Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine - San Francisco, California

David K.

One of the best walking tours we have ever taken. Emperor Norton is an expert on San Francisco history and makes the city come alive with tales of the earthquake and city live before and after. He gives you so much information that even a city native is going to learn new fun and historical facts about the city. The three hours flew by and we appreciated the restaurant recommendations at the end. The perfect way to spend some novel time a little time in SF! (don't call it Frisco:) Thank you Emperor for sharing your vast knowledge of the city with us today.

Mike U.

Amazing tour, the tour guide clearly loves playing in character as Emperor Norton, sharing history, and is very knowledgeable about San Francisco and informative. In fact, he's so knowledgeable I'm confident even locals would learn something from the tour.

The tour is 3 hours but it doesn't feel like it because the tour guide is so engaging and entertaining the time passes quickly. Easily worth the 30 dollars. Just be sure to book in advance

Also after the tour, Norton has great restaurant recommendations of what to eat in the area if you ask.

Adrian N.

I usually do not have time for walking tours at places I visit. With an internet coupon, I was intrigued to try this walking tour with Emperor Norton. I'm not from San Francisco, so was not familiar with Emperor Norton folklore.

Emperor Norton (today's modern incarnation) is very well versed with San Franciscan history. The walking tour in the financial district starts at Union Square and follows an easy loop with stops are various buildings. Emperor Norton has obviously established relationships with local businesses to show San Franciscan history allowing patrons views of some history inside buildings. The tour does in fact last 3 hours and was well worth the time.

We attended the tour early in our time at San Francisco to help familiarize ourselves with the town. He touches on some of the transportation and answers any questions you have. He certainly provides plenty of suggestions to explore on your own.

I would attend his other tours in San Francisco if we find ourselves back in town. Highly recommended.

Joseph R.

Went on the tour on San Fransisco today with Emperor Norton. It was a great walking tour. Full of fun stories and interesting history. My kids (12 &10) both loved the tour. The Emperor answered all of their questions and took pictures with them. This is a must do tour.

Graham S.

My Wife and I have just done this tour today with The Emperor.
This has got to be one of the best city tours we have ever done.
It was entertaining and informative, the Emperor was great company for nearly 3 hrs.
If you want to do a walking tour in San Francisco. do this one it was GREAT.

Martha

We just had the best walking tour with Emperor Norton! I won't give anything away however, if you enjoy history with an animated and loved tour guide this is a must. Emperor Norton is delightful, insightful and simply marvelous. This is a MUST tour in San Francisco.

Paula G.

An absolutely fabulous way to spend a few hours. I've been on hundreds of city tours around the world and this is one of my favorite. When we return to San Francisco, we will go on more of his tours.

Also, although we weren't on a food tour, he gave us a restaurant suggestion. We took his recommendation and were so pleased. Absolutely, wonderful food.

Mike C.

This is a great tour even if you live in San Francisco. The tour guide dresses and acts in character as Emperor Norton, a famous San Francisco eccentric from the late 1800s. The tour goes into detail about San Francisco's history and shows you pieces of the past you can still see today, including a remnant of one of the old underground tunnels that can be visited from an art store on Pacific Ave.