There are countless songs about San Francisco, the city on the west coast of the USA. No wonder, since the area was considered a real hippie stronghold in the 1960s. Therefore, flower wreaths in the hair when visiting this region in California could not be missing. The relaxed lifestyle city, which covers around 120 square kilometers, has retained its to this day. Around 800,000 people live here, namesake was Francis of Assisi. The metropolitan area forms the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula in San Francisco Bay on the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of the United States of America. On your city trip to San Francisco, you combine chilling by the sea with relaxed sightseeing and lots of cultural activities.
Arrival to San Francisco
To start a city trip in California, you take a plane. The airport in San Francisco is about 20 kilometers south of the city. There are direct flights to it from Frankfurt am Main, among other places. For the flight you have to plan eleven hours in the air.
Arrived at the airport, it is best to order a taxi to downtown. The cost is around US$45 (USD). Alternatively, you can use the shuttle buses to the city center. You pay around 16 USD for this. Those who prefer to take the express train can opt for a tour with the BART, the Bay Area Rapid Transit, which serves large parts of the entire Bay Area.
Do you want to be mobile on your city trip to San Francisco? Then secure at San Francisco Airport a rental car, there are various offers to choose from.
Public transportation in San Francisco
The city scores with a wide range of public transport. The core is also easy to explore on foot. is ideal for trips to the surrounding area The BART train. To get to neighboring cities, you can also use the Caltrain, which will take you to San José. For longer tours – independent of the rail network – the rental car is a good idea. Or you can take a ferry ride: The Blue & Gold Fleet departs from Pier 39. For quick journeys through the city, choose the MUNI bus.
Our tip: For a precise overview of the public transport network, it is best to invest 3 USD in a “Street Transit Map”. In this all offers are clearly listed, so that you can put together an individual tour.
Convenient to San Francisco
Cheap flights to San Francisco are available from many German cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart and Hamburg with a wide variety of airlines. So that you can get a quick overview and not use up your travel budget before you even arrive, we find the best deals on San Francisco flights and hotels in the city.
in the USA Once you have arrived, you can then take an exciting round trip with a rental car or you can simply take a city trip and visit the many sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz.
The most beautiful areas in San Francisco
San Francisco is the place to go with the flow – just like the flower children once did. Certain areas attract visitors like magnets with their engaging flair.
Chinatown – an exotic experience
This includes, for example, Chinatown. This district is right in the center of the city and takes you into an exciting Asian world full of bright colors and spicy scents. The hanging lanterns create an atmospheric ambience.
The Financial District with its chic skyline
Very modern The Financial District is. Friends of modern architecture in particular will get their money’s worth here. The breathtaking skyline is a popular photo motif. Sometimes things get a little hectic. Just don’t get caught up in the hustle and bustle.
Hayes Valley after the change
Hayes Valley is one of the most elegant areas in San Francisco. What was once a rather disreputable district near the freeway now scores with great restaurants and galleries. And where the highway used to be, you now walk along an attractive boulevard.
Nob Hill with its magnificent houses
If you end up on the northern edge of the city, you can stroll along beautiful residential buildings. Beautiful villas once stood there, but they fell victim to the great earthquake at the beginning of the last century. However, some historic buildings have survived to this day.
Our tip: Be sure to walk up the entire mountain to enjoy a great view of the surrounding area.
Fisherman‘s Wharf – kulinarische Highlights in San Francisco
A popular stop in the city is Fisherman’s Wharf. The port area around Pier 39 offers you delicious food based on freshly caught. There are also numerous museums and exhibition spaces.
Haight-Ashbury – there is always “Summer of Love” here
This area is known as “The Haight”. There are many references to the wild days of the 1960s. You can pop into small cafés or browse record shops for real treasures. Nowhere else in the city is hippie culture as present as it is here.
What is a must-do in San Francisco?
In addition to the historic train tour, don’t miss out on other attractions that San Francisco is known for.
Shopping in San Francisco
For shopaholics, San Francisco is the place to go. However, there are fewer large department stores, instead countless small shops and boutiques. And in these, the customer really is king. For example, use the practical packing service at the grocery store checkout!
There are great souvenirs and souvenirs in Chinatown – especially if you want to make a real bargain, you are in good hands here.
For a shopping spree when it rains, choose the Westfield Center. It is on the corner of Powell and Market Streets. Treat yourself to an exclusive shopping experience by browsing the buildings on Union Square.
Eating and drinking in San Francisco
Meet in the city in California Different influences. Hardly anywhere is this as clear as in the culinary offer. Popular dishes are, for example, the baked potatoes, if possible refined with a light herbal sour cream sauce. Burritos are a tortilla dish with beans, rice and meat. Be sure to try it! Starting in the summer, pumpkins will be on the menu in many restaurants: a popular favorite among locals is the traditional pumpkin pie. Thanks to the proximity to the water, seafood is often on the menu. Try the crab cake, for example, small meatballs made from crab meat, herbs and breadcrumbs. Full-bodied highlights are the wines in San Francisco. Most of them come from the nearby Napa Valley wine region.
Popular cafes and restaurants in San Francisco include:
- The Crepe House in der Polk Street
- Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store and Café
- John’s Grill
Excursions in and around San Francisco
An excursion on the city trip to San Francisco takes you to the island of Alcatraz. This is best known for the large prison building, which has not been used since 1963, but which is still the subject of numerous stories and myths. The building is also the setting for many movies, including “The Prisoner of Alcatraz”, “Point Blank” and “The Rock”.
About 15 kilometers north of the city is the protected area of Muir Woods National Monument. In the forest region stand the last of the coast redwoods, the largest trees in the world.
Ornate Victorian-style homes can be seen on a trip to historic Alamo Square. The brightly painted houses are nicknamed “Painted Ladies” and are a popular motif for postcards.
Nightlife in San Francisco
Of course, in such an exciting city, party life is not neglected. Whether it’s an alternative style pub or modern bars – it’s all here. In the Matrix Filmore you can enjoy what are probably the best cocktails in the metropolis. South of Market is a trendy district for parties: The Wish offers comfortable opportunities to relax on leather sofas – and the drink prices are also reasonable. The Mars Bar has a beautiful terrace and an atmospheric ambience. You can really dance the night away in the DNA Lounge or in the Holy Cow, both also located in the South of Market.
Museen in San Francisco
Those interested in culture can visit the city’s museums. The following addresses should be mentioned here:
- the Asian Art Museum
- das M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
- das San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- das Cable Car Museum
- the Beat Museum
City walks and sightseeing tours in San Francisco
The “Hop on Hop off” bus tours are ideal for city tours. With the Dynamite Ticket you are on the road for two days, including a night drive.
Despite the hilly location, you can also explore the city on two wheels. There are many well- developed cycle paths and attractive routes.
Our pirate tip: Take the route from the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito to cycle with mesmerizing views.
Tips and attractions in San Francisco
A real highlight on a city trip to San Francisco is a trip on the historic F line tram. This will drive you reliably and at a comfortable pace through the mountainous area of the city. Of course, the following applies: the journey is the goal!
One of the city’s most famous sights is the Golden Gate Bridge. The magnificent Art Deco style bridge was built in 1937 and is now considered a symbol of San Francisco. Other highlights are:
- der Coit Tower
- the Transamerica Pyramid skyscraper
- Mission Dolores, the oldest house in town
