San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California, United States

Also known as the City by the Bay, San Francisco is diverse, colorful and vibrant. Famous for its steep hills, Victorian houses, year-round fog, beautiful panoramic vistas and excellent cuisine, the city attracts tens of millions of visitors every year. San Francisco is enormous yet pedestrian friendly, and the famous cable cars whisk you away towards new adventures. Its eclectic mix of architecture, sandy beaches, ethnic and cultural diversity make San Francisco a great choice for a vacation.

Population:

873,965 (2020)

Currency:

U.S. Dollar, $1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

Shops: 9am–9pm
Banks: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
ATM: 24 hours

Newspapers:

San Francisco Chronicle
The San Francisco Examiner

The City

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate City is situated on the tip of a peninsula in northern California.

San Francisco’s charm lies in its neighborhoods, which give the city its utter uniqueness. Union Square is in the heart of the city and the hub of the shopping district. North Beach is known for its Italian heritage, bakeries and restaurants. The Marina District has some of the most elegant homes in San Francisco, and the waterfront is where shopping and dining are at their best.

The Haight, famous for the intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets, is the location of former homes of Counterculture icons like the Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. Unique shops, music, bookstores and cafes line many of the Haight’s streets. Alamo Square is best known for the beautiful turn-of-the century Victorian homes called the "Painted Ladies." SoMa (South of Market) is a go-to for nightclubs, restaurants and museums.

The Castro District has the highest concentration of LGBTQA+ population of any city in America. Steep streets and brightly painted Victorian houses, imaginative boutiques and bars are found in this area. The largest Gay Pride Parade takes place here, too.

Yerba Buena Gardens is the cultural heart of the city, where community, entertainment, arts and pop culture come together.

Top 11

Whether you are passing through for business or pleasure, San Francisco has so many things to see and do that you won't have time to see them all! From the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island to the infamous Haight-Ashbury district and Pier 39, this city is packed with vibrant attractions and activities.

Here are 11 fun ways to experience San Francisco like a local:

Do & See

San Francisco is a diverse destination, encompassing nature, history, art, science and some of the most beautiful scenery along the West Coast of the United States. Pop culture and old traditions are neatly packed into this one fabulous city. Wander around the distinct neighborhoods, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, ride the cable cars and explore everything San Francisco has to offer.

Dining

With over 4,400 restaurants, San Francisco is one of the best cities in the world for dining. Food from every corner of the world can be found here, from Afghan to Tibetan, Bolivian to Russian. From the small corner cafes to elegant Michelin-star restaurants, there is something for every taste and every pocket.

San Francisco Sourdough Bread and the Dungeness Crab are two "absolute musts" for visitors. Furthermore, San Francisco’s close proximity to the Napa-Sonoma wine country gives you the opportunity to taste some new and exciting wines.

Here are some of the best restaurants in San Francisco: