24 hours in San Francisco – USA
San Francisco is not only known best for its cable cars, Alcatraz and the beautiful architecture, but also for one of the highest costs of living in the US of A. But is it worth it? Pack your walking boots and find out for yourself! Here we go: 24 hours in San Francisco!
First things first:
San Francisco is absolutely mesmerizing. The whole vibe and energy is calm, friendly and grounded. The glistening sky scrapers smile at you wherever you go and let you dive into a world of modern architecture combined and surrounded by Victorian history.
If you really want to get to know the city in a short time, the best way to do so is to combine walking and car pooling (Uber, Lyft) and maybe a little bit of cable car-ing or Muni-ing.
Especially car pool is a great experience as it is not only cheaper than a usual taxi, but also better for the environment. As well you get a better overview of the city and the lives of people, as the private ride sometimes gets you to see places you’d usually miss out on. Plus, it is safe and the drivers can tell you a lot about the city and its hotspots.
But of course nothing gives you a better grip of the city than walking up and down the streets and hills. Just go with the stream of energy and see where it takes you.
“24 hours in San Francisco”
At some point you’ll probably find yourself at the famous Pier39, a funfair with lots of fresh seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, cute little booths and even an Aquarium at the Fisherman’s Wharf in the North of San Francisco. Although it’s really touristy, you’ll most likely enjoy the view to the notorious Alcatraz, that – if you had time on your hands – you can also excess by boat (provided by many sightseeing companies like Alcatraztickets, Alcatrazcruises or Hop-on Hop-off buses).
If that’s not for you, step aside and listen closely. Could it be? Yes, it is: Sea lions. Randomly lying around the pier and ready for your “aww”-moment form the distance.
Afterwards definitely satisfy your sweet tooth at Candy Baron or empty your pockets and crack some crabs at the many restaurants in the area (cheapest meal starting from USD 25,00).
“24 hours in San Francisco”
From here on you have a couple of options if you want to get the most of San Francisco.
Option 1 – Head to town:
Just across the pedestrian bridge you’ll find the Muni trams (have some coins handy, there is no change, USD 2,50/single ride) that will take you slowly but steadily to the city where you should just get off at Financial district with it’s beautiful glass-walled skyscrapers and simply walk your way along.
On your journey you’ll find the Crocker Galleria (Montgomery Station), with its big shopping area and picturesque indoor design.
Just around the corner of this gallery you’d better check out the Union Square area. Not only will you uncover fancy shops like Macy’s or Saks 5th Avenue there, but also many commercial stores like Zara, Nike or Banana Republic.
If you get hungry after your shopping spree look no further than uphill North, where the well-known Dragon Gate is taking you to the mysterious world of China Town (or not). Still you have to get your cardio on and walk awhile to really be “inside the town”. In this location you’ll find yourself next to (cheap) souvenir shops (Peking Bazaar), designer know offs and foreign supermarkets. It is definitely worth a visit as you can discover great street art in this area and a touch of Eastern culture combined with the American spirit, plus cheap food (a great rarity in SF). Put these on your bucket list and you’ll be fine: Golden Gate Bakery, Dim Sums at Stockton Street, Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
“24 hours in San Francisco”
Option 2 – Explore more of the coast area:
Not far from Pier39 is the well-known Ghirardelli Square, that got his name from the headquarters of the ‘Ghirardelli Chocolate Company’ that used to be located there before it got relocated and sold. But of course you can still find the finest chocolate at this square in it’s many variations (hot choc, bar or ice-cream), just next to many restaurants that will ease your hungriness with fish, steak, veggies, smoothies and the most delicious desserts. Surrounded by sweet, little shops with designer or vintage-wear, jewelry or bath products you’ll surely find something to remember SF for. Just if you’re wondering: Yes, it is expensive. But hey, you’re on holiday, the view is amazing and even the 7/11 supermarket is just slightly cheaper.
Although the square invites you to stay just a little longer, you shouldn’t miss out on your first cable car ride at “Hyde & Beach” station, just footsteps away. But don’t stay too long on the line or you won’t get to the one tourist spot that will make you’re instagram feed go from average to superstar: The Golden Gate Bridge!
“24 hours in San Francisco”
“24 hours in San Francisco”
If you don’t have much time, the best spot to take a close-angled picture of the bridge is the Fort Point. But there are also other areas that will elevate your picture, like the Battery Spencer or Baker Beach (which might be a bit far off).
Now that you’ve done the necessities, you’re free to decide if you want to spend more time in this breath-taking city, that has so much more to offer than just robbing you of your hard-earned money. Places like “the painted ladies” (colorful houses in a row at Alamo Park/Square), Presidio, the Golden Gate national park or simply some fancy wine tasting outside the city are still waiting for you to be explored.
Bon Voyage!
