SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco Walking Tours
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San Francisco belongs to the most charming cities in the US. You can easily spend a week in the city and its vicinity without seeing any sight twice. But given that most visitors only have 2-3 days to explore San Francisco I will focus on the most beautiful areas and sights.
The best way to explore the city is by foot. If you come to San Francisco by car, either drop it off at your car rental or leave it in the hotel’s parking garage or don't get a rental until you leave the city. Be aware that parking in San Francisco is a nightmare and incredibly expensive. SAN FRANCISCO DON'Ts: Tenderloin The Tenderloin had and still has a very bad reputation. Many visitors are running into this area due to its proximity to Union Square. During night the shabby quarter turns into a high crime area. Robberies and drug trades are a daily occurrence. Worth mentioning is the fact that this area has the most affordable accommodations in the city but I suggest to invest in your security and rather stay elsewhere in the city. Since there are many nightclubs, theaters, and bars in the Tenderloin I highly recommend taking an Uber, Lyft or cab to get in and out. Mission District The former run down Mission District developed into a trendy quarter over the last 10 years featuring hip eateries and bars. Similar to Tenderloin the area still can get sketchy and I would also take a cab for getting to and from a restaurant, bar or club. Tipping in the US Many Europeans are not aware of the fact, that cab drivers, waiters, maids and other employees in the tourism industry earn a minimum salary and rely on tips. This is the reason why tip is mandatory. In general you add 15-20% from the net-price as tip for cabs and in restaurants. At the hotel you usually leave $2 Dollar per person and night for the maid. If a bell person carries or stores your luggage or parked your car you give him up to $5 as tip. At a bar you usually leave $1-2 per drink on the counter. Drinking in the US It’s maybe needless to say, but carrying uncovered bottles of alcohol in public and outside hotels, restaurants or private properties makes you liable for prosecution in the US, except you are in Las Vegas! Plus, alcohol (in particular open bottles or packages) inside your car is not allowed and can cause misunderstandings with the police. Always keep it in your trunk. |
THIS IS HOW I WOULD SPEND THE DAYS IN SAN FRANCISCO (depending on the length of your stay):
San Francisco in 1-2 day
Idea 1: Walk through Chinatown to Telegraph Hill and Fisherman's Wharf. Return to Union Square by cable car or walk back through Financial District.
Idea 2: Do a car tour through the city.
San Francisco in 3 days
Day 1: Walk through Chinatown to Telegraph Hill and Fisherman's Wharf. Return to Union Square by cable car or walk back through Financial District.
Day 2: Do a bike tour through Marina District to Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito/Tiburon. Return with the ferry to San Francisco.
Day 3: Do the car tour including Twin Peaks, Haight Ashbury, Alamo Square, and Ocean Beach.
San Francisco in 1-2 day
Idea 1: Walk through Chinatown to Telegraph Hill and Fisherman's Wharf. Return to Union Square by cable car or walk back through Financial District.
Idea 2: Do a car tour through the city.
San Francisco in 3 days
Day 1: Walk through Chinatown to Telegraph Hill and Fisherman's Wharf. Return to Union Square by cable car or walk back through Financial District.
Day 2: Do a bike tour through Marina District to Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito/Tiburon. Return with the ferry to San Francisco.
Day 3: Do the car tour including Twin Peaks, Haight Ashbury, Alamo Square, and Ocean Beach.
