San Francisco Travel Guide
“If you’re alive, you can’t be bored in San Francisco. If you’re not alive, San Francisco will bring you to life.”
William Saroyan
Who never heard about San Francisco? The world famous city with steep streets? I am pretty sure none.
If you are planning to travel to SF, please let me warn you – you are going to love this city.
San Francisco is a city that is always changing. From the buildings to the people to the weather, it is always in motion. This is one of the things that makes SF so dynamic, so alive, and so much fun!
What I love about SF is that there are always new discoveries to be made. I don’t know when or where it will happen, but I know that every time I visit, there will be something new to explore.
I enjoy how SF has a mix of architectural styles from all over the world. There are buildings that resemble those from Italy, France, and Spain, as well as those from China and everything in between. This creates a unique and beautiful environment!
The streets and colorful buildings make SF really unique.
San Francisco is known for its cool weather all year round.
San Francisco is definitely one of the most unique cities in the world, known for its amazing hills, tech culture, and delectable sourdough.
San Francisco is a place where I always want to return.
Short visit?
If you are here for 2-3 days and want to fully enjoy the energy of San Francisco, there are some popular and beautiful places you will probably want to visit.
- The Golden Gate Bridge.
One of the most popular bridges in the world. Who has never seen this bridge in the movies? The iconic bridge of California which is 1.7 mile long and connects San Francisco to Marin County, CA.
Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-do activity when in San Francisco. You can walk, bike, or drive across the bridge. The bridge has sidewalks on both sides that are open to pedestrians and cyclists, allowing visitors to take in the sweeping views of the bay and the city.
Many visitors choose to take a guided tour of the bridge, providing an opportunity to learn about its history and unique design. There are also several lookout points and parks near the bridge that offer fantastic photo opportunities and breathtaking views.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a true icon of San Francisco and a testament to human ingenuity and design. Its remarkable history, unique architecture, and stunning views make it a must-see destination for visitors to the city.
Once upon a time, this island served as a military jail. It’s one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions. We were unable to take a cruise to Alcatraz Island since we were in San Francisco during the Covid 19 pandemic.
3. Drive on Lombard Street.
Lombard Street is famous for a steep and one block-section, which has eight hairpin turns.
Lombard Street is home to some of San Francisco’s most costly real estate. Even with the unending stream of tourists flowing down the street every day, this Russian Hill area has majestic mansions. Lombard Street is filled with color in the spring and summer, when the many gorgeous flowers are in bloom.
4. Japanese Tea Gardens.
Another must-see in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is the Japanese Tea Garden. With a Koi pond, a Japanese temple, and a tea house, it is the oldest Japanese Garden in the United States.
The Japanese Tea Garden is the country’s oldest Japanese garden. If you like Asian culture and want to spend some quality time in nature, you’ve come to the correct location.
Enjoy traditional Japanese culture while sipping tea at their Tea House.
5. Chinatown
San Francisco has the one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns and the largest one outside of Asia. It is located right in the heart of SF – downtown.
Starting your walking tour of Chinatown at the Dragon Gate entrance on Grant Avenue and working your way down while stopping in at businesses that catch your eye is a wonderful idea.
Grant Avenue runs the length of Chinatown and is home to many tourist-oriented shops.
There are some fantastic museums and galleries in Chinatown if you’re searching for something educational and cognitively engaging. The Chinese Historical Society of America is one of the most intriguing to visit.
5. The Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies, also known as the Seven Sisters, are a row of colorful houses built during the Victorian and Edwardian eras in San Francisco, California.
They were built to showcase the wealth of the architects during the California Gold Rush. The contrast between the tight, ascending structure of the Victorian houses and the downtown skyscrapers is striking. The area includes a grassy square that is great for taking a break during the day.
The neighborhood has several bed and breakfast inns and is one of 11 cultural areas designated by the Department of City Planning.
6. Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square, widely regarded as the country’s oldest notable adaptive reuse project, has a rich history more than a century and spanning three continents. Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli founded this specialty retail and dining complex, which now houses shops and restaurants, as a chocolate factory.
7. Bay Bridge
Whereas the Golden Gate Bridge is the city’s most iconic feature, the Bay Bridge is quite beautiful as well. The newly restored bridge is illuminated at night and is a sight to behold.
8. Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts, a public sight with a stunning dome and curved arches, is a must-see. It’s located in the Marina District, a vibrant park on San Francisco’s northern outskirts.
9. Little Italy
The dynamic and colorful North Beach area of San Francisco is home to Coit Tower, Washington Square Park, and dozens of Italian eateries. The neighborhood is known as “Little Italy” and has long been home to a considerable number of Italian immigrants.
10. Cable Car Museum
The cable car power house, which operates the cables, and the car storage are all part of the same complex as the museum.
Most popular places to eat & drink in SF
- Angler: 132 Embarcadero
Angler’s views of the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island are only surpassed by its Michelin-starred seafood.
- Barcha: 28 Fremont St
Barcha is a great place to eat lunch in the city.
- One Market: One Market St
Eatery has become a San Francisco icon for fine dining.
- Fable: 558 Castro St
Fable has a lovely back terrace that is one of the Castro’s best kept secrets. Visit them for a delectable breakfast.
- Gracias Madre: 2211 Mission St
Gracias Madre serves some of San Francisco’s greatest vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
Is SF expensive?
San Francisco is among the most costly cities in the United States for travelers. The city’s most famous attractions are usually pricey, but there are practically unlimited cheap and free activities to do in San Francisco.
Is San Francisco safe?
San Francisco is a rather safe city in general. They do, however, share most of the same issues as other major cities around the world. They have a large homelessness due to their mild temperatures for virtually the entire year.
Did I like San Francisco?
I loved being in SF. I am a huge fan of “old styled” cities. When you can feel the energy of the city. The architectural and characteristic spirit of the city and streets can easily make you “live” the history of every building. And every time I saw an old and really beautiful home I found myself thinking “how it will be to live in such an amazing city”?