Serviced Apartments in San Francisco

Facts About San Francisco

San Francisco is officially part of the City and County of San Francisco. It’s a major commercial, financial and cultural center in Northern California. Here are some interesting facts about the city:

• San Francisco is the 4th most populous city in all of California, covering 46.89 square miles in all. 
• San Francisco has the fourth highest GDP in the USA.
• The city has several nicknames including San Fran, SF and Frisco among others. 

San Francisco GDP was $592 billion in 2019. As of the year 2020, San Francisco had the highest disposable income, salaries and median home prices in the whole world at a sizable $1.7 million. It also has the highest median rentals as well. 

While being a major draw for tourists, San Francisco has a chequered history of its own, being founded on 29th June, 1776. Colonists came here from Spain to set up the Presidio of San Francisco at the Golden Gate and the Mission San Francisco de Asis.

Also Read: 10 Facts About San Francisco You (Probably) Didn’t Know

Cost of Living in San Francisco

Owing to its economic prosperity, San Francisco's rental and accommodation rates are going to be way above average. The average prices for a single person are anywhere around $103 for accommodation. 

Food prices may vary in the city although average food costs top $32 each day on average. Dining out should cost somewhere upwards of $13 for each individual. Although, breakfasts are cheaper than dinners or lunches. 

Taxis tend to be approximately $13 per individual each day throughout the city. People pay close to $5.02 each day on bottled water. A monthly rental for a 1 bedroom apartment is around $3,300 and upwards in the City Center. A 3 bedroom apartment costs $5,900 and upwards in the City Center. 

Tips for Visiting San Francisco

First-time travelers should always keep a few tips in mind while visiting San Francisco. 

• San Francisco feels cold even during summers and you should pack with full knowledge of the weather forecast. 
• Tourists should look to stay near Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square for more convenience. 
• San Francisco is a small city and most sights are jumbled together. You can simply walk it or use public transportation, taxis, car rentals or even Uber. 
• Reserve your Alcatraz Island tour at least a couple of weeks in advance. 
• Head to Bay and Mason Streets for shorter cable car lines which end up at Union Square. 
• Simply walk across the Golden Gate Bridge or find out how to pay the tolls if you decide to drive across it instead. 
• You can take walking tours covering the Embarcadero and even in the Mission locality. 
• The airport is 15 miles away from San Francisco. It takes roughly 25-30 minutes in low traffic. For a cheaper price, you can take the BART subway till downtown. 
• The MUNI light rail and bus system will help you get around in San Francisco. They have 1 day passes also.

Also Read: Exploring Historical San Francisco

Things to Do in San Francisco 

San Francisco is a highly vibrant and culturally enriching city with plenty of things to do. There are innumerable landmarks that you can visit during your stay. 

1. What are some free things to do in San Francisco? 

San Francisco offers a plethora of free attractions. These include a drive down Lombard Street and even walking tours through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. You can even visit free museums and witness the Painted Ladies.

2. Does San Francisco have many romantic attractions? 

For a romantic time in San Francisco, simply visit Baker Beach for its gorgeous views and secluded ambience. The Twin Peaks offer a romantic hike/drive upwards for snuggling up and seeing the city in a whole new light from above. Walk together along the Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf. 

3. What are the most family-friendly things to do in San Francisco? 

Families may find it enjoyable to venture to the Bay Area Discovery Museum which includes the 2.5 acre Lookout Cove with its gravel pits, tide pools, caves and shipwrecks. The Aquarium of the Bay is another great place to visit along with House of Air. 

4. What are the more unusual things to do in San Francisco? 

For a truly mind-boggling experience, venture to Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze or swing on a rope with gorgeous Bay and downtown views for company. Visit the Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum for a literally pleasurable experience or simply create lifetime memories at the Museum of 3D Illusions. 

Places to Visit in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. There are numerous places worth visiting here. 

• Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco’s most photographed landmark is a marvel worth seeing. 
• Alcatraz Island - Visit this notorious and famous penitentiary for a spine-chilling experience. 
• Fisherman’s Wharf - Charming restaurants, shops and gorgeous waterfront views characterize this landmark. 
• Cable Cars - Historic San Francisco cable car rides are a great way to experience scenic routes in the city. 
• Golden Gate Park - With museums, gardens and 5,000+ plant varieties, this is a great place to satiate your natural curiosity. 
• Chinatown - The biggest Chinatown outside Asia, this is worth visiting for the workshops, temples, stores, theaters and restaurants. 

Places to Eat in San Francisco

Breakfast, brunch and lunch are more enjoyable when you venture to key establishments like the Tartine Bakery for delectable croissants and morning buns. Acme Bread Company is excellent for lemon bars and sourdough while Yank Sing offers mouthwatering dim sums for travelers. 

For a hearty dinner, visit Mister Jiu’s which is paradise for Chinese cuisine lovers. Nopa is where you can taste authentic American fare along with pasta, flatbreads and pork chops.

Also Read: 10 Cafes in San Francisco That Everybody Loves

Street Food in San Francisco

San Francisco has a lively street food scene comprising old favorites like the Mission Burrito in the Mission District. Then there’s the Humphry Slocombe secret breakfast where you can enjoy Candy-Cap mushroom and peanut-butter curry among other pioneering offerings. 

Fisherman’s Wharf is the best place to gorge on scintillating seafood while Chinatown has the best dim sums in store. Asian street food comes alive at The Chairman while Chomp Station is ideal for lip-smacking finger food. Pizza lovers should check out Del Popolo without further ado. 

Shopping in San Francisco 

The Embarcadero District has numerous stores along with the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market every week. Union Square is a great place for high-end and luxury retail. Enjoy haute couture biggies along Maiden Lane and the Westfield San Francisco Shopping Center too. 

Head to Fillmore Street for antique and record stores, resale shops and boutiques by emerging designers. Haight Street is a fashionable place to pick up vintage clothing and accessories. 

Transportation in San Francisco

The MUNI 69 bus routes and MUNI Metro light rail system are vital transportation options along with trolley coach networks. There is the streetcar line on Market Street along with BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) via the underwater Transbay Tube. Caltrain is the commuter railway network here. Amtrak California Thruway Motorcoach has shuttle buses linking to its Emeryville Station. 

Residents and tourists may use the San Francisco Bay Ferry and Golden Gate Ferry too. San Francisco International Airport is the main airport along with the nearby Oakland International Airport. 

Weather in San Francisco

San Francisco has long and mostly pleasant summers along with cloudy, wet and cold winters. The best time to visit is between late June and early October. The temperatures usually vary between 45 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the wettest month in the city. 

June-September is the summer season with pleasant average temperatures. October is warmer with reducing temperatures. November-January is the cold phase. Spring is another great time to visit or even the spell between September and November.