City of hills, mist and free spirit
Ranked by interestingness score, based on real experience
The most photographed bridge in the world. There is a 2.7 km pedestrian crossing, you can also cross by bicycle. You're lucky if there's no fog — but fog is a different atmosphere, too.
Once the most tightly secured prison in the United States, now a museum. You see Al Capone's cell. The audio guide is chilling — ex-cons tell the story.
It is 20% larger than Central Park. Japanese Tea Garden, botanical garden, baseball field, lakes, bike paths — you can spend the day here.
360 degree panorama on top of the city. The illuminated city view at night is breathtaking. When you are above the clouds, you watch the city under the fog.
Movable historical monument operating since 1873. The Powell-Hyde line is the most scenic — Alcatraz and the bay are spread out before you.
SF's most colorful neighborhood. The murals in Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley are like open-air galleries. The city view from the top of Dolores Park is a bonus.
The windingest street in the world — 8 hairpin bends, with hydrangea flowers on both sides. It's time to get off by car, it's more enjoyable to walk on foot.
Is it touristic? Yes. But stopping by once to watch the sea lions, eat clam chowder and smell the sourdough bread is a must.
The city skyline against a backdrop of Victorian houses—you'll recognize it from the opening scene of Full House. Sit in Alamo Square park, have a picnic and look at this view.
The oldest and most populous Chinatown in the USA. Enter through Dragon's Gate and walk along Grant Avenue. Dim sum, tea shops, herbalist shops — it's like teleporting to Asia.
What will you do from hour to hour, from morning to evening?
Iconic landmarks tour
Go early in the morning, start before the fog clears — the moment it clears is magical. You can go to Sausalito and return by ferry.
Watch the sea lions, eat clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Climb towards Lombard Street. View of the bay from the hills of the city.
Walking down the snake-like street, taking a photo break.
Enter from Dragon's Gate, walk along Grant Ave, try tea and dim sum.
SF's "Little Italy". Tony's Pizza Napoletana or Tosca Cafe.
Local life + nature
If it's Saturday, the farmer's market is very good. Coffee + patisserie tour.
Japanese Tea Garden + de Young Museum tower (free panorama). Rent a bike.
Taste the legend of the Mission burrito. Carnitas or carne asada, without rice.
Balmy Alley murals, then sit in Dolores Park and watch the city.
Salted caramel ice cream, eat in the park.
Cocktail at Trick Dog, then bar hopping on Valencia Street.
History and landscape
First ferry in the morning. Audio guided tour minimum 2.5 hours. Get your tickets in advance.
Wait in line and eat fresh oysters and Dungeness crab. Value.
Full House houses + city skyline panorama. A picnic is held.
Vintage shopping, record shops, hippie history.
360 degree panoramic city view. Don't forget to take a windbreaker.
Say goodbye to SF with oysters + white wine at the Ferry Building.
One week holiday plan with sightseeing tours
Iconic start
Leave early in the morning, walk across the bridge and land in Sausalito.
Food, art galleries by the bay. Return to SF with Ferry.
Sea lions, clam chowder, souvenirs.
Climbing the Powell-Hyde line, hiking the Lombard.
Little Italy — cake, pizza, espresso.
History layers
First ferry, audio guide, tour the cells.
Salt-and-pepper crab in Chinatown.
Grant Ave, Stockton St, tea shops, herbalist.
Beat generation literary tour, beer at the bar next to it.
Dinner + DNA Lounge or a cocktail bar.
Nature and culture
American art collection. Tower free panorama.
The oldest Japanese garden in the United States. Break with matcha and mochi.
Aquarium + planetarium + rainforest all in one.
Tour around Stow Lake, botanical garden.
Sunset in the Pacific Ocean. It's cold but worth seeing.
Outerlands or Devil's Teeth region. Surfer neighborhood vibe.
Art, food, nightlife
Morning bun + coffee. There is a queue but it's worth it.
Balmy Alley, Clarion Alley, Women's Building. Street art on foot.
Legendary burrito, try a different meat this time.
Lie on the grass, watch the city, eat ice cream.
Independent boutiques, bookstores, souvenirs.
Trick Dog cocktail, ABV beer, El Rio backyard.
Muir Woods + Sausalito
Giant redwood trees that are 1000 years old. 30 min drive from SF. Shuttle or car required, parking reservation required.
Fish + wine by the sea. Possibility to rent kayaks or SUP.
Ferry tour on the bay, small town tour.
Battery Spencer, Hawk Hill — photos of the bridge from different angles.
Food, stylish bars on Chestnut Street.
Exploration between neighborhoods
Wait in line and sit at the seafood counter. Try Crab cocktail.
The richest neighborhood in SF. Victorian houses, wide view points.
Ramen, Kinokuniya bookstore, Daiso shopping at Japan Center.
You have a picnic and take photos.
Trendy boutiques, Blue Bottle Coffee, Smitten ice cream.
Castro bar tour after tiki cocktail.
Final touches
If it's Saturday, the farmer's market, if not, the local stores. Blue Bottle coffee, Hog Island oysters.
Walking by the bay. Cupid's Span statue, view of the Bay Bridge.
Don't forget the gift, tax refund.
Farewell view. 360 degree panorama of SF.
Zuni Cafe (roasted chicken legend) or Tartine Manufactory.
From local classics to hype places
Current Hype Morning bun and country loaf are legendary. The queue starts at 8 in the morning and turns around the street at 9. But once you take one bite, you forget everything.
Premium Fresh oysters from Tomales Bay. You sit at the bar inside the Ferry Building and eat oysters while looking at the bay view. Let it be accompanied by white wine.
Current Hype The ice cream legend next to Dolores Park. It would not be an exaggeration to say that salted caramel ice cream was invented here. The queue is long, the portions are generous.
Local Classic The place that has been making sourdough bread since 1849. They have been using the same culture for 170+ years. Clam chowder is eaten here in a bread bowl.
Local Classic James Beard award-winning burrito shop. It's the rare place that makes burritos without rice — just meat, beans, cheese, salsa. There's a queue but it's worth it.
Premium Same bench since 1912. Tiny oyster bar with 18 stools. The line is 30-60 minutes but this place is one of SF's food legends. Try the Dungeness crab and oysters.
Local Classic Best table in Chinatown. The salt-and-pepper crab legend is here. Sit in the lounge downstairs, skip the touristy upstairs.
Entertainment from evening to morning
Current Hype The king of tiki bars. 400+ types of rum and 80+ cocktails in a three-storey wooden venue. When you step inside, you think you are in the Caribbean.
Current Hype A cocktail bar that changes its menu from theme to theme every 6 months. It's on the World's 50 Best Bars list. Creative cocktails, relaxed atmosphere, music is just right.
Local Classic The world capital of LGBTQ+ culture. Twin Peaks Tavern, Beaux, The Edge — ideal for bar hopping. Lively, colorful, open to everyone.
Local Classic The mecca of Jack Kerouac and the Beat generation. Open since 1948. Right next to City Lights Bookstore — books first, beer second. You feel the spirit of the writers.
Local Classic The place known with the slogan "everyone's backyard". The salsa dance event on Sundays is legendary. Open air space, cheap beers, warm community.
Local Classic SF's electronic music bastion since 1985. There's everything from goth night to techno to hip-hop. Two halls, powerful sound system.
Gift, local, premium
Gourmet market by the bay. The Saturday morning farmer's market is legendary—cheese shop, olive oil shop, florist, fresh pasta. A place of pilgrimage for food lovers.
Independent boutiques, vintage shops, designer stores. 826 Valencia (pirate-themed children's writing workshop) is something that can only happen in SF.
Luxury brand heaven. Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Apple Store are all here. Prices are high outside the discount season (November-January).
1967 is the birthplace of the Summer of Love. Vintage clothing, record shops, second-hand bookstores. The hippie spirit is still felt. Amoeba Music is not to be missed.
One of three Japantowns in the United States. Kinokuniya bookstore, Daiso, mochi shops, ramen and matcha are everywhere. Heaven for anime and manga fans.
When to go, how to get there, city transportation, accommodation, budget and practical tips.
San Francisco is a city with a population of 870 thousand, but its impact is much larger. The gateway to Silicon Valley, home of the Beat generation, birthplace of the Summer of Love, world capital of the LGBTQ+ movement — a place that packs so much history into a small peninsula. The real magic of the city is in the hills. A new view at the top of every hill, every neighborhood has its own character. You hear Spanish in the Mission, Cantonese in Chinatown, Italian in North Beach — and that iconic fog ties it all together.
There is a famous quote about the weather attributed to Mark Twain: "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." It's not quite accurate, but the weather is really weird — it might be 15 degrees in July, 28 degrees in September. Dress in layers, always have a windbreaker in your pocket.
When considering the visa process, start your application at least 12 months before travel.
There are no direct flights from Türkiye to San Francisco. The most practical routes: Istanbul–SFO with Turkish Airlines (with a connection at Lufthansa FRA or a joint line with United), United Airlines Istanbul–SFO (usually with a connection in Newark or Washington). Total flight duration is 15-18 hours including transfer.
SFO (San Francisco International Airport) closest airport to the city:
Oakland (OAK) airport is an alternative; BART takes 45 minutes to SF and sometimes flight prices are more affordable.
Renting a car in SF is generally unnecessary — finding parking is a nightmare, gearing up on hills is another nightmare. Public transportation + walking + Uber/Lyft is the smartest combination.
Muni (bus + metro + tram) is the city's main public transportation system. Single ticket is 2.50 USD, daily pass is 24 USD. Payment is made by Clipper Card or credit card. BART is an interregional metro and provides connections to the airport, Oakland and surrounding cities.
Cable Car is both a transportation and tourist experience — but it's 8 USD/one way and the lines are long. The Powell-Hyde line is the most scenic. The Ferry system (Golden Gate Ferry, SF Bay Ferry) provides both transportation and sightseeing to Sausalito, Tiburon and Oakland.
For bike lovers, there is the Bay Wheels shared bike system. Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge and down to Sausalito is a classic route — but be prepared for hills.
SF is one of the most expensive cities in the US — accommodations are especially tough on the budget.
| Style | Accommodation / day | Meal/day | Activity / day | 3 days total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economical | 80-120 (hostel/Oakland) | 35 | 20 | 405-525 |
| Medium | 200-300 (3* Union Sq) | 80 | 50 | 990-1.290 |
| Comfort | 350-500 (4* Marina) | 130 | 80 | 1.680-2.130 |
| Luxury | 600+ (5* Nob Hill) | 250+ | 150+ | 3,000+ |
Flight tickets and visa fees are not included. CityPASS or Go City cards save money by combining attractions like Alcatraz, California Academy of Sciences and de Young Museum.
San Francisco is a surprisingly good city to visit with kids. Compactness is an advantage — everything is close by. But hills and strollers don't get along very well, so know that.
0-3 years: Golden Gate Park is wide, flat and stroller friendly. Children's Playground (inside the park) is safe and well maintained. Sea lions fascinate young children at Fisherman's Wharf. But the cable car cannot be ridden with a baby stroller, so skip it.
4-7 years: California Academy of Sciences is this age group's favorite — aquarium, planetarium, rainforest under one roof. The Exploratorium science museum is interactive and keeps kids busy for hours. The Alcatraz ferry tour is exciting, but the prison part may scare some kids.
8-12 years: The Alcatraz audio guide tour is perfect for this age. Walking the Golden Gate Bridge gives a feeling of adventure. The cable car experience is great for this age group. The Bay Area Discovery Museum (in Sausalito) is still fun.
Ages 13+: Getting lost in the streets of Chinatown, Mission murals, Haight-Ashbury vintage shopping, VR experiences at Pier 39. A Warriors (NBA) or Giants (baseball) game may be scheduled.
California Academy of Sciences — Aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum in one building. Children stay in the reptile section and giant aquarium for hours.
Exploratorium — Interactive science museum at Pier 15. Everything can be touched, everything can be tried. The perfect plan for rainy days B.
Golden Gate Park — Playgrounds, lake, bikes, botanical garden. There are real bison in the Bison Paddock — kids can't believe it.
Fisherman's Wharf Sea Lions — Dozens of sea lions bask in the K Dock at Pier 39. It's free, it's fun, kids love it.
Cable Car — Yes, it is touristy, but unforgettable for children. The wind hits their faces as they descend the hills on the open platform. Actually, adults are having fun too.
Baby stroller: No problem in flat neighborhoods (Marina, Embarcadero, Mission). But on steep slopes such as Nob Hill and Russian Hill, a backpack carrier makes more sense. Muni buses fit strollers, but they are crowded during subway hours.
Kids menu: Most restaurants have a kids menu. Pizza and burritos can be found on every corner at affordable prices. At Ghirardelli Square, a chocolate sundae works well as a kid's reward.
Child ticket: On BART, children under 5 are free (with adult). Discounts for ages 5-17 at Muni. In museums, children under the age of 4 are generally free, and those aged 5-11 are half price.
Toilet: Free in museums, Ferry Building and shopping malls. There are JCDecaux automatic toilets on the streets (free but few).
SF's real strength is in its environment. You can reach the redwood forests in half an hour, the wine region in an hour, and the most dramatic coastal road in California in two hours.
Muir Woods (Redwood Forest): Walk under 1,000-year-old redwood trees, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Admission is $15, parking reservations required (gomuirwoods.com). 45 minutes by car, 3-4 hour half day tours with tour companies cost 60-90 USD. Go early in the morning — the crowds increase in the afternoon.
Sausalito: Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge by bike and going down to Sausalito is one of the classic routes of SF. Eating in town and returning to SF by ferry fills up a full day. Ferry 14 USD one way, bike rental 30-50 USD/day.
Napa Valley and Sonoma: California wine country 1-1.5 hours north from SF. Napa is more luxurious and expensive, Sonoma is more relaxed and affordable. Day tour companies 80-150 USD/person, tasting fees may not be included. $25-50 per tasting. If you are going to drive, the driver should not drink — DUI fines start at $10,000.
Half Moon Bay: South of SF, 45 minute drive. Quiet seaside town, surfing, fish restaurants. There is the world-famous giant pumpkin festival (Mavericks Pumpkin Festival) in October. There are plenty of beautiful spots to picnic.
Monterey / Carmel / Big Sur: 2-2.5 hours south from SF. Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-class, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fairytale village, Big Sur is California's most impressive coastal drive. Monterey + Carmel can be done in 1 day, if you want to add Big Sur, you need 2 days.
Point Reyes National Seashore: North, 1.5 hour drive. Lighthouse, wild seals, Tule deer. During the winter months (January-March), whale watching can be done from the beach. For food, the small cafes in Point Reyes Station are sufficient.
Berkeley and Oakland: 15-20 minutes via BART. UC Berkeley campus, Gourmet Ghetto food district, Telegraph Avenue bookstores. Oakland is worth exploring on its own—Jack London Square is at the heart of the emerging food scene.
San Franciscans are allergic to saying "Frisco." Not welcome in "San Fran". If you want to shorten it, just say "SF" and get rid of it. It's accepted in "The City" — but only Bay Area residents use it.
The city is progressive, environmentally friendly and tolerant. Gender pronouns are observed, waste segregation is taken seriously (garbage, recycling, compost — three separate bins), plastic bags are not provided. It's normal to fill your own water bottle in restaurants; It is not considered strange.
Tipping culture is the same as New York: 18-20% is expected in a restaurant, at least 15% is expected on the counter-top tip display in a cafe. The "No type" option technically exists, but it raises eyebrows. At Uber/Lyft, tipping is expected to be around 15%.
The influence of technology companies is everywhere. Even the coffee filter is made with scientific precision, and there is hardly a restaurant menu that does not say "locally sourced, sustainably harvested". This may be noticeable at times, but it is reflected in the quality of the food — SF eats really well.
Each neighborhood of SF is a different world. Knowing which one to choose and why makes your trip much more productive.
North Beach (Little Italy): Home of the Beat generation. Breathe in the spirit of Kerouac and Ginsberg at City Lights Bookstore, drink espresso at Caffe Trieste, and join the queue for brunch at Mama's. Washington Square Park is nice for a picnic. The walk to Coit Tower starts from here.
Haight-Ashbury: Birthplace of the 1967 Summer of Love. Vintage shops, record stores, independent cafes. Amoeba Music is one of the world's largest independent music stores. The eastern entrance to Golden Gate Park is here. Hippy culture has turned into a tourist version, but the street atmosphere is still fun.
Castro: Historical center of the LGBTQ+ movement. Harvey Milk's store, rainbow crosswalks, the Castro Theater neon sign. The walk to the top of Twin Peaks from here is 20 minutes and the 360-degree panorama of the city is rewarding.
Mission District: Spanish-speaking streets, Mexican restaurants, street art and murals. Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley are filled with murals. Nightlife is the most energetic part of SF — bars and live music venues abound. Gentrification is rapid, but the spirit remains.
Japantown: One of three remaining Japantowns in the United States. Ramen, mochi and Japanese stationery shops at Japan Center Mall. Traditional Japanese bath experience at Kabuki Springs spa. Cherry Blossom Festival (April) is colorful and fun.
Embarcadero and Ferry Building: Bayfront walkway, artisanal cheese, chocolate and local produce at the Ferry Building. Saturday farmer's market is one of the best in California. Sausalito, Tiburon and Alcatraz ferries leave from here.
How many days are enough for San Francisco? If it's your first time, 3 full days cover the main points. Muir Woods, Napa/Sonoma wine region and Monterey/Big Sur day tours can be added with 5-7 days.
How long does it take to get a visa? US B1/B2 visa appointments from Türkiye may take 6-12 months as of 2026. Alternatively, waiting times may be shorter at the Belgrade, Athens or Yerevan consulates. Check travel.state.gov for up-to-date information.
Is SF really cold in the summer? Yes, from June to August it can be 15-18°C and foggy in the city centre. But in September-October, temperatures exceed 25°C — that's SF's real summer. Dress in layers, I'm serious.
How do I get from the airport to the city with BART? There is a direct connection to BART from SFO. 30 minutes from airport station to Powell Street (downtown), about 10 USD. It works until 00:30 at night.
Is there an earthquake risk? SF is on an active fault line, but modern buildings are built to withstand earthquakes. There is always the possibility of a major earthquake, but earthquakes that affect daily life are rare. Check the emergency exit plan in the hotel room, that's enough.
Can Napa Valley be visited as a day trip? Yes, 1-1.5 hour drive north from SF. Tour companies organize daily wine tours (80-150 USD/person). If you're going to drive, remember that the driver shouldn't be drinking — DUI penalties are very harsh.
Is the homelessness problem really that bad? Prominent in the Tenderloin and Civic Center areas. It's not dangerous, but it can be annoying. Be careful when passing through these neighborhoods, but SF is generally a safe city.
Can the Golden Gate Bridge be crossed on foot? Yes, it's free. The pedestrian path is open daily from 05:00 to 21:00 (until 18:00 in winter). 2.7 km one way, 30-45 minutes walking. The wind may blow hard, a jacket is required. It can also be crossed by bicycle. The most beautiful light is early in the morning or at sunset.
Are Mission burritos really that good? Yes. The Mission District is the Bay Area headquarters of Mexican cuisine. La Taqueria, El Farolito and Taqueria Cancun are addresses that deserve long queues. You shouldn't come to SF without trying the super burrito (rice, beans, meat, guacamole, salsa—all wrapped in aluminum foil). Between 12-18 USD.
Should I go to Chinatown? Definitely. North America's oldest and largest Chinatown. From the Dragon's Gate entrance, walk along Grant Avenue, turn onto Stockton Street — this is where locals shop, not tourists. For dim sum, try R&G Lounge or City View Restaurant. The Chinese New Year (February) parade is one of SF's largest street events.
How long does it take to visit Alcatraz? Ferry departs from Pier 33, 15 minutes to Alcatraz island. You will spend at least 2-2.5 hours on the island. Audio guide tour (no Turkish, only English) is the best experience — former guards and prisoners narrate. There are also night tours and they are more atmospheric. Buy your tickets 2-3 weeks in advance from alcatrazcruises.com, you won't find them last minute.
Where to drink the best coffee in SF SF is one of the cities where the third wave coffee revolution was born. Start with pour-over at Blue Bottle Coffee's original shop in Hayes Valley. Sightglass (SoMa), Ritual Coffee (Mission) and Equator Coffees (Fort Mason) are other favorites. Philz Coffee is known for its friendlier, personalized drip coffee — try their "Mint Mojito." A cup of filter coffee costs between 4-7 USD.
How do I solve SIM card or internet? T-Mobile or AT&T prepaid SIM can be purchased at the airport, 30-day unlimited data plans are 40-60 USD. It is more practical and cheaper to buy Airalo or Holafly eSIM in advance from Türkiye — 5 GB costs about 10-15 USD. Most cafes have free Wi-Fi, Starbucks and libraries are everywhere.
Should I take a cable car? At least once yes. There are three lines: Powell-Hyde (most scenic, goes down to Fisherman's Wharf), Powell-Mason (to North Beach), California Street (straight line, less crowded). $8 one way, included with Muni Passport. Lines on Powell lines can be 30-60 minutes — shorter early in the morning or at night. There are rarely queues on the California Street line.
What are the best view points? Twin Peaks (360-degree panorama, free, no car needed, but the hill is steep), Coit Tower (entrance $12, at the top of Telegraph Hill), Battery Spencer (best photo spot of the Golden Gate Bridge, on the Marin side), Dolores Park (in Mission, picnic area and city view combined).
Festivals, concerts and public holidays — 2026 calendar
End of June (last Sunday + previous Saturday)
Market Street + Civic Center
One of the largest LGBTQ+ marches in the world. Flood of color along Market Street, concerts at the Civic Center. Hotel prices skyrocket this week.
Official source →First week of August (3 days)
Golden Gate Park
Big names from Radiohead to Kendrick Lamar. Food and wine stands are like a separate festival. The concert experience under fog is only here.
Official source →Mid October (weekend)
Marina Green / Fisherman's Wharf (above the bay)
Blue Angels jet show over the bay. It's free to watch, but imagine that noise and view. Ship tours are also available.
Official source →End of January or February (according to Chinese calendar)
Chinatown + Market Street
The largest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia. Giant dragon dance, fireworks, torchlight procession. Chinatown is a completely different place that week.
Official source →First week of October (3 days)
Golden Gate Park
Completely free, 3 days, 7 scenes. It's titled bluegrass, but there's also folk, indie, rock. SF's most lavish festival — no tickets, no admission, come sit down and listen.
Official source →Third sunday of may
Howard Street → Ocean Beach (across town)
The race has been running since 1912 — but it's attended by costumed revelers rather than serious runners. People run around wearing hotdogs, dinosaurs, or even nothing at all.
Official source →Current according to passport type
US B1/B2 visa required. Consulate application is mandatory, the waiting period for an appointment is 6-12 months. Application fee is 185 USD, no ESTA/visa exemption.
Official application →A special passport does not provide extra rights for the USA. B1/B2 visa required.
Official application →A US visa is also required with a service passport.
Official application →For application links and other countries, check the Turkish Passport Visa Guide.
Instant Ticket Prices
Best prices with a single click, flights to SanFrancisco
If you liked SanFrancisco, check these out too