Visit San Francisco | Flights, Holidays & Hotels

What if finding adventure again was in San Francisco?

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities on the west coast. Famed for its steep rolling hills, iconic bridges, unique architecture, and its wonderful location on the Pacific Coast Highway. Cosmopolitan and diverse, the stunning Bay Area just gets better with time.

From hippies to hipsters, gold rush to dot coms – San Francisco has had a colourful history. Art, culture and past glories intertwine – such as the vintage cable cars criss-crossing the city, or the counterculture roots of Haight-Ashbury – ‘Frisco’ is a city of constant change. San Francisco’s capacity to embrace social change and subcultures creates an intriguing place. The Victorian splendour of the ‘Painted Ladies’ of Alamo Square contest with the high-rise megaliths of the Financial District. Museums and galleries vie for your attention against sports and shopping. Add to this world-class restaurants, great bars and idyllic parks and you have the makings of a fantastic San Francisco holiday.

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What's on in San Francisco over the next few months

Immerse yourself in music festival fun and Halloween party antics in October. Start to feel a little festive in November, as the city enjoys the Festival of Light and illuminates its Christmas trees. December brings plenty of events to get you in the party spirit, and concludes with New Year celebrations to welcome in 2018.

October

October

Indulge a passion for art during the SF Open Studios event, which runs over five weekends throughout October. Meet over 800 new and established artists in their studios, covering the full spectrum of artistry. If bluegrass is your bag, then don’t miss the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, in the stunning setting of Golden Gate Park from 6 to 8 October. Then on 21 October, cheer on the plucky competitors of the Golden Gate Bridge Swim as they brave the waters of the Pacific in this 3km race. Of course, October isn’t complete without some Halloween shenanigans… Don your freakiest fancy dress for a night of petrifying partying at the W Hotel on Union Square. The Halloween International Ball is hailed as the biggest and best Halloween event that San Francisco has to offer. So get yourself there on Friday 27 or Saturday 28 October.

November

November

At the start of November, celebrate a Mexican holiday with the Day of the Dead procession. Participants lay marigolds, candles and offerings at shrines after a musical procession starting on the corner of Bryant & 22nd Street. Line up at Muni Pier to run the SoFi Golden Gate Half & 5K on 5 November, crossing the famous bridge and taking in views of Alcatraz. Is this the best way to see the most iconic sight of San Francisco? The Illuminate SF Festival of Light takes place after Thanksgiving and offers free walking tours of San Francisco’s light art scene. Look out for dazzling installations as the nights draw in. Events get more and more festive as the month continues. At the end of November gather for the holiday tree lighting at 555 California Street, with special performances by a choir and celebrity guests.

December

Don your Santa costume on 10 December for the festively fabulous Santa Run. Get ready to jingle all the way around this 5k course – the Golden Gate Bridge views are worth breaking a sweat. Watch San Francisco Ballet’s version of Tchaikovsky’s classic The Nutcracker, which is playing at the War Memorial Opera House between 13 and 30 December. It has been an annual tradition since 1944. On the 15 December, head down to Fisherman’s Wharf to see The Lighted Boat Parade, which since 1994 has been delighting locals and visitors alike with glittering boats in the bay. Or, see the skies light up at the stroke of midnight on 31 December, for the San Francisco New Year’s Eve fireworks. Head down early with a picnic for a fun evening. Find a spot on the waterfront to the south of the Ferry Building for a good view of the show.

San Francisco areas

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Union Square

The cosmopolitan and chic Union Square is a haven for shopaholics, with its abundant shopping opportunities. They range from well-known department stores, like Macy’s, to exclusive designer boutiques and lesser celebrated emporiums. Union Square is a one-block plaza boasting a 97-foot Corinthian column, with flower stands, palm trees and a great atmosphere. You will also find some great food options, from high-end restaurants to food stands selling hot dogs and pizza – it caters for everyone looking for a bite to eat after shopping.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most famous attractions in the USA, and a must-see spot in San Francisco. Home to Pier 39, where sea lions bask and bathe, Ghirardelli Square, and ‘Fish Alley’. Enjoy the boardwalk entertainment, then sample a fantastic local delicacy – try the famous clam chowder and sour dough bowl or the Dungeness crab. There’s plenty of fun to be had at the museums and shops along the pier. You can take a trip to the infamous island-prison of Alcatraz from Pier 33, not to be missed.

Financial District

As in all major cities, the Financial District is home to the biggest skyscrapers in San Francisco. From the ultra-modern monuments to the clusters of less imposing art-deco structures. ‘Wall Street of the West’ is the concentrated centre of commerce and business. There is plenty to do in the area, with popular bars and fashionable restaurants lining the streets. Located in the hub of the district, The Crocker Galleria Shops are high-end boutiques, and the nearby Embarcadero Center, will cater to your other retail needs.

Chinatown

The ‘Dragon’s Gate’ entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown welcomes you to the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. This tightly-packed warren of restaurants, temples, shops and street vendors is the oldest ‘Chinatown’ enclave in North America. Become immersed in Asian culture, find exotic gifts in the wonderful stores, search for herbal remedies and become mesmerised while watching a dragon parade. Chinese New Year is an especially fun time to visit, with many parades and festivities to watch, and of course awe-inspiring firework displays.

Mission District

The predominantly Latino neighbourhood of ‘The Mission’ lies at the heart of San Francisco and contains the oldest building in the city – Mission Dolores. You will find authentic restaurants serving delectable Spanish and Mexican food, alongside specialty bakeries and markets. Nearby Dolores Park has subtle flavours of Barcelona’s public parks, especially the colourful and eye-catching art. There is a Chicano (Mexican American) pride present in the area, with galleries, murals and music suggesting this all over the district. Check out Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley for the stunning murals.

Castro District

If San Francisco is unofficially the LGBT capital of the world, then the Castro District is its headquarters. Neon-lit bars, chic shops and superb restaurants compete for your attention in what could be the cleanest and friendliest part of town. Karaoke nights are booze-fuelled and hilarious, with duets that would put Elton and George Michael to shame. Head to Orphan Andy’s for 24-hour food, ideal for after-hours snacks and maybe a nightcap. Don’t miss the Castro Theatre, a baroque-deco cinema in the centre of town.