It's seldom you hear a bad word about San Francisco. There's good reason for that. One of America’s smaller cities, the list of things to do and see in the 47 square miles it covers is endless. This is the city that has given cable cars, frighteningly steep hills, the world’s most famous prison, one of the most beautiful bridges on the planet, and eclectic and trendy neighbourhoods. After a visit you’ll be spreading the good word in no time.
Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty takes to the streets of San Francisco to ask the locals there where they like to go out at night, where they like to eat, what is their favourite neighbourhood and more.
Download Podcast » All San Francisco podcasts »Colm gives you the lowdown on San Francisco while walking up Lombard Street
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Download San Francisco Pocket Guide View all guides »A meeting of East and West. Several cliques of artists, designers, software developers, vegans, socialists, hippies, yuppies, crazies and cranks. Yeah some of them can be pretentious. A lot of neighborhoods all within walking or biking distance. Weather can be wet or foggy. Lodging is pricey, and good restaurants can be too, if you don't research them.
Insider Tip:If you visit the United States, I recommend New York and San Francisco. You can skip everything in between.
The most European city in america. Multi cultural and very open minded people. Golden gate bridge, mission district and the Castro are must see!
Insider Tip:Doloris park!!!
Clubs close around 2 am, which is a bummer, but there's so much to do throughout the day that you'll be tired anyways. It's the most interesting and beautiful city in the United States. Dress warm, the summers in San Francisco feel like winter, but the views are breath-taking and people are so warm that it makes it up for it.
Insider Tip:Ashburry, Castro, Chinatown...
Would definitely come back to this beautiful city. The people are friendly, the sites are picturesque & general costs are cheap compared to other big cities in the USA. We were here for Pride Weekend which made the city shine! We stayed 1 week and had something new to do every day.
Insider Tip:Be sure to bike ride over the Golden Gate bridge. Book your Alcatraz tour in advance, they ofter sell out weeks in advance. It is windy! Bring some snugly clothes even if you are coming in summer (as we are here in June!) Hire a car and visit Napa... start as early as you can in the morning as most of the wineries close by 5pm. If you have thought of it in advance, book a limo ride so you all can drink your way through!
I love SF, but I do find that you can do the tourist spots very easily in a few days. The place is very commercial in places and the best way to find the hidden gems is speak to the locals or take a tour. It's not as expensive as some places on the East coast but then doesn't have the same hold at times. The weather is amazing when hot and dreary when windy/raining. There is a serious lack of beaches, unless you have a car and if you plan on visiting Wine Country this is also a neccessity.
Insider Tip:The Fog City walking tour really opened up my eyes to the history of SF and Kelly offers up some great local information on places to visit, best ways to get around and where to spend your evenings. If you are a dog lover then head to the park opposite Grace Cathedral around 6pm. There are dog walkers everywhere and if you sit on a bench you'll soon be striking up conversations with locals who will be more than happy to share the real SF with you.
California’s most northerly city is also the Golden State’s most laidback. Walking around the hazy streets, its eclectic mix of hippies, bohemians and hobos are an attraction in their own right. With a population of approximately three quarters of a million people, it is also where you will find some of America’s more unique streets and neighbourhoods. And then there’s that bridge…
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