As mentioned, one of the best ways of seeing the city is to book yourself onto one of the bus city tours. If you ask your hotel to book you on one, you'll also get picked up by the tour company and transferred to their headquarters, from where the tour will commence.

Whilst you get driven all over the city, you'll no doubt have a very friendly driver pointing out all sorts of fascinating bits of trivia and knowledge. The tour I went on didn't allow any chance to stop off and explore at any point (apart from a few photo opportunities, and a short break for lunch) so if you see anything that really takes your fancy and which you'd like to investigate in more depth, you'll need to return the next day by taxi.

Of course, don't forgot that if you're feeling very flash or adventurous, you don't just have to make your way round by bus! Helicopter, bike and even Segway tours are available (amongst other things).

Golden Gate Bridge

Quite honestly, THE sight in San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic images of America. Built in 1937, and at one point the longest suspension bridge in the world, interestingly the bridge is also part of the famous HIghway 1. There are vista points, and car parking, at both the northeast and southeast points of the bridge for stunning views. It might sometimes be foggy, though!

Haight-Ashbury District

	Ahh, the centre for the 1960s hippie movement. Centred around the intersection of Haight Street and Ashbury Streets (hence the name) there's a wide variety of one-off boutiques, knick knack places, retro clothing shops and the like. Also home to an Amoeba Music - a great record store. Look out for some very decorative buildings, and some brightly painted houses in the side streets.

1: Introduction > 2: What to See > 3: Where to Stay > 4: Where to Eat & Drink > 5: Other Tips