A first-timer’s guide to San Francisco

San Francisco, AKA The City by the Bay, stars on most people’s bucket list. So if you’re planning your first San Francisco trip, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve covered all bases – from where to stay, what to see and do, and what to pack. We’ve even thrown together the perfect 3-day itinerary to get you started. So get ready for Golden Gate gallivanting, Mission District murals and some crowd-pleasing Californian sea lions…

Where to stay (and which areas are best!)

As a first-timer, choosing the right neighborhood to sleep in can make your trip feel effortless:

• Union Square / Downtown – Central, convenient and buzzing with life, you can’t go wrong with a stay around here. Think theaters, shops and easy public transport.
• Fisherman’s Wharf / Embarcadero – Touristy? Yes, but in the best way. Close to Pier 39 (sea lions and all) and the waterfront, you’re just a hop away from boat tours and salty-air views.
• Nob Hill / Russian Hill – Elevate your stay – literally and figuratively. Stunning city views, historic charm and a touch of luxury.
• The Mission / Hayes Valley – Funky, artsy, and full of personality. Perfect if you crave coffee culture, street art and boutique vibes.

Pro tip: Shoulder seasons (April–June and September–November) give you crisp, clear weather, which – believe it or not – can often be better than the foggy days in peak summer!

Top hotel picks

Where you stay in San Francisco can totally shape your first visit. Here’s a breakdown of hotels, by vibe, budget and style.

Budget-friendly

• Fitzgerald Hotel Union Square – A boutique gem with Victorian charm and complimentary breakfast, just steps from Chinatown. Affordable without sacrificing charm.
• The Cartwright Hotel – Union Square, BW Premier Collection – Convenient Union Square location with a solid review score. A great balance of comfort and value.

For luxury lovers

• Fairmont San Francisco – A Nob Hill icon with sweeping views and timeless elegance. Ideal if you want that “grand old San Francisco” experience.
• The Clift Royal Sonesta – Historic boutique with a design-forward twist in Union Square. Perfect for theater-goers and shoppers alike.

Boutique & stylish

• Orchard Hotel – A sleek, boutique option in Union Square with stellar reviews and eco-friendly touches. Great for couples or solo travelers wanting something unique.
• Handlery Union Square Hotel – Family-owned with larger rooms, a swimming pool (rare in SF!), and warm service.

Family-friendly

• Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf – Steps from Pier 39, with spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities. Kids love the location, while parents love the convenience.
• Handlery Union Square Hotel – Again, worth mentioning here – it ticks both family-friendly and central location boxes.

Booking tip: Book via LateRooms.com for free cancellation options and member savings.

Top things to see & do

Let’s get into the good stuff, here are the highlights you can’t miss while in SF:

Iconic landmarks & views

• Golden Gate Bridge: Walk, bike, or just gaze at it – this San Francisco hotspot is even more awe-inspiring in person.
• Alcatraz Island: The prison-turned-national-park tour is haunting, fascinating and unforgettable. Book early as tickets sell out.
• Painted Ladies & Alamo Square: The postcard-perfect Victorian homes with a skyline backdrop. You might recognise them from the Full House sitcom.
• Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf: Sea lions, street performers and chowder-in-a-bread-bowl. Touristy? Totally. Fun? Absolutely. Even if the sea lions kick up a bit of a stink.
• Lombard Street: Don’t miss a stroll (or drive, if you’re brave!) down Lombard Street, the famously twisty block lined with colorful flowers that’s earned its title as the ‘crookedest street in the world’.
• Ride a tram: You can’t go to San Francisco and not catch a tram. San Francisco tourists usually head for The Powell-Hyde line, thanks to its views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

Museums & interactive spots

• Exploratorium: Science meets fun with hands-on exhibits.
• California Academy of Sciences: An aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum rolled into one.
• Cable Car Museum: Free, fascinating, and full of nostalgia.

Nature & gardens

• Golden Gate Park: From bison paddocks to the Japanese Tea Garden, it’s a mini city inside the city.

Neighborhoods & places to visit

• Mission District: Street art, incredible food and Dolores Park.
• North Beach: Italian trattorias and cafes, espresso bars and old-world charm.
• Chinatown: The oldest Chinatown in North America – colorful, bustling and delicious.
• Castro: Vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, rainbow crosswalks, and history on every corner.

Scenic sunset spots

• Twin Peaks: A panoramic view that will leave you speechless.
• Sutro Baths: Atmospheric ruins of the grand pools by the Pacific.
• Coit Tower: A city icon with murals inside and epic views outside.

What to pack – the San Fran essentials

Packing for SF is all about expecting the unexpected. Fog, rain, sun – the city sees it all, no matter the season.

• Layers – A hoodie + light jacket combo will save you from the famous fog.
• Comfy walking shoes – Hills aren’t just steep, they’re really steep.
• Sunglasses & a scarf – Both useful, sometimes at the same time.
• Reusable water bottle & daypack – Stay hydrated while exploring.
• Portable charger – You’ll easily burn through your phone battery snapping pics.

A 3-day itinerary for San Francisco first-timers

If you’re going to San Francisco for the first time, screenshot this itinerary and you’ll be sorted.

Day 1: Golden Gate & gardens

• Morning: Bike or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Lunch: Chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf
• Afternoon: Wander Golden Gate Park & Japanese Tea Garden
• Evening: Take in the sunset at Twin Peaks

Day 2: History & waterfront fun

• Morning: Ferry to Alcatraz
• Lunch: Pier 39 snacks & sea lion watching
• Afternoon: Ride a cable car & stroll through Chinatown
• Evening: North Beach dinner crawl

Day 3: Local Neighborhoods & hidden stories

• Morning: Mission District mural walk and brunch
• Afternoon: Explore the Castro & grab coffee in Hayes Valley
• Evening: Cocktails with skyline views

Final thoughts

San Francisco has a way of sneaking into your heart – one foggy corner, mural-strewn block, and sunset view at a time. So pack those walking shoes, charge your phone and get ready to fall in love with the City by the Bay. And don’t forget to book the perfect crash pad – browse our range of San Francisco hotel deals today.