The Best Travel Guide to San Francisco, California

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San Francisco, California

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The guide was updated: 2019-12-11

Also known as the "City by the Bay," San Francisco is diverse, colorful, and vibrant. Famous for its steep hills, colorful Victorian houses, year-round fog, beautiful panoramic vistas, and excellent cuisine, the city attracts visitors from all corners of the world due to its beauty, culture, history, and dynamic ambiance. Its eclectic mix of architecture, sandy beaches, ethnic and cultural diversity, and entertainment for all ages make San Francisco a great choice for a vacation.

Facts

Population:	884,363
Currency:	U.S. Dollar, $1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	San Francisco Chronicle The San Francisco Examiner
Opening hours:	Shops: 9h - 21h Banks: Mon - Fri 9h - 17h ATM: 24 hours
Tourist information:	San Francisco Visitor Information Centers 900 Market Street - San Francisco, CA +1 415 391 2000 Mon - Fri 9h - 17h Sat - Sun 9h - 15h

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Section in San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a diverse destination, encompassing nature, history, art, science and some of the most beautiful scenery along the West Coast of the United States. Pop culture and old traditions are neatly packed into this one fabulous city. Wander around the distinct neighborhoods, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, ride the cable cars and explore everything San Francisco has to offer.

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is acclaimed as one of the world’s most beautiful bridges. Its bright orange towers and sweeping main cables glow in the sunshine or are engulfed in the fog that frequents this area. No matter if you drive, walk or bicycle across this engineering marvel, the views are just spectacular.

Exploratorium

Exploratorium

Kids and adults will find themselves busy for hours going through this science museum's many interactive exhibits. Come with time on your hands, as you will probably want to stay longer than originally planned.

San Francisco Cable Cars

San Francisco Cable Cars

No visit would be complete without a ride on a cable car. These cable-powered streetcars have been transporting people up and down the fabulous hills of San Francisco since 1873. A highlight of the ride is actually at the end (or beginning) at the turnaround. Watch while drivers push the cable car on a rotating platform 180 degrees for the trip back up the hill.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf

A long strip along the waterfront is home to the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. A working waterfront, also called Fish Alley, sells tons of sole, shrimp, salmon, and squid every year. Crab season (mid November - June) is the time for seafood lovers. There is shopping, entertainment, restaurants and vendors who sell Dungeness Crab ready to eat.

Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay

In addition to the expected displays of sea life, this unusual aquarium invites visitors into the hidden world of life under the San Francisco Bay. A moving walkway takes you through two crystal clear tunnels, 300 feet in length, surrounded by 700,000 gallons of filtered Bay water and more than 23,000 aquatic animals.

Lombard Street

Lombard Street

This steep and winding street is the most photographed street in San Francisco. Tourists come to the Russian Hill to see, drive or walk down the "crookedest street in the world," that has in total eight hairpin turns. The Hyde Street Cable Car makes a stop at the top of Lombard Street. From here, you can get amazing views of the Fisherman’s Wharf and the Bay.

Alcatraz

Alcatraz

Once a federal prison housing dangerous and notorious criminals, Alcatraz (The Rock) now welcomes tourists into the cell blocks once occupied by the likes of Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and the Birdman of Alcatraz. Self-guided audio tours have dramatic narratives of Alcatraz’s grim history, including realistic sound effects one would hear in prison.

Walt Disney Family Museum

Walt Disney Family Museum

If you are a Walt Disney fan, then this is the place to visit. Here, you will learn more about the fascinating and inspiring story of Walt Disney – the man behind Mickey Mouse and Snow White. This fun museum features historic materials and artifacts, including early drawings and animation, movies, music and much more.

Legion of Honor

Legion of Honor

Take a stroll around this lovely setting and admire the impressive building. The Legion of Honor building is a replica of the Palais de la Legion d'Honneur in Paris and it was completed in 1924. This is also one of San Francisco’s fine arts museums with lots of sculptures, porcelain and European paintings.

Cable Car Museum

Cable Car Museum

This museum is located in a cable car barn and powerhouse and it was established in 1974. On display, various mechanical devices such as tracks, cable, tools, detailed models and a collection of historic photographs. There are also three antique cable cars from the 1870s.

San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo houses 250 species and includes a children's zoo, miniature train and carousel. This is also a center that takes care of rare and endangered species – a great place for a day trip with the family. In case you get hungry, there is a restaurant inside.

Chinatown

Chinatown

A walk through the dragon-adorned Pagoda Gates leads visitors into the colorful and exciting area of San Francisco known as Chinatown. It is tightly packed with exotic shops, ethnic food markets, and excellent restaurants. In February each year, the Chinese New Year is celebrated here with parades and dancing dragons.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach

The Ocean Beach is located at the end of the Golden Gate Park, and it is a perfect place to relax in the sun or even take a romantic walk relishing the sunset. During the weekend, if the weather is warm, it can get quite crowded but it still worth a visit.

City Segway Tours of San Francisco

City Segway Tours of San Francisco

Explore and get to know the city in an exciting and fun way – with a segway. City Segway Tours is the first guided tour using Segways in the world and offers you a great tour with fascinating stories and information about the history of San Francisco. This will truly be an experience that you will never forget!

Asian Art Museum

Asian Art Museum

This is one of the largest museums in the world devoted exclusively to Asian art. It houses a collection spanning 6,000 years of history. Here, you can admire sculptures, paintings, ceramics, furniture and textiles. Do not miss the amazing terracotta warriors from China.

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park is much more than just trees and walking paths - it houses multiple attractions, such as the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum and even a Japanese Tea Garden. Come with time to spare, and bring your bike along on a Sunday, when a large portion of the park is reserved for cycling.

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