About San Francisco

San Francisco is situated in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. San Francisco is the fourth largest city in California after Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose. It is also the only city in California that coincides with a county: officially it is called the City and County of San Francisco.

Views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay are often laced with fog, creating a romantic mood in this most European of American cities. San Francisco is often called "Everybody's Favorite City," a title earned by its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities, and world-class cuisine.

What is known in San Francisco?

The city’s most famous icon, however, is the Golden Gate Bridge. This magnificent deep-orange structure is an engineering marvel. It stretches for 1.7 miles over the strait of the same name. In fact, no trip to San Francisco would be complete without visiting the landmark. You can capture it in all its glory from a viewpoint. Otherwise, you can visit museums and art galleries in the city centre. Or, head to Fisherman’s Wharf on the northern waterfront. Next to the wharf is the expansive San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Then there's Pier 39, a scenic spot from where you can cruise to notorious Alcatraz Island.

San Francisco is a vibrant cultural city with plenty of excellent things to do. Whether it’s hitting a club in the high-energy Mission District, shopping for vinyl in hippy Haight-Ashbury’s post-Beat wonderland, or just relaxing by the surf at the tranquil Ocean Beach, the Northern Californian city is bound to have something for everyone. After sunset, a mix of classic and modern things to do at night help you see the city in a different perspective.

First-time visitors eager to explore famous landmarks will find plenty to check off their bucket list. After all, San Francisco is a city where it’s possible to jog across the Golden Gate Bridge, take a trolley to Fisherman’s Wharf, tour Al Capone’s cell, and wander colourful alleys in Chinatown, all in one day. Thanks to its evolution from a hippies’ dream destination in ‘70s to the multicultural and LGBT-friendly city it is today, San Francisco will always be an attractive place to spend a holiday.

Getting around San Francisco can be a little confusing at first, due to its complex cross-grid system and lack of left-turn lanes on the key city streets. Once you get the hang of it, driving is an easy way to get around, but the city’s reliable bus system is just as smooth. San Francisco is a great walking city, with a mix of architectural styles to gaze at, stores to stop at, and unbeatable views at the top of steep hills.

What makes San Francisco attractive to visit?

The best things to do in San Francisco include the coastal city's most popular sights. The most unique attractions owe to the Bay Area's geographical diversity. For instance, cruising down the hilly streets of San Francisco is a delight. Steep roads follow the contours of ancient dunes. This sharp topography became the foundation of the city. Meanwhile, its skyscraper-dotted skyline serves as a panoramic backdrop. You can take in the wonderful urban scenery from aboard San Francisco’s cable car system. As one of the city's icons, the manually operated cars are the last of its kind in the world.

On the cultural side, San Francisco is a melting pot. Hints of strong Spanish-American roots linger around the city. For instance, you can find Latino-influenced restaurants alongside quirky shops in the historic Mission District. Furthermore, there are cool enclaves such as Little Italy to explore. One of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States calls San Francisco home. Then there's the vibrant Japanese community in the Western Addition. Additionally, the ultra-trendy Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and the posh enclave of Pacific Heights are also worth seeing.