Sandra Avila
2 weeks ago
Great treatment, great staff that organizes your trip, excellent!
United StatesSan Francisco
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Destination guide
San Francisco: fog, steep hills and the Golden Gate
Few cities pack so much into so little space: cable cars hauling up impossible hills, the burnt-orange towers of the Golden Gate rising through the mist, the smell of sourdough at Fisherman's Wharf. You walk San Francisco up and down, through neighbourhoods that change language and mood on every corner. This guide gets you oriented before you choose where to sleep.
Destination guide
What to see and do
The destination's essentials, hand-picked to spark your trip.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Its international-orange paint and 227-metre towers make it unmistakable. Walk or cycle across to Sausalito, or take it in from the Battery Spencer viewpoint on the Marin side.
Alcatraz, the prison island
America's most feared federal penitentiary, now a museum in the middle of the bay. The ferry crossing and the audio tour narrated by former inmates are the heart of the visit.
Cable cars and the hills
The cable-hauled cars have run since 1873 and are still real transport, not a ride. Board the Powell-Hyde line to drop toward the bay with dizzying views.
Golden Gate Park and its museums
Bigger than Central Park, it holds Japanese gardens, a Victorian conservatory and two major museums: the de Young and the California Academy of Sciences, with its planetarium and aquarium.
Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39
The liveliest stretch of waterfront: sea lions sprawled in the sun on the docks, clam chowder in sourdough bowls and views out to Alcatraz and the bridge.
The Mission: murals and food
The city's Latino heart is packed with mural-painted alleys, legendary taquerias and the Mission-style burrito. Street art by day, characterful bars by night.
When to go
San Francisco stays mild all year but plays tricks: summer is cool and foggy by the coast, and the warmest, clearest days actually arrive in September and October. Always pack a layer.
Spring (March-May)
Mild temperatures, green hills and fewer people than summer. The weather is changeable — grey mornings that clear by afternoon — but it is one of the best times to walk the city without the crowds.
Summer (June-August)
Peak tourist season coincides with the famous coastal fog: grey skies and cool wind near the Golden Gate, while the inner bay stays sunny. Bring warm clothing even in July.
Autumn (September-October)
The local secret: the sunniest, warmest, clearest days of the year, with the fog retreating and fewer tourists after summer. The best window to photograph the bridge mist-free.
Winter (November-February)
The rainy season, but mild and frost-free. Expect fewer people, better hotel rates, Christmas lights at Union Square and grey whales passing offshore.
Destination guide
Where to stay
The neighbourhoods and areas with the most charm to stay in.
Union Square
The retail and hotel core, with department stores, theatres and several cable-car stops. The most practical base for first-time visitors who want to get around on foot.
Fisherman's Wharf
By the water and the Alcatraz ferries, this is the most tourist-friendly, family-easy area, with attractions right along the promenade. Lively by day and quieter after dark.
Nob Hill
One of the most elegant hills, with classic hotels, grand churches and cable cars passing the door. Calm and refined, a short walk from Union Square.
SoMa (South of Market)
Modern San Francisco: the SFMOMA museum, the bayside baseball park and a cluster of nightlife. A good base for museum lovers and city buzz.
The Mission
The most food-driven, characterful district: murals, specialty coffee, taquerias and bars. Ideal if you prefer a young, local scene and great food to the tourist strip.
Destination guide
Featured hotels
Our selection: rating, location and that special something.
Destination guide
Practical tips
The small details that make travelling easier.
Dress in layers
The city has microclimates and the fog chills fast: even in summer, evenings and the waterfront call for a jacket. A windbreaker in your bag will save the day.
Use public transport
BART links SFO airport with downtown, and the Muni network covers the city. Walk for anything close — hills and all — and save a car only for trips outside San Francisco.
Payments and tipping
Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Note that prices are shown before tax, which is added at the register, and tipping is expected in restaurants; check the local custom when you pay.
Book Alcatraz early
Island tickets sell out weeks ahead, especially in high season. Buy from the official ferry operator as soon as you have dates to secure a spot.
Street common sense
As in any big city, a few central areas feel rougher after dark; read up and never leave valuables visible in a car. With normal caution, the visit is easy-going.
Rise early for the Golden Gate
Early morning brings less fog and thinner crowds at the viewpoints. For the clear shot of the bridge, autumn mornings and early hours are your best bet.
Gallery
Glimpses of the destination to whet your appetite.
Frequently asked questions
September and October are the sunniest, clearest months, with pleasant temperatures and little fog. Spring is good too; summer is cool and misty despite being high season.
