If you were asked to think of one of the world’s most iconic bridges, you would probably picture the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Featuring in a large number of films, the Golden Gate is one of the most representative symbols of this Californian city, which was established by Spanish settlers in 1776.
San Francisco is considered to be one of the USA’s most beautiful cities, whose streets exhibit a blend of modernist and Victorian architecture. Far from the chaos associated with most large American cities, this city enjoys a more chilled, European atmosphere, and is a proud defender of individual freedom.
Getting to know the city
San Francisco has an interesting layout. Each of the city’s neighbourhoods or districts are divided by mountainous terrain, with the city being built on a series of hills. This gives each district a certain individuality which further enhances its different atmospheres.
The city centre is home to Union Square, where most of San Francisco’s commercial activity is concentrated. Everything revolves around the city’s central square, which was built during the American Civil War and is now regarded as a historical monument.
It also enjoys a strategic location, marking the departure point for most of the city’s tourist buses and housing most of its popular hotels.
Another of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods and popular tourist attractions is Fisherman’s Wharf, which is the old port of San Francisco. This neighbourhood is probably best known for being the location of the famous Pier 39, where you can find a large community of sea lions in addition to a wide range of museums, restaurants and fresh seafood stalls. Fisherman’s Wharf is the best place to try the famous clam chowder, which is served in a bowl made of bread. This highly authentic area—which isn’t lacking in carousels or street performances—is also home to a chapel that commemorates the city’s fishermen who were lost at sea.
Next on our route is the birthplace of the hippie counterculture, the Haight-Ashbury district, with iconic 1970s buildings and a notably chilled atmosphere. Its residents live in Victorian houses of different colours, while its streets are home to various live music venues, clothes shops, thrift stores and informal restaurants.
San Francisco also has one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States. It’s no wonder that the city is home to the country’s second-largest Chinese community, exceeded in size only by New York. Once you pass through Dragon Gate, you’ll come into a network of narrow streets brimming with traditional restaurants, temples and karaoke venues.
Following the Chinese community comes the Hispanic community. The Mission District enjoys its own distinct personality. Its walls are covered in colourful murals, while its streets are home to various taco restaurants and live music venues.
This district is also home to Dolores Park, one of the city’s most famous recreational spaces. Every Sunday thousands of people flock to this park to enjoy the sunshine, have a beer with friends, walk their dogs or play sports in one of the tennis and basketball courts and football pitches.
The city is also home to a thriving gay community, which is particularly pronounced in the Castro District. In this neighbourhood, which boasts one of the city’s most vibrant nightlife scenes, the rainbow flag is omnipresent. The word ‘discrimination’, meanwhile, has no meaning amongst its residents. The birth of the district is closely linked to the figure of the councillor and gay activist Harvey Milk, whose life was portrayed on the big screen in 2008.
Last but not least comes the perfect neighbourhood for those seeking luxury. This is the bay-side Marina District, which has various houses looking out to sea and several high-end restaurants. This district, which enjoys one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, also has various gardened areas.
A nearby trip
The city of San Francisco is home to several landmarks that are well worth visiting. However, the most famous of all is unquestionably Alcatraz Island.
You’ve probably seen several films about this location and its maximum-security prison. It was once home to the country’s most dangerous criminals and was made famous for the multiple escape attempts by prisoners such as Al Capone. We strongly recommend taking a guided tour around the prison. It ceased operating in 1963 owing to the high maintenance cost. You can access the island by taking a boat trip from Fisherman’s Wharf.
