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Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine

icon 2 hours Mobile ticket Free Cancellation
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Be informed and entertained on this one-of-a-kind 3-hour walking tour of downtown San Francisco, led by an impersonator of the late Emperor Norton. Self-proclaimed as the Emperor of the US, this 19th-century character comes to life as your guide leads you back to the past. Step into a time machine of sorts and learn about the Barbary Coast, the 1906 earthquake, and historic landmarks surrounding Union Square.
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Professional guide
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Departure Point

Union Square, San Francisco, CA, USA We meet under the Dewey Monument in the center of the square. If that is blocked, we meet of the corner of the square at Powell and Geary.

Return Details

660 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA Old St. Mary's Cathedral

  • Barbary Coast Trail, San Francisco, California, United States
    This trail winds throughout the tour and feathures numerous historical sites.
    60 minutes
  • Union Square, San Francisco, California, United States
    The history of Union Square and the Dewey Monument.
    20 minutes
  • Jackson Square, San Francisco, California, United States
    The history of the notorious Barbary Coast.
    30 minutes
  • Maiden Lane, San Francisco, California, United States
    Glamorous Maiden used to be lined with brothels.
    15 minutes
  • Lotta's Fountain, San Francisco, California, United States
    A gathering place since 1875, it's also where the yearly earthquake commemoration is held. Hear the stories of buildings that survived, Lotta Crabtree, Lola Montez, and Luisa Tetrazzini.
    20 minutes
  • Portsmouth Square, San Francisco, California, United States
    The birthplace of San Francisco and Chinatown's living room.
    15 minutes
  • Old Cathedral of St. Mary, San Francisco, California, United States
    Hear the history of the cathedral and the passing of the Emperor.
    5 minutes
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Masks and social distancing required.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
David M
11 Oct 2025
Such a fun and interesting tour. Afterwards we all agreed we had a great time and that we all really liked the tour guide. He was so informative and easy to like too. He really loves his city!
O1054GPrichards
29 Sep 2025
My son suggested this and filled us in on some of the history. We were excited to experience the tour and we were surprised about how much we learned about the history and present of the San Francisco wharf area. Watching other tourists just walk past so many interesting things made me feel sorry that they didn't experience what we did on the tour given my his Imperial Majesty. We intend to come back again next year for one of the other tours if the stars align.
SlowMachine
10 Sep 2023
Emperor Norton shares San Francisco history in an entertaining and genuine way, bringing the past to life, one block at a time. The City never looks more beautiful as you stroll along the old Barbary Coast with SFPD saluting the Emperor along the way. The nuts and bolts: He’s a fantastic storyteller. The information is well-researched and easy to understand. The pace of the tour is perfectly balanced, not strenuous and not lethargic. The path is through the essential historical areas without being too touristy. The route is also very safe and clean. You’re pretty much guaranteed to have “only in San Francisco” magical moments. It lasts about 2.5 hours, but that flies by. San Francisco is a city like no other — constantly reinventing itself and encouraging citizens and visitors alike to be open, free, kind, and curious. Let Emperor Norton show you the beauty and the story of the City by the Bay.
This tour in USA is organized by Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco

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We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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