The inner city is made up of loads of different neighbourhoods with distinct vibes, from the ultra-stylish Nob Hill to the rainbow-friendly Castro or SOMA\u2019s buzzing nightlife, with tech havens and hipster hangouts slotted in between.<\/p>\n
Famous for its diversity, wandering around the city\u2019s suburbs can sometimes feel like you\u2019re in a totally different country. There\u2019s Chinatown, Japantown, North Beach (Little Italy), the Mission District (the heart of the Latino community) and Little Saigon, all within walking distance, so it\u2019s easy to walk off the dumplings, pasta, sushi, burritos or pho you just ate. Make sure you pack stretchy trousers!<\/p>\n
Original hippies and new-age hipsters alike will love Haight-Ashbury\u2019s colourful streets, with its famous Painted Ladies (a row of beautifully bright houses), Summer of Love vibes, eclectic eateries and funky vintage shops. Shopaholics can\u2019t look past the bustling Union Square, home to thousands of shops for all budgets, loads of restaurant options and next to the theatre district. Fisherman\u2019s Wharf is a major tourist destination that\u2019s home to super cute sea lions, delicious sourdough bread and classic seafood chowder. Yum!<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@aaronkato<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Home to only 880,000 people, this Northern Californian gem is about 49 square miles so it\u2019s pretty tightly packed compared to some of the USA\u2019s sprawling major cities. While that means a denser population, it also means it\u2019s easier to get around. One of the greatest things about this city is that the majority of the main attractions are within easy walking distance, with less than two miles between Little Italy, Fisherman\u2019s Wharf, Chinatown and Union Square, with loads more must-sees in the middle.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in a hurry, or just want to rest your feet, the public transport system has been designed with visitors in mind so it\u2019s super easy to navigate. You can buy a 1, 3 or 7 day Muni Passport<\/a> which gives you access to buses, cable cars and trolleys, or just buy a ticket each time you ride. San Fran also has Skip and Scoot e-scooters available for rent, or JUMP e-bikes, but note that helmets are compulsory and you can only ride on the road or bike lanes.<\/p>\n When you\u2019ve had enough of the bustling inner city, there\u2019s fresh air and exercise not too far away. A cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic must-do for any traveller, and nearby there\u2019s the Presidio hiking trails if you want an extra work out or the Golden Gate Park if you want to chill instead. Twin Peaks and Mount Davidson are another two walks that should be on any hiker\u2019s list.<\/p>\n There are way too many mini villages in San Francisco that it would take hours to read all about them, so I\u2019ve chosen four key locations perfect for backpackers. Here\u2019s the lowdown on four of the best areas to stay in San Francisco.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@sanfrancisco<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Fisherman’s Wharf: the best area to stay in San Francisco for ticking off the bucket list<\/a><\/p>\n Union Square: the best area to stay in San Francisco for shopaholics<\/a><\/p>\n Chinatown: the best area to stay in San Francisco for foodies<\/a><\/p>\n North Beach: the best area to stay in San Francisco for laid-back life<\/a><\/p>\n This historic fishing port turned tourist hotspot is an iconic must-visit for any traveller coming to San Francisco. Let\u2019s be realistic, it\u2019s a busy place, but among the thousands of other visitors you\u2019ll find fresh bakeries selling mouthwatering sourdough, boats offering tours of the bay or out to Alcatraz, and even sea lions basking in the sun at the marina.<\/p>\n It\u2019s accessible from any part of the city, by foot or by cable car, and is easily explored in a few hours, plus another hour or two if you want a sit down meal. Head to Pier 47\u2019s Fish Alley first thing in the AM to see the fishermen bring in their catch of the day, then opt for a fresh seafood lunch to try famous San Fran delicacies like clam chowder in a sourdough bowl. If you\u2019re on a budget, you\u2019ll find cheaper eats (still fresh!) at the stalls lining the sidewalk. Aside from eating your way around the wharf, there\u2019s loads of things to do and see at this waterfront spot. Stock up on tacky yet unique souvenirs for nieces and nephews back home at one of the hundreds of souvenir shops, watch street performers and artists or catch a ferry across the bay.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@iago_godoy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Pier 39 and its surroundings are a classic tourist spot, with bustling streets packed with entertainment, dining options, shops and activities. We\u2019d recommend starting your day early, getting there before the rest of the city wakes up and soaking up fresh air with a walk around the port. It\u2019s a stunning place for sunrise!<\/p>\n Fish Alley on Pier 47 is a fantastic place to get a taste for the old school San Francisco, where local fishermen unload their haul early each morning just as they have for the past 100 years. If your San Francisco adventure is in November, you might even catch the festivities that surround the kick off of the Dungeness crab season, where the streetside seafood stalls light their cauldrons as they wait for the first crab catch to be dropped off.<\/p>\n In terms of attractions and activities, Fisherman\u2019s Wharf is brimming with them, from escape rooms and wax museums to historic warships and science centres. Alcatraz: The Breakout<\/a> is a super fun group activity, perfect for a bunch of travel buddies or hostel friends to try your luck at escaping the fabled prison. There\u2019s also the San Francisco Dungeon<\/a> for a look into the city\u2019s dark past and the National Maritime Museum<\/a> on Hyde Street Pier.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@frantic<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re keen to take a cruise around San Francisco Bay, Fisherman\u2019s Wharf is the perfect place to start. For day-trippers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, there are ferries that will take you to other, quieter parts of the Bay Area, like Oakland or Sausalito. Nature lovers could jump on a boat trip over to Angel Island, a California State Park that boasts hiking and biking trails, along with historical tours all about the ex-immigration station.<\/p>\n The ferries to San Francisco\u2019s most infamous island, Alcatraz, also depart from Fisherman\u2019s Wharf. Alcatraz is an absolute must for any San Fran visitor, and I\u2019d recommend setting aside half a day at least to give yourself time to explore the creepy island. Just looking to spend some time on the water with no particular destination in mind? Fisherman\u2019s Wharf has plenty of Bay cruises that take you under the Golden Gate Bridge, going at all hours of the day.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@ericjamesward<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Um, how about all over the entire wharf?! This place is a foodie\u2019s heaven, especially if you have a love of seafood, bread, chocolate, or all of the above. Prices here are typically higher than the rest of the city but for a classic, fresh-out-of-the-ocean hearty seafood meal it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s kick this off with a local delicacy, the Dungeness Crab. Jefferson Street is home to endless stalls selling fresh crab for actually decent prices, but be prepared to deal with long lines. If you want to treat yourself to a fancy-ish sit down meal, Scoma\u2019s<\/a> has been cooking up super fresh crabs caught off their own fishing boat since 1965 and the staff are locals with loads of tips to share for your San Fran trip.<\/p>\n For a feel-good meal that\u2019s both delicious and eco-friendly, Fog Harbour<\/a> is San Francisco\u2019s first restaurant to serve a 100% sustainable menu, approved by the conservation team at the nearby Aquarium of the Bay.<\/p>\n For something less fishy, Fisherman\u2019s Wharf is also a top contender for the best sourdough bread on the planet. If you fancy yourself a dough connoisseur, you\u2019ll love Boudin\u2019s<\/a> renowned recipe that they\u2019ve been baking since way back in 1849. Watch the bakers at work through a huge glass window, complete with an intercom system to ask and have answered any questions you might have about the bread-making process. Then get that bread (literally), opt to sit at the casual caf\u00e9 or the classy restaurant up top with epic Bay views, and dig in to the ever-so-slight tang of fresh sourdough.<\/p>\n After all that, surely it\u2019s time for dessert? In the USA you\u2019re never short of options for sweet treats, but Fisherman\u2019s Wharf is home to somewhere extra special\u2026 Ghirardelli Square<\/a>! Once a huge chocolate factory for the famous Ghirardelli chocolatiers, the Square now houses a chocolate shop with an ice cream shop attached, and a couple of other restaurants.<\/p>\n While Ghirardelli choccies can be found at supermarkets all through the city, for some reason we all love buying the goodies from the original shop, as if it makes them taste better (spoiler alert: it doesn\u2019t). Ghirardelli gives out yummy free samples to every customer so it\u2019s the ideal place for a stop between meals if you want a sugar boost, and the ice cream shop, while expensive, offers creamy, chocolatey sundaes and cones.<\/p>\n After a hard day\u2019s work of eating loads of food and fighting your way through the crowds, you\u2019ll need somewhere nearby to rest your head, your feet and your belly. Enter HI Fisherman\u2019s Wharf<\/a><\/b>…<\/p>\n Located smack bang in the middle of the Fort Mason Center, just a short walk from Pier 39, HI Fisherman\u2019s Wharf is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to the hustle and bustle of the piers, as well as the many seaside walking trails.<\/p>\n With restaurants, bars and caf\u00e9s surrounding the hostel on all sides, you\u2019ll never be left a hungry backpacker, and there\u2019s free breakfast too, plus self-catering facilities if your wallet needs a break from tourist food prices.<\/p>\n They\u2019ve got free Wi-Fi, a cinema-style movie room, a sun deck for soaking up the afternoon rays and a cosy lounge complete with a gas stove for winter nights.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re up for a bit of city fun, HI Fisherman\u2019s Wharf also offers pub crawls, walking tours, museum visits and can help you suss out a bike to rent if cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge is on your bucket list.<\/p>\n The hostel has free parking, ideal for a California road trip<\/a> and very, very hard to find in this traffic-crazy city. It\u2019s easy to get to from the airport and the hostel has facilities for disabled guests too.<\/p>\n With the perfect mix of being close to a tourist hub but set amongst a sprawling park with bay views, HI Fisherman\u2019s Wharf gives you the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n Hi, I\u2019m Alexx, and I\u2019m a self-confessed shopping addict. Literally give me the choice of where to stay in any city and I\u2019ll opt for the hostel that\u2019s right amongst department stores, local boutiques and outlet shops, despite being on a tiiiiight budget.<\/p>\n No surprises then, that on my last visit to San Francisco I chose to rest my head (and shopping bags) in the middle of the best shopping district in town, and arguably one of the best in the world. And before you ask, yes, I had to wear multiple layers of clothing on the plane to avoid extra luggage fees.<\/p>\n Union Square is packed full of shops for all different budgets, from backpacker to baller, and on top of that there are theatres, eateries, events throughout the year and classy cocktail bars. If you venture slightly further out of the Square you\u2019ll reach SOMA and its Museum of Modern Art, Chinatown, the Financial District and the Civic Center, home to the iconic City Hall.<\/p>\n Union Square and its neighbouring suburbs are easily visited by foot, so wear comfy shoes and get out and about. Take a stroll through the shopping streets and find a bargain or five, then pop into a casual eatery for a spot of lunch and people-watching.<\/p>\n If you want an activity to keep you occupied and away from the temptation of alluring retailers, you can visit one of the nearby museums, galleries or theatres, or grab a fancy cocktail from a sophisticated speakeasy straight out of the 1920’s.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@timberfoster<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Regardless of how much spending money or space in your luggage you have (let me guess, none of either?), the Union Square shops need to be seen to be believed. From giant department stores like Macy\u2019s, Bloomingdale\u2019s and Nordstrom, to mega malls housing all the classic retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic and Victoria\u2019s Secret, to flagship stores for elegant designers and jewellers like Tiffany\u2019s or Louis Vuitton, these streets are densely packed with opportunities to spend all your cash. If it\u2019s time to refresh your wardrobe, then it\u2019s probably worth paying a visit to the massive Westfield shopping mall, just three minutes away on Market Street, where you\u2019ll get to visit the all-American clothing stores and won\u2019t need to up your credit card limit.<\/p>\n Summertime in Union Square brings loads of public events, like fashion pop-ups, outdoor movies, food trucks and music sessions, and if you\u2019re visiting over the holiday season then you\u2019re in for a treat too. With a huge ice skating rink, window displays, sparkling Christmas trees and one of the best festive takeovers at Macy\u2019s, Union Square in December is absolutely magical.<\/p>\n For anyone who prefers buying experiences over buying things, Union Square has your back! Theatre geeks need to visit the American Conservatory Theater<\/a>, <\/strong>a historic theatre-turned-acting school with next level performances that will blow your socks off.<\/p>\n Museums more your kinda thing? Visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art<\/a>, which reopened in 2016 after a three-year renovation tripled its size. And for a different type of museum entirely, jump into the kaleidoscopic Museum of Ice Cream<\/a>, an immersive, sensory experience that is difficult to explain and best understood by visiting it yourself. Let\u2019s just say it involves installations that include a slide into a pool full of sprinkles, the most Instagrammable rooms you\u2019ve ever seen, and, of course, ICE CREAM. We recommend the Queen Bee, honey-flavoured ice cream with English toffee, chocolate-covered honeycomb and almonds. Divine.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@pixeldan<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The gastronomic scene around Union Square is totally buzzing, and the drinking scene doesn\u2019t disappoint either.<\/p>\n For bar bites that won\u2019t break the budget, Golden Gate Tap Room<\/a> is one of our faves. It\u2019s especially ideal for travellers who want to hide away from all the shops, with live sports games shown on the bar\u2019s 20 TVs, over 100 beers to choose from, and arcade-style games like skee-ball, shuffleboard and pool.<\/p>\n Pinecrest Diner<\/a> is another classic all-American diner if you\u2019re keen to rest your feet with a burger, fries and shake, and it\u2019s open 24 hours so perfect for an after-club meal.<\/p>\n Union Square is also home to some global culinary delights if you want to spice up your life. Tacorea<\/a> sells Mexican-Korean fusion food, Shalimar Restaurant<\/a> is an Indian-Pakistani eatery with one of the best tikka masala curries in the city, and Kin Khao<\/a> boasts one Michelin star for its fresh and authentic Thai dishes.<\/p>\n While a lot of the eateries near Union Square are targeted towards higher incomes than we travellers have, there\u2019s some decent cheap eats to satisfy any hungry (and poor!) backpacker in the Tenderloin, a neighbourhood right next to Union Square which has fantastic cheap food but a less-than-fantastic reputation. In past years it\u2019s been known for crime rates, drug deals and homelessness, and I recommend avoiding wandering through the area late at night or if you\u2019re by yourself, however during the day or if you\u2019re in a group you are less likely to get hassled. If you do venture into the Tenderloin, some of the best budget bites are Lers Ros<\/a> ultra-spicy Thai, Mensho Tokyo<\/a> which has ramen absolutely worth waiting in line for, and Jane on Larkin<\/a>, a bakery that specialises in toast with fancy toppings!<\/p>\n After a hard day of shopping, you\u2019ll definitely deserve a drink or five. Nite Cap<\/a> is a somewhat classy dive bar (if that exists) that offers cheap beer and local sports games on TV, and Whitechapel<\/a> is a London-inspired gin bar with over 400 gins to choose from, along with hearty pub fare and curries.<\/p>\n For a cocktail treat you could visit Rye<\/a> in the Tenderloin, Pacific Cocktail Haven<\/a> for a tropical twist, or Wilson and Wilson<\/a> speakeasy, where you enter through a bathroom if you\u2019re lucky enough to know the password.<\/p>\n Located right in between Union Square and the Tenderloin, USA Hostels San Francisco<\/a><\/b> is one of the most kitted-out hostels in the city. With mixed and female-only dorm rooms, plus private rooms with either shared or en-suite bathrooms, there\u2019s something to suit everyone.<\/p>\n When you stay at USA Hostels SF, you can look forward to super-comfy pod beds, which means you\u2019re guaranteed to get a decent night\u2019s sleep. Your bed has a reading light, shelf and power outlet to make sure you\u2019re fully charged for the next day of exploring, and there\u2019s lockers for your backpack with extra power ports inside too.<\/p>\n Private rooms are especially fancy, each with cable TV, a fridge and a microwave. Hostel goals!<\/p>\n Breakfast is included, with free fruit, baked goodies and all-you-can-make pancakes and toppings, and there\u2019s free hostel dinners on Mondays and Fridays, plus a full kitchen for you to cook your own food all other nights of the week.<\/p>\n The hostel is super social with plenty of opportunities to make friends with other travellers, whether that\u2019s in the games room, the chill out room, the reading room or the yoga studio.<\/p>\n Looking for some suggestions on exploring the city? The hostel hosts free walking tours and pub crawls, or they can help set you up with bike rental or hiking plans around the city\u2019s nature trails.<\/p>\n As the largest Chinese community outside of Asia, you could be forgiven for forgetting that you\u2019re in the US at all when you step foot into San Francisco\u2019s Chinatown. It\u2019s the oldest in North America and the biggest Chinatown in the world, made up of 24 blocks packed to the brim with dim sum restaurants, tea houses, ethnic shops, karaoke bars and even a hidden fortune cookie factory.<\/p>\n Aside from the fact that dumplings tend to be a traveller\u2019s favourite, you\u2019ll love Chinatown for its backpacker-friendly prices compared to the rest of the city. You\u2019ll find unlimited buffet meals for less than a chain restaurant starter on Pier 39, and if you\u2019re really tight on money you can stock up on fresh produce and Asian ingredients at one of the Chinese grocery stores.<\/p>\n Grant Avenue is the main stretch of Chinatown, with the start of the sub-city marked by an emerald-tiled entrance way called Dragon\u2019s Gate. Wander down this road and you\u2019ll find yummy authentic restaurants and exotic shops probably packed with tourists, but for a truly local experience pop across to Stockton Street which runs parallel to Grant, a little off the beaten track with lower prices and less people. You may not hear or read much English in this part of the neighbourhood, but embrace it and enjoy feeling like you\u2019ve teleported to another continent.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve filled your tum with dim sum, I\u2019d recommend jumping onto a free walking tour to be shown some hidden gems and learn about the Chinese history of the city. More people visit Chinatown each year than the Golden Gate Bridge, and you\u2019ll soon find out why!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@edusantos<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Eat, eat, eat! Make the most of somehow making your way to Asia without a single flight and eat your way around the historic neighbourhood. I\u2019ll get more into where and what to eat later.<\/p>\n Outside of meal times, Chinatown is still an epic place to be, humming with shopkeepers, patrons and visitors all day every day. For a spot of quiet check out the Taoist Tin How Temple<\/a>, <\/strong>built in the mid-19th century and one of the oldest Chinese temples in the United States. Note that this is still a working temple, so it goes without saying that you should be respectful if you do visit.<\/p>\n History and culture buffs should add the Chinese Historical Society<\/a> to their Chinatown bucket list, a museum that houses exhibitions all about San Francisco\u2019s Chinese background. If you want to learn about Eastern medicine, there\u2019s plenty of herbal shops and apothecaries that offer a huge range of Chinese herbs and can recommend something to try for any ailment. Grab some ginseng from Hop Hing Ginseng Company and you\u2019ll feel refreshed immediately, guaranteed.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@ffkae<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If your trip happens to coincide with Lunar New Year (late January to early February) then expect to be wowed, with the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia. There will be parades, dancers, floats, fireworks, musical performers and even a Miss Chinatown beauty pageant! The San Francisco Chinese New Year celebrations have been running since way back in 1860, so you can be sure they know what they\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n For something a little different, there are plenty of tea houses that offer a vast array of tea varieties, from herbal to black to matcha to oolong and everything in between. Vital Tea Leaf is a local favourite, and they have tea tastings where you\u2019ll get to see the proper preparation of an authentic Chinese tea, and the super knowledgeable staff will help you find your perfect cuppa.<\/p>\n Tired after all that exploring? There are beauty parlours dotted throughout the suburb that offer the cheapest foot, neck and head massages in the city.<\/p>\n The more appropriate question would be what not<\/em> to eat in Chinatown. Home to arguably the best and most authentic Chinese food outside of Asia, we\u2019d recommend slotting in at least a couple of different meals here during your San Francisco adventure.<\/p>\n Those who prefer the spicier side of life will fall in love with Chong Qing Xiao Mian<\/a>, a noodle house that\u2019s particularly famous for their Sichuan-style cold noodles, and has been named as one of the best Asian restaurants in the city.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re on a travel mission but need some fuel to keep you going, say n\u01d0 h\u01ceo to Good Mong Kok Bakery<\/a> who will pack you a little dim sum box to go. Make sure you get the char siu bao (pork buns), har gow (shrimp dumplings) and authentic Hong Kong egg tarts. The lines are long for a reason, the staff are infamously impatient, but the food is 100% worth it. Perhaps head down to Portsmouth Square to try and find a picnic spot on the grass in between the locals\u2019 daily tai chi practice.<\/p>\n For a sit-down dim sum experience you can\u2019t go past Barack Obama\u2019s favourite, Great Eastern<\/a>, where you can choose from over 80 dim sum options. Top recommendations would be the xiao long bao a.k.a. soupy dumplings or deep-fried seaweed rolls with fish. Wrap up the meal with mango pudding or black sesame balls for dessert.<\/p>\n Sam Wo<\/a> is another one worth adding to your list if you\u2019re a night-owl, as it serves some of the city\u2019s most-loved Chinese porridge until 4am on weekends.<\/p>\n If you want to dine on something a bit quirkier, try the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory<\/a> with its many flavours of cookie, Begoni Bistro<\/a> for French-Chinese fusion (and some insanely delicious Peking duck), Far East Cafe<\/a> for genuine Chinese flavours coupled with local San Franciscan seafood, and Ming Lee Trading<\/a>, a snack and candy store packed with Chinese packaged treats.<\/p>\n And for a tipple, make sure you visit China Live<\/a>\u2019s second floor and check out Cold Drinks, a classy cocktail bar. If you\u2019re around in February then they even have a dedicated Chinese New Year menu with 12 themed cocktails!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@lisa_h<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Chinatown accommodation is basically entirely reserved for Chinese locals but there\u2019s a fantastic accommodation choice just on the outskirts of the neighbourhood and directly opposite Dragon\u2019s Gate: the Urban Hotel<\/b><\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n With single, double or dorm rooms to choose from, communal bathrooms, workstations in the private rooms and computer benches in the common area, this place is a hybrid hostel\/hotel ideal for anyone wanting to be amongst the action but with a comfy home to return to at the end of the day.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be within a short walk of Union Square and the Financial District too, with plenty of cheap eats, bustling shops and buzzing nightlife right on your doorstep. I\u2019d recommend popping into Caf\u00e9 de la Presse just across the road for a great coffee and fresh croissants if you want a break from Asian cuisine.<\/p>\n Staying right next to Chinatown means you can make the most of early mornings where the food is fresh and the streets are the quietest they\u2019ll be all day. If you\u2019re planning on making this area your home during your stay, I\u2019d recommend learning the basics in Mandarin (hello, goodbye, thank you, I would like ten dumplings please, etc.) to show some respect for the culture and lock in your place as favourite traveller at your local eatery of choice.<\/p>\n Some travellers prefer their adventures to be slower paced, with charming streets, locally-owned boutiques, lush parks and super chill caf\u00e9s higher on their bucket lists than fancy shopping districts or historical museums. If that sounds like a bit of you, then North Beach is your place.<\/p>\n The moment you step into this neighbourhood you feel more relaxed, with the hordes of tourists and briefcase-toting men of the rest of the city replaced by athleisure-wearing mums, low key hipsters and digital nomads who have carved out their office for the day in their favourite coffee shop.<\/p>\n North Beach is north of the Financial District, Chinatown and Union Square, and just to the east of Fisherman\u2019s Wharf, but it feels a lot more local and relaxed than other parts of the city. It\u2019s home to San Francisco\u2019s Little Italy too, so you know the food is guaranteed to impress.<\/p>\n A day in North Beach could entail a morning brew, as this neighbourhood boasts some of the city\u2019s best coffees, then a stroll around the lanes looking for some antiques or handmade crafts. Don\u2019t forget to visit the City Lights Bookstore<\/a>, famous for being the hub for the Beat Generation literary movement in the 1950s. Check out the poetry room, pick up a travel guide or see which renowned authors are holding book signings or readings that weekend.<\/p>\n In the evenings there are bars with live music, authentic Italian trattorias with fresh pasta and woodfired pizza, Washington Square Park for a picnic dinner, fancy cocktail saloons and entertainment venues galore.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@bradencollum<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Despite its casual chill vibes, North Beach has more than enough going on to fill a backpacker\u2019s itinerary. And, better yet, most of it is free!<\/p>\n The best way to immerse yourself into this suburb is to find a sit-down caf\u00e9 with tables and seats on the sidewalk, and people-watch while you sip an espresso and plan the rest of your day. Chat to the baristas, read local newspapers to find the best events around town and top up your energy for a busy day of relaxation, relaxation and more relaxation.<\/p>\n The shopping in this area is fantastic, with exquisite antique stores, funky stationers, flea market-esque vintage shops, boutique clothing retailers and even a place with fully bespoke fashion, Al\u2019s Attire<\/a>, where Al and his team will kit you out in custom-made hats, shoes, suits and everything in between.<\/p>\n If you want to make one purchase in San Francisco to take home with you, you need to visit Schein & Schein<\/a>, a San Franciscan institution with thousands of antique, vintage maps of destinations all over the globe. Their goods range from 14th century works of art through to $5 bargain bin souvenirs, so they\u2019re ideal for picking up a special gift for someone back home, or a way to remember your trip.<\/p>\n North Beach is the perfect spot to soak up fresh air and beautiful views too. Washington Square Park is a picnic paradise, where you could easily forget you\u2019re in the second most densely-populated city in the States. Head over to Little Vine<\/a> first, a European-style deli and grocery store that sells cheese, meats, cheap Italian wines and more, and rent one of their picnic baskets to take with you for the afternoon.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@fdelgado<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n When you\u2019re ready to start walking off the delicious Italian food you\u2019ve been scoffing, consider going up the Filbert Steps, three blocks of steep steps past art deco buildings and beautiful gardens. When you reach the top you\u2019ll be rewarded with stunning views over the city.<\/p>\n And on the off chance that you\u2019re in need of a haircut, guys and gals alike can tame that travel mane at Public Barber Salon<\/a>, an insanely cool hair salon boasting full wall bookshelves, with high ceilings but low prices (compared to the rest of San Fran at least). Men can get a buzz cut for $25 or a beard trim for $20, and ladies cuts start at $50.<\/p>\n Little Italys are always a backpacker fave, with carby goodness for prices generally lower than touristy areas, and San Francisco\u2019s Italian neighbourhood is no different.<\/p>\n For coffee, I\u2019d recommend Caffe Trieste<\/a>, thought to be the first place on the USA\u2019s West Coast to sell espresso back in the 1950s. The place is a hit with North Beach locals, with sidewalk chairs and tables set out for morning yarns with your travel buddies, and their pastry selection is fantastic too.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t be in Little Italy without eating pizza, pasta, focaccia and gelato, so here are some of our favourite spots for the classic Italian fare. Liguria Bakery<\/a> boasts deliciously fresh focaccia bread covered in everything from olives to tomatoes to raisins, and they even provide the bread for some of the famous restaurants nearby. It\u2019s family-owned and has been running for over 100 years! Don\u2019t be put off by the line, it moves quickly and it\u2019s absolutely worth the wait.<\/p>\n Professional pasta critics will love Baonecci Restaurant<\/a>, a hidden gem that seems to still be under the tourist radar. Their menu is packed with homestyle dishes, with fresh pasta and sauces made from scratch, and the first thin crust pizza in the city.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find good pizza all through North Beach\u2019s charming streets, but one of the local pizzerias really takes the cake\u2026 Tony\u2019s Pizza Napoletana<\/a>. Tony\u2019s won awards in both the US and in Italy for his pizza masterpieces, and he\u2019s even branched out to nail his technique on classic New York and Chicago-style pizzas. It\u2019s normal to wait an hour or so for a seat at Tony\u2019s so try and go early to snap up your spot.<\/p>\n When it\u2019s time for a sugar boost, there are gelato and pastry shops around every corner. The cannolis from Mara\u2019s Italian Pastry<\/a> are mouth-watering, Victoria Pastry boasts arguably the best tiramisu in town, and Cafe Jacqueline is a lush sit-down restaurant with a menu full of souffles. Visit for a full meal of both savoury and sweet eggy goodness, or just pop in for dessert.<\/p>\n Not only is the food scene impressive here in North Beach, there\u2019s loads of dive, cocktail and sports bars to satisfy your beverage cravings too.<\/p>\n Tony Nik\u2019s<\/a> is a genuine 1930s cocktail bar, styled the same as when it first opened in \u201833. It\u2019s the perfect spot for a classy tipple before or after a meal. Craft beer lovers need to check out Church Key<\/a>, who have a huge and varied beer list and soul DJs on Wednesdays. Then there\u2019s Specs<\/a>, a dive-bar-slash-museum that\u2019s so weird and wonderful it has to be seen to be believed.<\/p>\n And if you choose just one place to visit for a bevvie in North Beach, it\u2019s got to be Comstock Saloon<\/a>, one of the oldest bars in the city. Opened in 1907, Comstock Saloon has live jazz all week, cosy booths, an extensive drinks list and makes beautiful vintage cocktails. They do a brunch too, with oysters, poutine, and a $20 mozzarella stick complete with caviar, gold leaf and saffron aioli. Maybe share that one with your hostel mates!<\/p>\n You know what they say\u2026 Pizza all day, party all night! If you\u2019re looking for a fun, social, good vibes only type of place to stay in San Francisco then you\u2019re in luck.<\/p>\n Green Tortoise Hostel<\/b><\/a> is one of the most well-known party hostels<\/a> in the city, perfect for meeting new friends to hit the town with (and to eat away the hangover with the next day!)<\/p>\n The hostel has both female-only and mixed dorms, with comfy beds and linen included, as well as four charging ports per bed. The shared bathrooms are super clean and there\u2019s organic lavender shampoo, conditioner and body wash for guests to use. Want a bit of privacy? There are private rooms too.<\/p>\n The location is excellent, with an easy walk to both Little Italy and Chinatown for your cuisine of choice, and they also offer day trips to Yosemite and other California hot spots. Wi-Fi is fast and free, there\u2019s a laundry room, and check out isn\u2019t until 11am so you\u2019ve got time to sleep in and<\/em> pack up your stuff the morning after a big night.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll love the free breakfast each morning, there\u2019s free dinner three times a week and there\u2019s a ballroom with giant Jenga, foosball, pool and musical instruments.<\/p>\n This hostel is definitely one for the social butterflies and is perfect for solo travellers<\/a>\u00a0looking to make new friends.<\/p>\n San Francisco, you beauty! While the city is full of little neighbourhoods and people from all different walks of life, these are some of the pockets I really, really love. And because it\u2019s so easy to get around, no matter where you stay you\u2019ll be within easy reach of other hot spots anyway. Make sure you visit the LGBT-friendly bars in the Castro neighbourhood, classy eateries in Nob Hill, the spicy Latino-inspired Mission District or the bohemian vintage shops that line the streets in Haight-Ashbury.<\/p>\n So, are you being pulled towards the iconic must-sees and dos at Fisherman\u2019s Wharf, or the endless dim sum dinners of Chinatown? Can you see yourself shopping till you drop in Union Square, or does North Beach\u2019s endless good vibes sound like your kind of place? Hopefully by now you\u2019ve figured out the best area in San Francisco for your travel style, along with the best hostels to stay in each neighbourhood.<\/p>\n Have we missed off your favourite place in San Francisco? Tell us in the comments below!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0\u00a0@goian<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Check out all of our hostels in San Francisco!<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f\u00a0Where to stay in San Diego: a neighbourhood guide\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f\u00a0Best hostels in San Francisco<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f\u00a0Warm winter vacations in the USA: 22 best places to escape the winter blues!<\/b>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n![\"where](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Where-to-stay-in-San-Franisco-@sanfrancisco-700x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJump straight to:<\/h2>\n
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1. Fisherman\u2019s Wharf: the best area to stay in San Francisco for ticking off the bucket list<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat to do in Fisherman\u2019s Wharf<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nPlaces to eat in Fisherman\u2019s Wharf<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best hostels in Fisherman\u2019s Wharf<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n2. Union Square: the best area to stay in San Francisco for shopaholics<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"where](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Where-to-stay-in-San-Francisco-@timberfoster-Union-Square-700x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat to do in Union Square<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nPlaces to eat in Union Square<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best hostels in Union Square<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n3. Chinatown: the best area to stay in in San Francisco for foodies<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat to do in Chinatown<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nPlaces to eat in Chinatown<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nBest hostels in Chinatown<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. North Beach: the best area to stay in San Francisco for casual living<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat to do in North Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nPlaces to eat in North Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best hostels in North Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nKeep reading:\u00a0\u2b07\ufe0f<\/h2>\n
About the author:<\/h2>\n