North Beach and Chinatown

Shopping in Chinatown [1] isn’t really about seeking out a specific store. Instead, visitors stroll Grant Street, browsing in the dozens of similar souvenir shops, marveling at the strange herbal medicines in the windows of the apothecaries, and contemplating cups of tea from the scattered tea shops.

For a sense (and a scent) of the more authentic side of Chinatown, head off the main drag to Stockton Street and seek out the local food markets.

The North Beach [2] district is filled with fun, beauty, and great Italian restaurants and cafés. The Italian district also boasts some of the hippest shops in all the City [3], so it’s a great place for shoppers who eschew chains to seek out thrift shops and funky independents.