Visit San Francisco

The junctions of Chinatown's main streets usually offer great photo opportunities. Here, you'll get a good overview, with the typical street lamps, the painted walls mixing Chinese tradition and American dream, the red lanterns, the view of the skyscrapers, and even a few representations of the soldiers of the Xian Terracotta Army. Read more

In the 19th century, city laws prohibited Chinese people from settling outside of Chinatown. That's why you'll find the oldest temples nestled in this neighborhood. As you walk along, on your left, you'll spot the Tin How Temple. Read more

Before heading down Columbus Avenue, take a look at the building on the corner. This mini pedestrian plaza links Chinatown to North Beach. The painted wall is a tribute to jazz, and the open books hanging from cables is a permanent work of art called the “language of birds”. Read more

On your right, you'll find the iconic independent bookstore: City Lights Booksellers. A highlight for literature enthusiasts and fans of Beatnik culture, this bookstore stands as a symbol of the Beat Generation. It was among the pioneering bookstores to offer paperback books Read more

Colombus avenue is the only diagonal street in the neighborhood. It offers the perfect perspective to admire the Transamerica Pyramid. Trust me, it's much more impressive from this angle than head-on! Despite facing heavy criticism during its construction for its futuristic and somewhat unsettling appearance Read more

The reason we took a detour down this small alley is to visit a true local gem: the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory! But before we dive into that, let's talk about the "Golden Gate" label. You've probably noticed that everything in this area seems to be named Golden Gate something, right? Read more

Here we are, right in the heart of Chinatown, and as a matter of fact, in the heart of San Francisco itself. Portsmouth Square is located on the spot of the first Mexican settlement in Yerba Buena, which was San Francisco's original name until 1847. Read more

You are now at the base of the city's tallest skyscraper. Yes, it's hard to appreciate its gigantism from up close, but of course you've been seeing it from a distance all day. What we're interested in now is its interior, because yes, quite frankly, I'd advise you to take a tour Read more

Take a look at this little plaza on your left, across from Golden Gate University. Here you'll find several small but rather uncommon artworks. Urban art flourishes here and there, lending a lighter tone to the seriousness of the Financial District. Read more

Here you stand, on the small plaza at the corner in front of the famous Market Street. This is one of the city's main streets. If you follow it, you'll go through the entire downtown area, past the Civic Center, the Castro district and end your journey at the base of the Twin Peaks hills. Read more

Alright, it's time to channel your inner gold seeker! The Wells Fargo History Museum is an absolute highlight for adventure enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by America's Gold Rush era. And the best part? Read more

Here you are at the pleasant little Jessie Square, facing both the Contemporary Jewish Museum and Saint Patrick's Church. The museum, founded in 1984, presents a modern and in-depth vision of Jewish culture and history. Read more

That huge columned building right in front of you is the Old San Francisco Mint. It's a branch of the United States Mint, an independent government agency responsible for producing and putting American coins in circulation. Read more

Ever wondered how San Francisco's iconic cable cars manage to turn around? Well, the answer lies right here at the cable car turntable! San Francisco's tramway system is unique — it's actually a cable car system, or a lift system, as cars are pulled by cables. Read more

Take a moment to inspect this the green-toned building you see across the street. This is the Pacific Building built in 1907, right after the devastatingearthquake. At the time, the city was looking for an architect who could build earthquake-resistant structures. Read more

The Yerba Buena Gardens are just on the other side of the street. As you may know, Yerba Buena was the original name of San Francisco. Allow me to tell you it’s story while you wander through the gardens. Read more

That cast iron fountain is quite beautiful. So beautiful that it's almost strange to see it wedged between two crosswalks. It’s called Lotta's Fountain. Lotta, named after the actress who commissioned and donated it to the city of San Francisco in 1875. Read more

If you can, do sit down here , on the steps around the subway exit for example, and look up. Lost in the middle of skyscrapers, sometimes you have to stop and take the time to look up to realize the beauty and singularity of each building. Read more

You're now standing in front of the entrance to the Palace Hotel. This splendid Beaux-Arts style hotel is definitely worth stepping into! Entrance is free and you might as well grab a coffee or brunch there under its sumptuous glass roof. Read more

This charming paved street, considered a European interlude, is Maiden Lane which is rather ironic, given that until the early 20th century, it was San Francisco's red light district. By the way, did you know that this expression originated in France? Read more

Welcome to the heart of the city's most vibrant neighborhood, where San Francisco truly comes alive: Union Square.. Its name comes from the rallies in support of soldiers which were held here during the American Civil War. Read more