San Francisco
San Francisco
The Fodor's Five
The five things you need to know before traveling to San Francisco
San Francisco has a ton of good food, but you have to plan ahead.
From seafood to sourdough, San Francisco does even basic dishes extremely well. But the lines at the most popular brunch spots sprawl onto the streets on Sundays, and good luck catching dinner without a reservation unless you’re Bourdain come back to the living. Plan ahead and take some of the food wars with a grain of salt–it won’t hurt to try both of the “original” homes of the Mission burrito.
Get comfortable with public transportation (or prepare for blisters).
To survive long days of endless hills and see every mile of the 7x7 footprint without getting blisters, you’re going to need to get comfortable with public transit. Good thing San Francisco's Municipal Railway (known to locals as Muni) is iconic, well-maintained, and connected throughout the city. Just like the neighborhoods, even the busses have unique personalities. Watch out for the rare ghost bus and don’t get a Sunset neighborhood resident started on the timeliness of the N-Judah.
The fog is real, so make sure you're wearing 'the uniform.'
The weather in San Francisco has been a running joke since at least the days of Mark Twain. It might be spitting rain in the Avenues and the perfect temperature for an It’s-It in the Bayview. Knowing about the fog belt can help you predict conditions, but it’s best to wear “the uniform” when you visit: layers, athletic wear cuts, and waterproof materials lend themselves well to the fluctuations. As long as you plan your outfits and itinerary, the worst that will happen is you’ll have a fun story about running into local celebrity Karl the Fog.
Nightlife is legendary, but the daytime is pretty great, too.
In San Francisco, the night crew packs a powerful punch. Stay out into the evening and visit a historic queer bar or drag show. Sing karaoke. Grab a bite at Orphan Andy’s. But nightlife isn’t the only way to get to know the city intimately. Check out costumes at dawn during Bay to Breakers, rifle through vintage toys at the annual Bernal Heights garage sale, and snuggle up for early afternoon concerts in Stern Grove. Every resident can access a park within a 10-minute walk, and practically every park is on a hill with a good view. Daytime rules, and San Francisco is the city of picnics.
This little city is civically robust.
San Francisco is notoriously civically engaged. It’s part of what makes visiting so special because even the trash cans are a conversation starter. From local guerilla historians pasting flyers in the Outside Lands to the activist nuns from the order of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, everyone here finds their own way of getting involved. Don’t let it scare you; S.F. is still, at heart, a hospitable little beatnik ready to show visitors around, warts and all.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Neighborhoods
Hotels
Things to Do
Things to Do
Explore Things to Do
Find the perfect tours and activities in San Francisco.
Where to Eat
Where to Eat
Need to Know
Need to Know
Language
EnglishNearby Airports
SFOElectrical Outlets
120 V/60Hz; Type A plugs have two flat prongs. Type B plugs have the same two flat prongs with a third round prong; together the three form a triangular shape.Currency
US DollarLanguage
EnglishElectrical Outlets
120 V/60Hz; Type A plugs have two flat prongs. Type B plugs have the same two flat prongs with a third round prong; together the three form a triangular shape.Currency
US DollarNearby Airports
SFONeighborhood Guides
Discover the best neighborhoods in San Francisco with curated recommendations from our editors.
Local Weather
Neighborhood Guides
Discover the best neighborhoods in San Francisco with curated recommendations from our editors.
Local Weather
Neighborhood Guides
Discover the best neighborhoods in San Francisco with curated recommendations from our editors.
Articles
Articles See All
Guidebooks
Guidebooks
Our worldwide travel correspondents bring you the best and most up-to-date coverage of over 7,500 global destinations.
Shop NowFodor's San Francisco
For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel...
Fodor's Northern California: With Napa & Sonoma, Yosemite, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe & The Best Road Trips
For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel...
Fodor's Southern California: with Los Angeles, San Diego, the Central Coast & the Best Road Trips
For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel...
Fodor's Northern California: With Napa & Sonoma, Yosemite, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe & The Best Road Trips
For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel...
Fodor's California: with the Best Road Trips
For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel...