San Francisco is a buzzing city with more attractions than you could visit in a single lifetime. If you have a short time in the city and want to visit the essentials, this is what we recommend you should do.
Morning
Fisherman’s Warf
Start your day off by hitting one of the city’s biggest tourist spots. If you go early, you’ll miss some of the crowds and can enjoy Pier 39 without all the hustle and bustle of tourists. Run up and down the piano stairs and admire the elephant seals that live there. Snap a pic of Alcatraz in the distance and grab breakfast at the pier or the Farmer’s Market nearby.
Cycle The Golden Gate Bridge
Either rent a bike or grab a bus down the coast to the Golden Gate Bridge. A picture of the iconic landmark is essential, but cycling across is even better.
Afternoon
Union Square and China Town
Next, grab a bus back to the center and stroll through Union Square at one of the busiest times of days. Lose yourself in one of the biggest and best China Town you’ll ever visit and pick up some delicious steamed buns for later.
Golden Gate Park
Around lunchtime, head to Golden Gate Park. Grab a bus or take a walk and enjoy the many attractions the park has to offer. You may not have time to pop into the many wonderful museums, but it’s worth walking past for the architecture alone.
Late Afternoon/Evening
Haight Ashbury
If you’re in San Francisco for its hippy reputation, Haight Ashbury is a must. It is filled with colorful thrift stores and colorful people.
Dolores Park
Dolores Park is a great place to watch the sunset over the city. You get a stunning view of the city’s skyline and there are always things happening.
Night
Mission District
To finish your day, head to Mission District for a range of alternative drinking spots and dive bars.
Union Square
If rooftop bars and cocktails are more your thing, Union Square is a great place to soak up high culture in SF.
