San Francisco

Golden Gate fog, Painted Ladies and steep cable-car hills.

Overview

San Francisco glows with fog-kissed hills, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the pastel Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Fisherman's Wharf, the cable cars and Chinatown — America's oldest — add flavour; the Ferry Building's farmers' market and Silicon Valley complete the edge.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit

September to November for the warmest, fog-free days.

How to get there

SFO and OAK airports serve the bay with global connections. BART and Muni cover the bay area.

Getting around

BART and Muni cover the bay area; cable cars and buses serve iconic routes; walking is best downtown and Fisherman's Wharf.

Travel budget

Three-star hotels USD 180-350/night; a clam chowder bowl USD 10-15; cable car ride USD 8; museum admission USD 15-25.

Safety

Generally safe; standard precautions in Tenderloin and Union Square.

Visa information

ESTA waiver for Visa Waiver Program countries.

Internet & eSIM

Excellent 4G/5G; US eSIMs widely supported.

Keep exploring

Related destinations

Los Angeles

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New York

Skyscraper canyons, Central Park and the Broadway heartbeat.

Las Vegas

Neon desert Strip, mega-resort pools and night entertainment.

Miami

Art Deco pastels, Ocean Drive and Latin-Caribbean beats.

New Orleans

Jazz balconies, wrought-iron galleries and Cajun-spiced evenings.

Honolulu

Waikiki surf, volcanic hikes and luau feasts under island skies.

Plan the practical stuff

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