I'm going to San Francisco in a couple of weeks on business. I'll only have one night for sightseeing and I'd like to go to Chinatown with a friend, but someone who lives in SF told us that Chinatown is unsafe at night for 2 women alone. Is this true??

Because of Mayor Newsom's recent declaration of offering SF a safe haven for all immigrants, the City (along with Chinatown) will become more "dangerous" to any visitors.

LOL JayZee....

PollyR, when I was growing up the same story was being told by my relatives whose ancestors came to SF right after the Civil War. Women without a male escort could be kidnapped and taken into a brothel where drugs etc. were used...

I am sorry but your question gives me a chuckle. Unless you plan on doing some illegal activity and get caught by the SFPD go to ChinaTown and enjoy!

Don't be worried . Be enjoy there .
there 're a lot fantastic food there.

PollyR,
Grant Avenue closes up shop and is a bit deserted after 9:00pm or so. I'd choose another street to walk to and from a destination. In general, Chinatown is not a great place for first-timers on a night time stroll, merely because there isn't a lot to see at night and also there are some alley ways and short streets that can be confusing. If you are having a meal in Chinatown, choose a well-populated street like Broadway or Columbus to walk to and from your restaurant.

No, I don't think that is true. I wouldn't go strolling down dark alleyways at midnight, but having dinner at a restaurant would be fun (and fine).

Only during a Fodorite GTG. 8-)

Chinatown can be fun at night. You can stroll into stores, dine in a pretty good restaurant. As you would anywhere, be street smart and you'll be fine.

I agree with bear900.

dovima is correct too.

I'm trying to think of which big city in the US that I would feel safe in wandering around the alleyways at night. Exercise the usual care while in a big US city and you'll be OK.

I'm also trying to think of what area of San Francisco is good for night strolling. Everything closes down at 9pm at the latest. You'll be happier spending the late hours in a good restaurant/bar, where everyone else will be. San Francisco has some wonderful restaurants.

SF is also one of the safest big cities in the US.

Have fun!

Chinatown is only dangerous if you are a stray cat.

...or if you walk like a duck!

Anybody else find JayZee's post highly offensive and racial?

Sometimes it's just better to ignore that sort of remark...

The SF Chronicle headline (4/22) says it all...

"Newsom pledges to make SF a sanctuary for illegal immigrants"

That makes me feel safe!

I dunno. Define "racist"

Seems like JayZee doesn't like Mayor Newsom very much. With an approval rating hovering north-south of 80%, I'm certain Newsom doesn't mind a few dissenters.

Faina- the racist remark in this thread belongs to the poster who claims that a cat in not safe in Chinatown. Talk about stereotyping!!! But as my mother used to say about taking umbrage at offensive remarks, consider the source.

Not sure about Chinatown as I have only been there in the daytime, but I have frequently stepped out with friends to get a bite between 10p-1am on Post anywhere from Union Square to Hyde...it was bustling with activity.

I agree with SAB. There are some offensive replies above, but I don't find JayZee's to be one of them. frank&bean certainly is nasty tho.

I think the sanctuary thing has been going on for about 10-15 years - it's not a Newsome invention.

Stu Dudley

I was in Chinatown on a Friday night a few nights back, it was well lit and had plenty of people walking around. There was also the Critical Mass bike group that was in the neighborhood, so lots of people and it was well lit.

I tried looking for a link and couldn't find one, but there were lots of people out.

I didn't feel unsafe, as long as you stay on main streets (where shops and restaurants are anyway) I think it's fine. The alleys of course are dark, so just stay in well lit areas. Also, I've been out there on the border of Chinatown with the financial district (which is pretty deserted at night) around 2-3am and remember it being well lit.