San Francisco was once known as the epicenter of the counterculture movement. In the 1960s and 70s, it was the place where you would find artists, beatniks, and those who practiced an alternative lifestyle.
Today, San Francisco is more tech than it is artsy but it still revolves around a culture that values tolerance and acceptance of diversity.
One of the things that come along with that change is that the city has become quite expensive which can make choosing where to stay in San Francisco difficult.
There are so many different neighborhoods, some safe and some not, so selecting the best place to stay is really important if you want to take advantage of all of the cool things to do in the city.
We asked local San Francisco expert Mimi McFadden to create a guide on where to stay in San Francisco and share her opinions on what she thinks a first time visitor to San Francisco should see.
Whether you want to know the best restaurant to get clam chowder or you want to know where the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge is, this guide will help you plan your San Francisco vacation.
THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO
We get a lot of the same questions from readers when they are looking for a place to stay in San Francisco and thought we would answer them first.
This would be a toss-up between Nob Hill and Haight-Ashbury. Nob Hill if you want upscale accommodation and Haight-Ashbury if you are looking for history and that hippie vibe.
Fisherman's Wharf is the best place to stay in San Fran if you are a family. It is close to all of the iconic landmarks and is one of the safest areas in the city.
For first-time visitors to San Francisco, Nob Hill or Union Square are the neighborhoods to consider. They are both quite central with great transportation options and are less touristy than Fisherman's Wharf.
South of Market or SoMa has probably the best selection of budget accommodation like hostels and smaller hotels. For its location, this is your best bet.
OTHER SAN FRANCISCO NEIGHBOURHOODS
The amount of districts that San Francisco has is often disputed, but
the city is thought to have at least 27 distinct neighborhoods.
In this guide, we focus on the coolest and most popular areas to stay in San Francisco.
North Beach – A centrally located area that is full of Italian culture complete with family-run delis and great views of the bay.
The Mission – A trendy area that's known for hipster cafes and shops, but also traditional taquerias and Mexican grocery stores. A melting pot of cultures.
It can be really overwhelming to decide which area to stay in because each of them has its own unique personality and draws. But we have made it easy for you.
Choosing where to stay in San Francisco is easy once you understand the layout of the city. So, grab your San Francisco City Pass and let's start planning your San Francisco trip.
Crowds, bustling streets, and a salty sea breeze that makes your hair stand-up like a member of The Flock of Seagulls.
This is Fisherman’s Wharf, potentially the most touristy area of San Francisco, but also the perfect place to be based if you have a short time in the city and want to cross off a lot of things in a few days.
It’s also an ideal location if you’re traveling with kids. There is a reason this is one of the best places to stay in San Francisco.
Fisherman’s Wharf is what you might imagine San Francisco to be like in your daydreams – near the bayside, historic and colorful buildings, and a brisk wind that sometimes makes you forget you’re still in California
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For first time visitors to San Francisco and families, this is a great choice for the iconic landmarks and attractions.
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- Best Hotel: Fairmont Heritage Place: If you want first-class San Francisco hotel this is it. It comes at a price but the views are incredible and you get that Fairmont service
- Check out Availability and Prices: Tripadvisor or Booking.com
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf – The top-rated hotel in the area. Super clean, nicely located and not too pricey.Check Availability and Pricing: Tripadvisor or Booking.com
- Best Budget Hotel: Hotel Zephyr– Boutique, nautical-themed rooms, central, near Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square
Want to be completely immersed in the throbbing heart of the city? Then staying in Union Square is a must.
You’ll be surrounded by skyscrapers, locals and tourists alike, glitzy storefronts, and good eats for all budgets.
It’s the most convenient location for getting around the city, either by foot or public transit. You are a short walk to the financial district and the ferry building.
(Don't forget to take a ride on the famous Cable Car that leaves from Powell Street)
This is the place to shop until you drop and also where you’ll find some of the highest-rated restaurants.
A really good place for a stroll is the pedestrian mall of Maiden Street. It used to be a red-light district but now it is home to art galleries and boutiques.
If you are a real museum buff then make sure to check out some of the best museums in the city including the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of African Diaspora, SF MOMA, and the California Historical Society.