I recently spent a few days exploring San Francisco. The city is compact but full of character, with every neighborhood offering something unique. Here are my top 5 places you should not miss.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
- Walk or bike across for stunning views of the bay and city skyline.
- Best photo spots: Battery Spencer (north side) and Crissy Field (south side).
- Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch the soft light.
2. Alcatraz Island
- Take the ferry from Pier 33.
- The audio tour inside the prison is excellent—it blends history with real stories from former inmates.
- Book tickets in advance, especially if you want the evening tour.
3. Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
- A lively waterfront with seafood stalls, street performers, and souvenir shops.
- Don’t miss the sea lions lounging near the pier.
- Grab a bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery.
4. Chinatown
- One of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the U.S.
- Wander the small streets for dim sum, herbal shops, and colorful murals.
- Grant Avenue is great for photos, but the real gems are hidden on side streets.
5. Lombard Street
- Known as “the crookedest street in the world.”
- Walk down for the best perspective, but driving it is also a fun experience.
- Combine it with a stroll through the nearby Russian Hill neighborhood.
Tip: San Francisco is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready for steep climbs. Public transport (cable cars, buses, and ferries) is a great way to get around without a car.