San Francisco

San Francisco offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance, allowing you to immerse yourself in unforgettable surroundings and surreal sounds. 
 

Take a deeper dive into San Francisco's iconic attractions:
 

• Golden Gate Bridge: this iconic suspension bridge is a marvel of engineering, spanning the Golden Gate strait. Its striking orange colour and stunning views of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean make it a must-visit.
• Alcatraz Island: Once a notorious federal penitentiary, Alcatraz Island now offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Take a boat tour to the island and explore the historic prison cells, hear stories of famous inmates, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• Golden Gate Park: This expansive urban park offers a diverse range of attractions, including:
  • Japanese Tea Garden: A serene oasis with traditional Japanese gardens, koi ponds, and tea houses.
  • California Academy of Sciences: A world-class museum featuring exhibits on natural history, astronomy, and environmental science, including a planetarium and an aquarium.
  • Conservatory of Flowers: A stunning Victorian glasshouse filled with exotic plants from around the world.
• Haight-Ashbury: Step back in time to the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Explore the colourful streets, vintage shops, and historic landmarks of this iconic neighbourhood.
• Chinatown: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese communities outside of Asia. Discover bustling markets, savour authentic cuisine, and explore ancient temples.
• North Beach: Experience the Italian heritage of San Francisco in this charming neighbourhood. Indulge in delicious pasta, sip on espresso, and browse independent bookstores.
• Pier 39: Enjoy stunning waterfront views, watch sea lions sunbathe on the docks, and explore a variety of shops and restaurants.
   

Popular activities: 
 

• Ride a cable car: a unique mode of transportation that has been a San Francisco icon for over a century.
• A sunny lunch out: Embark on a day trip to Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley to enjoy picturesque vineyards and indulge in gourmet cuisine.
• Stretch your legs: Hike to the summit of Twin Peaks for panoramic city views, explore the stunning coastal trails of Lands End, venture into the redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument, or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Time to get wet: Paddle through the calm waters of the San Francisco Bay or catch some waves at Ocean Beach.
• Catch an NBA game: Cheer on the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry at Chase Center if the NBA team is in town.
   

Food, culture, & wildlife
 

Food: San Francisco's diverse culinary scene is a foodie's dream.
 

• Michelin-Star dining: Indulge in innovative cuisine at world-class restaurants like State Bird Provisions and Quince.
• Fresh seafood: Savour the freshest seafood at iconic restaurants like Scoma's or Hog Island Oyster Co.
• Street food & food trucks:
  • Señor Sisig: Known for its innovative Filipino fusion dishes, especially their signature sisig.
  • Roli Roti: This South African-inspired food truck offers delicious rotisserie meats and sides.   
  • The Chairman: A popular choice for Chinese-American fusion cuisine, including bao buns and dumplings.   
  • MOMO Noodle: This truck serves up delicious ramen and other noodle dishes.   
  • Curry Up Now: A favorite for Indian street food, offering a variety of flavorful curries and naan.
  • La Taqueria: A legendary taqueria in San Francisco's Mission District, renowned for its authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine. 
• Coffee Culture: Sip on world-class coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee, Ritual Coffee Roasters, or Sightglass Coffee.

Remember, the food truck scene in San Francisco is always changing, so it's always a good idea to check online or local food truck apps to see what's currently available.

Culture: San Francisco's understatedly diverse cultural landscape offers a unique experience for every visitor.
 

• Art and History:
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Immerse yourself in a world of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Frida Kahlo.
  • De Young Museum: Explore a vast collection of American, European, and international art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
  • Legion of Honor: Admire a stunning collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Rodin.
  • Asian Art Museum: Discover a diverse collection of Asian art, ranging from ancient Chinese ceramics to contemporary Japanese art.
  • California Academy of Sciences: Explore the natural world through interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an aquarium.
• Unique Cultural Experiences:
  • The Beat Museum: Delve into the Beat Generation, a literary and cultural movement that originated in San Francisco.
  • Cable Car Museum: Learn about the history of San Francisco's iconic cable cars and see them in action.
  • Museum of Craft and Design: Discover innovative and creative works from around the world.
     

Wildlife: While San Francisco is a bustling metropolis, it also harbours a surprising amount of wildlife. 
 

• Golden Gate Park: Discover a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, birds, and reptiles.
• Aquarium of the Bay: Encounter a variety of marine life, from sharks to sea otters.
• San Francisco Zoo: Explore a vast zoological park with a diverse collection of animals from around the world.
• Marine Mammal Center: Learn about marine mammal conservation and rehabilitation.
   

Travel tips
 

Travel visa information:

• From 1 December 2024, citizens of Qatar can travel to the US for up to 90 days without requiring a US Visa - click here for more details. You can also check other need-to-know destination-specific travel information here.

Currency:

• The official currency of the United States is the US Dollar (USD).

Language:

• English is the primary language.

Climate:

• San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate, characterised by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city is known for its frequent fog, especially during the summer months, a phenomenon known as "Karl the Fog." However, fog can occur year-round, particularly in coastal areas.

Transportation:

• Public transportation system: buses, cable cars, and the iconic BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system.
• Ride-hailing apps and taxis: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
• Walking and biking: The city is quite walkable, and biking is popular, especially in certain neighborhoods.

Safety:

• While the US is generally safe, it's always advisable to take standard precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, especially in large cities. Pay special attention to cities with high crime rating, taking extra care to not venture out during the late hours of the night. 

Dress code and alcohol:

• Dress code: Casual attire is suitable for most occasions. However, dress codes can vary depending on the specific location and activity.
• Alcohol: The legal drinking age in the US is 21. Alcohol is widely available in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.