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.