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San Francisco Travel Guide

A West Coast city famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars climbing steep hills and its waterfront piers. Compact enough to explore on foot, with ferries to seaside towns and a famous island prison tour.

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At a glance

Currency: USD ($)
Power & plugs: 120V · Type A/B
Driving side: Right
Tipping: Expected (usually 15–20%)
Local language: English
How long to stay: 5 to 6 days

Emergency numbers

Police911
Ambulance911
Fire911

When to go

September-October is the sunniest and warmest time. June-August often brings fog and chilly days, so bring a jacket. November-March sees more rain. Mornings and evenings are cool all year, so pack layers.

Airport to the city

BART rail

From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) station straight to downtown (Powell or Embarcadero). The most economical option.

Time about 30 min to downtownCost about US$10-12

Ride-hailing or taxi

Easiest with luggage or family. Ride-hailing uses designated pickup zones at the airport.

Time about 25-40 min to downtown, depending on trafficCost about US$40-70

Shared shuttle

A shared shuttle that drops you at your hotel — cheaper than a taxi if you travel alone.

Time about 40-60 min to downtownCost varies by operator (check official)

Getting around

City buses and light rail

Cover most of the city. A transit card (phone-compatible) makes it easy, and multi-day passes exist — check official information.

Cable cars

The iconic hill-climbing ride. Single fares are pricey, so compare with a pass. Lines at the turnarounds get long in peak season.

BART

Fast links to the airport, downtown and Oakland.

Walking and ferries

Hills are steep — wear comfortable shoes. Ferries from the piers reach nearby towns.

Where to stay

Union Square

Good for: First visit, shopping, transport

The downtown hub of department stores and hotels, near a cable-car turnaround and BART. Some nearby blocks change after dark, so stick to main streets.

Fisherman's Wharf

Good for: Families, piers, seafood

The busy waterfront area, close to the Alcatraz ferry pier.

North Beach and Chinatown

Good for: Strolling, cafes and restaurants

An Italian-American cafe district next to historic Chinatown — great on foot.

SoMa

Good for: Museums, modern hotels

Museums, the convention center and newer hotels, close to downtown.

Mission District

Good for: Local feel, murals, food

Mural-lined alleys and Mexican restaurants, with a park and often warmer weather.

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Top sights

Golden Gate Bridge
The city's red icon — cross on foot or by bike. Afternoons, when the fog lifts, are often best for photos.
Alcatraz Island
A tour of the former island prison that sells out early. Book in advance with the national park's official operator and beware of costly resellers.
Fisherman's Wharf and piers
Sea lions lounging on the docks, souvenir shops and seafood stands. Watch your belongings.
Ride a cable car
Routes with bay views over the hills are the favorites. Ride early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Lombard Street
A short, winding slope lined with flowers — a famous photo spot. It is a residential street, so keep noise down.
Golden Gate Park
A huge park with museums, a botanical garden and gardens — good for a half-day stroll.
Chinatown
North America's oldest Chinatown, full of shops and dim sum restaurants.
Sausalito (day trip)
A bayside town about 30 minutes by ferry. Biking over the Golden Gate Bridge and taking the ferry back is a popular combo.

Tours & tickets →

What to eat

Sourdough and clam chowder

Clam chowder served in a tangy sourdough bread bowl — a waterfront classic.

Mission burrito

A huge burrito of rice, beans and meat, a Mission District specialty.

Dungeness crab

A big local crab in season each winter, served at waterfront restaurants. The season start can vary year to year. Check prices on market-price menus.

Dim sum

Small dumpling dishes enjoyed for breakfast or lunch in Chinatown and around the city.

Coffee

A city with a strong roastery culture — every neighborhood has its own standout cafes.

Daily budget (per person)

Budgetabout US$180 per day: hostel, simple meals, public transit

Mid-rangeabout US$350-450 per day: city hotel, restaurants, Alcatraz tour

Comfortabout US$800+ per day: upscale hotel, tasting menus, private car

Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.

Sample itinerary

Day 1
BART into town, check in, Union Square, then a cable car to the waterfront.
Day 2
Alcatraz tour in the morning (booked), Fisherman's Wharf, then North Beach in the evening.
Day 3
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, ferry back, then dim sum in Chinatown.
Day 4
Golden Gate Park, then the Mission District's murals and a burrito.
Day 5
Lombard Street, souvenirs, then BART to the airport with time to spare.

Local tips

Car break-ins are very common. Never leave bags or belongings visible in a parked or rental car.
Some downtown blocks change after dark. Stick to main streets late at night and use ride-hailing.
Even in summer, fog and wind make it chilly. Dress in layers and bring a jacket.
The hills are very steep. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Tipping is normal at restaurants and in taxis (usually 15-20% at restaurants). Check whether a service charge is already included.
Book Alcatraz only through the national park's official operator and beware of costly resellers.
Entering the US requires prior authorization such as ESTA. Apply only on the official US government site and check the US Embassy's information.