FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)
(415) 264-8824


Do I need to be a good walker?
Yes. Although we do not have to go up any hills, the walk covers almost 1 mile of city blocks and is recommended for people who like to walk. The walk is brisk and moves quickly through a busy downtown area - crossing streets with heavy traffic.  Some steep stairs may be encountered during the walk

How Long is the Tour?
Tour is approximately 2 hours long - sometimes shorter, sometimes longer depending on the number of people on the tour and/or traffic on the streets

What if I'm late to the Tour?
Tour leaves the lobby in the morning at 11:00 a.m and in the afternoon at 3:00 p.m - it will be hard to find us if you're late.

I recommend that you arrive at the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the start of the tour (the hotel lobby has nice comfy couches for you to enjoy while you wait for the tour to begin). Remember, that you need to factor in extra time for public transportation that may be late or the difficulty of finding parking

What about Parking?
There are several downtown lots available in the financial district but remember parking is expensive! -  using public transportation is always recommended (The Galleria Park Hotel is very close to the Montgomery Street Bart and Muni station)

How should I dress?
I suggest that you dress very casually (and warmly). Dress in layers, and wear comfortable shoes (remember, you will be doing a lot of walking) - most of the tour is outdoors and San Francisco's weather can change within 30 minutes!

Also a good idea not to bring shopping bags or to be weighted down with heavy backpacks because of the length of the tour

Should I be prepared to take notes?
Probably not necessary. Everyone will get a handout at the end of the walk that will list all the major buildings discussed during the tour

Any other suggestions to get more from the experience?
Yes. Be sure to turn cell phones off at the beginning of the tour. Again, it is important for you and everyone on the tour not to have any distractions during the walk. This is a rare opportunity to allow yourself time to connect with your surroundings, to listen and to reflect. Consider it a 2 hour “vacation” away from anything electronic.

Are your tours appropriate for children?
The tour is designed for adults or young adults with an interest in architecture and/or history of San Francisco. There is no set age minimum. For example, I've had 12-years olds who have enjoyed every last detail of the stories about the great buildings of the city but 18-years olds who were bored and restless by the architectural historical explanation. Of course, it depends on the personality and interest level of your child. But please be aware that while I try to keep the tour fun and accessible, the content of the tour is relatively sophisticated

Will there be restrooms available on the walk?
Sorry, there are no public restrooms during the walk but there are restrooms available in the hotel lobby and can be used prior to the start of the tour

How do I make a reservation?
Click on the tab labeled "reservations" on the right side of this page and complete the request form. You will receive a confirmation from me as soon as possible. Please do not show up to the tour without a confirmation since some tours fill up very quickly

Can I make a reservation today?
You can make a reservation up to one hour before the start of a tour! Please note: Call 415-264-8824 to leave a message in addition to completing the online form if you are making a reservation within 12 hours of departure of any tour

Can I pay with a credit card?
No, only cash accepted day of tour. $20.00 per person, collected at the beginning of the tour at check-in (another good reason to get to the lobby early!)

Do we need to tip?
Of course tips are not required but are nice if you think that you received a quality experience above and beyond the price of the tour!

What if I have a booked a walking tour, and it's raining that day?
My walking tours may be cancelled due to major rainstorms - you will be notified if there is a possibility of a cancellation. If you don't hear from me, the tour is going as planned!

What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Email me at rick@architecturesf.com or call 415-264-8824 and leave a message

Do you give private or group tours?
Private and specialized tours for the Architecture Walking Tour are available every day. I also specialize in unique walking tours of many different neighborhoods of San Francisco and can customize for any group size. Contact me at rick@architecturesf.com to discuss options, rates and scheduling

Why isn't my question answered here?
That's a good question! Contact me at rick@architecturesf.com, and I'll respond to your question within 24 hours