Currency
US Dollar (USD) $
Best Time
September to November
San Francisco stands out as a city of contrasts and diversity. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the eclectic mix of Victorian houses, the city is full of surprises. Known for its progressive spirit, San Francisco is also a cultural and culinary mecca, with each neighborhood offering its own unique charm. Whether you're exploring the city's many hills, visiting Alcatraz Island, or enjoying a concert at the Fillmore, San Francisco offers something for everyone.
Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Minimal List TL;DR
🚠Iconic Transport
Powell Cable CarSkip the Powell Cable Car Line and just explore the quiet scenic parts of the city
🛒Grocery Store
Bi-RiteGrocery store serving gourmet sandwiches, ice cream and baked goods
⛺Outdoor Clothing
AetherQuality outdoor fashion products with a lifetime guarantee
⛺Outdoor Clothing
AetherQuality outdoor fashion products with a lifetime guarantee
🦌Curiosities Shop
Paxton GateA cabinet of curiosities with a collection of carnivorous plants & fossils
🧺Design Store
Rare DevicePractical home accessories, unusual decorations and gift products
🧗Scenic Viewpoint
Twin PeaksUrban hike with a scenic view of San Francisco
🔭Interactive Museum
ExploratoriumScience museum that allows to ask question & question answers
🎞️Urban Park
Dolores ParkRecreational park with open air movie theatres and ice cream
🎨Scenic Nature Trail
Land’s End TrailShort trail across the historic Sutro Baths with an ocean view
🎨Art Museum
de YoungContemporary art museum with Friday cocktails and shows
🌁Scenic Beach
Baker BeachClothing-optional beach overlooking the golden gate bridge
🌉Historical Landmark
Alcatraz IslandsTake a ferry to the former federal prison located on an island
🏖️Lake & Resort Area
Lake TahoeFreshwater lake offering sunny beaches and ski resorts in the winter
🏞️National Park
YosemiteNational Park with granite cliffs, waterfalls and camping spots
🌳National Park
Giant SequoiaNational Park with crystal caves, moro rocktrail and really giant trees
Places to See
1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
4.8
10-50 (per meal)
11AM to 5PM
A vibrant market with local foods and artisanal products
Tip:
Local eats, artisan goods
Get To:
Embarcadero BART station
Organic farmers market with food stalls
429 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
4.7
12-15
11AM to 5PM
Iconic theatre known for its historic films and events
Tip:
Classic films, special events
Historic theatre playing movies and performances
Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94100, United States
4.7
30-35
11AM to 5PM
A museum of science, art, and human perception
Vibe:
Engaging, educational
Get To:
Embarcadero BART station
Science museum that allows to ask question & question answers
2600 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
4.6
10-20
11AM to 5PM
Craft chocolate maker with tours and tastings
Tip:
Tasting flights, pastries
Independent chocolate factory with tours and a café
916 El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
4.6
Free
11AM to 5PM
Beautiful coastal trail with views of the Golden Gate
Vibe:
Natural, breathtaking
Tip:
Scenic views, wildlife
Short trail across the historic Sutro Baths with an ocean view
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
4.5
15-30
11AM to 5PM
A fine arts museum featuring American art and more
Tip:
Art exhibits, rooftop views
Contemporary art museum with Friday cocktails and shows
San Francisco, CA, United States
4.5
Free
6AM to 10PM
Iconic beach with views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Vibe:
Relaxing, beautiful
Tip:
Beach walks, sunset views
Clothing-optional beach overlooking the golden gate bridge
San Francisco Bay, California, U.S.
4.5
40-50
11AM to 5PM
Infamous former prison with guided tours
Vibe:
Mysterious, historic
Tip:
Audio tour, memorabilia
Get To:
Ferry service from Pier 33
Take a ferry to the former federal prison located on an island
Must Visit:
Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island
San Francisco is known for its 50+ hills and is a popular hub for tech innovation, with Silicon Valley nearby.
Places to Eat
1686 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4.4
50-70
Temporarily closed
Authentic Brazilian steakhouse with endless meats
Tip:
Meat selections, cocktails
Rodizio-style Brazilian steakhouse
http://www.espetus.com/1283 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
4.2
20-40
12 to 8PM
Unique fusion of Japanese dishes
Get To:
19th St. & Mission (BART)
Tip:
Omakase, sake selection
Small but authentic Japanese restaurant serving fresh sushi with fair prices
525 Laguna St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4
15-30
12 to 8PM
Authentic German dishes, warm atmosphere
Get To:
16th St. Mission (BART)
Tip:
Currywurst, house-made soups
German restaurant serving wholesome soups
1795 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
4
10-30
12 to 8PM
Popular spot for freelancers and creatives
Get To:
16th St. & Mission (BART)
Cosy Lounge with board games and conversations
Must Try:
Sourdough Bread, Cioppino, Clam Chowder, Dim Sum, Burritos
Places to Drink
714 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
4.1
10-15 per drink
4 to 10PM
Frequent live music, artsy atmosphere
Vibe:
Lively and energetic
Get To:
Accessible via Muni (Line 30)
Tip:
Cocktails, Small Plates
Cosy lounge serving food & drinks in a building that survives earthquake 💯
Music / Dance:
Indie Rock, Folk, Hip Hop, Blues, Jazz
Places to Network
We'll be updating more places soon!
Key Industries:
Tech (Silicon Valley)
San Francisco
“San Francisco provides an abundance of treasures for its travelers, from the windswept and foggy bay to its meandering hills positioned by Victorian homes that command spectacular scenery over the city. SF varies wildly from the Chinatown to the hipster vibe of the Castro and the gleaming skyscrapers built along the city’s Silicon Valley.”
Places to Shop
3639 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
4.8
10-50 per item (grocery, dessert)
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Known for their quality and commitment to local
Vibe:
Community-focused and organic
Grocery store serving gourmet sandwiches, ice cream and baked goods
489 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4.6
200-500 for outerwear
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Combines fashion with outdoor functionality
Vibe:
Stylish and functional
Get To:
Powell St. (BART)
Quality outdoor fashion products with a lifetime guarantee
489 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4.6
200-500 for outerwear
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Combines fashion with outdoor functionality
Vibe:
Stylish and functional
Get To:
Powell St. (BART)
Quality outdoor fashion products with a lifetime guarantee
824 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
4.4
20-100 for curiosities
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Focus on unusual and eclectic finds
Vibe:
Whimsical and intriguing
Tip:
Vintage items, plants
A cabinet of curiosities with a collection of carnivorous plants & fossils
600 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
4.1
30-200 for home goods
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Practical home accessories, unusual decorations and gift products
Luxury
495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4.4
15-30 per drink
Temporarily closed
Stunning redwood decor and cozy atmosphere
Vibe:
Elegant and sophisticated
Get To:
Montgomery St. (BART)
Glamorous cocktail bar with artistic decor serving as a hot spot in SF
3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
4.9
400-500 per tasting menu
5 to 8PM
Three Michelin stars; focuses on storytelling
Vibe:
Artistic and intimate
Get To:
Powell St. (BART)
Fine dining restaurant serving food as an artistic experience
178 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
4.7
400-600 per tasting menu
5:30 to 9:30PM
Michelin-starred with seasonal ingredients
Vibe:
Upscale and refined
Get To:
Embarcadero (Muni)
3 Michelin star restaurant serving a luxurious French-American cuisine
SF Hidden Spots
Cable cars, tech startups, and vibrant arts.
The city has more than 200 parks, including the sprawling Golden Gate Park, larger than New York's Central Park.
San Francisco is a city that blends natural beauty with technological innovation. Famous for its fog-covered Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco offers stunning views of the bay, along with its vibrant neighborhoods and diverse culture. The city is also a major tech hub, with Silicon Valley just a short drive away. Known for its hills, cable cars, and scenic vistas, San Francisco is also a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from fresh seafood to innovative international cuisine.
Watch Out
Watch out for Crowded Areas
Skip
Powell Cable Car
Skip the Powell Cable Car Line and just explore the quiet scenic parts of the city
🚠
San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Off the beaten path places in
San Francisco
Transportation
BART, bike-friendly
City Overview
San Francisco is a hub of tech innovation and steep hills, offering everything from the Golden Gate Bridge to quirky districts like Haight-Ashbury. The city blends history with modernity, from cable cars to Silicon Valley.
3 Day City Guide
- Day 1: Morning: Golden Gate Bridge and Crissy Field. Afternoon: Ferry to Alcatraz Island. Evening: Explore Fisherman’s Wharf and have dinner at a seafood restaurant. - Day 2: Morning: Visit Golden Gate Park (Japanese Tea Garden and De Young Museum). Afternoon: Haight-Ashbury for vintage shopping. Evening: Sunset from Twin Peaks. - Day 3: Morning: Mission District for brunch. Afternoon: Dolores Park. Evening: Explore Chinatown and North Beach.
Current Trends
- Food trucks: San Francisco’s food truck scene is booming, with events like Off the Grid attracting locals and tourists alike. - Art installations: Interactive street art and pop-up galleries, especially in the Mission District. - Third-wave coffee: SF is a coffee lover’s paradise, with Blue Bottle Coffee leading the pack in ethically sourced beans.
Local Events Guide
- Outside Lands (August): A three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park featuring top artists. - San Francisco Pride (June): One of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ events. - Fleet Week (October): A celebration of the U.S. Navy and a stunning airshow over the bay.
Local Insider Tips
- Mission District for murals and burritos. - Golden Gate Park’s hidden gems, like the Japanese Tea Garden. - Sutro Baths ruins, where locals hike with coastal views.
Sustainable Travel
- Bike rentals: San Francisco’s Bay Wheels bike-sharing system. - Public transportation: The city’s cable cars are iconic, and the MUNI system offers electric buses. - Eco-friendly hotels: Stay at Hotel Zelos, a modern, green-conscious hotel. - Sustainable food: SF is a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, with restaurants like Chez Panisse leading the charge.
Explore the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
Ready to see through a local’s eyes?
Our curated guide unveils top hidden gems, secret spots, and local favorites that you won’t find in typical travel guides.
Whether it’s a cozy café tucked away in a historic neighborhood, a scenic trail only known to insiders, or unique cultural sites, has so much more to offer beyond the tourist hotspots.
Dive into our off-the-beaten-path guide and discover the true heart —perfect for adventurous travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic journey
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Unlock the Hidden Side:
Each spot in our City guide is handpicked to help you experience the city like a local, avoiding the crowds and discovering the best-kept secrets.
From charming local eateries and breathtaking viewpoints to tucked-away art galleries and vibrant local markets, this guide lets you explore beyond the surface.
Follow our recommendations for an unforgettable adventure and see why these places stand out as favorites among locals.
For more unique experiences like these, explore our full collection of off-the-beaten-path city guides and make every trip a journey of discovery.
More Cities to Visit:
Athens Unseen
Vibe:
Athens has been continuously inhabited for over 3,400 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
Tip:
Athens is a city of deep cultural and historical significance, where ancient ruins and lively urban life come together in a seamless fusion of past and present. It offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring the ruins of the Parthenon to enjoying vibrant nightlife and shopping in the Plaka district. The city’s vibrant energy, combined with its ancient architecture, makes it a destination like no other.
Southern Charm
Vibe:
Birthplace of Muhammad Ali
Tip:
Louisville is a city that blends Southern tradition with modern innovation. Known for its iconic Kentucky Derby, historic bourbon distilleries, and vibrant cultural events, Louisville is a celebration of everything Kentucky. The city’s historic neighborhoods feature some of the largest collections of Victorian homes in the U.S., and its world-class bourbon tours offer a deep dive into the art of whiskey-making. Louisville is a city where history, sports, and culture converge to create a welcoming Southern experience.
Hidden Lisbon
Vibe:
Lisbon is home to the oldest bookstore in the world, Livraria Bertrand, established in 1732.
Tip:
Lisbon is a captivating city that offers an ideal mix of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Its ancient monuments and picturesque neighborhoods like Baixa and Bairro Alto are filled with art, while the lively Fado music captures the soul of the city. In the evening, Lisbon’s culinary delights—especially seafood—are a must-try for food lovers. Lisbon’s scenic tram rides give you an unforgettable view of this coastal gem.
Luxe & Glamorous
Vibe:
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world.
Tip:
Monaco is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. The city-state is known for its dazzling wealth, lavish casinos, and glamorous events like the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious Formula 1 races in the world. Monaco’s Mediterranean setting provides the perfect backdrop for high-end yachts, fine dining, and elegant shopping. The city’s old town, Monaco-Ville, offers a more historical side to this modern luxury haven, with the Prince’s Palace and the Oceanographic Museum standing as testaments to the principality’s rich history. Whether enjoying the views from the Prince’s Palace or partying in a glamorous casino, Monaco is a destination that exudes wealth and exclusivity.
18.3
Jordanian Dinar (JOD) د.ا
Local Amman
Vibe:
Amman is home to the Roman Theatre, built in the 2nd century AD, which still hosts cultural events today.
Tip:
Amman is a city with a rich history that spans thousands of years. From the Roman Theatre to the Citadel, every street and building tells a story of the past. The city also blends modern amenities with traditional markets, making it an ideal place to experience both ancient and contemporary Jordanian life. Visitors can explore Amman’s many historic landmarks, enjoy delicious Arabic cuisine, or take a short trip to the nearby Dead Sea or Petra. Amman offers visitors a warm welcome and is a perfect base for exploring the wider country. The city's culture, food, and music make it an unforgettable destination.
Ancient Beauty
Vibe:
Home to the ancient Colossus
Tip:
Rhodes is a fascinating blend of ancient Greek history and modern Mediterranean life. The island’s medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Rhodes also offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a top destination for both culture and relaxation. Visitors can also explore ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and the Colossus of Rhodes, a symbol of the island's ancient glory.
