Paul Church

The Roman Catholic Church in Little Italy is located on Filbert Street, across from Washington Square. It has been the home church and cultural center for the city’s Italian-American community since its consecration.

Saints Peter and Paul was founded in 1884, its first location being on the corner of Filbert Street and Grant Avenue. But the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906 destroyed the church, and the present church was completed in 1924.

Since then, Little Italy has become a melting pot of Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Hispanic and other communities. The twin spires of almost 60 meters in height and the magnificent rose window have become iconic features in Little Italy.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

The Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is located on Jefferson Street and is divided into six areas. In the “A-List Zone” visitors will find waxworks of popular modern-day figures, such as Peter Dinklage from “Game of Thrones”.

Others include Neil Patrick (Barney Stinson in “How I Met Your Mother”) and presenter Jimmy Fallon. Another popular section is the “Spirit of San Francisco”, where famous people such as Robin Williams and Jimi Hendrix are on display.

As an acknowledgement of San Francisco’s status as a most technologically advanced city, you’ll also see figures such as Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs.

Coit Tower

The 65-meter tower stands atop Telegraph Hill, a real giant among the adjoining buildings. The prominent building was built in 1932/33 and named after the wealthy benefactor, Lillie Hitchcock Coit.

The lady donated a large sum of money for the tower with the hope of bringing something beautiful to San Francisco she loved so much. You can take the elevator to the top of Coit Tower to enjoy breathtaking allround views of the city.

What are the most popular Little Italy tours?

Little Italy and North Beach walking tour

If you’re into culture and cuisine, make sure you book for this walking tour of San Francisco’s Little Italy.  The tour will be a celebration of the senses, with the smell of fresh bread and the taste of great coffee.

You’ll also admire the beauty of Saints Peter and Paul Church and the Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi, and discover the Beat Generation’s local hangouts. Immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the district’s cafés, bakeries and landmarks while hearing about San Francisco’s rich culinary history.

Meet your guide at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Green Street and start wandering past shops, busy Italian restaurants and cafés. Pause along the way to chat to owners and taste samples of the district’s delicious foods. You can have coffee, taste fresh bread, olive oil, special meats and perhaps even truffles. Hear how some foods are produced, see bread dough being kneaded, coffee beans roasted and discover quaint craft and ceramic shops.

Your tour includes focaccia sandwiches from Mario’s, chocolate from Z Cioccolato, cannoli from Stella Pastry and deli delights at Molinari delicatessen. So there’s a nice spread of Italian bites to tuck into.

Along the way, you will see the fine Italian architecture of the Saints Peter and Paul Church and Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi. Also stop by the former hangouts in the quarter of the famous Beat Generation – the likes of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs.

North Beach and Little Italy food tour

On this behind the scenes guided walking food tour of San Francisco’s North Beach and Little Italy neighborhood, you will relish tasting great local foods. See how these culinary pleasures are prepared and meet with the artisans who created them. Also learn about the history and food traditions of North Beach and Little Italy.

Sip the best fresh coffee, taste the best chocolates, smell and sample fresh baked bread, and taste locally made pizza and olive oils. You will meet your guide at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Green Street, the same corner as Bank of the West. Then start off on this leisurely walking tour, strolling some seven to eight flat blocks.

The wonderful smells from the cafés and restaurants in Little Italy will arouse your senses. Explore the district’s life, join family bakers kneading dough and visit real coffee shops roasting coffee beans. Also stop by the beautiful Italian architectural gems of the Saints Peter and Paul Church and the Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi. They have been central in the lives of the diverse local communities of Little Italy for many decades.

Food and drinks are included, while the tasting portions on the tour are ample. It’s recommended that you not eat too much beforehand and miss any delicious foods.

What are the prices of Little Italy tours?

Little Italy and North Beach walking tours cost about US$80 per person and last 3 hours. The price includes a professional guide and bites from bakeries and deli’s, but no hotel pickup.

The North Beach and Little Italy food tours also last 3 hours and cost about US$80 per person, which includes a guide and food and beverages.

Where is the starting point of Little Italy tours?

Little Italy tours usually start from different meeting points in downtown San Francisco, such as the corner of Columbus Avenue and Green Street near Washington Square.

When is the best time to visit Little Italy?

The best time of the year to visit San Francisco and Little Italy is from September to November. You will then enjoy some of the warmest days and the tourist crowds will be less.

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your Little Italy tour in San Francisco in advance.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the walking tours.
• Save travel expenses with the Muni public transport pass.