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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

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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 $87 per night

Next weekend

From $121 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency USD
Language
Average weekend price $184 per night
Average weekday price $155 per night
Average stay 2 nights

Points of interest in San Francisco

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San Francisco reviews

What other travelers say about San Francisco

10

Wonderful city and I shall return.

April 30, 2024

Wonderful city and I shall return. Great mix of ages, ethnicities, cultures, and all inclusive to whom ever you are wherever I visited. Easy to get around the city and its surroundings. Lots to do and see. Amazing foods.

Murphy
Murphy United States of America
6.0

Since the homeless were hustled out of the City to make it...

April 28, 2024

Since the homeless were hustled out of the City to make it look good for the Chinese visitors a while ago, it's not as bad as it was but still not great. However, there are still many car break-ins happening and are warned by the hotels to not leave anything in your car. The DeYoung Museum, The Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, Japantown, China Town, The Momo and the wharfs are all favorite places to visit. Getting around is very slow due to traffic and parking is expensive. When you leave the City, do not attempt it past 2:30PM as traffic is barely creeping. I suggest taking Lift or Uber around the City during your stay, they are everywhere and inexpensive. We always eat in Japantown, restaurants in the Filmore District, and just outside of Golden Gate Park. Enjoy the City as there is a lot to experience.

Anonymous
10

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.

Jillynn
Jillynn United States of America
10

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.

LWG
LWG
6.0

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.

Andri Sori Muda
Andri Sori Muda Indonesia
10

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.

Anonymous

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