Top things to do in San Francisco
San Francisco's sights are close together but spread over steep hills, so combine walking with cable cars and buses.
- Golden Gate Bridge — Walk or cycle across the city's famous red suspension bridge for views of the bay.
- Alcatraz Island — The former federal prison on an island in the bay, reached by ferry; book well ahead.
- Cable cars — Ride the historic cable cars over the hills between Union Square and the waterfront.
- Chinatown — One of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, full of shops, temples and restaurants.
- Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 — Waterfront seafood, bay views and resident sea lions.
- Golden Gate Park — A huge park with gardens, museums and the Japanese Tea Garden.
- The Mission District — Colourful murals, Mission Dolores and the city's famous burritos.
Best time to visit San Francisco
San Francisco has a cool, mild climate influenced by the ocean. September to November is often the best time to visit, as it tends to bring the warmest, sunniest days of the year and clearer skies over the bridge.
Summer is popular but frequently cool and foggy, especially in the mornings and near the coast, so bring warm layers. Winter is mild and is the main rainy season, while spring brings wildflowers and pleasant days. Temperatures can vary a lot between neighbourhoods on the same day.
Getting from the airport
San Francisco International Airport is about 21 kilometres south of downtown, on the edge of the bay. By road the journey usually takes 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
BART trains run from the International Terminal directly into downtown San Francisco and on to Oakland and the East Bay, and the AirTrain links all terminals with the BART station and rental car centre. Taxis, ride-hailing pick-ups and shared shuttles are available at each terminal. Caltrain can also be reached via BART for travel down the peninsula.
Where to stay
San Francisco is compact, and most areas are well linked by buses, streetcars, cable cars and BART.
- Union Square — Central for shopping, theatres and cable cars, ideal for first-time visitors.
- Fisherman's Wharf — Close to the waterfront and Alcatraz ferries, popular with families.
- Nob Hill — Grand historic hotels on a hilltop with city views.
- The Mission — Lively and sunny, with great food and nightlife, suited to younger travellers.
Travel tips
- Money: Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere; tipping around 15 to 20 per cent is customary.
- Getting around: Public transport covers the city well; driving and parking can be difficult.
- Weather: Dress in layers, as fog and wind can make it chilly even on summer days.
- Bookings: Reserve Alcatraz tickets and popular restaurants in advance.
- Safety: Never leave belongings visible in parked cars, and stay aware of your surroundings in busy areas.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves San Francisco?
San Francisco is served by San Francisco International Airport (SFO), south of the city.
How do I get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
BART trains run directly from the airport to downtown; taxis, ride-hailing and shared shuttles are also available.
What currency is used in San Francisco?
The US dollar (USD).
Do I need a visa to visit the United States?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Check the latest requirements with RwandAir's travel requirements tool or the official government website before you travel.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
September to November often brings the warmest and sunniest weather.
Why is San Francisco so foggy in summer?
In summer, warm inland air draws cool, moist air in from the Pacific, forming fog that often rolls through the Golden Gate, especially in the mornings and evenings.
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