San Francisco packs its icons into 11 by 11 kilometers: cable cars cresting Nob Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge appearing out of the fog, and the Mission district's mural-covered alleys. Bike across the bridge to Sausalito and ferry back, then queue for a proper Mission burrito at La Taqueria. Book Alcatraz well ahead - it sells out weeks in advance in season.
3-day San Francisco itinerary
- Day 1: Breakfast at the Ferry Building, ride the Powell-Hyde cable car, Lombard Street, sea lions at Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf
- Day 2: Rent a bike at the Marina, cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, ferry back, Palace of Fine Arts on the way
- Day 3: Alcatraz morning tour, then the Mission - Clarion Alley murals, a burrito at La Taqueria, afternoon in Dolores Park
Where to stay: neighborhoods that make sense
- North Beachthe old Italian quarter with cafes and City Lights bookstore, walkable to the Wharf and Chinatown
- Missionthe sunniest neighborhood, murals, taquerias and nightlife; stay near Valencia Street
- Hayes Valleyboutiques and excellent food, central, calm and well connected by Muni
- Union Square / Nob Hillthe hotel district; convenient and on the cable car lines, but charmless after dark
What to eat in San Francisco
- Mission burrito at La Taqueria or El Farolitothe city's defining meal, about 11 EUR
- Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman's Wharftouristy but right once, about 12 EUR
- Dim sum in Chinatowna table full of dumplings for about 15 EUR per person
- Morning bun at Tartine Bakeryworth the queue, about 5 EUR
- Oysters at Hog Island in the Ferry Buildingabout 3.50 EUR each
Mistakes most first-timers make
- Not booking Alcatraz in advanceofficial tickets sell out 2-4 weeks ahead in high season
- Packing only summer clothesfog and wind make July feel like 14 degrees; bring layers year-round
- Leaving anything visible in a parked carwindow break-ins are the city's most common crime against visitors
- Spending all your time at Fisherman's Wharfit is the least representative corner of the city
Worth leaving the city for
- Muir Woods (45 minutes)cathedral-quiet old-growth redwoods; parking must be reserved online ahead
- Napa and Sonoma (1.5 hours)wine tasting among the vineyards, easiest with a tour if everyone wants to drink
- Half Moon Bay via Highway 1 (45 minutes)foggy cliffs, beaches and roadside seafood shacks
Getting around
BART runs from SFO to downtown in about 30 minutes for roughly 10 EUR. In town, walk plus Muni buses and trains (about 2.50 EUR with a Clipper card or contactless tap) cover almost everything - the hills are the only real obstacle, which is what the 8 EUR cable car ride is for.
Why this plan won't send you to a closed café
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