San Francisco hotels
San Francisco has a real range of hotels, so there's somewhere for every budget. Luxury five-star hotels like the Fairmont provide stunning rooms, delicious restaurants and pools, all just a stone’s throw away from central landmarks like Union Square and Yerba Buena Gardens. Meanwhile, cheap hotels like Warwick Hotel have great facilities, and are just a short distance from Chinatown, City Hall and the Curran Theatre. Alternatively, the Best Western El Rancho Inn & Suites offers outdoor pools and a friendly, lively atmosphere – and it's only a short walk from San Fran's restaurants and bars.
San Francisco travel guide
Things to do
You can't go to San Francisco without cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge, can you? But that's not all there is to do here. Union Square, the landmark park at the heart of San Francisco, is home to its upmarket shops, boutiques and the city's best restaurants. Other must-sees include Fisherman’s Wharf, with its wild sealions and waterfront markets, and the infamous Alcatraz prison museum. For a taste of the city, head to the 24-block district of Chinatown, or take a short cable car ride to Japantown for five acres of shops, theatres, sushi bars and restaurants.
Eating out
You’ll never be short of restaurants in San Francisco. The draw for many visitors is Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can eat at some of the finest seafood restaurants anywhere in the USA. Union Square also offers a wealth of choice. Meanwhile Chinatown, as you’d expect, provides the best Chinese meals outside China itself.
Shopping
Union Square is home to some world-class stores including Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Ghirardelli Square, on a smaller scale, offers art and craft boutiques, while those in search of authentic souvenirs should head for Fisherman’s Wharf. Chinatown also has a multitude of shops offering goods and souvenirs.
If you'd prefer to browse a mall, then The San Francisco Shopping Centre has more than 35 retailers to choose from, including the Nordstrom department store.