Things to do in San Francisco

Activities, attractions and tours

San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge
San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge
San Francisco
San Francisco showing a city and heritage architecture
San Francisco
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Most popular experiences in San Francisco

Tours & day trips

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Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Activity duration is 1 day
8.6 out of 10 with 1473 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €56 and current price is €50 per adult
Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top BusOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 119 activities
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

Activity duration is 23 hours and 59 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 131 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €41 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Half Day Wine Country Experience (Tasting fees included)

Half Day Wine Country Experience (Tasting fees included)

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
8.2 out of 10 with 42 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €109 per adult
Half Day Wine Country Experience (Tasting fees included)Opens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 51 activities
San Francisco: Pier 39 Kids Flyer Thrill Zone Combo Ticket

San Francisco: Pier 39 Kids Flyer Thrill Zone Combo Ticket

Free cancellation available
Price is €29 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 16 activities
San Francisco: Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay Cruise

San Francisco: Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay Cruise

Activity duration is 4 hours
Price is €121 per adult
San Francisco: Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in San Francisco

Popular places to visit

Golden Gate Bridge which includes a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, night scenes and a bay or harbour

Golden Gate Bridge

Walk across one of the most photogenic bridges in the world for unrivalled views from both sides.

Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Park showing flowers and a garden

Golden Gate Park

This peaceful oasis in the heart of the city has been a favourite leisure haunt for locals and visitors alike since 1871.

Golden Gate Park
Pier 39 showing street scenes, signage and a city

Pier 39

Sea lions are the star attraction at one of the liveliest piers on San Francisco’s historic waterfront.

Pier 39
yerba buena gardens complex

Moscone Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Oracle Park featuring a bay or harbor and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Oracle Park

Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

Oracle Park
Chase Center San Francisco Skyline Aerial Photography

Chase Center

Catch an event at Chase Center during your trip to San Francisco. Amble around this vibrant area's Chinatown or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

Chase Center
Lombard Street featuring flowers and a garden

Lombard Street

Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.

Lombard Street
Presidio Military Reservation which includes a statue or sculpture, a park and landscape views

Presidio of San Francisco

This former military base is given over to pleasure pursuits, with a golf course, cycle tracks, hiking trails and some great picnic spots.

Presidio of San Francisco
Alcatraz Island showing a coastal town and island views

Alcatraz Island

For three decades, desperate inmates dreamed of escaping this notorious prison; today’s fortunate visitors can come and go as they please!

Alcatraz Island

Areas of San Francisco

Union Square which includes a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

This famous shopping area is a magnet for fashionistas as well as a historic landmark of old San Francisco.

Union Square
Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(52 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf featuring a bay or harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

Soak up the atmosphere of bygone days on this historic wharf where the emphasis is still firmly on seafood.

Fisherman's Wharf
South of Market which includes cbd, a city and skyline

South of Market

3.5/5(113 area reviews)

From baseball games to top-notch art exhibits, find endless entertainment in one of San Francisco’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

South of Market
Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Examine architecturally significant buildings, visit the Cable Car Museum and enjoy magnificent views of greater San Francisco in this affluent district.

Nob Hill
Mission District which includes outdoor art

Mission District

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. SF Armory is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.

Mission District
Lake Merritt featuring a pond

Oakland

Pigeon Point Light House San Mateo, California

San Mateo

condensed view of houses in Daly City, San Francisco

Daly City

Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Belmont, California

Belmont

Burlingame Caltrain Station, California

Burlingame

Aerial view of commercial and residential areas of Menlo Park, California toward Palo Alto along El Camino Real Road near Middle Avenue. Backdrop distant San Francisco Bay and mountains

Menlo Park

Sausalito which includes general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Sausalito

Bay, Fremont and Curvy Hiking Trail of Mission Peak, Silicon Valley, California

Millbrae

Frequently asked questions

Is San Francisco worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in San Francisco is explore Pier 39. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then discover more of this area's views and dining.
How do I spend a day in San Francisco?
After you've visited major attractions like Pier 39 and Union Square, spend some time experiencing San Francisco's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Francisco?
Pier 39 is one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Francisco?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Pier 39, Union Square and Ocean Beach with a three-day trip to San Francisco. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Oakland.
Is San Francisco a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in San Francisco. Several attractions, including Pier 39 and Union Square, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of San Francisco's best neighbourhoods, Downtown San Francisco is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Union Square is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Francisco with kids?
Deciding what to do in San Francisco with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in San Francisco for adults?
Winery Collective and Van Ness Avenue are just a couple of the things to do in San Francisco. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Francisco?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in San Francisco is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Pier 39 is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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