San Francisco is always worth a trip

There aren’t many cities in the U.S. that are easy and comfortable to explore on foot. One of them is San Francisco – here you can experience almost all the sights in the city center on foot. And the sights outside the city center are also easily accessible by bus. A great thing, especially in such a beautiful city as San Francisco.

Rather European-looking and full of colorful sights

Downtown San Francisco is ideal for a stroll through the city. For example, the districts around Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf are ideal for exploring on foot. And even the lively and interesting Chinatown can be easily reached without a vehicle. In San Francisco, it’s also better to get around without a car. Because the narrow streets and the few expensive parking spaces do not exactly make it easy for motorists. And if you feel like taking a break due to the many hills and valleys, there is a good public transport network including the famous cable car railway. The bus and subway transport network takes you everywhere at good prices. San Francisco seems more European and offers visitors a colorful mix of many different sights. The commercial aspect is not as much in the foreground as in Los Angeles or Las Vegas, for example. San Francisco is a city worth seeing and always worth a visit. By the way, if you like to walk, you will get a very special insight into the city. There is something new to discover around every corner.

San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the World’s Most Winding Road

Probably the most famous landmark of San Francisco in California is the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a sublime feeling to walk over the almost three-kilometre-long bridge. From up here you have a great view over the Bay Area. In 1937, the suspension bridge was opened. This provides a connection between Marin County and San Francisco. It also makes it possible to get quickly from the surrounding area to the city. It is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and more than 100,000 vehicles use the bridge every day. The Golden Gate Bridge is a popular photo motif. The many vantage points around the bridge are ideal for this. It is advisable to visit several of them at different times and on different days. Because it is not uncommon for the structure to “disappear” in the fog. Tip: Visitors should take advantage of the opportunity in good weather and pay a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge immediately.

For most visitors to the city, a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge is a must – just like a picture of Lombard Street. This road is truly unique and is considered the most winding road in the world. The street is located in the north of San Francisco. It stretches across the entire peninsula. It starts at the Presidio in the west and up to the Embarcadero in the east. However, the road is not completely passable. The part of Lombard Street admired by San Francisco visitors is a small part of the street between Hyde and Leavenworth Street – just under 200 meters. Originally, the part of the road was a normal straight road. But due to a steep slope of the hill of almost 30 percent, there were often major problems. Therefore, eight curves were built into the road in 1922 – today they are world famous. You can’t imagine San Francisco without them – the cable cars. It is very impressive to see how they fight their way over the numerous steep hills of the city. The streetcars are pulled by cables and used to be San Francisco’s main mode of transportation. The ride with the cable cars saves visitors long walks through the center and provides an indescribable feeling.

In addition to the cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge, another highlight is the former Alcatraz prison. The world-famous rock in the sea off San Francisco is surrounded by a very special myth. The former prison was considered escape-proof. This was ensured by the exceptional location and the cold water. When an escape did occur – in which all but one prisoner was recaptured – the facility was closed. Today, it is a real visitor magnet and can be visited without any problems. However, visitors should take care of tickets for tours and the ferry crossing well in advance – preferably several months in advance. Alcatraz is located about two kilometers off San Francisco in Golden Gate Bay. The island is about 500 meters wide and was not originally intended as a prison island. In A lighthouse was built here in the 19th century. This was the first on the West Coast of the United States. It was not until the beginning of the In the 20th century, the island was “discovered” as a prison. The reason for this: The remote location and the strong currents should make escape attempts impossible. Union Square is also worth a visit. This is located in Downtown San Francisco, north of Market Street. This is also a turning point of the cable cars. From Union Square you can also quickly reach Chinatown, which is located a little to the north. Union Square – in the middle of the center of the city – is interesting by day and night. Because there are countless shops and restaurants here that invite you to shop and feast.

San Francisco’s Chinatown is also well worth seeing. Visitors immerse themselves in an exotic mix of the Far East and the modern West. So it is not surprising that thousands of tourists stroll through the streets every day. In order to enable the construction of the transcontinental railroad, numerous workers from Asia came to the USA in the middle of the 19th century. But the people did not like the new immigrants. This led to them settling in their own neighborhood. This then became today’s Chinatown with its own shops and restaurants as well as its own houses. Many of these original houses were destroyed in the great earthquake of 1906. But fortunately, some of them were rebuilt true to the original.

San Francisco: The 7 most important sights with a location map

1. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s landmark and one of the most photographed structures in the world.
It connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers breathtaking views of the bay.

2. Alcatraz Iceland

Alcatraz Iceland, also known as “The Rock”, was once home to a notorious prison.
Today, the island is a popular tourist destination that offers fascinating insights into the history of Prison Island.

3. Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most visited attractions.
Here you will find a variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment options, as well as a great view of the bay.

4. Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a green oasis in the middle of the city.
You’ll find plenty of attractions here, including the Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young Museum, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

5. Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest Chinatown communities outside of Asia.
Here you can immerse yourself in the culture, eat in authentic restaurants and buy unique souvenirs.

6. Lombard Street

Lombard Street is known as the most winding street in the world.
The road winds down the hill in tight curves and is lined with beautiful flower beds.

7. Pier 39

Pier 39 is a lively place full of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Here you can watch the famous sea lions sunbathing on the swimming platforms.

The 5 most important museums in San Francisco

1. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

SFMOMA is one of the largest modern art museums in the United States and is home to an impressive collection of contemporary artwork. Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103 Opening hours: Friday – Tuesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Thursday 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm Admission: 25 USD

2. Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is an interactive museum that explores science, art, and human perception.
It is especially popular with families. Address: Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111 Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Admission: 29.95 USD

3. California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a natural science museum that combines an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum under one roof. Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 Opening hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission: 39.95 USD

4. De Young Museum

The De Young Museum showcases American art from the 17th to the 21st century, as well as art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Admission: 15 USD

5. Asian Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian artwork in the world, from ancient to contemporary works. Address: 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102 Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Admission: 15 USD

Things to do outside San Francisco

1. Muir Woods National Monument

Just about 30 minutes north of San Francisco is Muir Woods National Monument, a beautiful sanctuary with imposing coastal redwoods.
It is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

2. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world and is located about an hour from San Francisco.
Visitors can take wine tours and sample some of the region’s best wines.

3. Sausalito

Sausalito is a quaint seaside town located directly across the street from San Francisco.
It offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and is known for its art galleries and restaurants.

4. Point Reyes National Seashore

About an hour and a half from San Francisco is Point Reyes National Seashore, a protected coastal area with dramatic cliffs, picturesque beaches, and abundant wildlife.

Where to stay in San Francisco

Luxury Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

The Ritz-Carlton offers luxurious accommodations, first-class service and a central location near Chinatown and the Financial District.

4-star hotel: Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Hotel Nikko offers modern rooms and a full range of services, including a swimming pool and gym.
It is located in the heart of San Francisco, near Union Square.

3-star hotel: Hotel Zephyr

Hotel Zephyr is a trendy boutique hotel near Fisherman’s Wharf.
It offers modern amenities and a central location.

Budget Hotel: HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel offers budget accommodation near Union Square.
It’s a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Popular Restaurants in San Francisco

1. Benu

Benu is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves creative dishes with Asian influences.
It offers an exquisite dining experience.

2. Zuni Café

Zuni Café is known for its fresh, seasonal dishes and the famous fried chicken specialty.
It is located in the Hayes Valley and is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists.

3. Tadich Grill

Tadich Grill is one of the oldest restaurants in San Francisco and is known for its traditional seafood dishes and classic charm.

4. La Taqueria

La Taqueria is one of the best places to eat Mexican food in San Francisco.
The burritos and tacos are legendary and attract visitors from all over the city.

FAQ: Important questions about San Francisco

When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

The best time to visit San Francisco is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded.
Summer can often be foggy and cool.

What is the best way to get around San Francisco?

San Francisco has a well-developed public transportation system, including the famous cable cars.
Bicycles and Uber/Lyft are also popular means of transportation in the city.

How expensive is San Francisco?

San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States.
Travelers should plan accordingly and look for budget options, especially when it comes to hotels and restaurants.

What currency is used in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, the US dollar ($) is used.
Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants.

Is there a City Card in San Francisco?

Yes, the San Francisco CityPASS offers free admission to many attractions and unlimited use of public transportation.

Weather in San Francisco

 

Bibliography

• Information about attractions and museums: San Francisco Travel

Article updated on August 16, 2024