San Francisco, the City by the Bay

Spanish settlers founded San Francisco in the 18th century, naming it Yerba Buena. It took almost a century before the city was renamed to the name we know today. San Francisco has over 50 hills, and its streets were laid out to follow the natural slopes. Even though it is surrounded by the sea and beaches, it is better known for its fog that locals even named Karl.

San Francisco’s most famous landmark is the Golden Gate Bridge, built in 1937 to replace the ferries that once carried people across from Marin County. The bridge stretches 2.8 kilometres with a span of 1.6 kilometres, and you can cross it by car, bike or on foot. It is the most photographed bridge in the world that was originally planned to be yellow and black. For the best views of the bridge, head to the northern side to the lookout by the H. Dana Bowers monument, or to the southern side to Crissy Field, where you will also find Golden Gate Beach. Near the bridge is the city’s largest park, Golden Gate Park, home to the Conservatory of Flowers and a traditional Japanese garden.

Another major landmark in San Francisco is the small island of Alcatraz, which operated as one of the strictest federal prisons from 1934 to 1963. It was designed for the most dangerous prisoners, as it was believed impossible to escape. Among those held there were Al Capone and James Bulger. Today the prison serves as a museum, and you can visit by boarding a boat at Pier 33 and sailing out to the island about two kilometres from the city. Believe me, the cramped cells and bare corridors will not leave you indifferent, as prisoners lived in truly harsh and inhumane conditions.

The waterfront area on the northern side of the city is called Fisherman's Wharf, and it was originally mainly used for fishing. Today you see most people at Pier 39, home to plenty of shops, restaurants and the Madame Tussauds wax museum, and you can also spot the sea lions that gather on the pier.

While you are there, I would recommend trying the clam chowder served in sourdough bread at Boudin Bistro. For those with a sweet tooth, the place to go is the Ghirardelli chocolate shop, where you can enjoy a fantastic ice cream sundae smothered in hot chocolate. On the other side of the coast, there has been a terminal since 1898, from where it is possible to board ferries that sail along the bay. The terminal is famous for its market and for the clock tower, which is visible far and wide.

The charm of San Francisco is walking through its constantly rising and falling streets which is also a great workout for your legs. The city first started to develop on flat grounds, but because of a rapid increase in immigration, more people found their home on the hills. Bradford Street is one of the steepest in the world with an inclination of 41 percent. The most picturesque street in San Francisco is Lombard Street, which is known for its eight iconic curves. It is really fun to watch drivers struggle to make it through this nearly 200-metre journey.

At the top of the Telegraph Hill stands the Coit Tower, which offers a great view of the central part of the city. If you happen to be in the mood for a slightly more serious hike, I recommend visiting the Twin Peaks, which are the second and third highest hills in the city. From there, you will have the most beautiful view of the entire city and the bay.

Public transport has also adapted to the specific terrain of the city. Today, the public transport network is very good, but the tram is still the most iconic way to get around the city. I recommend taking a ride on it at least once.

In the Union Square in the city centre, you can find many shops, hotels, and theatres. It is one of the most modern areas of the city, while also the most convenient to find a place to stay, since it is close to the main tourist attractions and has connections to every kind of public transport.

Another important square in the city is called the Alamo. From its park, you can admire Victorian houses painted in vibrant colours, which were nicknamed the Painted Ladies. They are in a very lively area of Haight-Ashbury, which was the centre of hippie culture in the 1960s.

San Francisco is quite ethnically diverse and is home to cultures from all over the world. Chinatown is the city's largest and oldest of its kind in the entire United States. When you visit, it really feels like you have arrived in China. While walking through one of the largest Chinese enclaves outside Asia, I recommend a stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can treat yourself or prepare a special gift for your loved ones by writing a message of your choice and putting it in a fortune cookie.

Not far from Chinatown, Italian migrants also made their home in North Beach in the early 20th century. This place is called Little Italy. Back in the day, this was the centre of San Francisco's nightlife, and the Condor Club there was the first ever strip club in the US. If you are staying in North Beach, I recommend a meal at Tony's Pizza Napoletana, considered one of the best pizzerias in the US and located right next to Washington Square Park.

In my eyes, San Francisco is one of the most special cities in the world, mainly because of its diversity. It has the sea and beaches, from where you can admire Alcatraz or taste the fish at Fisherman's Wharf. At the same time, walking around the city from one area to another shows us a new world of cultures, while climbing its many hills brings us to the ever-changing views of the Golden Gate Bridge. But if you want, you can always take a break in one of its endless parks. All this ensures that your trip to San Francisco is unforgettable.