San Francisco Travel Guide For First Time Visitors in 2026

This post contains content from a press trip hosted by Galleria Park. My stay was gifted, but all views and experiences shared are entirely my own. This article also contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

How to get to San Francisco

Getting to San Francisco is actually really straightforward, especially if you’re flying in internationally. Most people will arrive into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is the main airport and well connected to the city. It’s around a 20-30 minute journey into downtown depending on how you choose to get there, so you’re not travelling far once you land.

If you’re coming from the UK or Europe, there are direct flights into San Francisco from cities like London, which makes it a really easy long-haul destination for a girls’ trip. From elsewhere in the US, there are also loads of domestic flights arriving into SFO daily, as well as nearby airports like Oakland if you’re looking at different options.

Things to know before going to San Francisco

San Francisco is one of those cities that looks straightforward on paper, but there are a few things you’ll want to know before you go that will make your trip so much easier.

The first thing to be aware of is the weather. Even if you’re visiting in spring or summer, it’s not as warm as you might expect. Mornings and evenings can feel quite chilly, especially near the water, and the famous Karl the Fog can roll in quickly. I would recommend layers as you’ll want something light during the day but a jacket or hoodie for later on.

The hills are also something you’ll notice straight away. Some streets are much steeper than they look online, so don’t underestimate walking times. A mix of walking and public transport is definitely the best way to get around, especially if you’re trying to fit a lot into your day. And let’s not forget comfortable shoes are a must (leave the heels/boots at home, I promise your feet will thank you).

Another thing to keep in mind is how different each neighbourhood feels. Areas like the Mission, North Beach and the Marina all have their own feel, so it’s worth planning your days by area rather than trying to go back and forth across the city. It just makes everything feel easier and more organised.

There are also certain areas you’ll want to be mindful of. The Tenderloin neighbourhood is one I’d recommend avoiding, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. It’s known for higher levels of crime and can feel quite unsafe, particularly at night. It’s not somewhere you’d need to go as a visitor anyway, so it’s best to just steer clear when planning where to stay or explore.

If you’re thinking about hiring a car, it’s not something I’d recommend for staying within the city. Parking can be difficult and the hills and traffic make driving more stressful than it needs to be. The only time I’d suggest hiring a car is if you’re planning day trips outside of San Francisco to places like Silicon Valley, Napa Valley or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you do hire a car, this is really important don’t leave anything inside it, even for a short amount of time. Car break-ins can happen, especially in tourist areas, and even something like a jacket or a small bag can attract attention. It’s always best to take everything with you.

Let’s not forget that tipping is also something to factor into your budget. In restaurants it’s standard to tip around 18-20% and you’ll often see this suggested on the bill. It’s just something to keep in mind when you’re planning your overall spend.

And lastly, you’re travelling from outside of the US, one thing I’d definitely recommend sorting before you go is an eSIM so you’ve got data as soon as you land. It just makes everything easier, from ordering Ubers to checking maps and reservations without relying on WiFi. I always use Holafly and you can get 5% off with my code THEGIRLSTRIPTO, which is an easy way to save a little before your trip.

How to get around San Francisco

San Francisco is one of those cities where getting around is actually a lot easier than it looks once you understand how everything connects. Before I even landed, I added a Clipper Card to my Apple Wallet and this is honestly the best thing I did. It works across different transport systems including BART, Muni and ferries, so you don’t need to keep buying separate tickets or figuring things out on the spot.

When I landed at the airport, I used my Clipper Card straight away to get the BART into the city. It was really simple, you just tap in and out using your phone and the fare gets calculated automatically. It cost around $11 to get from the airport into downtown San Francisco, and it was by far the easiest option after a long flight. I also used the same Clipper Card for ferry tickets during my trip, which made everything feel really seamless. One thing to know is you need to tap on and tap off when using ferries, and using Clipper is actually cheaper than buying tickets separately, so it does save you money as well.

Muni (Buses, Trains, Streetcars)

Muni is what you’ll use the most when you’re actually getting around the city day to day. It includes buses, light rail and the historic streetcars along the waterfront. Instead of paying per ride, I got the 7-day Muni pass which cost $47 and this is what I would recommend if you’re in San Francisco for a few days. It gives you unlimited travel across buses, trams and even the cable cars, which normally cost $9 per ride on their own.

What I liked about this is that you don’t have to think about how much you’re spending every time you get on transport. You can just tap and go as much as you want, whether you’re heading to different neighbourhoods or going back to your hotel. It makes exploring places like the Mission, Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square so much easier without overthinking routes or costs.

Cable Cars

The cable cars are one of the most iconic things to do in San Francisco and I would definitely recommend doing it at least once. Normally, a single ride costs $9 which can add up quite quickly, but because I had the 7-day Muni pass, it was already included so I didn’t need to pay anything extra. If you’re planning to use cable cars more than once, the Muni pass is 100% worth it because it saves you a lot compared to paying per ride.

BART (Airport Trains)

BART is what you’ll use for airport transfers and longer distances. As I mentioned, I used this straight from the airport to get into the city and it was really straightforward with the Clipper Card. It’s not included in the Muni pass, so you will pay separately, but it’s still the quickest and easiest way to get into San Francisco from SFO. Once you’ve done that initial journey, you probably won’t need BART as much unless you’re heading outside the main city areas.

Ferries

Using the ferries was one of my favourite ways to see San Francisco because you get such good views of the skyline and the bay. Again, I used my Clipper Card for this and it made everything really easy. You just tap before you board and tap off when you get off. It’s also worth knowing that using Clipper for ferries is cheaper than buying tickets separately, so it’s another reason I would recommend setting it up before your trip. If you’re planning to visit places like Sausalito or just want to see the city from the water, this is definitely something to add to your itinerary.

Where to stay in San Francisco

Choosing where to stay in San Francisco can feel a bit overwhelming at first because each area has a really different feel. The best place for you will depend on what you want from your trip, but if it’s your first time visiting, there are a few key areas that make everything a lot easier in terms of location, transport and getting around.

Downtown/Financial District

If it’s your first time in San Francisco, this is where I would recommend staying. The Financial District and Downtown area is one of the most central locations, which makes it a really good base for exploring the city without overthinking logistics.

Best hotel in Downtown/Financial District

This is where I stayed at Galleria Park Hotel and the location was honestly ideal. We could easily walk to places like Union Square and the Ferry Building, and getting to other areas like Fisherman’s Wharf or even the Golden Gate Bridge was really straightforward using public transport. Having bus and metro stops right outside made such a difference, especially when you’re trying to fit a lot into your itinerary.

The area itself feels safe, clean and well connected, with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and shops nearby. It makes such a good base as you’re close to everything without being in the middle of the busiest spots.

Union Square

Union Square is one of the most popular areas to stay, especially if you want to be right in the centre of shopping, restaurants and hotels. It’s a really lively part of the city and a lot of first-time visitors naturally end up here because of how central it is.

It’s also very well connected in terms of transport, so getting to different parts of the city is easy. You’ll find a wide range of hotels here, from more affordable options to higher-end stays. That said, it can feel quite busy and commercial, so if you prefer something a bit quieter, nearby areas like the Financial District might be a better fit.

Best hotels in Union Square

Fisherman’s Wharf

If you want to be close to some of San Francisco’s most well-known attractions, Fisherman’s Wharf is a good option. This is where you’ll find things like Pier 39, sea lions and easy access to Alcatraz tours.

It’s a very tourist-focused area, which means everything is right on your doorstep, but it can feel busy and a bit more expensive. It’s a good choice if you want convenience and don’t mind being in a more touristy part of the city, especially for a short stay.

Best hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is a great option if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed but still central. It’s known for its historic hotels, beautiful architecture and slightly more upscale feel.

You’re still within walking distance or a short ride to most major areas, but it feels quieter compared to Union Square. The only thing to keep in mind is that San Francisco is hilly, and Nob Hill definitely lives up to its name, so be prepared for a few steep walks.

Best hotels in Nob Hill

Things to do in San Francisco

One of the things I loved most about San Francisco is how many different experiences you can fit into one trip. I’ve actually put together a full separate guide on the best things to do in San Francisco which goes into much more detail on all of the attractions, neighbourhoods, viewpoints, food spots and itinerary recommendations that I personally think are worth adding to your trip. So if you’re currently planning your itinerary, I’d definitely recommend reading that alongside this travel guide too.

Alcatraz

Visiting Alcatraz was honestly one of the highlights of my trip. The ferry ride over already gives you amazing views of the city skyline and once you arrive, there’s so much history to learn about. The audio tour is definitely worth doing because it explains what life was actually like inside the prison and talks through some of the most famous escape attempts. It’s one of the attractions that books up quickly so I’d recommend planning this in advance.

Ferry Building

The Ferry Building was one of my favourite places to visit in San Francisco. Inside you’ll find loads of local food vendors, bakeries and coffee spots and outside you get beautiful waterfront views across the bay. It’s also a really good starting point if you’re planning to take the ferry across to Sausalito.

Muir Woods & Sausalito

If you have extra time during your trip, I’d really recommend doing a day trip to Muir Woods and Sausalito. Muir Woods is home to some of the tallest redwood trees in California and it honestly feels completely different to the city. Most tours also stop in Sausalito afterwards which is a beautiful waterfront town with Mediterranean-style houses, little cafés and bay views. This Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour is one of the easiest ways to visit both in one day without needing a car.

If you want a much more detailed breakdown of all my favourite places, food spots, itineraries and hidden gems, I’ve also put together a full separate blog post on the best things to do in San Francisco which you can read here.

Free rooftops in San Francisco

San Francisco has so many free, public rooftops, like the ones I mention below, because of something called POPOS (Privately Owned Public Open Spaces), a city planning policy introduced in the 1980s. Under this scheme, developers are given incentive such as being allowed to build taller or larger building, in exchange for including publicly accessible spaces in their designs. These can include rooftop gardens, terraces, plazas and indoor seating areas.

As a result many buildings across San Francisco have hidden or lesser known rooftop spaces that are completely free and open to the public. Here’s a list of my favourite FREE rooftops in San Francisco to visit:

• Crocker Galliera – on top of the Galleria Park Hotel which is where I stayed
• One Kearny
• 343 Sansome Rooftop Deck
• 72 Ellis Street
• Salesforce Park – make sure you take the gondola ride that takes you from the ground level to the park
• 543 Howard Street
• 150 California Street

Where to eat in San Francisco

I hope this San Francisco travel guide has helped you plan your trip and gave you a few new ideas to add to your itinerary. Feel free to check out the rest of my guides here to help plan your next girls’ trip!