San Francisco
By Amy Adejokun
Section editor
Section editor
- Compare your :
- Flights
- Hotels
- Flight + Hotel
- Private Rentals
- Cars
- Holidays
- Destination
Map
Our Editorial team's advice
The other big State city, San Francisco, will look more familiar to the European tourists than Los Angeles: walking is the most common way of transportation (which is pretty rare in the United States), and this city built around hills possesses a true appeal, with its innumerable coloured-wooden houses and the atmosphere, reflecting quietness and relaxation.To see
Golden Gate Bridgereally looks like it is made of gold in the sunshine. In fog, the bridge rises up above the fog banks, soaring into the sky. It survived the 1989 earthquake without visible damage. The structure remains the emblem of the city.
The suspension bridge is 1.6 miles long if you take into account the ramps on both sides. The suspended section itself is 1,966 meters long. It is supported by huge, connected steel cables measuring nearly 79,500 miles, three times the earth's circumference. The two towers of the bridge are 227 meters high, with 67 meters between the road and the sea.
You should also visit Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay, which became a prison in 1860 and was closed in 1963. Alcatraz has been open to the public since 1973. An audio guide takes visitors on a tour of the prison. It is very interesting and provides a better understanding of the conditions of incarceration, but also how the two of the most spectacular escapes happened in 1946 and 1962.
The famous Lombard Street should also be on your 'must see' list. It is decorated with hydrangeas and has been nicknamed 'the most crooked street in the world'. With no fewer than eight bends, the road is a nightmare for novice motorists. For a more impressive view, you should admire it from the bottom.
Those who love charming cottages won't be able to resist visiting the Painted Ladies, houses painted in pastel colours that can be seen from Alamo Square. The view of San Francisco is also worth the trip
If you want to enjoy the sea air, head to Pier 39 where you can watch the hectic life of the sea lions basking on the docks of the Pier all day long. Children won't believe their eyes.
To do
Cable CarThe cars are both emblems and mobile museums. They should have been stopped several times already. However, each attempt has been met with a wave of protest. Since 1955, there is a law stating that the operation of the three lines can only be stopped after a majority vote, which is not likely to happen.
Another must see before the unscrupulous real estate developers get their hands on it is the charming Sausalito area and its famous house boats on the other side of the bay. To get there, you have to cross the Golden Gate. Once there you will discover a multitude of houseboats of all styles.
pros
- + A pleasant city with a laidback ambiance
- + A window on the Pacific Ocean
- + A lot of parks
- + Cultural visits, shopping, markets...there is lots to do
cons
- - The weather is often very cool, even in summer
- - If you are driving, keep in mind that the roads are often quite steep
In pictures
To think about
In the UK, the service charge is often included in the total bill but people usually leave a small tip. In the United States, you normally to leave 15% of the total bill as a tip. Waiters often earn a very low salary and they are rarely covered by health insurance by their employer. The tips are based on the services rendered.To avoid
At restaurant entrances, even the simplest ones, it is very common to find a sign saying: "Please wait to be seated". It is only when a free table has been cleaned and prepared that the head waiter will lead the customers to their places. In most restaurants, you will be offered a drink at the bar while you wait. Pay for it before being seated at a table. You should never run and take a seat at a free table or sit at another person's table, like some people do in Europe, as the waiter may simply ignore you.To try
In-N-Out BurgerThis Californian family business is older than McDonald's. Since 1948 it has opened 216 fast food restaurants in three American states. Here you will find only burgers, fries and milkshakes which are prepared on site every day with fresh products. There are no freezers, ovens or microwaves. Delicious!
Every day | 333 Jefferson Street | Muni F - Market
To bring back
The Original Levi's Storeis just opposite the Nike store. The store's four floors are completely filled with jeans created by Bavarian Löb Strauß, who designed them for the first time in 1853 in San Francisco at Levi Strauss & Co. for gold diggers.
300 Post Street | Muni 30 - Stockton
Weather San Francisco
These indicators are used as a set of criteria to predict overall weather conditions in San Francisco . The different indicators are there to help you prepare for your trip to San Francisco so you can make plans based on the weather forecast, whether it be a trip to the beach, walking, visiting attractions and museums or winter sports... Here you'll find a precise, overall weather score for each week in San Francisco , which takes into account temperature indicators, bad weather predictions, sunshine levels and wind speeds.
Weather
January
Overall rating 28/100
-
Temperature indicators
0%
Very cold
Maximum temperature not to exceed 16°C, the perceived temperature is <30°.
-
Bad weather indicators
60%
Light showers
Light showers - averaging between 10.5mm and 17.5mm per week.
-
Sunbathing indicators
48%
Sunny intervals
Cloudy with sunny intervals (40% to 60% cloud cover).
-
Swimming indicators
32%
Chilly
Sea temperature between 18°C and 20°C. Wind speed between 7 mph and 18 mph.
-
Wind indicators
62%
Light wind
Light winds (between 6mph and 12mph).
-
Humidity indicators
60%
Normal
Slight feeling of discomfort due air humidity registering higher than 65%.
What to see
-
New York
-
Los Angeles
-
Washington DC
-
Miami
-
San Diego
-
Tampa
- California
- Florida
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Western USA
- Midwestern USA
- Northeastern USA
- Southern USA
