San Francisco Hotel & Travel Destination Guide

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Country Code: US
Source: Fastcheck Arrival Guides

Population:
825,000

Currency:
U. S. Dollar, $1 = 100 cents

Opening hours:
Shops: 9am to 9pm
Banks: 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday (Some are open half-days on Saturday)
ATM: 24-hours

Tourist information:
Visitor Information Services
Address: 900 Market Street (Lower Level of Hallidie Plaza)
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am to 3pm
Tel: +1 415 391-2000
www.onlyinsanfransisco.com

San Francisco

“Every man should be allowed to love two cities- his own and San Francisco,” stated author Gene Fowler.

San Francisco, also known as the City by the Bay, is a diverse, colourful, and intriguing destination luring visitors from all corners of the world with its beauty, culture, history and dynamic ambience. It is best known for its steep hills, beautiful panoramic vistas, and excellent cuisine. The eclectic mix of architecture, sandy beaches, ethnic and cultural diversity and entertainment for all ages make San Francisco a great choice for vacation.

San Francisco City

San Francisco is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water. It is said to be the crossroads to everywhere, with 16 million visitors every year. San Francisco’s strength lies in its neighbourhoods which give the city its uniqueness. Union Square is in the heart of the city and the hub of the shopping district. North Beach is known for its Italian heritage, bakeries, and restaurants. The Marina District has some of the most elegant homes in San Francisco and the Waterfront where shopping and dinning are at their best.

The Haight, famous for the intersection of Haight & Ashbury Streets, is the location of former homes of Counterculture icons like the Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. Unique shops, music and bookstores and cafés line many of the Haight’s streets. Alamo Square is best known for the beautiful turn-of-the century Victorian homes called the “Painted Ladies”. SoMa (South of Market) includes unique nightclubs, restaurants and museums.

The Castro District has the highest concentration of Gay/Lesbian population of any city in America. Steep streets and brightly painted Victorian houses, imaginative boutiques and bars, and the largest Gay Pride Parade identify this area. Yerba Buena Gardens, is the cultural heart of the city, where community, entertainment, arts and pop culture come together.

San Francisco’s climate is influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean. Days are generally cool year around; summer days are often foggy in the afternoon. Average summer temperatures range from 15 to 24 C, winter 10 to 15 C.

Things to See and Do in San Francisco

San Francisco is a diverse destination, encompassing nature, history, the Arts, science and some of the most beautiful scenery along the West Coast of the United States. It is not only hip, but pop-culture and old traditions are neatly packed into this one fabulous city.

Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is acclaimed one of the world’s most beautiful bridges. Its bright orange towers and sweeping main cables glow in the sunshine or are engulfed in the fog that frequents this area. No matter if you drive, walk or bicycle across this engineering marvel, the views are spectacular.
Internet: www.goldengatebridge.org

San Francisco Cable Cars
No visit would be complete without a ride on a cable car. These cable-powered streetcars have been transporting people up and down the fabulous hills of San Francisco since 1873. A highlight of the ride is actually at the end (or beginning) at the turnaround. Watch while drivers push the cable car on a rotating platform 180 degrees for the trip back up the hill.
Internet: www.sfmuni.com

Fisherman’s Wharf
A long strip along the waterfront is home to the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. A working waterfront, also called Fish Alley, sells tons of sole, shrimp, salmon, and squid every year. Crab season (Mid November - June) is the time for seafood lovers. There is shopping, entertainment, restaurants and vendors who sell Dungeness Crab ready to eat.
Internet: www.fishermanswharf.org

Golden Gate Park
The Golden Gate Park encompasses one thousand acres on the western edge of San Francisco, including lush gardens, tranquil lakes, the Japanese Tea Garden, museums, Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical Gardens, stables and sports fields of all types. It is estimated that 75,000 people visit the park on an average weekend.
Internet: www.nps.gov/goga

Alcatraz
Once a federal prison housing dangerous and notorious criminals, Alcatraz (The Rock) now welcomes tourists into the cellblocks once occupied by the likes of Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and the Birdman of Alcatraz. Self-guided audiocassette tours have dramatic narratives of Alcatraz’s grim history, including realistic sound effects one would hear in prison.
Phone: +1 415-705-5555
Internet: www.nps.gov/alcatraz www.alcatrazcruises.com
More info: Alcatraz is reached only by ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Chinatown
Walking through the dragon-adorned Pagoda Gates leads visitors in the colourful and exciting area of San Francisco know as Chinatown. It is tightly packed with exotic shops, ethnic food markets, and excellent restaurants. The Chinese New Year in February each year is celebrated here with parades and dancing dragons. Grant Avenue & Bush Street
Internet: www.sanfranciscochinatown.com

Aquarium Of The Bay
In addition to the expected displays of sea life, this unusual aquarium invites visitors into the hidden world of life under San Francisco Bay. A moving walkway takes you through two crystal clear tunnels, 300 feet in length, surrounded by 700,000 gallons of filtered Bay water and more than 23,000 aquatic animals.
Address: Pier 39
Phone: +1 415 623-5300
Internet: www.aquariumofthebay.com

Lombard Street
This steep and winding street is the most photographed street in San Francisco. Tourists come to Russian Hill to see, drive or walk down the “crookedest street in the world”, with eight hairpin turns. The Hyde Street Cable Car makes a stop at the top of Lombard Street. Along with the dramatic view of Lombard Street, there are awesome views of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Bay.
Address: Lombard at Hyde Street

Dining in San Francisco

With over 3,300 restaurants, San Francisco could possibly be the best city in the world for dining out. Food from every corner of the world can be found here; from Afghanistan to Tibetan; Bolivian to Russian. From the small Mom & Pop corner cafés to elegant four-star restaurants, there is something for everyone. San Francisco Sourdough Bread and Dungeness Crab are two “absolute musts” for visitors to try and enjoy. San Francisco’s close proximity to the Napa-Sonoma wine country ensures an excellent array of California wines.

Cliff House
Perched high on a cliff overlooking Seal Rocks and the Pacific Ocean, the Cliff House offers several dinning venues with breathtaking views. The Bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere; for a romantic sunset dinner, make reservations at Sutro’s. On the menu at Sutro’s is Dungeness Crab, Big Eye Tuna, grilled swordfish, lamb, chicken and a long list of decadent desserts. Champagne Buffet every Sunday.
Address: 1090 Point Lobos (Ocean Beach Area)
Phone: +1 415-386-3330
Internet: www.cliffhouse.com

Teatro Zinzanni, Love, Chaos & Dinner
More than a restaurant, more than a theatre, Teatro ZinZanni is a place of dreams and divas, music and madmen. It is a vaudeville revue and interactive theatre, featuring an international cast of comedians, dancers and magicians. There is no stage here; the show takes place in and around the dining area, making you a part of this colourful and dazzling spectacular. Menu is an international five-course dinner, wine list is endless, and the surroundings are intriguing.
Address: 110 Pacific Avenue- Pier 29, Embarcadero
Phone: +1 415 438-2668
Internet: www.teatrozinzanni.org

Ristorante Fior D’italia
Claiming to be America’s oldest Italian restaurant, Fior specializes in Northern Italian cuisine, fresh pasta, seafood, gnocchi, and osso buco. Open for Lunch and Dinner
Address: 2237 Mason (North Beach Area)
Phone: +1 415-986-1886
Internet: www.fior.com

Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Café
Since 1849 Boudin has been baking San Francisco Sourdough Bread and has expanded into nine locations in the area. Boudin’s at Fisherman’s Wharf is sought out by visitors for their sourdough bread bowls filled with hot clam chowder.
Address: 160 Jefferson Street (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Phone: +1 415-928-1849
Internet: www.boudinbakery.com

Luna Park
This casual, hip décor restaurant serving mainly French and Italian cuisine is popular with the locals as well as the tourists. Signature dishes include warm goat cheese fondue and Hawaiian Tuna “Poke” with wonton chips. Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Reservations are recommended.
Address: 694 Valencia Street (Mission District)
Phone: +1 415 553-8584
Internet: www.lunaparksf.com

Scala’s Bistro
This upscale eatery combines Old World ambiance and a delightful Mediterranean menu and to create a very special dining experience. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily. Reservations are recommended for evenings.
Address: 432 Powell St., (Union Square).
Phone: +1 415 395-8555
Internet: www.scalasbistro.com

Mo’s Grill
A 1950’s diner serving up huge tasty burgers, milkshakes and crispy salty French fries. Also a great breakfast at a bargain. Two locations.
Address: 1322 Grant Ave, (North Beach) 772 Folsom St. (Yerba Buena Gardens)
Phone: +1 415 957-3779

Calzone
Dubs itself a Euro Bistro for the 21st Century. Sit beneath the large awning coving the front and enjoy a gourmet pizza while people watching. Appetizers include Mussels in garlic, ginger cilantro broth, or Italian Pot Stickers filled with sausage and mushrooms. Dinner entrée include a wide variety of pasta, seafood, beef, chicken and pork dishes.
Address: 430 Columbus Avenue (North Beach)
Phone: +1 415 397-3600
Internet: www.calzonesf.com

San Francisco Cafes

Caffe Trieste
Opened in 1956, Caffe Trieste is said to be the first of over 200 coffee houses now open in San Francisco. This hip and cozy coffee house was made famous by its excellent coffee, espresso and cappuccino and the fact that Francis Ford Coppola wrote portions of the Godfather Trilogy here.
Address: 601 Vallejo Street (North Beach)
Phone: +1 415-392-6739
Internet: www.caffetrieste.com

Buena Vista Café
Great views of the waterfront, specialty coffee, Irish Coffee and cocktails make this café a pleasant stop for late-nighters. Extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.
Address: 2765 Hyde St. (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Phone: +1 415 474-5044
Internet: www.thebuenavista.com

Dottie’s True Blue Café
A true American coffee shop/diner, serving breakfast and lunch. Postcards from around the world adorn the walls.
Address: 522 Jones Street (SoMa)
Phone: +1 415 885-2767

Café Bastille
Enjoy authentic French cuisine, crepes, quiche and mussels on the sidewalk along a European alleyway. Serving lunch and dinner.
Address: 22 Belden Pl
Phone: +1 415 986-5673

San Francisco Bars and Nightlife

The Bar scene in San Francisco is as varied as the city itself. From wine and champagne lounges to rocking sports bars, finding one to fit any personality is easy. Mission District is great for bar hopping and North Beach for hideaway bars. Legal drinking age is 21 and identification is required.

Nightlife rocks in San Francisco and like much of the city, nightlife varies between districts: SoMa for hip-pop, Marina District for more elegant spots, North Beach for lots of neon lights. Gay friendly bars are not confined to the Castro.

Bayside Sports
Catch a game and down a few beers at this upscale pub. Walls are covered by big-screen TVs tuned to nothing but sports. Pool Tables, darts and basic bar food.
Address: 1787 Union St, (Cow Hollow)
Phone: +1 415-673-1565

Kezar Pub
Neighbourhood sports bar, pool tables, and wide variety of draft beer. On weekends, a hearty Sunday brunch is a big hit with patrons.
Address: 770 Stanyan St (Haight-Ashbury)
Phone: +1 415-386-9292

Blondie’s Bar And No-grill
Blondie’s is a local favorite for a variety of reasons: jazz and blues music, a hip crowd, and a relaxed atmosphere with large windows that open out to the street.
Address: 540 Valencia St (Mission District)
Phone: +1 415-864-2419
Internet: www.blondiesbar.com

Bubble Lounge
Over 300 types of champagne, sparkling wines and gourmet appetizers and desserts are offered by this stylish and fashionable lounge.
Address: 714 Montgomery St, (North Beach)
Phone: +1 415 434-4204
Internet: www.bubblelounge.com

Holy Cow Nightclub
Holy Cow’s motto is “Never a Cover- Always a Party”. Local DJ mixes a wide range of music. Outdoor patio for smoking. Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
Address: 1535 Folsom St. (SoMa)
Phone: +1 415 621-6087
Internet: www.theholycow.com

Dirty Martini
Billiards, music and dancing nightly until 2 a.m., And, of course, martinis. DJ on weeknights, live bands on weekends. $10.00 cover charge on Friday and Saturday nights.
Address: 2801 Leavenworth (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Phone: +1 415 775-5110
Internet: www.dirtymartinisf.com

Boom Boom Room
Sultry, down-home juke joint and the hippest Blues Club on the West Coast. Dancing, live music, crowed, trendy and romantic, New Orleans Style.
Address: 1601 Fillmore at Geary
Phone: +1 415 673-8000
Internet: www.boomboomblues.com

El Rio
This dance club presents live bands on weekends, salsa’s the rage on Sundays, a global dance party on Friday, rock ‘n’ roll takes the stage on Saturdays, and Wednesdays are punk and rock nights. $8.00 Cover charge
Address: 3158 Mission St, (Mission District)
Phone: +1 415-282-3325
Internet: www.elriosf.com

Shopping in San Francisco

Sometimes, it is not WHAT you are shopping for but WHERE that makes the event exciting. And nothing could be truer than in San Francisco. From outlet malls, department stores or trendy high-end boutiques, there are plenty of choices to satisfy the most particular shopper.

The Cannery
Built in 1907 as the Del Monte Peach Canning Factory the Cannery is a vibrant waterfront marketplace. The historic brick warehouse includes three levels of unique shops, galleries, winding walkways, and in the center is an inviting courtyard boasting several cozy outdoor cafés surrounded by 130 year-old olive trees. Street performers entertain visitors.
Address: 2801 Leavenworth St
Phone: +1 415-771-3112
Internet: www.delmontesquare.com

Ghirardelli Square
Since 1852 Ghirardelli Square has housed the oldest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer in the country. To attract crowds, it has added more than fifty premium shops, galleries and restaurants. A large open-air plaza is a great place to relax and enjoy sweet treats.
Address: 900 North Point Street, (near the wharf)
Phone: +1 415-775-5500
Internet: www.ghirardellisq.com

Embarcadero Center
Here you will find brand name stores such as Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, Victoria Secret and Express Jeans. For the science lovers, the Discovery Channel Store and for sports enthusiasts- the Giants Dugout.
Address: Sacramento to Clay

Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf
A festival market place with 13 bay-view restaurants, dozens of fun attractions and over 110 stores, many one-of-a kind. Bling Things (jewelry), Alpaca Fashion (sweaters), the Cable Car Store (Collectibles), Field of Dreams (sports and celebrity gift store), Houdini Magic, and Puppets on the Pier. If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere.
Internet: www.pier39.com

Westfield San Francisco Centre
Opulent Westfield San Francisco Centre includes large American chain stores Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, Bebe, Kenneth Cole and Club Monaco. The five-story Nordstrom’s is a treat to see.
Address: Market and Powell

Union Square
A shopping mecca including Macy’s, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Levi’s, Cartier, Thomas Pink, Louis Vuitton, MaxMara, Emporio Armani, Diesel, Prada, Celine, Escada, Gucci, Guess, Hermes, Agnes B., Betsey Johnson and Wilkes Bashford.
Address: Post and Stockton

Chinatown
Eclectic Chinatown invites shoppers into this intriguing area with small shops jam-packed with mahogany furniture, carved statues, exotic gifts, green and rose scented black teas. Don’t miss the Fortune Cookie Factory on Ross Alley.
Address: Bush St. and Grand Ave

Sacramento Street
Sacramento Street shopping is best between Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights in this quiet residential neighbourhood. Interior décor shops and high-end clothing boutiques. Cashmere sofa throws and scented Florentine soaps Haight & Ashbury Still maintaining its reputation as the ’60s psychedelic. hippie counterculture capital, the streets are dotted with Victorian houses, piercing salons and vintage clothing shops. Music and book stores are the biggest draws to this area.

City Lights, Booksellers & Publishers
Since 1953 City Lights has been a prominent San Francisco landmark embodying the 50-year history of the Beat Generation. This all-paperback bookstore stocks modern literature and progressive politics.
Address: 261 Columbus Avenue
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to Midnight.
Phone: +1 415 362-8193
Internet: www.citylights.com

Nordstrom
Fine clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children.
Address: 865 Market Street (Area)
Phone: +1 415 243-8500
Internet: www.nordstrom.com

Pesarisi Ceramics
This extraordinary collection of hand-sculpted and hand painted decorative pottery comes from Pesaro, Italy. The shapes and colours depict styles from the Italian Renaissance to the present day.
Address: 50 Post Street Crocker Galleria - (Financial District)
Phone: +1 415 362-4570
Internet: www.pesaresiceramics.com

Tiffany’s
Synonymous with Tiffany’s are diamonds, gold jewellery, and elegant gifts for that very special person.
Address: 350 Post Street on Union Square
Phone: +1 415 781-7000
Internet: www.tiffany.com

San Francisco Hotels

Luxury San Francisco Hotels

The Orchard Hotel
Luxurious appointments and state-of-the-art technology identify this boutique hotel. Atmosphere is restful and opulent. Convenient to Union Square, Theater District, Financial District and Chinatown. Non-smoking environment.
Address: 665 Bush Street

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Hotel Vitale Joie De Vivre
This luxury hotel overlooks the waterfront and many of its 199 rooms have stunning views over the bay. Endless amenities include spa-style bathrooms, high-speed Internet access, flat screen TV, plush bathrobes, valet parking, rooftop soaking tubs, fitness and business centres.
Address: 8 Mission Street

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Commodore Hotel
Nestled on fashionable Sutter Street, just 3 blocks from trendy shopping and Union Square, is the Commodore Hotel. Neo-Deco styled guestrooms, fresh flowers, large walk-in closets, bright fabrics, vintage furniture and graceful downtown views are the tradition of the Commodore since 1928.
Address: 825 Sutter St

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Good Value San Francisco Hotels

Queen Anne Hotel
This Victorian Castle is now the Queen Anne Hotel, and has been described as warm, cozy, romantic and charming. Built in 1890, it displays turn of the century grace with bay windows, wood-burning fireplaces, and Victorian heirloom furnishings. Rates include Continental Breakfast, daily newspaper and courtesy car to the downtown area.
Address: 1590 Sutter Street (Pacific Heights)

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Adante Hotel
Located in the heart of San Francisco and surrounded by fine dining and some of San Francisco’s most beautiful attractions is this comfortable and affordable boutique hotel. The Adante Hotel’s 93 guest rooms are adorned with original hand painted European style murals.
Address: 610 Gerry Street (Union Square)

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Cheap San Francisco Hotels

Olympic Hotel
Convenience and economy describe the Olympic Hotel. This smoke-free property provides complimentary breakfasts in the hotel’s breakfast room and parking is available nearby. Wireless Internet access available in lobby. Popular with youth travellers.
Address: 140 Mason St. (Union Square)

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