San Francisco

This city is a trip, in every sense of the word. It's a compact 7x7 mile square of land packed with wildly different worlds. One minute you're in a bustling, gritty downtown, and the next you're surrounded by quiet, fog-laced redwood trees. The initial impression is often of a city with a rebellious, creative soul layered under a modern, tech-driven gloss. The vibe is energetic, a little chaotic, and always interesting.

The reasons to visit SF are all about contrasts. First, the sheer natural beauty is staggering; you have the iconic Golden Gate Bridge wrapped in fog, dramatic coastal cliffs, and huge parks right in the city. Second, the food scene is incredible and diverse, from grabbing a massive, life-changing burrito in the Mission District to world-class sourdough bread bowls by the Wharf. And third, the history here is palpable—you can feel the echoes of the Summer of Love in Haight-Ashbury, the Beat Generation in North Beach, and the Gold Rush everywhere in between. It's a city that never lets you get bored.

The people here are a real mix. You've got the tech crowd, who are often focused and busy, but also a huge population of artists, activists, and long-time residents who hold onto the city's bohemian spirit. English is the main language, but you'll hear Spanish in the Mission and Cantonese in Chinatown. Travelers generally find that if you're friendly and direct, people are helpful, though they might not always have time for a long chat. There's a definite "live and let live" attitude here that many visitors appreciate.

The food here is phenomenal. The city is famous for its Mission-style burrito, a giant foil-wrapped masterpiece that's a must-try. Another classic is clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, especially down at Fisherman's Wharf from Boudin Bakery (expect to pay around $16-$17). The Ferry Building Marketplace is a food lover's paradise with amazing artisan cheeses, oysters, and coffee. A meal can range from a $10-$15 burrito (for a classic Mission burrito) to a $200+ tasting menu, so there's something for every budget.

The infrastructure here has its quirks. The internet is generally fast, as you'd expect from the heart of Silicon Valley. Power is stable. However, the public transport system, known as Muni, can be a mixed bag—the streetcars and metro lines are pretty reliable, but the buses can be slow and crowded. The city is extremely hilly, so while some areas are walkable, you'll get a workout. A huge thing to know is the ever-present risk of earthquakes; it's just a fact of life here, though major ones are rare.

Most visitors fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about 13 miles south of the city. The absolute best way to get downtown is the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train. It's fast (about 30 minutes), avoids traffic, and costs around $10.30. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are also readily available but will cost significantly more, typically in the $30-$60 range depending on traffic and surge pricing.

Once you're in the city, the Muni system is your best friend. Getting a Clipper Card is highly recommended; it's a reloadable transit card that works on BART, Muni buses, streetcars, and even the famous cable cars. You can add it to your phone's wallet for ultimate convenience. A single Muni ride is about $2.85 (Clipper/MuniMobile) or $3.00 (cash) as of July 1, 2025. Central neighborhoods are very walkable, but the hills are no joke. For longer distances or late at night, Lyft and Uber are everywhere. Renting a car isn't recommended; parking is a nightmare and car break-ins are a serious problem.

It's important to be upfront about safety in SF. While it's generally safe for tourists in the main areas, property crime, while significantly reduced in recent years, remains a concern. Never, ever leave anything visible in a parked car. This point can't be stressed enough—not even for five minutes. Car break-ins, though down, are still a serious problem. The Tenderloin district, which borders Union Square, has significant problems with homelessness and open drug use and should be avoided, especially at night. You'll encounter unhoused people throughout the city; it's a complex issue here. Just be aware of your surroundings, keep your valuables secure, and you'll be fine.