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.

Urban
85
Culture
80
Safety
75
Romance
65
Food
60

Top 5 highlights in San Francisco

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

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.

2

Alcatraz

The famous prison island in the Bay offers captivating audio tours about Al Capone and the spectacular escape attempts.

3

Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

The lively waterfront promenade with sea lions, clam chowder in a bread bowl, and views of Alcatraz.

4

Cable Cars

The historic cable cars are the only mobile National Historic Landmark in the USA – a ride is a must.

5

Chinatown

The oldest and largest Chinatown outside Asia with authentic dim sum restaurants and colorful lanterns.

Hotels in San Francisco

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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

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5 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!

Clam Chowder in Sourdough Bowl
Mission Burrito
Cioppino (fish stew)
Dim Sum in Chinatown
Irish Coffee (Büna Vista Cafe)
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Suitable for:Golden GateArchitectureCulinaryHillsTechCultureCable CarsFog

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