Holiday in San Francisco
City in USA — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇺🇸
Country
USA
Type
City
Best time to travel
September–November (Indian Summer, warmest weather), April–May
Budget/day
$180–300
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights from Frankfurt to San Francisco International (SFO, approx. 11 hours). BART train from the airport to the city center.
About San Francisco
San Francisco, the city by the bay, is a total work of art made up of iconic landmarks, cultural diversity, and an atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The Golden Gate Bridge, perhaps the most famous structure in the USA, spans 2,737 meters in bright International Orange across the strait between the Pacific and the bay — particularly impressive when the famous fog (Karl the Fog) envelops the pillars. Alcatraz, the former high-security prison island in the bay, tells the stories of Al Capone and the infamous escape attempt of 1962. The historic Cable Cars have been climbing the steep hills since 1873 and are the only mobile National Historic Landmark in the USA. Fisherman's Wharf at Pier 39 offers sea lion spectacles, clam chowder in sourdough bread, and views of the skyline. San Francisco's neighborhoods are worlds unto themselves: Chinatown, the oldest and largest in North America, Haight-Ashbury as the cradle of the hippie movement, the Castro as the heart of LGBTQ culture, and The Mission with its colorful murals and Mexican taquerias. The Painted Ladies, Victorian houses against the skyline, are a postcard classic. The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, the art collections of the Legion of Honor, and the SFMOMA complement the cultural program. The gourmet scene is top-notch — from the sourdough tradition to Michelin-starred restaurants. San Francisco is compact enough to explore and large enough to always surprise.
Top 5 highlights in San Francisco
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Golden Gate Bridge
The 2.7 km long rust-red suspension bridge is the most photographed landmark in the USA – crossable on foot or by bike.
Alcatraz
The famous prison island in the Bay offers captivating audio tours about Al Capone and the spectacular escape attempts.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
The lively waterfront promenade with sea lions, clam chowder in a bread bowl, and views of Alcatraz.
Cable Cars
The historic cable cars are the only mobile National Historic Landmark in the USA – a ride is a must.
Chinatown
The oldest and largest Chinatown outside Asia with authentic dim sum restaurants and colorful lanterns.
Hotels in San Francisco
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für San Francisco
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for San Francisco
Recommended travel time
September–November (Indian Summer, warmest weather), April–May
Summer
Cool due to fog (!), 15–20 °C, warmest in September/October
Winter
Mild and wet, 8–15 °C, rainy season November–March
How much does a holiday in San Francisco cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
$100–150
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
$180–300
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
$380–900
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to San Francisco
Compare thousands of package holidays to San Francisco and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for San Francisco
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Mark Twain is said to have remarked: The coldest winter was a summer in San Francisco – always pack a jacket.
Book Alcatraz tickets weeks in advance – they are almost always sold out.
The city is compact and hilly – comfortable shoes are essential.
Avoid renting a car in SF – parking costs up to $50/day. Use MUNI and BART.
Mission District has the best Mexican cuisine and the best weather in the city.
Food & drink in San Francisco
These specialties you must try!
Ready for San Francisco?
Plan your San Francisco holiday now with our free tools.
