San Francisco Destination Guide

San Francisco Holidays »

You’ll be hard pressed to find a visitor to San Francisco who hasn’t fallen head over heels in love with this city. Sitting at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula in California, this truly charming metropolis is known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, grand Victorian houses painted in all colours of the rainbow, gorgeous hilly streets and historic cable cars.

Add in a feel-good energy, buzzing arts and culture scene and a plethora of excellent restaurants and distinctive neighbourhoods to explore, and San Francisco deserves its reputation as one of the United States’ most delightful cities. 

Top Attractions »

With all that San Francisco has to offer in the way of sightseeing and experiences, it’s hard to know just where to start. Get your bearings at bustling Union Square, the city’s main shopping, theatre and hotel district. Then board an iconic San Francisco cable car and make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf. This bustling waterfront precinct is loved for its carnival atmosphere and resident colony of seals that laze on the rocks.

For a dramatic contrast to the modern city streets, head to the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District where the towering building wrapped around a romantic pond will take your breath away.

No trip to San Francisco would be complete without hopping on the ferry to visit the infamous Alcatraz Island for a thrilling tour of the world-famous former penitentiary. To end your San Fran adventure with a bang, cross the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge on foot. It will surely be a stroll to remember.

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Eat and Drink »

With local organic farms supplying its restaurants and esteemed chefs creating innovative dishes, San Francisco enjoys a fresh and vibrant food scene. San Fran locals love to eat – this city has more restaurants per capita than any other place in the United States.

Chinatown is famous for its colourful community and dim sum restaurants while Union Square boasts some of the city’s top fine dining restaurants, cafés and bistros that serve up local and international flavours. Fisherman’s Wharf is best known for its renowned clam chowder and fresh crab, which is served at charming eateries right on the waterfront.

For something different, head to Belden Place in the Financial District and discover a delightful slice of Europe complete with alfresco dining and quaint cafés. Sipping a local beer or fancy cocktail is a fabulous affair in San Fran. With a buzzing and diverse nightlife scene, you’ll find energetic bars, pubs and clubs as well as chic, laid-back lounges everywhere, from the Marina to the Mission District.

Where to Stay »

Grand luxury hotels, designer boutique digs and gorgeous inns and B&Bs set in charming historic buildings are all on the accommodation menu in San Francisco. For those wanting a central location, Union Square is the place to be for sightseeing, restaurants, shopping and easy access to the rest of the city. Fisherman’s Wharf is popular for its waterfront lifestyle, with a number of up-market hotels and boutique accommodation options on offer.

Shopping »

Shop up a storm around Union Square at high-end boutiques and irresistible department stores before putting away the credit card for a cash-and-carry experience in Chinatown, where trinkets and herbal medicines reign supreme. Haight Street is a must for quirky shopping, record stores and a retro flower child vibe that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. Union Street offers a delightful mix of boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants with gorgeous Victorian shop fronts that make San Fran so lovable. 

San Francisco like a Local

If there’s one thing San Franciscans love, it’s theatre – so much so that they sell more theatre tickets per capita than any other city in the United States. Head to the ticket booth in the middle of Union Square to grab discount tickets for same-day performances and enjoy an evening of entertainment with the locals.