About San Francisco |
The Golden Gate Bridge |
Q. How big is San Francisco?
San Francisco is a very compact city and covers an area of seven square miles.
Q. How many people inhabit it?
In 2007 it had an estimated population of 764,976 people, making it the 14th most populous city in America.
Q. What are the language and currency?
That would be English and the American Dollar.
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Things to See |
Alcatraz aka 'The Rock' |
Q. What is San Francisco's number one attraction?
Contrary to what you may be thinking, Fisherman's Wharf is officially San Francisco's most visited attraction.
Q. What is there that makes it so popular?
Lots of things - the entire wharf incorporates 10 blocks and 9 different piers, the most famous being 'Pier 39'. Here you will encounter street entertainment, the city's 'Aquarium of the Bay', endless shops and restaurants and the famous sea lions. Other things worth seeing around Fisherman's Wharf include the Maritime Museum, while the stalls selling crabs and other seafood are an attraction in their own right. The wharf is also where Bay Cruises, and ferries to Alcatraz depart from.
Q. Anything else which shouldn't be missed?
Erm, you could say that…there are three other 'biggies' that could be filed under 'unmissable'.
The first of these is the Golden Gate Bridge which is one of the world's most beautiful structures. Spanning a distance of 1.7 miles, one of the nicest ways to spend an afternoon in this city is to stroll down Golden Gate Promenade in 'The Presidio' (park before the bridge) before walking across the bridge and back.
The second is Alcatraz, the most famous prison in the world. Formerly a military base, in 1947 it became a prison and over the 40 years it operated as a federal institution it housed criminals such as Al Capone, George 'Machine Gun' Kelly and Robert Stroud, the 'Birdman of Alcatraz'. Tours (which depart from Pier 33) include award-winning audio guides that really give you a feel for what it was like there when it still had inmates.
The third of these 'biggies' is San Francisco's celebrated cable cars. Invented in 1873 by Englishman or Scotsman (there are reports that he was either) Andrew Smith Hallidie after he saw a horrifying incident where five horses were killed, there are now three lines which operate throughout the city. Two leave from Powell Street in downtown San Francisco (Powell/Hyde Line and Powell/Mason Line) while the third, the California Line, runs up and down California Street. No trip is complete without a trip on one.
Q. I've been told some of the city's suburbs are also big attractions?
You were told right. San Francisco has some of the United States' most intriguing neighbourhoods that should be pencilled in on your itinerary. These include North Beach, the city's Italian quarter, the Castro which is arguably North America's best-known gay neighbourhood, the Mission which is where you'll find a plethora of bars and restaurants, and the Haight-Ashbury, America's best-known hippy hangout. Oh, and San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest one in America.
Q. Anything else I need to know?
Yes - don't call San Francisco 'Frisco'. The locals despise it.
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Going Out |
Union Square after dark |
Q. Where are most of the bars found?
Unlike many cities in the States and around the world, downtown San Francisco isn't where it's at when it comes to going out. The Mission and SoMa (south of Market) are widely regarded as the hippest parts of San Francisco once the sun sets. Take the BART (San Francisco's metro) to 16th St and once you walk out of the station you'll soon find lots of bars. North Beach is also known for its bars, as is the Haight-Ashbury - Haight Street has lots of bars.
Q. Do I need to carry my ID with me when going out?
Absolutely. In America even those who are people who are follicly challenged are asked for identification to prove they're over 21.
Q. Any particular bars /clubs worth singling out?
'Hobson's Choice' (1601 Haight Street, Haight-Ashbury) is one of the Haight-Ashbury's coolest hangouts, and in the Mission 'Dalva' (3121 16th St, Mission) is a small bar, but one that attracts people who you know hang out in the coolest spots. Nearby in SoMa 'Wish' and 'Holy Cow' side by side on Folsom St are good for dancing.
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Eating Out |
North Beach - full of restaurants |
Q. Is it expensive to eat out in San Francisco?
Only in the real touristy places like Pier 39. In saying that though, Chinatown, which is probably San Francisco's most visited neighbourhood, has a bunch of affordable restaurants.
Q. Where is the best selection of restaurants in the city?
North Beach, once the city's bohemian district but now the city's Italian quarter, has countless places to eat. Many of these can be found along Columbus Avenue. Around Washington Square in the same neighbourhood has many places to eat.
Q. Are international cuisines well-represented?
Yes, very much so. As you now know, you'll find lots of Italian restaurants in North Beach. And unless you're not the sharpest tool in the box, you'll know that Chinatown has lots of Chinese restaurants. The Mission has lots of Mexican restaurants although you'll find all other sorts also such as Indian and Italian.
Q. What times do restaurants close?
To make sure you're not left hungry in San Francisco, if you plan on eating out you should attempt to be in a restaurant before 10pm on weekdays and before 11pm at the weekends.
Q. Any places to eat you can recommend?
'The Crepe House' on the corner of Post and Taylor Streets in the city centre is a great place to start the day. A bagel with a coffee or cup of tea there is a great way to start the day. For a good lunch grab a sandwich from 'Palermo Delicatessen' (1556 Stockton Street) near Washington Square, and of all the places in Chinatown, we found 'Capital Restaurant' (839 Clay St.) to be one of the better places.
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Transport |
Riding a cable car |
Q. How many different modes of public transport are there in San Francisco?
There are four types - cable car, trolley car, bus and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). BART operates the underground network but runs over ground also. Trolley cars take you to the neighbourhood beside the Golden Gate Bridge and the Haight-Ashbury among other parts of the city, and the best-known use trolley car is the F-car which goes to the Castro.
Obviously, the best known is the cable car. A one-way journey costs $5 which is quite expensive, but you can't leave without getting on one.
Q. Will I need to use public transport at all?
While the city centre is extremely compact, you'll need to use public transport to get places like the Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury and other parts of the city.
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