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San Francisco travel guide

Epicentre of the hippie movement in the late 1960s, San Francisco still prides itself on being an open-minded city with a bohemian soul. This is also a city with its fair share of must-do experiences, such as a walk over the Golden Gate Bridge, a visit to Alcatraz, a ride on a cable car and, of course, dropping in on the neighbourhood of Haight-Ashbury. San Francisco is also home to eclectic bookshops, a fabulous Chinatown, the beautiful Golden Gate Park and so many other gems. If you’re planning a visit, explore our San Francisco travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in this city by the bay. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have top suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay in San Francisco, getting around and more.

Where to stay

San Francisco is a city bursting with personality. Each neighbourhood and precinct have their own unique flavour. Likewise, every shop, restaurant, bar, and gallery has unique charms to contribute to this city’s fine culture. So no matter where you stay in San Francisco, you won't have to travel far to discover something totally original right next-door. ...
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Things to do

As a city built largely on trade, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Francisco. Discover fresh fish markets along the piers of the bay, organic sellers from the farmland valleys, and small businesses dotted throughout the city’s warren of charming districts. Every one of them is keeping the historic market culture alive and well. The food is wonderfully eclectic and equally delicious. Arts and culture are respected and celebrated across all facets, and museums and galleries are plentiful. 
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Travel tips

The city is such a hive of activity, so the best San Francisco travel tip is to make sure you flesh out a solid itinerary before you fly. This way, you’ll hopefully get to tick off all the high-priority items on your to-do list! Preparation really is key, and the same can be said for any trip to the United States. Planning ahead with your Flight Centre Travel Expert will help you make the most of your time abroad. In the weeks leading up to and during your San Francisco holiday, it’s important to stay informed about any safety concerns and events occurring in the United States.
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Getting Around

San Francisco transport is made simple by all the options for getting around available to you. Cable cars provide an authentic tourist experience. While travelling the hilly streets of the Bay Area from a vintage cable car, you can soak in the excellent views and people-watch to your heart’s content. ...
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Where to eat

Let your senses fall in love with the sumptuous tastes of San Francisco food and drink. From street food to fine-dining, the cultural complexity of the city lends itself perfectly to flavoursome cuisine. Enjoy some of the most unique dining experiences across the city, as California and the rest of the world collide in delicious fashion. ...
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Shopping

Shopaholics, brace yourself – San Francisco’s shopping scene is an experience and a half. The city centre is home to big brands, haute couture, and major department stores. ...
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Best time to travel

The weather in San Francisco is cool year-round, so don’t let the ‘Bay Area’ name fool you – this is no swimming hotspot. However, there’s a pleasant crispness to the air that makes a stroll through the city or one of its serene parks all the more enjoyable. ...
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Parks

Every year, millions of people – locals and visitors – enjoy San Francisco’s parks. There are more than 220 green spaces, parks, and squares to visit throughout the city, so the perfect opportunity for a bit of rest and relaxation is rarely more than a block away. ...
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