Details for San Francisco
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Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate City is situated on the tip of a peninsula in northern California. San Francisco’s charm lies in its neighborhoods, which give the city its uniqueness. Union Square is in the heart of the city and the hub of the shopping district. North Beach is known for its Italian heritage, bakeries and restaurants. The Marina District has some of the most elegant homes in San Francisco, and the waterfront is where shopping and dining are at their best. The Haight, famous for the intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets, is the location of former homes of Counterculture icons like the Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. Unique shops, music, bookstores and cafes line many of the Haight’s streets. Alamo Square is best known for the beautiful turn-of-the century Victorian homes called the "Painted Ladies." SoMa (South of Market) is a go-to for nightclubs, restaurants and museums. The Castro District has the highest concentration of LGBTQA+ population of any city in America. Steep streets and brightly painted Victorian houses, imaginative boutiques and bars are found in this area. The largest Gay Pride Parade takes place here, too. Yerba Buena Gardens are the cultural heart of the city, where community, entertainment, arts and pop culture come together.
873,965
U.S. Dollar, $1 = 100 cents
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Shops: 9am–9pm Banks: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm ATM: 24 hours
Alcatraz
Alcatraz
Once a federal prison housing dangerous and notorious criminals, Alcatraz (The Rock) now welcomes tourists into the cell blocks once occupied by the likes of Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and the Birdman of Alcatraz. Self-guided audio tours have dramatic narratives of Alcatraz’s grim history, including realistic sound effects one would hear in prison. Apart from the prison complex itself, Alcatraz Island essentially operates as a national park. You can spend a full day hiking, taking in the view from multiple observation points and appreciating the natural beauty.
Chinatown
Chinatown
A walk through the dragon-adorned Pagoda Gates leads visitors into the colorful and exciting area of San Francisco known as Chinatown. It is tightly packed with exotic shops, ethnic food markets, and excellent restaurants. In February each year, the Chinese New Year is celebrated here with parades and dancing dragons. Chinatown in San Francisco is the biggest chinatown outside Asia. Always a good choice for a quick and budget-friendly meal, especially of you're craving dim sum.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Ferry Building Marketplace
After its opening in 1898, the Ferry Building became the transportation focal point. At its peak, as many as 50,000 people a day commuted by ferry. An elegant two-story public area with repeating interior arches and overhead skylights, the Ferry Building is a great place to be whether you're looking to dine, shop for fresh and local produce, or just look around. You'll find lots of delicious seafood restaurants along the back of the building where you can overlook the harbor. Don't miss Hog Island Oysters and Gott's Roadside. The farmers market takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. As a city committed to environmental sustainability, every vendor here has adopted a sustainable mission, and therefore, sells mostly organic products. Speaking of eco-friendly practices, the Ferry Building has been working closely with the transit authority to support the revitalization of the waterfront and the wildlife that resides in the bay.
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge
A marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937 to become the world's most photographed bridge. Its red-orange towers and sweeping main cables glow in the sunshine, when they are not embraced by thick fog. Drive, walk or cycle across this man-made marvel — the views are just spectacular. The name Golden Gate was given to the strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean in 1846 by Captain John C. Frémont. He compared it to the Golden Horn of the Bosporus when he visualized precious cargo flowing to and from San Francisco. Here's where to take photos of Golden Gate Bridge: Battery Spencer (north side) It is probably the most classic angle from high above the road. Best reached by car. Golden Gate Overlook and Visitors Center Plenty of parking here. The best spot if you plan to cross the bridge on foot or by bike. Presidio, Marshall Beach The entire coastal side of the Presidio offers excellent views, but Marshall Beach wins. Marshall Beach is also a famous nudist beach so mind where you point the camera!
Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury
Still maintaining its reputation as the 60s psychedelic-hippie-counterculture capital, this quarter's streets are dotted with Victorian houses, piercing salons and vintage clothing shops. Music and bookstores are the biggest draws to this area.
Lombard Street
Lombard Street
This steep and winding street is the most photographed street in San Francisco. Tourists come to the Russian Hill to see, drive or walk down the "crookedest street in the world," that has in total eight hairpin turns. The Hyde Street Cable Car makes a stop at the top of Lombard Street. From there, you can get amazing views of the Fisherman’s Wharf and the Bay.
Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park, often abbreviated to Dolores Park, is a city park at the western edge of the Mission District. Amazing views, a relaxing atmosphere, and a location close to some of the city's most popular neighborhoods. What more could you ask for in a park? Dolores Park makes appearance in many movies and series set in San Francisco since it is such an essential part of the city.
Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf
Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf
A festival marketplace with 13 bay-view restaurants, dozens of fun attractions and over 110 stores, many one-of-a kind. Bling Things (jewelry), Alpaca Fashion (sweaters), the Cable Car Store (collectibles), Field of Dreams (sports and celebrity gift store), Houdini Magic, and Puppets on the Pier. If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere.
Alcatraz
Alcatraz
Once a federal prison housing dangerous and notorious criminals, Alcatraz (The Rock) now welcomes tourists into the cell blocks once occupied by the likes of Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and the Birdman of Alcatraz. Self-guided audio tours have dramatic narratives of Alcatraz’s grim history, including realistic sound effects one would hear in prison. Apart from the prison complex itself, Alcatraz Island essentially operates as a national park. You can spend a full day hiking, taking in the view from multiple observation points and appreciating the natural beauty.
Angel Island State Park
Angel Island State Park
Taking a trip to Angel Island is not only great for hiking trails and breathtaking views, but also taking in a bit of local history: the Angel Island Immigration Station is also located here and offers a unique insight into the nation's past. Angel Island boasts expansive 360-degree views of the bay area–San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Richmond Bridge and Tiburon.
Aquarium of the Bay
Aquarium of the Bay
In addition to the expected displays of sea life, Aquarium of the Bay invites visitors into the hidden world of life under the San Francisco Bay and in the neighboring rivers. A moving walkway takes you through two crystal clear tunnels, 300 feet in length, surrounded by 700,000 gallons of filtered Bay water and more than 23,000 aquatic animals.
Asian Art Museum
Asian Art Museum
This is one of the largest museums in the world devoted exclusively to Asian art. It houses a collection spanning 6,000 years of history. Admire sculptures, paintings, ceramics, furniture and textiles and do not miss the amazing terracotta warriors from China.
Cable Car Museum
Cable Car Museum
The Cable Car Museum is a free museum in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, located inside a cable car barn and a powerhouse. Since its establishment in 1974, the museum has displayed various mechanical devices such as tracks, cables, tools, detailed models and a collection of historic photographs. There are also three antique cable cars from the 1870s. A must-see for fans of old technical marvels!
Chinatown
Chinatown
A walk through the dragon-adorned Pagoda Gates leads visitors into the colorful and exciting area of San Francisco known as Chinatown. It is tightly packed with exotic shops, ethnic food markets, and excellent restaurants. In February each year, the Chinese New Year is celebrated here with parades and dancing dragons. Chinatown in San Francisco is the biggest chinatown outside Asia. Always a good choice for a quick and budget-friendly meal, especially of you're craving dim sum.
Coit Tower
Coit Tower
Coit Tower is a 210-foot (64-meter) tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood offering panoramic views over the city and the bay. Don't miss the 27 murals painted by 26 artists in the American Social Realism style. It's worth taking a guided tour.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium
Kids and adults will find themselves busy for hours going through the Exploratorium science museum's many interactive exhibits. Come with time on your hands, since you'll want to stay longer at this scientific funhouse. Check the official program to see what's happening during the Thursday After Dark events.
Bar Crudo
Bar Crudo
Bar Crudo is a trendy and casual seafood restaurant known for its raw-bar menu. Try the crudo sampler and the seafood chowder, and don't forget about the very reasonably priced fresh oysters. Their long beer list won't disappoint.
Burma Superstar
Burma Superstar
This tiny vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant is a local favorite for Burmese food. The tea leaf (yes, tea leaf!) salad is a must when dining here.
Fior d'Italia
Fior d'Italia
Claiming to be America’s oldest Italian restaurant, Fior specializes in Northern Italian cuisine, fresh pasta, seafood, gnocchi and osso buco — a braised cross-cut veal shanks with bone marrow. Open for lunch and dinner.
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Hog Island Oyster Co.
If you are an oyster lover, this is the place for you. Hog Island Oyster offers fresh and local oysters and Manila clams raised on their own farm. This is the place where you can indulge in oyster soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, which is to die for. This is, however, a very popular place so it might be crowded but well worth the wait.
House of Prime Rib
House of Prime Rib
The House of Prime Rib serves juicy meat, which is carved at your table — to your specification. The decor is a traditional English style with a fireplace and the atmosphere can be described as warm and cozy.
Kokkari Estiatorio
Kokkari Estiatorio
This exclusive restaurant is named after a small fishing village on the island of Samos in Greece. When entering the restaurant, you will notice the old-world charm of a rustic Mediterranean country inn. Their menu offers traditional Greek cuisine including a mouth-watering Greek salad and the classic Moussaka.
La Ciccia
La Ciccia
Located on the edge of Noe Valley, La Ciccia is a cozy and family-owned Italian restaurant. The chef prepares the food with authentic ingredients from Italy to give it that perfect flavor. Here you can also choose a good Italian wine from the extensive wine list.
Loló
Loló
Loló serves fresh and inventive Mexican small plates in an cozy and pleasantly busy space filled with colorful knickknacks. Tacos are on point, as are craft cocktails. Try many small things, but don't miss panko-crusted shrimp, cochinita pibil and tuna tacos.
Artís Coffee (Berkeley)
Artís Coffee (Berkeley)
A hidden gem less than 20 min from San Francisco. At Artís Coffee, they not only serve multiple varieties of coffee, but they also sell everything you need to prepare your own coffee at home. Drop by during the weekend and watch a jazz band performance while sipping your freshly made cup of coffee.
Boudin Bakery Cafe
Boudin Bakery Cafe
Since 1849, Boudin has been baking the San Francisco Sourdough Bread and it has expanded into more than 20 locations in California. Boudin's at Fisherman's Wharf is sought out by visitors for their sourdough bread bowls filled with hot clam chowder.
Deli Board
Deli Board
Deli Board is famed as one of the best sandwich places in town. It's a great lunch spot for generously filled corned beef & pastrami sandwiches, soups and fresh salads.
Lucca Delicatessen
Lucca Delicatessen
Lucca Delicatessen has been selling imported Italian products, prepared sandwiches, pastas and soups for takeout since 1929. This is one of the quintessential SF eateries, where locals grab a quick lunch on their lunch break. What can be better than premium salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, roast beef with pepper jack and peppers served inside a fresh bun, to be enjoyed al fresco at a nearby park. The sandwiches aren't cheap, but the taste is worth it.
The Buena Vista
The Buena Vista
The Buena Vista offers great waterfront views, specialty coffee, Irish Coffee and cocktails — anything to please late-nighters. Extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Vesuvio Cafe
Vesuvio Cafe
Jack Kerouac, Bob Dylan and Francis Ford Coppola are only some of the celebrities who frequented the historical Vesuvio Cafe. The stained glass-like entrance sets the theme for the interior with artificial light bouncing off the wall decorated with bottles behind the counter. There's seating upstairs as well, with table service available.
Warming Hut Bookstore & Cafe
Warming Hut Bookstore & Cafe
A mix of visitors' center and gift store, this cafe located in a historic building from 1909 sells freshly made healthy snacks, sandwiches and soups as well as bakery items, hot and cold drinks. Take your food outside to one of the picnic tables and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
620 Jones
620 Jones
620 Jones is a popular spot for cocktails with its celebrated outdoor space, this bar and restaurant tends to get crowded after 10 pm, so make sure to arrive early to secure a seat in its lively patio.
Alchemist Bar & Lounge
Alchemist Bar & Lounge
Alchemist Bar & Lounge is a dim, hip cocktail bar with steampunk theme with speakeasy vibes and a unique cocktail list. Bartenders take pride in their custom-made tinctures and infusions, exotic herbs and syrups. There’s a shuffleboard table to play while you wait for you mixology masterpiece. Open reasonably late and they can usually accommodate you even without a reservation.
Blackbird Bar
Blackbird Bar
This neighborhood bar attracts a mixed crowd of locals. Drinks are affordably priced and the pool table (and photo booth!) in the back contribute to the place's hip and chill vibe.
Blondie's Bar
Blondie's Bar
Mingle with some locals at this neighborhood bar that offers a chilled atmosphere, DJs, large cocktails, including an XXL martini, and a sidewalk patio.
Blush! Wine Bar
Blush! Wine Bar
In the heart of the Castro District, this quaint wine bar offers an extensive list of international wines, and to go with it, tasty French small plates. Ask their knowledgeable staff for recommendations, and make sure to come during happy hour. They also host several events here, including live music, tarot readings and "Dirty Bingo."
Boom Boom Room
Boom Boom Room
Boom Boom Room is your go-to place for live music in an intimate setting. Hosting many acts throughout the week, this club is mostly known for their blues and jazz bands. Check out their website for a complete list of upcoming shows.
DNA Lounge
DNA Lounge
Fun bordering on madness is what you can expect at this clubbing venue with an adjacent 24/7 pizzeria. Dancing all night and letting loose is made easy with theme nights, live acts and drag shows.
Kezar Pub
Kezar Pub
Kezar Pub is a neighborhood sports bar with pool tables and a wide variety of draft beer. On weekends, a hearty Sunday brunch is a big hit with patrons.
Amoeba Music
Amoeba Music
The sheer size of this place is guaranteed to impress you, but the vinyl selection this store offers will simply leave you speechless. CDs and even cassettes are also sold here in abundance. Music lovers won't be able to get away empty-handed.
Candy Baron
Candy Baron
As the name of the store suggests, everything here revolves around candy, but taffy in particular is the true star of the show. The enticing display of the candy in giant barrels makes it difficult to leave without a bag full of candy in your hands.
Chinatown
Chinatown
Eclectic Chinatown invites shoppers into this bustling maze of streets and alleys that brims with small shops jam-packed with mahogany furniture, carved statues, exotic gifts, green and rose scented black teas. Don’t miss the Fortune Cookie Factory on Ross Alley.
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
Since 1953, City Lights has been a prominent San Francisco landmark embodying the 50-year history of the Beat Generation. It specializes in arts, world literature, and progressive politics. If you are a book lover, you must check out this place, which happens to be the first ever all-paperback bookstore in the U.S.
Embarcadero Center
Embarcadero Center
The Embarcadero Center actually consists of ten structures, but the shopping mall area is four buildings connected by skywalks. Check it out just for its architecture alone, that seamlessly flows between indoor and outdoor spaces with greenery at every corner. There's tons of restaurants and shops, two hotels and a cinema complex, as well as tranquil places to just sit around.
Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square
Since 1852, Ghirardelli Square has housed the oldest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer in the country. To attract crowds, it has added more than fifty premium shops, galleries, restaurants and a hotel. A large open-air plaza is a great place to relax during the weekend or after work.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
A tiny fortune cookie factory in the Chinatown district where visitors have a chance to observe the fortune cookie-making process. You also get to taste these crispy treats as part of a free tour.
Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury
Still maintaining its reputation as the 60s psychedelic-hippie-counterculture capital, this quarter's streets are dotted with Victorian houses, piercing salons and vintage clothing shops. Music and bookstores are the biggest draws to this area.
Best Time To Visit
Best Time To Visit
San Francisco’s climate is influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean. Days are generally cool year-round, and summer days are often foggy in the afternoon. Average summer temperatures range from 59–79ºF (15–24ºC) and winter from 50–59ºF (10–15ºC). Fall is the best period to visit San Francisco, as the weather tends to be pleasantly mild and there are smaller crowds than during the summer. Spring is another good time to visit, and tends to see a lot less precipitation, and that is when the city hosts many festivals including the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and the San Francisco Carnaval. During the summer, this already lively city gets even more colorful with the San Francisco Pride Parade, one of the biggest in the world. The main event usually takes place in the end of June.
Passport/Visa
Passport/Visa
Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of the city. BART trains connect Oakland International Airport with downtown San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and many other Bay Area destinations. Oakland Airport BART station is located next to the Terminal 1 baggage claim area. There are also several bus lines connecting OAK to several Bay Area destinations.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located 8 miles (13 kilometers) south of the city and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. BART rapid rail runs from SFO to San Mateo County, San Francisco and the East Bay. It is a convenient and quick way of getting to the city center. You will find the SFO BART Station on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal (Boarding Area G side). Tickets can be bought at the SFO BART Station upon arrival. SamTrans offers 24-hour bus service connecting SFO to San Mateo County and parts of San Francisco. Caltrain Commuter Rail provides rail service between San Francisco and San Jose. Taxis and ridesharing apps offer door-to-door service to any destination within San Francisco and surrounding communities.
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
San Jose International Airport (SJC) is located 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of the city and is thus the furthest from San Francisco. The free VTA Airport Flyer connects the airport to Santa Clara's CalTrain station. You can take Caltrain to both San Francisco Airport and downtown San Francisco. This option is free, but most time-consuming. Private van and taxi services are also available at the airport; van pick up may be arranged from any location in San Francisco (inquire about prices when booking).
Public Transport
Public Transport
San Francisco has the most extensive public transit system on the West Coast. The Muni Metro, a light rail system, operates six lines (plus one shuttle line) that crisscross the city. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is the regional transit system connecting San Francisco with outlying communities. A single ride ticket covers 90 mins of travel time. To ride, purchase a Clipper card from a ticket machine; 1, 3, and 7-day passes are also available. The MUNI Passport can be purchased at the airport, online or at several locations inside the city. It offers unlimited rides on buses, historical streetcars and cable cars.
Taxi
Taxi
Taxis are easily available outside shopping malls, hotels and the airport. Other options for lower fares are the rideshare companies Curb, Uber, Lyft and Wingz.
Electricity
Electricity
All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 110–120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.
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