San Francisco is a commercial and cultural centre in the California state of the United States. It is the fourth most populated city in California and 17th most populated city in the United States. Beside every other city in the United States, San Francisco was ranked first by per capita income and 5th by aggregate income as of 2019. As per the global Financial Centers Index of September 2021, this city was ranked second in the United States and 5th in the world. This city has headquarters of many companies such as First Republic Bank, Airbnb, Salesforce, Uber, Gap, Levi’s, Cruise and Wells Fargo. This city was founded on June 29, 1776. It is a very popular tourist destination and majorly known for its steep rolling hills and eclectic mix of architecture across varied neighbourhoods. This city is built on more than 50 hills and is home to the oldest Chinatown in North America. It is the city where Levi Strauss invented denim jeans for the Gold Rush miners who needed durable yet comfortable clothing. It also has the oldest and largest Japantown in the United States. In 1927, the first electric TV was invented in this city by Philio Farnsworth. It is also the home to the largest competition of American wines in the world. 

When to visit San Francisco, United States of America

September to November is the best time to visit San Francisco. These months have a very pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The sky is very clear and the city also has great deals that can be availed on travel and lodging during these months. You can also enjoy the hiking trails, beaches, parks, outdoor activities, cultural events as well as the popular festivals of the city. 

What to know about San Francisco, United States of America

Climate

San Francisco has long, comfortable, arid and mostly clear summers, while the winters are cold, wet, cloudy and short. This city receives 25 inches of rainfall, 0 inches of snow and 259 sunny days every year. September is the hottest month of the year with an average maximum temperature of 21 and January is the coldest month of the year with average maximum temperature of 14 December tops the wettest month of the year list with 122 mm of rainfall and July is the driest month of the year with 1 mm of precipitation. May is considered as the sunniest month of the year with an average of 324 hours of sunshine. 

Currency

The U.S. dollar or the American dollar is the official currency used in the country. There are many banks which offer the best exchange rates but you can also exchange your currency at most of the airports and hotels. You will also find many licensed money changers and foreign exchange offices available throughout the city. Credit cards, debit cards, cash and personal cheques are the most common mode of payments in the city.

Language

There are many languages spoken in San Francisco. Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, German, English, Tagalog, French, Japanese, Korean are some most commonly spoken languages in this city. Approximately 42.3% of this city’s population does not speak English. 

Transportation

The excellent public transportation services are the biggest way to get around San Francisco and its attractions.

Rail

Buses

Cable cars

Metros

Car hiring

Bicycle

Taxis

Motorbike hiring

Places of attraction in San Francisco, United States of America

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the icons of California and graces the San Francisco Bay. It is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It is considered as the most internationally recognized symbols of California and San Francisco. Joseph Strauss was the first designer to design this bridge in 1917. The American Society of Civil Engineers has declared this Golden Gate Bridge as one of the Wonders of the Modern World. It is also one of the most photographed bridges in the world. It was opened in 1937 and is the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world. 746 feet is the total height of this bridge and has a main span of 4,200 feet. This bridge is also open to cyclists and pedestrians but only during the daylight hours.  There are very ideal vantage points from where you can photograph the bridge for a great view. In 1999, the American Institute of Architects ranked this bridge fifth in the list of America’s Favorite Architecture. Orange is the color of the bridge which was selected by a consulting architect Irving Morrow as it complements the natural surroundings and enhances the visibility of the bridge in fog. Golden Gate National Recreation Area is on the opposite side of the bridge which is another great place to visit.

The Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a very historic and notorious small island which is one of the most infamous prisons of America. It covers an area of 22 acres and was established in 1934. Before it closed in 1963, it was opened for almost thirty years and then again reopened in 1973 as a tourist attraction. You can take a ferry to reach the island and have a glimpse into life in the prison and historic site. The Main Cell house, Lighthouse, Dining Hall, Parade Grounds, Water Tower, the ruins of the Warden’s House, Model Industries Building, Recreation Yard and New Industries Building are the major landmarks on the island. According to a documentary that was once made in 1971 on the history of this Island, it is 1,675 feet by 590 feet and is 135 feet at highest point during mean tide. A guided tour to this island will provide you with great entertainment and information about the history. You must book your guided tour and the tickets to this place before the tickets get sold. This island is one of the major highlights of the city and a lot of tourists visit this island every year.