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 $49 per night
This weekend
From $111 per night
Next weekend
From $114 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | USD |
| Language | |
| Average weekend price | $181 per night |
| Average weekday price | $154 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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Golden Gate Bridge
4.2 miles from downtown
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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
San Francisco reviews
What other travelers say about San Francisco
We stayed in union Square area and it was a 5 minute walk...
April 21, 2024
We stayed in union Square area and it was a 5 minute walk from the Powel station bart. The area felt safe and clean, we stayed away from the Tenderloin. Taking the cable cars to peir 39 was fun, so many great places to eat seafood and visit the shops, we saw an improvement in panhandling and streets were clean we are already planning our next visit. We recommend eating at the Sears restaraunt and Lori's 50's diner, the Matador for Mexican food, and The Chancellor Hotel was excellent.
Terrific.
April 20, 2024
Terrific. Went to Alcatraz. Highly recommend. Very interesting. History. Good restaurants as recommended by the bellman and concierge. Restaurant in hotel was very expensive. Every single employee was super nice.!! Would definitely recommend the Beacon Grand. Beautiful hotel. Very clean.
Actually a great city for tourism.
April 8, 2024
Actually a great city for tourism. But lately too many homeless in the street / people who using drugs or smoke marijuana in some location really make a not so comfortable experience.. The government should do something about it.
I love San Francisco for the convenience of walking around...
April 5, 2024
I love San Francisco for the convenience of walking around and having plenty to do all day. They have plenty of beautiful parks and locations to enjoy the views and sights of San Francisco. There are so many museums and attractions, and so much to learn about the area and it’s cultures and environment. This visit San Francisco looked and felt so much cleaner than a year ago that I visited. My family walked to many places feeling safe.
Beautiful multi cultural city, you have the harbour, the...
April 3, 2024
Beautiful multi cultural city, you have the harbour, the bridge, alcatraz, fishermans wharf, union square for shopping and eating. We did the movie tour of the city for the 2nd time =,wonderful tour with each stop/ city sector in San Fran connected to movie scenes locations that you can relate to. Makes the experience special. Would def recommend. We also did the ferry to Sausilito, lovely Town on the water with souvenir shopping + restaurants and cafes and great view back to the city. We caught the bus back across the Golden Gate bridge .. recommend that you get $13USD day pass that covers cable cars and buses for the day. The ferry would be additional cost $14 so to save money you could get bus there and back.
It was fun taking my partner who had just moved to CA to see...
April 2, 2024
It was fun taking my partner who had just moved to CA to see San Francisco. We went to a concert but were able to walk around for a few hours before on Pier 39. She loved seeing the otters and sea lions. It was a great day. Disappointed in some of the shops closing or changing, but overall, you can't go wrong with a visit to San Francisco. We also enjoyed going to China Town. We will be back!
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
From $595 per night
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Beautiful Condo in Sun Drenched Garden Potrero Hills, San Francisco
From $182.25 per night
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Bali Hai Castro San Francisco, United States of America
From $547 per night
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Sunny Victorian with Stunning View and Wraparound Deck San Francisco, United States of America
From $360 per night
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San Francisco Retreat Just Steps from Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach! home Sunset District, San Francisco
From $462.29 per night
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