Major city · United States
San Francisco
Go for 3 nights. Stay near Union Square or Ferry Building. Use BART from SFO; skip rental cars in the city.
San Francisco is a dense, walkable city defined by steep hills, distinct microclimates and historic transit. It serves as the cultural hub of Northern California, offering major museums, cable cars, and diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission. While expensive, it rewards visitors who plan around fog patterns and use public transit instead of driving.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Sep–Oct
- avoid Jun–Aug (foggy/windy), Jan–Feb (rainy)
- Airport
- SFO
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for San Francisco911 ▾
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San Francisco, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyViolent crime remains rare relative to population size, though property theft targeting rental cars parked along tourist corridors happens often…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSFO San Francisco International Airport (BART connects to downtown in about 35–40 min; Muni Metro also available.).
- Getting aroundUse BART for airport transfers and cross-bay trips.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (specialty shop)$4–6
- Beerpint in bar / can at store$8–12$3–5
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi/Uber3.1 mi (5 km) taxi/Uber$20–30
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–30
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (SFMOMA, Exploratorium)$25–40
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$60
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomUS$350
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomUS$700
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$120 · Mid US$220 · High US$400
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SFO San Francisco International Airport (BART connects to downtown in about 35–40 min; Muni Metro also available.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Sep (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (11 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Francisco: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
0 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
0 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Use BART for airport transfers and cross-bay trips. The Muni system (subway, buses, streetcars) covers the city. Cable cars are scenic but slow and crowded; good for short hops up hills. Walking is feasible in flat areas but hills are steep. Avoid driving: parking is scarce and expensive.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Muir Woods National Monument
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Shuttle from Fisherman's Wharf or drive (parking requires reservation).
Old-growth redwoods. Book entry online weeks ahead; no cell service inside.
Berkeley/Oakland
cautionDoor to door: About 30–45 min
BART from Embarcadero or Powell St.
Check specific area safety; Berkeley campus is open, Oakland downtown varies.
Sonoma/Napa Wine Country
overnightDoor to door: 1.5–2 h each way
Train + shuttle or rental car.
Too far for a relaxed day trip without a driver; consider staying one night.
Half Moon Bay
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive south on Highway 1.
Coastal cliffs and seafood. Foggy mornings clear by afternoon.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Union Square / Downtown
Central for transit, shopping, and sightseeing; noisy but convenient.
Nob Hill
Upscale hotels with views; steep walks to Union Square or cable car stops.
Fisherman's Wharf
Tourist-heavy, close to piers and Alcatraz ferry; many shops close early evening.
Mission District
Active food scene and nightlife; further from major tourist sites but well-connected by bus/Muni.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $120–180 excl. bed
- Mid
- $180–300 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 3 nights × US$350 | US$1,050 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × US$220 | US$1,320 |
| BART SFO to Downtown, one way2 × US$10 · check | US$20 |
| Clipper Card initial load + daily Muni pass2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 15%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$369 |
| Trip total≈ US$472 per person per day, bed included | US$2,829 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (specialty shop) | $4–6 |
| Burrito (Mission style) | $10–14 |
| Beer: pint in bar / can at store | $8–12 / $3–5 |
| 5 km taxi/Uber | $20–30 |
| Muni single ride | $3 (cash) / $2.50 (Clipper) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–30 |
| Museum entry (SFMOMA, Exploratorium) | $25–40 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Car break-ins are common, especially near tourist spots and parks. Never leave items visible in vehicles.
- Fog often obscures views until afternoon, particularly on the west side.
- Tenderloin neighborhood has high rates of homelessness and drug activity; stick to main streets if passing through.
- Alcatraz tickets sell out weeks in advance; book early via official site.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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San FranciscoSan Francisco
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
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Please take me to this address.To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Embassy
US citizens: no embassy needed. Other nationalities: check consulates in San Francisco or Los Angeles.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SFO → Downtown, BART: about $10, 30 min (check)
- Taxi SFO → Union Square: $45–60
- Cable Car ride: $8 cash / $7 Clipper
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for San Francisco. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Oct · avoid Jun–Aug (foggy/windy), Jan–Feb (rainy) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- BART-to-bed contract for SFO: last train times field-checked, rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Union Square/Ferry Building, Nob Hill/Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39, Mission/Castro.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints, SFMOMA) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.