Getting around in San Francisco > Reviews > If your going to San Francisco

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around

Advantages:	A Great city full of life and fun
Disadvantages:	Expensive

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

After a fabulous 2 and a half weeks visiting various parts of USA on my Honeymoon, I thought it only fair I should return and share my experiences with my friends here on ciao.

Here is my guide to San Francisco.

Background.
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San Fransisco is on a Peninsula on the West coast of California. It is home to some 250,000 people with another 6 Million living in the various suburbs.
It has been settled by many people, most noteably the spanish who set up various missions throughout the area, 1 days travel apart for travellers.
It is built on a very undulating part of the state with great height differences between parts of the city.

Climate.
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Weather never normally gets above 80 in the summer but never gets cold in the winter either. Snow is a very rare occurence.
It has normally dry summers with Rains common Between September to April.
Locals say there are only 2 seasons in San Francisco as opposed to the 4 everywhere else. dry Season and rainy season.

Housing.
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It is very expensive to live in the Bay area.
Houses are so expensive that it is not uncommon for up to 4 couples to buy a house and live together. Combining incomes to cover the price of housing is normal in San Francisco.

Ethnic Diversity.
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It is a very diverse city with very little prejudices against any races,religious beliefs or sexuality.
In fact, it is one of the most relaxed places I have ever been to.
san Fran boasts one of the biggest Chinatowns outside of China. It is a fabulous place to visit and eat out in. Highly reccomended.
There is a big Italian Element in the city too. Just along from Chinatown. This also has some lovely restaurants.
Hippies settled here and never left in the 60's. They too can be seen around.
There is also a big gay and lesbian scene in the city with many carnivals throughout the year. In fact there was a big procession through the streets when we were there on Honeymoon.
Everyone is relaxed though and there is no trouble between these many different groups of people.

Accomodation.
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Summer is a busy time being a very tourist orientated city. Hotels are quite expensive too. We stayed at the Westin St Francis on Union Square and it is one of the most lavish places I have ever stayed.
Set in a early 20th Century period, the hotel is famous the world over. It is exquisitely decorated and beautifully ornate.
I loved staying here. Huge rooms all funished fantastically.
In fact, it sets a preceedent for the rest of the city. Most hotels followed this decorative trend with the St Fracis being one of the best.
Expect to pay upwards of £80 a night in Summer.
Hotels are concentrated in 3 parts of the City.
1 group are based around Union Square. These are the most expensive. They are the most centrally located and most lavish.
Another group are based around Fishermans wharf. These are cheaper but harder to get reservations. always booked up but handy for 2 of the cities biggest attractions, Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge.
The 3rd set of hotels are based around the airport. Cheapest but about 30 mins from the city.

Transport.
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After landing in the Aeroplane, you need to get to the city. They operate free shuttles to some hotels but to many of the others, there is a hotel shuttle bus that takes you to the doorstep. It cost 12 dollars and is a nice air conditioned ride around the bay to where you want to go.
Getting around the city is best done n either a Tram or trolley bus.
The trams cost 2 dollars a ride but you can get a day pass for about 6 dollars. Unlimited use for the day and you get to see a lot of the city. Expect to be a bit crowded. Walking is an option from Union Square but its very hilly so expect to get tired.
Taxis are expensive and slow in the traffic.

Eating Out.
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Eating can be cheap but most places are expensive.
Chinatown offers some of the best food around and at a good price. There is lots of it too.
The Italian cafes are very nice to eat in. If you would like to sit outside though, you must book in advance. Tables inside are freely available.
Around the Square there are many nice Steak Houses and burger bars. Some cheap, others not so. Shop around. Lori's Diner can come highly recommended.
Planet Hollywood is also nice to eat and not as busy as the one in London. Tables are not a problem.
Down at Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39 there are many nice Seafood restaurants. Quite expensive but very tasty if you like fresh seafood.

Shopping.
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If you want bargains, DONT come to San Francisco. Go To Florida if you want that.
Here are some of the more fine shopping district. Not bargain basement malls.
You will find Macy's on the Square offering all sorts of fashions and accessories. In the lobbies of many of the hotels you will find Versace, Gucci and other fine shops.

Tipping.
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OK. So tourism is their main source of income in San Fran and they rely on your tipping to make ends meet and pay their rent. Be generous if you feel they have earned it. You will find everyone expects a tip. Taxis, bus drivers, waitresses, bell boys even tramps and there are a lot of them!

Attractions.
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This is what you have come for so here goes.
Go on an organised trip around the city. You will not see it all otherwise and you will miss out on important features.
Grey line offer some great trips.
Go on the Deluxe City Tour. Combine it with the Alcatraz trip too.
The City tour takes in many of the big attractions.
It starts at 9am and goes to the main building throughout the city. It shows you where famous films were shot such as the skyscraper used for "Towering Inferno" and Scenes from "Dirty Harry".
It shows you some of the earliest buildings in the city as well as a stop at the first mission in San Francisco, St Delores.
The trip takes in a trip to Twin Peaks Hill. Here you can view the entire City and see for about 15 miles in all directions.
The next stop takes in the Lighthouse and a trip to the Edge of the ocean followed by a stop in the Golden Gate Park.
You then travel over the Golden Gate Bridge which is spectacular.
On the return leg, you travel through Russian Hills, Where many chase scenes from Dirty Harry films as well as Steve Mcqueen's "Bullitt" were filmed. You will remember these as where the cars fly down the hills and take off as they crash down the streets.
The tour takes in many posh houses as well as attractions and you end up at Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39. Its very busy and touristy and nextdoor is Pier 41. This is where you catch the ferry to Alcatraz if you have booked the trip. Book this through your travel agent before you go because if you leave it until you arrive, you wont get in the island as it is always sold out.
Alcatraz Prison is one of the highlights of my trip. It has so much history and is notorious the world over from the various films. This is an essential part of your trip to this city. Make sure you go.
If you like Sports, Pac Bell Stadium in the City holds Baseball from the Giants and 3Com Stadium (Candlestick Park) holds the 49ers. Check in advance for seasons or you man not be there when they are playing.

Conclusion.
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I would go back anyday of the week. Saying this though it is expensive to stay in. Dont go expecting a cheap break. Go for a few days as part of another holiday as a week or more is too long.
Make sure you visit Alcatraz as it is essential and go on a city tour.
Dont forget to eat in Chinatown too. Itsa excellent.

Now to Write about Vegas and Hawai'i!