Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore San Francisco with this 10-day itinerary, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and unforgettable experiences.
San Francisco packs a lot into its compact 49 square miles. The city’s eclectic neighbourhoods, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery make it one of the world’s most unique urban destinations.
10 Unmissable Places to Visit in San Francisco for Your First Trip
In 2022, San Francisco welcomed over 21.9 million visitors. If you’re planning your first trip to the City by the Bay, start with these 10 iconic places to visit in San Francisco.
1. Ride a Cable Car
A ride on San Francisco’s historic cable cars is a quintessential experience. These are the last manually operated cable cars in the world. Hop on at the Powell-Market turntable and enjoy stunning views as you clatter up Nob Hill to Fisherman’s Wharf.
2. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
No list of places to visit in San Francisco is complete without the Golden Gate Bridge. This 2.74 KM Art Deco suspension bridge is an engineering marvel. Walk or bike across for panoramic city and bay views. Time your visit for a clear day, as the bridge is often shrouded in fog.
3. Explore Golden Gate Park
If you only have time for a few places to visit in San Francisco in one day, make sure Golden Gate Park is on your list. Golden Gate Park is the perfect escape from the city bustle. This 1,017-acre urban oasis has something for everyone:
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Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden
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Visit the bison paddock
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Rent a pedal boat on Stow Lake
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Explore the California Academy of Sciences
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Admire the collections at the de Young Museum
4. Tour Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is one of the top things to do in San Francisco. This former federal prison once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. Today, you can take an eerie audio tour of the cell house and learn about the island’s layered history. Book your tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly.
5. Browse the Ferry Building Marketplace
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a food lover’s paradise. This historic transit hub houses dozens of artisan food stalls and restaurants. Sample local cheeses, enjoy fresh oysters, or sip a Blue Bottle coffee as you watch the ferries come and go. The marketplace hosts a farmers’ market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
6. See the Sea Lions at Pier 39
Pier 39 is one of the most popular places to visit in San Francisco, USA. While the pier has plenty of souvenir shops and street performers, the real stars are the sea lions. Hundreds of these barking pinnipeds lounge on the docks, delighting visitors. For the best views, head to the Sea Lion Centre.
7. Climb the Filbert Steps
The Filbert Steps offer a quintessential San Francisco experience and is one of the most interesting things to do in San Francisco, California. These 400 wooden steps wind up Telegraph Hill, past charming gardens and historic cottages. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the bay and the chance to see the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill.
8. Explore the Mission District
The Mission District is the perfect place to experience San Francisco’s vibrant Latino culture. Highlights include:
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Admiring the colourful murals on Balmy Alley
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Enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine on 24th Street
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Browsing the street vendors and musicians in Dolores Park
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Visiting the ornate Mission Dolores, the city’s oldest building
10. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most photographed San Francisco places to visit. This monumental structure was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Today, its Greco-Roman rotunda and lagoon are a popular spot for picnics, weddings, and photo shoots. Visit at sunset for especially dramatic lighting.
Stay Connected in San Francisco with Airtel
With so many incredible things to do in San Francisco, California, you’ll want to stay connected and share your experiences with loved ones back home. Airtel’s Postpaid international roaming packs offer convenient and affordable options for staying connected while abroad. With generous data allowances and unlimited incoming calls, you can explore San Francisco with peace of mind, knowing you’re just a phone call or text away.
From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the vibrant Mission District, San Francisco offers a wealth of experiences for first-time visitors. By focusing your itinerary on these essential places to visit in San Francisco, USA, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable introduction to the City by the Bay. Start planning your adventure today.