What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about northern Californian city San Francisco? We bet that it would be none other than the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.

But there is so much more to see and do besides checking out that world-famous bridge! San Francisco is lovely. Characterised by year-round fog and steep hills, The Golden Gate City is indeed one of a kind.

From the newly reopened San Francisco of Modern Art, the world’s crookedest street yet strangely photogenic Lombard Street to Fisherman’s Wharf, here are 15 Reasons to Visit San Francisco.

#1 ALCATRAZ ISLAND

Alcatraz Island was once home to America’s most notorious criminals. Today, the former federal prison is an exceptionally popular tourist destination – it receives up to one million visitors annually!

Tickets to Alcatraz Island sell out weeks in advance, so do make prior arrangements before you arrive at San Francisco.

#2 CABLE CAR MUSEUM

Opened in 1974, Cable Car Museum is a free museum where visitors can learn more about San Francisco’s most beloved transport system. At the Cable Car Museum, find out more on how cable cars work and the history of it. Three antique cable cars are on display too, namely #54 Trailer, Railroad #8 and #46 Grip Car.

1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Tel: +1 415-474-1887

#3 CHINATOWN

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest chinatown outside of Asia. From Chinese delicacies, budget knockoffs to tea tastings, it is real colourful here.

The precinct itself contains historic infrastructures and is the venue for all Chinese festive events.

#4 DE YOUNG MUSEUM

The de Young Museum is a must-visit for architecture and design enthusiasts. The fine arts museum showcases priceless American art pieces, textile arts and other masterpieces.

A general admission ticket to The de Young’s will cost US$10 per adult, but entrance to the Hamon Tower – which boasts panoramic views of San Francisco – is free.

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

Source: Light Stone Group

#5 SAN FRANCISCO PREMIUM OUTLETS

To satisfy the shopaholic in you, head over to San Francisco’s Premium Outlets at Livermore. There are more than 170 international brands here; anticipate familiar names such as Coach, Gucci, Prada and Versace.

This shopping paradise is 40 miles away from downtown San Francisco and will take approximately 45 minutes if you are driving.

2774 Livermore Outlets Dr
Livermore, CA 94551, United States
Tel: +1 925-292-2868
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm

#6 FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE

With commercial official spaces and a marketplace under its roof, the Ferry Building functions more than just a ferry terminal. There are many cafes and restaurants to dine at; luxuriate over superbly fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co whilst admiring the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, and visit specialty mushroom vendor Far West Fungi.

San Francisco Landmark Building, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

#7 FISHERMAN’S WHARF

You need to spend a day at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Visit the squawking pinnipeds at the Sea Lion Centre, dine at one of the many seafood restaurants, check out the floating yachts, educate yourselves at Aquarium of the Bay and take a selfie with the wax monuments at Madame Tussauds San Francisco.

Feeling even more adventurous? Board a helicopter or join a water tour!

#8 GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

The Golden Gate Bridge needs no further introduction.

The 2,737-metre long iconic attraction is a must-see in every traveller’s bucket list and till date, even locals are in awe of its magnificence. The suspension bridge can be viewed from various vantage points.

To avoid the touristy crowd, we recommend taking a leisure stroll down Baker Beach.

#9 LANDS END

If the steep inclinations of San Francisco’s streets are not enough of a workout, make your way to Lands End for a scenic hike. The park is situated within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the coastal trail itself features an interesting variety of terrains.

Lands End Trail, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

#10 LOMBARD STREET

Characterised by eight sharp U-shaped bends in a single steep block, Lombard Street is the “Crookedest Street” in the world.

The street itself is an attraction, with tourists from all over the world flocking to Lombard Street just to catch a glimpse of it. Walk on the sides or self-drive through the zigzags for a memorable scenic experience. It is strangely photogenic, indeed.

#11 PAINTED LADIES

Painted Ladies refers to this iconic stretch of colourful vintage Victorian houses along the corner of Hayes Street and Steiner Street. This attraction is a hit amongst photographers for its stunning juxtaposition – beautiful Victorian homes with San Francisco’s skyscrapers in the backdrop.

#12 PALACE OF FINE ARTS

You might recognise the Palace of Fine Arts from the following dated movies, The Room and The Rock. The gorgeous monument is listed in San Francisco Designated Landmarks and is surrounded by a manmade lagoon. Designed by architect Bernard Maybeck, the infrastructure is largely inspired by the Greeks and Romans.

3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

#13 PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO

Presidio of San Francisco is a historically rich park that once accommodated the native Costanoans, Spanish colonialists and eventually transformed into the designated military post for the U.S. Army.

Today, it is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Drop by and visit one of Andy Goldsworthy’s works or have a picnic at Crissy Field.

#14 SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) reopened last month with a bang. This opening is a long awaited one, especially when the museum was previously closed for three years!

The 235,000-square-foot modern museum exhibits internationally acclaimed collections of modern and contemporary art – definitely worth a special trip and the admission ticket fee.

151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Daily: 10am – 5pm

#15 UNION SQUARE

Situated in the heart of San Francisco and spanning across 1.05 hectares, Union Square is a public plaza boasting endless dining, entertainment and retail options. Keep your eyes peeled during festive holidays as many exciting events will be taking place at this hub. A ride on the cable car is not free, but visitors can still admire the transport from afar.

Located 13,593 kilometres away from Singapore with previously no direct flights available, San Francisco used to be a far-fetched vacation destination. And this no longer the case.

United Airlines has recently launched direct non-stop routes between these two global hubs and you can now arrive San Francisco from Singapore within 15 hours and 30 minutes. More reasons to visit the wonderful city, yes?

This post is brought to you by United Airlines.

San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, with its accommodation being the priciest across United States. Fortunately, that does not mean that touring the Californian city should cost a bomb or anything at all.

From exploring the hippie neighbourhood of Haight-Ashbury to admiring panoramic views of downtown San Francisco from the Hamon Tower, some of the best attractions you can experience in San Francisco are actually free.

Here is our guide to 7 fun free things to do in San Francisco:

#1 FERRY BUILDING

The Ferry Building is more than just a ferry terminal. In fact, it is also a hub of commercial and retail, with commercial office spaces and a market place under its roof. While there are many cafes and restaurants to visit, an interesting vendor that has stopped almost everyone in their tracks is mushroom specialty shop Far West Fungi – it sells an exhaustive variety of mushrooms and you can even purchase a mini farm to grow your own! Do not forget to check out the dock where you will find an unobstructed view of the magnificent Bay Bridge.

One Ferry Building
San Francisco, California 94111

#2 GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

The majestic Golden Gate Bridge is the icon of San Francisco and a must-see in every visitor’s checklist. If you are itching for a great workout, you can embark on a three miles long journey by foot on the suspended bridge’s sidewalks. The entrance for cyclists and pedestrians are free but do take note of the bridge’s varying operating hours.

#3 HAIGHT-ASHBURY

Famous for their colourful striking Victorian houses, this hipster neighbourhood was once occupied by the hippie community in the 1960s. While yuppies seem to be the core group of residents today, the countercultural influence remains at large with sightings of artistic murals, quirky boutiques and alternative musicians.

It is impossible to not catch a whiff of marijuana as you walk through graffiti-strewn streets and alleyways. Prescribed weed is legal in San Francisco and may soon be legalized for recreation purposes. Haight-Ashbury has evolved over the decades and is now home to an abundance of retail stores, restaurants and nightlife entertainment. The district’s diverse eccentricity is undeniably alluring and you will have a great time exploring the surprises it has to offer.

#4 HAMON TOWER

General Admission to Fine Arts Museum de Young’s galleries will cost USD 10 per adult, but what most people did not know is that the entrance to the Hamon Tower is absolutely free of charge.

Skip the exhibitions and head 114 feet up to the Observatory Deck for a visual treat. Remember to bring your camera to capture the aerial view of The California Academy of Sciences (located right across de Young) and a breathtaking 360 degrees view of downtown San Francisco.

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

#5 LOMBARD STREET

Lombard Street is a peculiar but fascinating sightseeing activity. It is one of the most beautifully crooked streets you can find in the world, characterized by eight sharp U-shaped bends in a single steep block.

The street is an attraction itself, with tourists from all over the world flocking there daily to catch a glimpse of it. Do walk along the side roads to avoid any mishaps. The crowd is so notoriously overwhelming that traffic police are stationed there to regulate the flow. Alternatively, drive through the zigzags for a scenic memorable experience!

1070 Lombard Street
San Francisco, California 94109

#6 PAINTED LADIES

Painted Ladies is actually a stretch of colourful vintage Victorian houses along the corner of Hayes and Steiner Streets. This attraction is a hit amongst photographers for its stunning juxtaposition – beautiful Victorian homes with San Francisco’s skyscrapers in the backdrop.

Take a stroll along Alamo Square Park and enjoy the view of Painted Ladies and the distant city skyline. It also makes a perfect background for your outfit of the day pictures.

Corner of Hayes and Steiner Street

#7 UNION SQUARE

Union Square has been unanimously dubbed as the heart of San Francisco. This 1.05 hectare public plaza is a center of dining, entertainment and retail – you will find yourself spoilt rotten with endless choices.

Walk around Union Square even if you have no intention to shop and immerse yourself in the vibrant ambience. Keep your eyes peeled when seasonal holidays are around the corner, as Union Square will be showcasing many exciting festive events. While transportation on the iconic Instagram-worthy cable cars is not free, you can still admire it from a near distance.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc.