San Francisco travel guide
Meet San FranciscoSan Francisco weather reportGetting into San FranciscoTop attractions in San FranciscoGetting around San FranciscoWhere to eat in San FranciscoPage 2 : More information on San Francisco
Meet San Francisco
San Francisco May Be the financial capital of the West Coast , but it is a city with an artistic rather than commercial and spirit . Renowned for its progressive political thought , and tolerance of all cultures , this metropolis is a haven for musicians , poets , artists , and bohemians from all walks of life .
Union Square is San Francisco 's theatrical epicenter , home to the Geary Theatre : the oldest playhouse in the city . The SoMa neighborhood boasts several spectacular museums , including the renowned Museum of Modern Art . The Civic Center houses musical institutions , Such as the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium , and art can be found at every turn in the Mission district , Which is filled with colorful Murals .
Add this to the cool jazz venues , the 300 coffee houses , the open mic Poetry Slams , and famous landmarks , droughts , and the island of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge , and it 's not hard to see why the city is frequently voted one of the best places to live in the USA .
San Francisco weather report
San Francisco enjoys a mild climate all year round , with it 's a great place to enjoy a city break at any time of year . The summer months of June to August are peak season . At this time , temperatures usually hover around 21 degrees Celsius , but the morning fog and ocean breezes can make it feel a little cooler .
The autumn shoulder season of September and October is perhaps the best time to grab a bargain flight to the city . Temperatures are actually a little warmer at this time , OFTEN hitting 23 degrees , and there are fewer tourists wandering around, you'll get in to see what San Francisco is really like for the locals .
Winter remains mild , with an average temperature of 10 degrees , but it is OFTEN during this rainy season . You can still enjoy a great holiday at this time of year : if rain falls , just head inside to the theaters , museums , jazz clubs , or cozy wine bars .
Getting into San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport, where the majority of international flights to the city land , is situated 20 km south of the city center , and there are plenty of ways to reach downtown San Francisco from here . A cheap transport option is the Sam Trans bus , Which Departs from the airport 's arrivals terminals every half hour . A single ticket to the city center costs just $ 1.25 , and the journey should take between 25 and 45 minutes , Depending on the traffic .
Alternatively , the American Airporter Shuttle and provides 24- hour , door - to- door service from the airport to San Francisco and surrounding areas . One way van trips cost from $ 15 - $ 50 Depending on destination .
There are also taxi ranks outside the arrivals area of every terminal . The fair is metered , and for the 30 minute trip to downtown San Francisco , you would expect to pay around $ 30-45 .
Top attractions in San Francisco
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The most iconic of San Francisco 's attractions is Undoubtedly the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge , Which connects the city to Marin County . Spanning 2.7km , and containing enough steel wire to encircle the earth three times , this is one of the greatest industrial wonders of the modern world .
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But this construction is also an artistic achievement : the rusty red glow of the bridge 's soaring towers , the graceful suspension and perfect symmetry of the structure , and the beautiful backdrop of the San Francisco skyline , make it easy to see why this is the most photographed bridge on the planet . Craning your neck to see the bridge 's 65 storey high towers loom over you , is the best way to appreciate the immensity of the structure - just make sure you being a warm jacket as it can get very windy up this high .
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Another attraction that should definitely be on your itinerary is Alcatraz . This rocky island , in the middle of San Francisco Bay , is famous for its former use as a Federal prison . Walk through the cell blocks where Al Capone , George " Machine Gun " Kelley , and Robert " The Birdman " Stroud were once held, before you stop off at the Alcatraz museum , to learn all about the history of the island . To bear in mind that no food or drink is sold on Alcatraz , having it might be worth taking a packed lunch with you .
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When you've enjoyed a hectic day of sightseeing , you can find a spot of rest at the Golden Gate Park Which , Which boasts over 1.017 acres of grounds, and is 20% bigger than New York 's Central Park . The Japanese Tea Garden is a must see : enjoy a cake and a hot drink at the tea house , or simply relax by the serene streams . Then , why not rent a paddle boat for a trip down languorous Stow Lake , or catch some rays on the gigantic Polo Field ?
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If you enjoy more active pursuits , the park is also a great place to enjoy a bike ride or rollerblading , with various places to rent sporting equipment for the day . While, if you fancy a bit of culture , you can take a trip to the park 's de Young Museum , which houses a rich variety of art , from the 5th century to the present , or head to the Shakespeare garden , Which is full of plants mentioned in the bard 's plays , and displays passages from his work on stone tablets .
Getting around San Francisco
Many of San Francisco 's greatest sights are best reached on foot . Nowhere in the city and offers superb views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the promenade between Crissy Field and Fort Point , and walking across the bridge itself is something that every visitor to the city should do . There are also some great climbs that can be enjoyed in the city , as the dry steps up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower , Which will reward you with breathtaking views of the bay .
But , if you'd rather save your feet from the city 's notoriously steep hills , the public transport system , operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency ( Muni ) , will enable you to easily get around . Muni 's buses , Cable Cars, and historic streetcars , operate citywide . They are frequent , reliable , and give you the chance to enjoy a spot of sightseeing free as you travel . Alternatively , Muni 's light rail system is a great transport option if you want to quickly get to and from the southern San Francisco 's downtown Neighbourhoods .
You can travel for 90 minutes on any of Muni 's transport vehicles for $ 2 .Usually , payment must be made using the exact fare , to make sure that you have the right change before you board . If you plan to travel on the Muni system a lot during your stay , then it is a good idea to buy a Muni Passport , Which will allow you unlimited travel on Muni services : you can pay $ 13 for a one day pass , $ 20 for three days, or $ 26 for seven days . These passes are sold at a number of venues , including the ticket booths on Powell Street and Market Street and the Visitor Information Centre on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza .
For door - to- door transport , San Francisco 's taxis are a great travel option , and can be easily hailed on the streets downtown , or booked in advance if you want to get picked up from somewhere less busy. Fares are Calculated by the feet , Which starts at $ 3.30 and runs at about $ 2.25 per mile . Many taxis accept credit cards now , Which can be very convenient if you do not like carrying cash , but to bear in mind that tipping is almost obligatory here , and drivers expect 10-15% .
If you'd rather be the one doing the driving , there are various companies in the city that offer car hire , with most deals that include insurance and unlimited mileage . A valid driving license is required , and a having a second form of identification to hand is also advisable . To remember that driving in the city can be a bit confusing : are steep hills , cable cars and pedestrians have the right of way , and parking is limited and comes at HEFTY premium . San Francisco is so well served by its public transport network that it is only really worth hiring a vehicle , if you plan to take a trip outside the city .
Where to eat in San Francisco
San Francisco is a truly Epicurean city , boasting a wide variety of restaurants where fresh , local ingredients are used to create delicious dishes . Fisherman's Wharf for fresh seafood , get yourself to North Beach for the finest Italian cuisine in the city , try the Mission district for Mexican fare , or head to Chinatown for noodles , dim sum , and other oriental delicacies . Whatever your taste buds crave , they are sure to be satisfied in this city .
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Seafood fans will love Michelin - starred restaurant , One Market , on Market Street . The mouth watering menu includes sea urchin Omelette , and a delicious variety of fish dishes . With its elegant décor and panoramic views of the waterfront , this restaurant treats the eyes , almost as much as the mouth .
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If you fancy authentic Italian food , the Steps of Rome Caffe is a great place to eat . Try the authentic stone baked pizzas , one of the wide range of pasta dishes , or a crisp , fresh salad , bursting with Mediterranean vegetables . Come here in the afternoon for espresso , in the evening for dinner , or late at night to relax with a glass of Chianti .
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One of the best Mexican restaurants in the city is Mexico DF , on Steuart Street . Come here with friends , and order some of the sharing platters to really experience the vast variety of flavors on the menu .
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House of Nanking is one of the finest eater in San Francisco 's Chinatown . Why not sample the shrimp and green onion pancakes with peanut sauce , or try one of the daily specials, Which will be prepared in front of you in the exhibition kitchen ? The restaurant is extremely popular , with Ensure that you make a reservation to Avoid disappointment .
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Vegetarians should definitely check out the Greens . The deep -dish pie of winter vegetables with a parmesan potato crust , is highly recommended , while the restaurant 's enchanting Bay views also make it a great spot for a romantic meal .