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San Francisco buzzes with an energy that guarantees anyone a good time. From hip neighbourhoods and historic buildings, to beautiful beaches and pristine parks, there’s no end of things to do in The Golden City.

Indulge your shopping habit in Union Square, where high-end boutiques line wide streets along which vintage cable cars trundle. A few blocks from here is Chinatown – eight blocks of interesting sights that will keep you entertained for the afternoon.

Running along the waterfront between Bay Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero is renowned for top attractions like Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, an iconic landmark known for its top-notch restaurants and food stalls. This scenic boulevard is also where boats depart for Alcatraz Island, located just over a mile (almost two kilometres) offshore. This former federal prison was once home to notorious inmates like Al Capone and ‘Birdman’ Robert Stroud. You can hear all about their lives, and stories of escapes and scandals during an audio-guided tour of the site.

Back in the Bay Area, it’s impossible not to spot the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which can be crossed by car, bike or on foot. In any case, a whole other world of beauty awaits on the other side. Muir Woods, an isolated canyon filled with ancient redwood trees, is well worth visiting, as is the seaside town of Sausalito – famous for its cute boutiques and sweeping views of San Francisco Bay.

Tonight

From £54 per night

This weekend

From £108 per night

Next weekend

From £130 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency US$10 = £7.92
Language
Average weekend price £124 per night
Average weekday price £118 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Points of interest in San Francisco

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San Francisco reviews

What other travellers say about San Francisco

10

A lovely city, San Francisco has the lot!

27 March 2024

A lovely city, San Francisco has the lot! It's always sad to see the homelessness and rampant drug addiction in the Tenderloin and right down to Market St in some places. In most cases you are left alone, however travelling as a single female I can imagine it's intimidating. Try to avoid that area, everywhere else seems fine and safe as any big city. If you have a spare day for touristic activities highly recommend the SF Bay ferry system - can use them to get to the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier Museum! Neat!!

Anderson
Anderson Sweden
10

Public transport second to none.

21 March 2024

Public transport second to none. Very easy to get anywhere. All grid system so can walk everywhere without getting lost. The separate areas are all authentic, Japan town, China T, Mexican, Italian, etc. Food amazing Trips amazing Everyone v friendly A relaxed place

Karolena
Karolena United Kingdom
8.0

Loved San Fran, have to admit was a bit apprehensive having...

20 March 2024

Loved San Fran, have to admit was a bit apprehensive having read some of the comments and social media however we felt safe at all times. We stayed in Fisherman's Wharf, frequented pier 39 several times, rode the railcar, enjoyed the night life and walked through China Town. Also took the ferry to Alcatraz which was enjoyable. Look there are homeless people around, but that's true now in nearly every major city. We didn't visit the city extensively but the 3 days we were there and the places we visited were very enjoyable. Thought the driverless cab was hilarious. People-friendly, prices-usual city surcharge, weather in march-bright and dry. Fab hotdogs from the stalls along the Wharf. Lots more we could have done so plenty to fill a 4/5 day trip.

Robbie Rig
Robbie Rig Ireland
10

Hayes Valley is a fun, beautiful area in San Francisco.

16 March 2024

Hayes Valley is a fun, beautiful area in San Francisco. It’s a great area to stay to visit SF Jazz, SF Opera, the Asian Art Museum and so much more. The restaurants and shopping are varied and often pretty memorable, making you want to return. Walking around the neighborhood, you’ll find a few nice parks full of people just enjoying their day.

Debra
Debra
8.0

We drove and left our rental in the underground parking at...

13 March 2024

We drove and left our rental in the underground parking at the hotel it was expensive to park but the Riu Fisherman’s Wharf was a very nice hotel with a fantastic breakfast buffet included. We pre booked Alcatraz tickets and a boat cruise for the following day both were great and should be booked well in advance. We enjoyed the touristy Fishermans wharf area, food was expensive everywhere. We had a great ride on the hop on hop off bus which took us around town and over the Golden Gate Bridge the bus driver was great and tells you good spots to get off or Not. We then hoped on the historic trolley which took us back to Fishermans Wharf. We spent 3 days in San Francisco which I felt was great. I wouldn’t go walking outside after dark and know where the unsafe areas of the city are.

Tim
Tim Canada
8.0

You have to know what areas are safe to walk or travel...

12 March 2024

You have to know what areas are safe to walk or travel through. We walked and were out at night until 1am, no issues, but one of us knows the area. There are homeless everywhere even near our hotel by the peir, but most are not looking to bother you. Family friendly during daytime.

Raul
Raul United States

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