Around the world #18 The best Cities in The World! Bonus edition San Francisco (15 picks)

in travel •  7 years ago 

San Francisco where to go? After this post you know how not to miss out!

I really excited to write this post, not only because San Francisco is a great city but I just booked my flight to go there in a month! The first time I visited San Francisco was around 10 years ago! 10 years! When I decided to go on a road trip in the USA with my friends. It was the first time I traveled outside Europe. So today I would love to share with you the top picks, and a friendly reminder to myself where to go once I am there.

World city san 1.png

The City list you can expect this Bonus edition:
Milan, Rome, San Francisco, Perth and Singapore

Ready for this super fun city in “my cities” post here we go!

Why San Francisco?
Because if you ask my its one of the most fun cities to visit in the USA, a great mix of cultures, highlights and history. So are you ready to discover the “Fog City” “San Fran” and the “Paris of the West”

First Impression
San Francisco as mentioned was one of the stops during my roadtrip 10 years ago, everything was new and I just loved everything we were able to see. The road trip took me from Los Angeles to The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas to San Francisco and down on Highway 1 back to the house we were staying in.
San Francisco holds great memories and I am super excited to have some more.

Highlights
When you visit make sure to spend time and see the following highlights:
I do apologize that I state the highlights everybody knows, but they are just a must!

Golden Gate Bridge
Let’s start with one of the iconic San Fran landmarks. I bet you cannot think about the city without picturing this great bridge. New York has the statue of liberty, Paris the Eifel tower and San Fran the bridge.
The build of the bridge costs was 35 million and opened in 1937. Before the bridge was build the only way to cross the bay was by ferry and it took you 20 minutes. Many experts thought it was not possible to build a bridge because of the strong current. But just look at in now!

world city san 2.png

Ride a Cable Car
San Francisco is very hilly and up and down, back in the days they used horses to help the people up the hills. Cyling is not really an option and the cable car is one of the best ways to navigate the downtown area. The Cable Car in San Francisco together with those in New Orleans are the only moving National Historic Landmarks. So, I would say what are you waiting for and go on this historic ride.
For only $7 you will have a lasting memory.

World city san 3.png

See Sea Lions
If you are not able to visit Pier 39 just go online and see the sea lions on a webcam, but if you are in the neighborhood enjoy the smell and the loud noises they make.
It all started in 1989 when the city experienced an earthquake and the animals felt safe at the pier for a while. With plenty of food for them, the spot became the new permanent home and while it started with a few, today there are over 1800 Sea lions in the area.

World city san 4.png

Discover Oakland
Together with San Jose is Oakland part of the greater San Francisco area. By now San Fran is one of the most expensive cities to live in and is getting more and more popular every day. Therefore, head to Oakland to explore a real urban vibe and have a more local experience. San Francisco has a lot of expats and people from all over the USA, Oakland will give you a better understanding about the area.
While I visit we will go to some NBA games, so I have to be in Oakland anyway, looking forward to be there.

World city San 5.png

Alcatraz Island
During my first visit I was not able to visit Alcatraz because the tickets were sold out! So I learned my lesson and will make sure I buy them on time this time around.
We all know the movie the Escape from Alcatraz? It’s very interesting and you should watch it.
During the 29 years Alcatraz was used as federal prison it had some really well-known criminals locked up there, Al Capone, Machine gun Kelly and Alvin Karpis the prisoner that was in the jail longest.

World city san 6.png

Ghirardelli Square
The square offers great shops and food! One of the most pleasant places to stroll and shop in the city. The most famous shop there? The Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop! The line can be long but don’t worry it moves fast. Its just a treat so pick your favorite!

World city san 7.png

The Downside
The city is great but expensive and prices are increasing as we speak, so for people its very hard to life there. That’s about the only thing I can think of, and maybe the weather which can change quite a bit within the day.
Hope you like this first pick of my world cities bonus edition! I will keep you posted once I am there in a month.

Authors get paid when people like you upvote their post.
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!
Sort Order:  

At Ghirardelli Sq, try the ice cream. If the line is huge, there are 3 or 4 places (all Ghirardelli), so just look around to see if there's one with a shorter line.

I would also add Alamo Square for the famous view of the painted ladies with the Financial District in the background.

And for the best shot of the GGB (like the one in the first picture in your post) head up Hawk Hill on the Marin side.

Also worth checking out the Point Bonita lighthouse at the end of that road. Though make sure to check the opening hours.

Muir Woods National Monument is also great if you haven't walked among redwoods. Can be crowded in the main area, but there are also longer trails that are much more secluded.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks so much for your response, really helpfull. will make my trip so much fun. thanks for taking the time.

Wow Great! I would like to visit San Francisco as well.

hope that you can make it one day

Veldig interessant! San Fransisco står på listen min også. Lurte på det i år, men det ble utsatt, kanskje neste år. Takk for god info om byen!

dont know what you replied, but thanks for stopping by! like your 60 posts

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

Ah, sorry! My mistake. For some sort of reason, you were Norwegian in my head, haha 😂
In short, interesting post, and SF is on my bucketlist :)

Thank you!

Wow great, you are flying to San Francisco in a month!! We are thinking about going there too, but later in April or May.. We also have the idea of going to New York instead but we are not sure yet.. Maybe after your experience, we can definitely make a decision..;)

Thanks for stopping by! visited San Fran on a road trip 7 years ago and really enjoyed it, will go to Sacramento and LA aswell, looking forward to learn more about this city.
been to New York aswell 4 times, great choice to.
Will make sure i post about it so you can decide

This post has received gratitude of 0.44 % from @appreciator thanks to: @heyitshaas.

Wow! Ride a Cable Car is spectacular. I often see it in Hollywood movies. Looks like it's one of the greatest and strongest buildings in the world, right?

very nice indeed, looking forward much to go and see it again, will also go to the Warriors once i am there.
Thanks for stopping by

Great post! I've visited 4 years ago, but this post really makes me want to go back another time! I went with my family that time and we did a house swap. This way it's a little less expensive :)

Very Smart, looking forward to go again. Next up Perth Australia were i lived for a year.
Keep your post coming

This post has received a 0.65 % upvote from @booster thanks to: @heyitshaas.

Very cool summary of this gorgeous city!
Greetings from also a fellow Dutchy!

Thanks! few more coming soon, just commeted on your post as well. Greetings

San Francisco is a great City. I really like its suspension bridge.
I hope if i got a chance to visit it than i will never miss that

I went 7 years ago and will go next month again, looking forward to it, thanks for stopping by

San Fran is my favorite city in the states. I used to live in Sacramento and loved going out there. I also like Berkley. It has a relaxing vibe 2 it.

Nice! i will go on a trip next month to San Fran, Sacramento and LA to watch some NBA games with my dad. s