San Francisco is one of the most diverse and interesting cities in the United States. Whether you love fine dining and great wine, are an art lover, or want to explore the Chinese culture of the city's largest immigrant population, you'll never run out of things to do in San Francisco.
If eating is one of your pleasures, you can't go wrong with San Francisco restaurants. And if your favourite sound is the ringing of cash registers, you'll love the shopping in San Francisco: everything from world famous chocolate to haute couture.
Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, the iconic steep streets with Queen Ann style houses and historic cable car system, San Francisco is a gem waiting to be explored.
Getting in and around San Francisco
San Francisco Airport
San Francisco International Airport is the main hub for travellers flying into the city, though some people also use the nearby Oakland International Airport. Dozens of national and international airlines, including Air New Zealand and Qantas, fly in and out of San Francisco International every day.
From the San Francisco airport, you can rent a car or hop aboard one of the public trains or buses: the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit train service), Caltrain (between San Francisco and San Jose) and SamTrans buses (throughout San Francisco and Sam Mateo Country).
San Francisco Transport
Walkers will love it here as downtown San Francisco and its many destinations are easily explored on foot.
For attractions further afield, in addition to the city's many trains and buses, you can use San Francisco's hallmark cable cars to get around the city - hanging onto the side like a local if you're brave enough. A Clipper Card can be purchased and used to make your travel easier on the train, bus and cable car systems.
San Francisco Car Hire
Many visitors decide to take a day or two to visit Napa Valley or Sonoma, in which case you'll want to rent a car for the hour-long drive. If you're getting out of town, the historic Route 101 connects through San Francisco, leading south over the Golden Gate Bridge down the west coast, and north up to Oregon and Washington.
Can hire is available at the airport and in the city.
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San Francisco accommodation
Luxury
San Francisco Marriott Marquis is a 39-story beauty in a prime downtown location. It includes a fitness centre, restaurants and lounges.
The Clift Royal Sonesta in Union Square is a contemporary luxury hotel featuring incredible dining options and upscale gym facilities.The
San Francisco Marriot is a 39-story beauty in a prime downtown location. It includes a fitness centre and five restaurants and lounges.
Clift in Union Square is a contemporary luxury hotel featuring incredible dining options, upscale gym facilities, and in-room spa services.
Mid-range
Hilton San Francisco Financial District offers luxurious rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and restaurant.
Hotel Bijou in downtown San Francisco is a boutique hotel offering in-room spa services, art décor interiors and a glass of wine at check-in.
Chancellor Hotel in San Francisco's Union Square is a classic boutique hotel offering excellent service and a pillow menu.Hotel Bijou in downtown San Francisco is a boutique hotel featuring 65 rooms, each named after a movie filmed in the city. It offers a free mini-theatre with a daily double feature. The
Hilton San Francisco Financial District offers luxurious rooms, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and award-winning spa Tru.
Chancellor Hotel in San Francisco's Union Square is a classic boutique hotel offering such amenities as an in-house spa program and Luques Restaurant & Bar.
Budget
The Grant Hotel in Union Square offers a great location, continental breakfast, cable television and other amenities that make it a terrific deal.
San Remo Hotel in Fisherman's Wharf is one of the best deals in the city, with charming European style rooms and bathrooms that recall the Old West.The Grant Hotel in Union Square offers a great location, continental breakfast, cable television, and other amenities that make it a terrific deal. The
San Remo Hotel in Fisherman's Wharf is one of the best deals in the city, with charming Victorian-inspired rooms and bathrooms that recall the Old West.
Backpackers
Adelaide Hostel is everything you want in a San Francisco hostel: fabulous location in downtown Union Square, free linens, internet access, breakfast, and more. The Hostel has private and dorm-style rooms with privacy curtains.
The Green Tortoise San Francisco is well-located with a friendly vibe, and, as the start and end-point to the Green Tortoise bus tours, is a handy base when in San Francisco. Amenities include free breakfast, WIFI, a laundry room, sauna and more. Adelaide Hostel & Hotel is everything you want in a San Francisco hostel: fabulous location in downtown Union Square, free linens, internet access, breakfast, and more. Private and dorm-style rooms. The San Francisco
Green Tortoise Backpackers Hostel is well-located with a friendly vibe, and, as the start- and end-point to the Green Tortoise bus tours, is a handy base when in SF. Private bathroom space (not just a shower stall), free internet, and a fab dining room with old-style booth seating and a stage with live acts.
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Things to do in San Francisco
Guided tours, wandering the streets with a map or just hitting up the city's most popular destinations are all great options for sightseeing in San Francisco. These ideas should help you decide how best to spend your time.
Visit the Golden Gate Bridge. Along with cable cars, this iconic bridge defines the city of San Francisco. You can choose to go with a guided tour, or just on your own. Make sure to stop by the Welcome Center, where you can find information, exhibits and merchandise.
See Fisherman's Wharf.. One of the most popular San Francisco attractions, this historic waterfront is filled with restaurants and shops, and has a great view of Alcatraz. You can watch sea lions frolic on the west marina in Pier 39, visit the Aquarium of the Bay or visit one of the many museums, such as Madame Tussauds, the Cartoon Art Museum and Ripley's Believe it or Not.
Walking Tours. Hobnob tours take you inside chic Nob Hill mansions and cathedrals where you'll learn scandalous society secrets. Nearby, battle Lombard Street, "The Crookedest Street in the World", with eight switchbacks in quick succession to test your endurance. Nature lovers will enjoy tours of the city's parklands and natural beauties, including hidden treasures you'll only find with help from your guide.
The Mission District. It's worthwhile to have a wander through the streets of The Mission District for the fabulous street art decorating the sides of many buildings. The district is easily traversed on foot, and you can finish up with a drink in a bar or cafe at the gentrified Valencia Street.
Local Tastes Tour. Eat your way through the city on a Local Tastes Tour, where you'll indulge in neighbourhood specialities from Chinatown and Little Italy.
Take in the art. The city is a world-class arts destination filled with museums, galleries and performances of every kind. The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco boasts one of the finest collections of Asian art in the world. And music lovers might not be able to tear themselves away from the city's incredible year-round offerings at the San Francisco Opera, the second-largest opera in the USA.
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Day trips in and around San Francisco
Alcatraz. Hop the boat to Alcatraz Island, the now-defunct prison on a rock that held famous American bad guys such as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly Barnes. Make reservations or be prepared to wait a few hours around the wharf for a spot on the ferry; tours to this San Francisco hot-spot fill up fast.
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