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Discover San Francisco: Best Places to Eat, Drink, Stay, and Explore

Everything you need to know for visiting San Francisco

Welcome to San Francisco – a city in constant evolution, where the creativity and counterculture of the past meet the turbulent tech industry, and beloved local institutions hold their ground beside fresh new openings.

From iconic landmarks to vibrant neighbourhoods full of character – San Francisco has so much to discover. Plus, it’s packed with great restaurants, bars and coffee shops to explore. My other half used to call this city home, and some of our closest friends live here – so you can rest assured that this guide is filled with tried and trusted favourites, local tips and hidden gems from past and present SF residents.

As someone who’s spent countless days exploring the city, here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning a trip to San Francisco.

  1. Planning your visit to San Francisco
  2. When to visit San Francisco
  3. Getting around
  4. What to see and do in San Francisco
  5. Where to eat in San Francisco
  6. Where to drink in San Francisco
  7. Where to stay in San Francisco

Planning your visit to San Francisco

Essentials to know

  • Currency: US Dollar ($). Cards are widely accepted and most places prefer contactless. Keep some cash on you for tipping.
  • Language: English is dominant, though you’ll likely hear bits of Spanish in parts.
  • Plugs: Type A (two flat pins). Standard voltage 120 V.
  • Weather: Layer up. San Francisco is famous for microclimates—you’ll be freezing in fog at the Golden Gate, then sweating in the Mission on the same day.
  • Etiquette: Tip 15–20% at restaurants. Don’t call it “San Fran” (locals will cringe). “SF” or “The City” is best.
  • Local Events/Festivals: Highlights include Outside Lands in August, Chinese New Year Parade in February, or Pride Month in June (one of the biggest in the world).

When to visit San Francisco

SF’s weather is pretty mild, but temperatures can really change between day and night. Always pack a jacket just in case you stay out late.

  • Spring (March to May): Mild temps, wildflowers in bloom, fewer crowds.
  • Summer (June to August): Foggiest season. Still mild, but don’t expect beach days.
  • Autumn (September to October): The real summer—clear skies, warm weather, and (in my opinion) the best time to visit.
  • Winter (November to February): Rainy but mild, with cozy vibes and usually fewer tourists.

Getting around

San Francisco is fairly compact but very hilly— so prepare for some leg-burning climbs. Here are the best ways to get around:

  • Walking: The best way to explore neighborhoods, but be ready for steep hills. Wear good shoes.
  • Muni (Buses, Metro, Cable Cars): Affordable and extensive. Download the MuniMobile app for tickets and real-time info.
  • Cable Cars: A San Francisco icon. Pretty touristy, but absolutely worth a ride.
  • BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): Great for getting to/from the airport or exploring the Bay Area beyond SF (Berkeley, Oakland).
  • Ride Shares (Uber/Lyft): Convenient but pricier than public transport. Good backup for staying out late, or when you can’t face any more hills.
  • Car: Only worth driving or renting a car you’re planning day trips outside of the city (like Napa Valley or Muir Woods).
  • Bikes & Scooters: Flat areas like the Embarcadero are perfect. Avoid steep hills unless you’ve got an e-bike or serious stamina.

Top tip: Always factor in the hills when mapping your route. That “short walk” on Google Maps might be a tough uphill climb.

What to see and do in San Francisco

San Francisco is full of world-class landmarks, eclectic neighbourhoods, and plenty of local hidden gems to discover.

Don’t miss:

  • Golden Gate Bridge
    • The city’s most iconic sight. Walk or bike across for unforgettable views. Whenever you visit, expect it to be windy.
    • Visit: goldengate.org
  • Alcatraz Island
    • The former prison is eerie, fascinating, and has great city skyline views (on a clear day). Book tickets early.
    • Visit: nps.gov/alca
  • Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
    • Touristy but fun—watch sea lions on the docks and snack on clam chowder.
    • Visit: pier39.com / fishermanswharf.org
  • Mission District Murals
    • Colourful street art everywhere (Balmy Alley is a highlight). Don’t leave the area without grabbing a Mission burrito.
    • Visit: missionlocal.org/mission-murals
  • Chinatown
  • Golden Gate Park
    • The city’s sprawling green space, with lakes, gardens, bison, and cultural gems like the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences.
    • Visit: goldengatepark.com
  • Haight Ashbury
    • Once the epicentre of 60s counterculture, now lined with vintage shops, record stores, and colourful Victorian houses.
  • Painted Ladies
    • See the city skyline and iconic pastel coloured houses from Alamo Square.
  • Ferry Building Marketplace

Where to eat in San Francisco

If, like me, food is a top priority in your travel itinerary, you’ll love exploring San Francisco’s food scene. Check out my full guides with tried and trusted SF food faves.

Some top picks include:

AM

  • Plow
    • A Potrero Hill institution for lemon ricotta pancakes, crispy potatoes, and hearty brunch plates.
    • Visit: plowsf.com
  • Just For You
    • Casual diner vibes with Creole and Cajun influences. The beignets are a must.
    • Visit: justforyoucafe.com
  • Tartine Manufactory
    • Visit the expanded outpost of the iconic bakery, for an airy dine-in space and an all-day menu hereoing Tartine’s divine baked goods. Or, visit the original bakery in the mission for morning buns and fresh bread to go.
    • Visit: tartinebakery.com

PM

  • La Taqueria
    • Home of the city’s most famous Mission burrito (yes, it lives up to the hype).
    • Visit: La Taqueria
  • Mission Chinese
  • Hog Island Oyster Co.
    • Fresh oysters and seafood with unbeatable Bay views at the Ferry Building.
    • Visit: hogislandoysters.com
  • Hot Sauce and Panko
    • Tiny takeout spot turning out seriously tasty wings with flavour packed sauces.
    • Visit: hotsauceandpanko.com
  • Hard Knox
    • Soul food staples like fried chicken, mac & cheese, and cornbread done to perfection.
    • Visit: hardknoxcafe.com

Where to drink in San Francisco

In San Francisco, the coffee scene is as strong as the hills are steep. And, with so many hills to climb, you’ll want to keep well caffeinated. By night (or by afternoon – you’re on holiday after all…) the city has some standout spots for enjoying a local beer, sampling west-coast wine, or treating yourself to a perfectly mixed cocktail. Check out my full guides for a complete rundown of recommendations.

Some top picks:

For Coffee

  • Blue Bottle Coffee
    • Born in Oakland, now a global icon. Visit the Ferry Building outpost for views of the Bay.
    • Visit: bluebottlecoffee.com
  • Sightglass Coffee
  • Four Barrel Coffee

For Drinks

  • Vesuvio
    • Historic North Beach bar where Jack Kerouac once drank. Artsy, cosy, and full of character.
    • Visit: vesuvio.com
  • Noc Noc
    • Psychedelic décor, great beers on tap, and a dive-bar charm.
  • Zeitgeist
    • The ultimate Mission beer garden. Huge patio, good drinks, no frills.
    • Visit: zeitgeistsf.com
  • Evil Eye

Where to stay in San Francisco

Hotels

  • Timbri Hotel (formerly The Line)
    • Modern design, rooftop vibes, and a handy central location.
    • visit: timbrihotel.com
  • Citizen M

Apartments