Things to do in San Francisco: the must-sees and our tips

In short: San Francisco is explored on foot, by cable car and by ferry. Cross the Golden Gate, book Alcatraz, climb the steep streets to Lombard Street, wander Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and North Beach, and keep time for Golden Gate Park. Pack a jacket: the fog often cools things down.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The world’s most famous bridge can be crossed on foot or by bike. The best views: from Baker Beach, the Presidio or the vista point on the Sausalito side.

Alcatraz

The former federal prison, on its island in the middle of the bay, is visited with a fascinating audio guide. Tickets sell out fast: book well ahead on the official website.

Cable cars and Lombard Street

The historic cable cars climb the city’s hills. Walk down the winding section of Lombard Street, then take in the view from Russian Hill or Telegraph Hill.

Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and North Beach

By the bay, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Pier 39 sea lions; a few streets away, Chinatown, one of the oldest in North America, and North Beach, the Italian quarter.

Golden Gate Park and the neighbourhoods

Golden Gate Park combines museums, a Japanese tea garden and lakes. Also worth seeing: the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, the Mission District murals and the view from Twin Peaks.

Day trips from San Francisco

• Sausalito, by ferry, a waterside village.
• Muir Woods and its giant redwoods: reservations often required.
• Napa Valley, for its vineyards.
• Yosemite, further away, for a few days.

Getting around

• BART, light rail, buses and cable cars serve the city.
• From the airport (SFO), BART runs straight to downtown.
• No car needed in town: rent one the day you head down the coast.

All our tips for the country: Travel in the United States.

Where to stay in San Francisco?

The areas and our booking tips are covered in our guide Where to stay in San Francisco.