Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Barbary Coast Trail
This trail winds throughout the tour and feathures numerous historical sites.
Union Square
The history of Union Square and the Dewey Monument.
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Professional guide
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
11am Departure
Tour departs at 11am
2:30pm Departure
Tour departs at 2:30pm
Reviews
70 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A uniquely delightful experience in San Francisco!
TrishG82,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a wonderful tour with Emperor Norton! Our guide arrived fully in character, dressed as the infamous SF icon from the 1800s, and he stayed in character throughout the tour. After about 5 minutes of wondering what we'd gotten ourselves into, we realized that he was not only incredibly knowledgeable about every detail of San Francisco's history, but he was also an SF icon in his own right. We must have seen at least a half dozen strangers run up to the Emperor like a celebrity! He gave us access to hidden art gems and insights into amazing stories, and throughout the tour we realized just how hard he works to preserve the history of San Francisco in addition to keeping the stories alive. It was truly a special experience!
Top notch.
David M,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such 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!
Past and present of the San Francisco Wharf with his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Norton.
O1054GPrichards,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 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.
Pretty much the ultimate San Francisco tour
SlowMachine,Sep 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emperor 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.
Great overview on the history of San Francisco
Annette B,Feb 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to learn the colorful history of San Francisco as well as a base of what to explore next. Emperor Norton knew an amazing amount of information and was very informative and helpfu.
Great way to spend an afternoon
Linda O,Nov 13, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00So much information…we took his recommendations for lunch and also popovers at Neiman Marcus. Yum yum! I loved that people shouted at the Emperor as if he was an old friend along the way. What a character!
The best walking tour we have ever taken!
David K,Oct 22, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One 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.
A fun way to learn more history of San Francisco.
susanlR5399BJ,Oct 16, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My favorite part was listening to the facts and tales of the City. The walking tour is about 4 miles. Our tour guide, the Emporer Norton himself, was very entertaining.
A great way to learn about SF
shoshanasaurus,Oct 15, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emperor Norton was a great tour guide—he was funny, knowledgeable, and put a lot of effort into making this a fun and informative history tour! He stayed in character the whole time. Since I know my mom and grandma would want to know this before embarking: there IS a bathroom stop with clean bathrooms.
So Amazing!
Feleenas,Aug 28, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was absolutely amazing and seemed to know just about everything about San Francisco. Wear comfortable shoes because you’re going to see parts of San Francisco that you didn’t know existed.
From US$30.00
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