"San Francisco is a great tourist trap, well worth" San Francisco by StefanE

San Francisco Travel Guide: 10,931 reviews and 18,554 photos

Golden Gate from the air - San Francisco

San Francisco is quite a small city only some 800 000 inhabitants. The whole area “The Bay Area” is about 12 millions! There are lots and lots of tourists; actually by the pier most of the people are tourists.

What to do and see in SF? I have never been to Alcatraz but it’s supposed to be nice, don’t forget to book in advance it’s almost always filled up. Travelling with cable car is a must even if the queue is quite long. Walking trough China Town is Ok, even if it’s quite small. Walking trough the old chocolate factory is also OK. The famous “Christmas Shop” open all year was interesting but I think it’s closed now. There are tons of things to see and do.

What not to do in SF? Don’t buy anything in the overpriced electronic shops. I went into one and asked for a price on a “electronic organizer”. The where very friendly at first and offered me a personal discount (only twice the price in a regular shop!). When I naturally declined they got very ugly and I ran. Why do I never learn to keep out of shops in tourist places? Try Frys in San Jose or Santa Clara instead this is a heaven for us technology crazy guys (and girls). Beware of pickpockets (I always keep my valet secured in crowds no matter where and have not been robbed yet)

Some hints if you are going by car to San Francisco (as if there where any other way)

1. In case of traffic jams (which happens twice daily) avoid the main streets like Van Ness and use smaller ones going in parallel. For some reason the locals don't use them much and you can save a lot of time. This is valid for most US cities I have been to.

2. On weekends you can park for free on f.ex. Hyde St so don't get ripped of, parking by the Docks. Or are you to lazy walking a few 100 meters? Parking on Hyde St is also an adventure in it self as it’s very steep especially with a manual shift, believe me I have tried. Please don’t forget to turn your wheels to the left after parking; this is mandatory when parking in hills!

3. On 2454 Hyde St is the Norwegian seamen’s church. I'm not particular religious but the have a nice view over the bay and fresh cookies with tee/coffee for a low price. It's a great place to rest after a day of walking (www.kirken.org). They are only open on weekdays 11-19 and on Sunday 10-19.

4. After parking on Hyde St and having a coffee in the church you can drive up the hill and on the top to the left is Lombard St which is supposed to be the steepest street in the world? Try it! If my memory is correct you are not allowed to turn left, who care; “But officer I’m only a tourist how would I know?” ;-)

Last visit to San Francisco: Jun 1996
Intro Updated Jul 22, 2005
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Comments (11)

yen_2 Apr 9, 2002 at 2:13 AM Report Abuse

Would love to be here too;-)
alma_h Mar 11, 2002 at 10:08 AM Report Abuse

I love that tourist trap called San Fran!... :))))
Krystynn Mar 7, 2002 at 6:18 AM Report Abuse

SanFran definitely rocks! But Swden looks better... :-)
Maggies Nov 29, 2001 at 3:15 PM Report Abuse

Seems like you had a nice trip.
AndreasK Nov 21, 2001 at 5:15 AM Report Abuse

Thank you Stefan !
o00o Nov 9, 2001 at 12:26 AM Report Abuse

Very nice page
Chris_Dahlia Sep 17, 2001 at 9:39 AM Report Abuse

nice pic and great info! thanks!
Geoff_Wright Sep 16, 2001 at 4:07 PM Report Abuse

Nice page, Stefan. Good tips too
keeweechic Sep 15, 2001 at 2:43 PM Report Abuse

Some good tips. Sorry the shopping wasn`t good.
bdbrewer Sep 7, 2001 at 5:45 AM Report Abuse

Great Advice! Maybe a Taxi? LOL