Top things to do in San Francisco
Attractions, tours, and activities in San Francisco
Recommended museums in San Francisco
Where to find art and culture in San Francisco
San Francisco: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in San Francisco
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Mission
2 miles from downtown
Bookstores, bicycles and street art galore! Nothing embodies the ever-changing aura of SF like Mission. As multicultural as it gets, find mouthwatering tacos next to tropical fruit stalls, and cones of artisanal ice cream (hey there, Bi-Rite). Rent a bike and ride from hip Valencia to Dolores Park, where many a sun-kissed afternoon can be spent.
Places to stay from $49 a night
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Downtown San Francisco
In downtown
The hustle doesn’t quit downtown. From the early hours through midnight and on, this district is alive and kicking. Whether it’s the morning bustle of business commuters, the afternoon energy of urbanites or night owls flocking to the clubs, you'll get swept away by the true city feel. You can shop and eat on every corner and take the trolley to any area.
Places to stay from $26 a night
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Chinatown
0.4 miles from downtown
The oldest Chinatown in North America—and the largest Chinese community in the US—blends tradition with tourism. Look around and see what you find. Indulge in dim sum, shop exotic balms, and inspect the live chickens. Stop to smell the Chinese five spices (fennel, cloves and ginger anyone?), and let the chaos of Stockton Street envelope you.
Places to stay from $51 a night
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Fisherman's Wharf
1.4 miles from downtown
You’ll have plenty of company as you pick through the sights and sounds of the family-friendly Fisherman’s Wharf. Street performers, eclectic cafes and bowls of chowder all fight for your attention. The sea lions of Pier 39 are an all-ages affair, as is the Maritime Historical Park at Hyde Pier. Ferry your way across to the notorious Alcatraz prison.
Places to stay from $76 a night
About San Francisco
Including tips for the best time to visit San Francisco
San Francisco buzzes with an energy that guarantees everyone a good time. From hip neighborhoods and historic buildings to beautiful beaches and pristine parks, The Golden City is full of things to do and see.
Start with a shopping spree in Union Square, where luxury boutiques line wide streets and vintage cable cars continue rumbling. Then head over to nearby Chinatown – eight blocks packed with sights for a fun-filled afternoon.
The Embarcadero runs along the waterfront between Bay Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, and is famous for landmarks like Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, with its great restaurants and food stalls. Boats depart from this scenic boulevard to Alcatraz Island, just over a mile off the coast. This former federal prison was once home to notorious inmates like Al Capone and "Birdman" Robert Stroud. You can hear stories about their lives, crimes, and escapes on an audio-guided tour of the island.
Back in the Bay Area, the Golden Gate Bridge dominates the landscape. Whether crossing in a car, on a bike or by foot, the natural beauty on the other side is well worth the trek. Muir Woods is an isolated canyon full of ancient redwood trees, and the seaside town of Sausalito offers charming boutiques and sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay.
Tonight
From $74 per night
This weekend
From $149 per night
Next weekend
From $131 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | USD |
| Language | |
| Average weekend price | $186 per night |
| Average weekday price | $183 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in San Francisco
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in San Francisco
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Union Square
In downtown
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Alcatraz
2.7 miles from downtown
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Lombard Street
1.2 miles from downtown
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Castro District
2.5 miles from downtown
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San Francisco City Hall
0.9 miles from downtown
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Exploratorium
2.5 miles from downtown
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Ghirardelli Square
1.5 miles from downtown
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Ferry Building
0.9 miles from downtown
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Aquarium of the Bay
0.9 miles from downtown
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Intersection of Haight & Ashbury streets
2.5 miles from downtown
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San Francisco reviews
What other travelers say about San Francisco
Beautiful city with a lot to experience in terms of history,...
December 1, 2023
Beautiful city with a lot to experience in terms of history, culture and food. It can be very, very expensive, so it is recommended to plan carefully if cost is an issue. An an entire day by Fisherman's Wharf to see the sights and hit some of the cooler tourist shopping spots. While you're there head to Museum Mechanique for some classic gaming, and then head out the back to tour a WWII submarine. Don't forget a visit to the legendary Alcatraz - night visits even better. There are a lot of highlights in SF, so take your time, and enjoy as much as you can. Avoid the Tenderloin district. It's not safe for tourists. Don't forget the hills, so be ready for some power walking, or get yourself some wheels, or you'll be a hurting unit at the end of the day!
Amazing food everywhere we went.
November 27, 2023
Amazing food everywhere we went. Try Piccolo Forno in North Beach, it is incredible, and the atmosphere is old school and fun. And make sure you get an Irish coffee at The Buena Vista...totally worth the legendary status!
San Francisco is still a gem of Northern California.
November 26, 2023
San Francisco is still a gem of Northern California. We found it just as lovely as ever; the only changes were so many signs in car windows claiming "doors unlocked, nothing inside, please don't break windows." Also our Uber drivers have their windows down and warned us to place our purses on the floor by our feet. China Town is the CLEANEST part of town with the BEST food experiences, while Little Italy still has outstanding dinners and desserts. Bars were unexpectedly uncrowded on a Friday & Saturday night -- prices still too high for "crafted" cocktails but they were delicious. Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory for authentic fortune cookies -- claim is it's one of the two original fortune cookie factories in the world (There is a dispute as to which one opened first; I'm not taking sides) -- Watch these talented cookie creatures do their thing -- you can even make a personalized fortune cookie! Had tea at the Fairmont -- strongly recommend if you enjoy old-fashioned adventures with hat and gloves (I do) -- always start with a French 75 or Mimosa in the restaurant bar beforehand ... Mona Lisa in Little Italy -- now has a second location across the street where they have an actual bar, not just wine service!! Deliciously decadent and so worth it! All in all, San Francisco -- visit while you can, I don't know how long we will continue to spend a weekend in this historical city that has tarnished so much over the past few years.
Nice place to visit once, maybe twice.
November 22, 2023
Nice place to visit once, maybe twice.... Three times is too much.... Ghirardelli square is nice but overated... Their chocolates and ice cram are good, but not the best ones (even in San Francisco and in walking distance from them you find better ice cream...). Alcatraz and Golden Gate is a must see and Fisherman's Wharf / Pier 39 is a good place to walk and eat at decent price. If you have the opportunity, go see a basketball / baseball / football game. There are some interesting neighborhoods to see, but not mandatory.... Napa Valley is much more interesting and has more nature spots to see and visit....
It's a world class city because of its location and...
November 22, 2023
It's a world class city because of its location and setting as well as it's rich cultural heritage. Despite it having challenges in terms of high housing costs and many people living in the streets, the city is worth visiting.
A beautiful city that is no longer safe for tourists.
November 21, 2023
A beautiful city that is no longer safe for tourists. Crime is out of control, the bums are on every corner alley and Main Street. The Wharf are was a disgrace at 8am. Sleeping and deficating in the hallways and on the sidewalks that other humans have to use to enter the restaurants and shops. The authorities have blinders on, and there is no police action
Popular places to stay in San Francisco
Stay in some of the best accommodations San Francisco has to offer
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Perfect Location - 4BD,1BA - Restored Redwood Home North Beach, San Francisco
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San Francisco Retreat Just Steps from Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach! home Sunset District, San Francisco
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