Travelers' pro tips for experiencing San Francisco

bsimosd

Although the city is relatively small geographically, because of the hills, you need to buy a one, three, or seven-day visitor pass at either the airport or any Walgreens. This allows you access to the buses, trams, street cars and — most importantly — the cable cars. Without the pass, each trip on a cable car will cost you $6!

ColoMama33

Dress in layers, the weather can be unpredictable.

Martha C

If you like to cycle, rent a bike and ride along the waterfront. Just be careful of getting caught out going up those famous hills!

In the words of those who've been there before ...

54Nancy54

San Francisco is a great city for walking but also has easily manageable public transportation to help you get around. There is lots to see in one day by foot and cable car/trolley/bus.

Bill P

Like to enjoy a long walk while enjoying great sights and tastes? You can visit Italy, China, shopping and a fishing village all within a comfortable six-mile walk...

SanMijas

San Francisco is a small city representing every culture available with the ocean to one side and the bay to the other. Loads of parks throughout the city and Golden Gate Park being the jewel. A city of hills and variety of architecture with fabulous views. A city with history. ... Each neighborhood offers a different experience and different culture.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the city’s primary airport with more than 50 airlines and nonstop service to more than 125 cities. Another option is Oakland International Airport (OAK) across the bay.

Train

Amtrak’s California Zephyr train runs between Chicago and the Bay Area, with stops in Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City and Reno. It also offers three train lines within California.

Bus

Greyhound buses to San Francisco are available to/from many U.S. cities, while Megabus is available to/from a few select cities in California.

For more info on getting to San Francisco, visit here.

Do I need a visa?

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you may need a visa to visit San Francisco, unless your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The program allows citizens of certain countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.

For more info on visas and the VWP, visit here.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer sees the biggest concentration of festivals — including San Francisco Pride and Outside Lands music festival — but also cooler temperatures, whereas fall offers warmer, sunny weather. Average daily temperatures in summer are highs of 19°C and lows of 15°C, while winter highs can hit 15°C and lows of 7°C.

Whenever you choose to visit, come prepared with layers, as the fog usually burns off by mid-morning and returns in the early evening, bringing with it huge swings in temperature.

Trains

San Francisco Municipal Railway, aka Muni, operates a light rail and Muni Metro subway. Bay Area Rapid Transit, aka BART, connects San Fran to the East Bay. Caltrain is a commuter rail that runs to San Jose.

For info on Muni fares, routes and schedules, visit here.

For info on BART fares, routes and schedules, visit here.

For info on Caltrain fares, routes and schedules, visit here.

Streetcar

Muni also operates San Francisco’s historic and iconic streetcar on Market Street from Fisherman’s Wharf to Castro Street.

For more info, visit here.

Cable cars

Muni also runs the three lines of San Fran’s equally famous cable cars, two of which run from Powell and Market to Fisherman’s Wharf with the third runs between Market and Van Ness. To grab one, look for its brown and white sign.

For info on fares, routes and schedules, visit here.

Buses

There are plenty of muni bus routes to get you across San Francisco. To find the nearest stop, look for yellow street poles, white paint on streets or small bus shelters.

For info on fares, routes and schedules, visit here.

Ferries

The San Francisco Bay Ferry runs from the Ferry Building and Pier 39 to six Bay Area cities while the Golden Gate Ferry connects to Marin County.

Taxis

There are plenty of taxi companies operating in San Francisco that can get you to/from airports and around town.

Bikes

Bay Wheels, operated by Lyft and available on its app, is the primary bikeshare in San Francisco.

For fares and locations, visit here.

Rideshares

Uber and Lyft are available in San Francisco via their apps on your smartphone.