San Francisco is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city on the west coast of the United States. The city is known for its urban charms, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture.
It is a vibrant, current, multicultural, cosmopolitan city with a beautiful look.
The best way to see San Francisco
Take the historic Cable Car at least once, with 3 lines running through tourist attractions.
The hop-on hop-off bus is a convenient option to explore the city. With stops at many of the city's most popular landmarks, you can get on and off as you please. It's a great way to get a sense of the city's layout and to see all the major highlights in one go.
Rent a bike (despite the steep climbs). The city has a network of shared cycle paths and lanes that allow one to easily explore the city.
Public transportation in San Francisco is efficient and accessible. The city has a network of buses, subways, and trams that cover most tourist attractions. The Muni Passport is a pass that gives unlimited access to all public transportation. Choose one, two, or seven days at your convenience.
The best time to visit San Francisco
The climate is temperate, and fog almost always prevails in the morning.
The best time to visit San Francisco is during spring (March-May) when there is little rain. The weather is pleasant in autumn (September-November). The average temperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Main tourist attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world, and it's no wonder. With its bright red towers and iconic silhouette, it's quite a sight!
The bridge crosses the San Francisco Bay, connecting the city to Marin County. It's a suspension bridge supported by steel cables. It is 2.7 kilometers long and 75 meters high.
The Golden Gate Bridge was built between 1933 and 1937. It was an incredible piece of engineering, and its construction required enormous effort. The bridge opened very successfully on May 27, 1937.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a popular tourist attraction. Millions of people visit it every year. The bridge offers stunning views of the city and bay. It's also a great place to walk, bike, relax and enjoy the view.
Tip: Cross the Golden Gate by bike, stopping whenever you can to take stunning photos.
Go to Sausalito, which has thousands of places to park your bike safely. Lunch there while enjoying the beautiful view of San Francisco. Stroll around the city, which is very charming, and return by ferry.
It's all fun, with thousands of people doing the same route!
The Chinatown neighborhood
The largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. With a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. It was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake.
A bustling neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, and people. If you want to buy, research the prices carefully as there are differences between stores!
The restaurants serve Chinese dishes, from dim sum to Sichuan dishes.
Chinatown is also a place to learn about Chinese culture. Several museums and art galleries document the history and culture of China. Some temples and shrines celebrate Chinese religion and spirituality.
The Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood:
It is one of the busiest tourist areas in the city. It is known for its souvenir shops, food stalls, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
Stroll along the bay, rest, visit Pier 39, and take the boat to the famous Alcatraz island.
Visit the San Francisco Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. It houses more than 30 thousand marine animals.
Try local cuisine at one of the restaurants serving fresh seafood.
End the tour at Ghirardelli Square, a former chocolate factory converted into a shopping center.
Other recommended tours
Coit Tower / Levis Plaza
Rising atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers 180-degree views of the city of San Francisco Bay. On a clear day, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island!
The tower interior houses Art Deco murals that depict the daily lives of San Francisco workers during the Great Depression.
Climb the 400 steps of the staircase until you reach the tower. So tiring! But worth every step! To get down, switch sides. Take a short staircase on the opposite side that leads to Little Italy or Chinatown.
Walk to Levis Plaza and visit the company building. It offers a room demonstrating the evolution of the jeans they manufacture.
The square centerpiece is a huge bronze sculpture of Levi's leg sticking out of the ground. You can take fun pictures close to the pocket.
Mission District / Noe Valley / Castro
Mission District is home to murals and graffiti. They tell the story of the neighborhood's culture and history.
Noe Valley is a historic neighborhood with well-preserved Victorian architecture. The neighborhood is home to Victorian homes, a feast for the eyes.
Castro is a hub for San Francisco's LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood is home to organizations, businesses, and events celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Take a walk on Sunday along Valencia Street. It is the hipster street of the moment.
Explore alleys covered in graffiti. Enjoy lunch at restaurants. Stroll 24th Street's charming shops. Experience diversity on Castro Street.
Lombard Street:
Lombard Street is known for its eight zigzag curves, with the steepest curve having a slope of 27%. It is a famous attraction often featured in movies and TV shows.
Go down this steep with sharp S curves and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Union Square:
Located in the financial center of San Francisco, California. It is one of the busiest squares in the city.
Perfect region to stay in due to the ease of transportation. You will find department stores, luxury boutiques, designers, galleries, and restaurants.
The square is also home to several five-star hotels, the St. Regis, the Ritz-Carlton, and the Four Seasons.
On weekends you can enjoy an outdoor concert and an art fair.
Nob Hill:
At the top of a hill, this sumptuous neighborhood with distinctive hotels. It is home to the Protestant Grace Cathedral, with architecture inspired by Notre Dame (Paris). Nob Hill offers yoga classes on Tuesdays in the labyrinth (there are 2 labyrinths inside and outside).
North Beach
Known as Little Italy, its icons are the City Lights bookstore and Vesúvio café on Columbus Street. Visit the Church of Saint Peter and Paul, facing the square garden.
In the morning, elderly people practice Tai Chi in Washington Square. At night, restaurants and nightclubs that stay open late.
San Francisco is the perfect destination for a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is also the perfect starting point for a road trip along the scenic stretch of California coast, where you'll discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks, such as Bixby Creek Bridge.
If you have more days, explore the world-class wineries of Napa and Sonoma Valley!