Enjoy a 360 virtual tour of San Francisco, known for its culture, music, diversity, and picturesque views throughout the city. It is also one of the most expensive cities to live in the US, so here are a few tips to help you see the sights without denting that wallet to much!
San Francisco has a little bit of everything and is known for its fog, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and colorful Victorian houses.
- San Francisco was founded on June 29, 1776.
- There are more than 50 hills within city limits.
- Three quarters of the city was destroyed in 1906 by earthquake and fire.
- Although Lombard Street is known as the Crookedest Street in the World, it’s not even the crookedest street in San Francisco. That title technically belongs to Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd streets on Potrero Hill.
- Coit Tower column was built in 1933, the legacy of Lillian Hitchcock Coit, an eccentric “mascot” fire-fighter who adored San Francisco and at her death in 1929, left one-third of her estate to the city to “…for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city which I have always loved.”

- Airbnb, an entire flat starts from $90 a night. Get $30 (£25) off your first trip of $70 (£55) or more click here.
- Hostel. There are lots to choose from, I stayed at the Green Turtle Hostel and is renowned as the best hostel in the city. With free Wi-Fi, breakfast every morning, even a free diner 3 times a week. Fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, computer lounge, there’s even a sauna and it’s located centrally between Chinatown and Little Italy. Most attractions are within walking distance. The only negative for me was the dorms were a little tired and dated.
- Camping, There are a few places starting from $25 a night.
- B&B & Guest Houses, There are loads to choose from, probably best to look at the reviews on tripadvisor. Prices start from $60 a night.
- Hotel, Again there are many from budget to the luxury hotels like the Palace. Prices start from $65 – $1000 a night.
Much of the food easily available is typically fast food, all deep fried and beige, unless you go to a proper sit down restaurant. Of coarse you’ll be paying a lot more doing this, not something everyone can afford everyday. We had to go looking for fresh fruit and veg. I even ordered a veggie omelette just because I was missing veg. If you have the facilities to cook yourself where you’re staying then go to the supermarkets and buy in your own fresh produce.
Having been here a couple times now I have tried each of the bigger chains, by far the best was Shack Shack, that burger was melt in your mouth and Denny’s Grandslamwich were my favourites.
- The average price of a pint $9-$14 (2022).
- So much food is served I usually only ate twice a day.
You have little need for a hire car here. If you need somewhere to park then ask at your hostel or hotel, some offer a deal with a nearby car park if you’re staying with them. Expect to spend at least $20 for 24 hours though. Using your own legs is always the cheapest way to get around, if you don’t want to drive or walk then there’s always Uber or Lyft and don’t forget to jump on the famous cable cars.
- Uber Get $5 (£3) credit for your first ride here.
- Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
- Tour Alcatraz
- Visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and the sea lion colony
- Visit/drive down Lombard Street
- Go up Coit Tower
- Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
- Painted Ladies
- Ride the Cable Cars
- Chinatown and Dragon’s Gate
- Visit Muir Woods
- 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
- Boudin Bakery at Fisherman’s Wharf, they do the most amazing clam chowder in a bread bowl.
- Visit The Saloon, 1861 it’s the oldest pub in San Francisco and the best for some real authentic live blues music.
- Old Ship Saloon 1851, we tried to go here twice, but both times they were closed. From the outside looking in, It looks to have been modernised.
- Golden Gate Tap Room has a great selection of beers and the place to be if you want to watch sports.
- Johnny Foley’s Irish House for that Guinness. Known as the piano bar, there are two battling it out for your entertainment.
- Comstock Saloon, this one is a San Francisco classic. Though now more a cocktail bar with a good selection. After having a few you’ll be needing the restroom, but even though the original under-bar spittoon troughs are still there, I think it would be frowned upon if you used them.
- Naked Lunch is open late, has 3 good beers on tap, a full bar and a menu with roughly 5 to 6 items including the best darn fried chicken sandwich in town.
- Tacolicious, It says it in the name. The tacos here were delicious. Great staff that joined in with our banter and great beer. We stayed longer than planned because they made it fun.
- If clubbing is your thing then head to Infusion Lounge, this is one of the best in the city. Very strict on the door though, so don’t turn up in trainers.
- House Of Xian Dumpling, great service and will even serve you when they’re about to close up and lock the doors
- If you like your burgers then Mo’s Grill is one of the best, they also do a good breakfast to.
- Check out the free walking tours
- In some of the smaller restaurants and shops, only cash is accepted. It’s good to keep some cash on you just in case.
- Take a jacket with you. It may be sunny in the morning, but the weather changes fast and frequently.
- Use the public transport.
- Get £30 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.
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Cool! Hope I get to visit someday