One of the most visited cities in California is San Francisco, which is not really surprising, since it is a city known throughout the world for its fun-loving attitude and the amount of things to see and do here.
For backpackers in particular, San Fran is a winner, its outgoing nature and many cheap spots make it a rewarding experience even if you’re traveling on a budget.
For the backpacker or budget traveler exploring San Francisco, then a great way to ‘get in’ on the city is through one of San Francisco’s many hostels. These hostels offer standard accommodation at budget prices, making them the perfect place for those traveling while keeping an eye on their money.
The Adelaide Hostel and Hotel, for example, is a great San Francisco hostel located on Duncan Lane. With complimentary backpacker breakfast and decent amenities, this hostel has become a hit with budget travelers. Another good hostel in San Francisco is the AAE Amsterdam.
Once you’re settled into your San Francisco hostel, there will be plenty of things that will demand your attention. Read on for the ten things you must do in San Francisco to make the most of your time in this alluring American metropolis…
1. Walk around the city: San Francisco is a safe city for a traveler to walk around and explore. Plus, it’s the kind of place that really reveals its beauty from the sidewalk. So grab a map and hit the road!
2. CityPass: This is an ideal way for backpackers to get to know the city. It’s a pass that gives you access to the city’s top attractions, including the Aquarium of the Bay, the San Francisco Museum, and the De Young Museum. The pass also includes unlimited cable car rides for seven days.
3. See the Golden Gate Bridge: A trip to San Francisco isn’t complete without seeing the famous Golden Gate Bridge. This bridge is considered one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece of human creation.
4. Visit the Presidio: After you have seen the Golden Gate Bridge, you need to head to the Presidio, which is in the same district. This military post was established in 1776 and is famous for being one of the oldest military posts in the nation.
5. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf – This is one of the most vibrant areas in the entire city. Check out the street entertainment and (of course) don’t forget to try the fish at a local restaurant!
6. See Treasure Island: Take a Muni bus and travel to this man-made island bay. Once you arrive at Treasure Island, expect to be treated to a great view of the Oakland and San Francisco skylines.
7. Take a trip to Golden Gate Park: There are a number of things to do in Golden Gate Park, including seeing the Conservatory of Flowers, experiencing the best of modern art at the de Young Museum, visiting the Japanese Tea Garden, and spending time at Strybing Arboretum, which houses an impressive collection of plants from temperate regions.
8. Tour the Museums: For the backpacker who wants to get to know a city well, it is essential to visit the museums of a city. While in San Francisco, the Asian Art Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and the De Young Museum are definitely must-sees.
9. See great ballet performances: Go to the War Memorial Opera House and enjoy a great ballet performance for around only $10. San Francisco is famous for its great ballets and you can be sure that you will see the best in the world here. .
10. Get musical at LovEvolution: For the music-loving backpacker, LovEvolution is an event worth checking out. This music festival happens every year in late September or early October. With great music and love in the air, it inevitably wins the hearts and minds of those who go.