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San Francisco is renowned for its charming Victorian architecture, iconic cable cars, and incredible art and culture.
It offers fantastic food and exceptional nightlife and is home to one of the world’s most famous landmarks — the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant gem on California’s coastline, you might need some help deciding which part of the city to stay in.
Let’s take a look at some of the city’s best neighborhoods for tourists, and highlight some popular San Francisco hotels to help you find the perfect place to stay.
Fisherman’s Wharf for Families
Photo Credit: Clari Massimiliano
Highlights: Pier 39, Madame Tussauds San Francisco, Musée Mécanique, Maritime National Historic Park, Maritime Garden
Fisherman’s Wharf is the city’s busiest tourist area. It lies on the waterfront of San Francisco Bay and is home to Pier 39 which is packed with shops, eateries, and entertainment, and where you can watch resident sea lions bask in the sun. You get exceptional views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Angel State Park from Fisherman’s Wharf. Plus, it’s where you can hop on a ferry to visit these popular attractions.
If you’re planning to visit San Francisco with children, staying in Fisherman’s Wharf is a great option because kids tend to love the vibrant atmosphere. There are lots of fun attractions, such as Madame Tussauds and the Maritime National Historic Park on Hyde Street Pier. Plus, you can conveniently access other parts of the city either on foot, by ferry, or by cable car.
The most popular hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf, and for good reason, is the San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf. Just a 10 minutes’ walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and plenty of other San Fran highlights.
Union Square for First-Timers
Highlights: Union Square, shops, high-rise hotels
Union Square and the surrounding area is one of the most popular neighborhoods for tourists to stay in because of its central location and excellent amenities. There are many hotels, stores, and offices crammed into this small area, and it’s home to a public transport hub that allows easy access to other parts of the city.
The architecture in Union Square is not as historic or interesting as in other neighborhoods, but you could get some incredible views over the city if you stay in one of the many high-rise hotels here. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of some popular attractions, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA)and the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD).
Here’s where to stay in Union Square:
Nob Hill for Luxury
Photo Credit: Rafael Ramirez Lee
Highlights: Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Cable Car Museum, SF Masonic Auditorium, Huntington Park
Nob Hill is one of the seven original hills of San Francisco and it offers a classic experience of the city. The historic mansions here give the picturesque streets a grand quality, and there are lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars that invite you to spend a while taking in the sophisticated atmosphere. You can enjoy fabulous views of the Bay Area from the top of Nob Hill.
There are several luxury hotels set in historic properties in Nob Hill, so if you want an indulgent stay in San Francisco you’ll find it here. A few popular sights are within walking distance, such as Grace Cathedral and San Francisco Cable Car Museum, and the central location allows convenient access to other neighborhoods in the city.
Our top place to stay in Nob Hill is Fairmont San Francisco. This luxury hotel offers stunning views and a stay you won’t soon forget.
South of Market (SoMa) for Foodies
Highlights: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Museum of the African Diaspora, The San Francisco Mint, Yerba Buena Gardens, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Children’s Creativity Museum, California Historical Society, Oracle Park
SoMa is a large former warehouse district that lies south of Market Street, just beneath the Tenderloin. It’s known for its fantastic food scene and is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. The neighborhood also boasts several cultural attractions such as SFMoMA and the California Historical Society, as well as Oracle Park where you can catch a baseball game.
As far as architecture goes, SoMa lacks the charm of many other San Francisco neighborhoods, but there are so many things to do in the area that it can be forgiven for its generic atmosphere. Plus, there’s a good mix of hotels, inns, and vacation rentals to suit a range of budgets.
The most popular hotel in SoMa is the InterContinental San Francisco. With only 15 rooms, this modern hotel is exclusive and perfectly located to explore the area’s best restaurants.
Haight-Ashbury for Counterculture
Photo Credit: lunamarina
Highlights: Grateful Dead House, colorful Victorian houses, indie stores and eateries, Golden Gate Park
Haight-Ashbury is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in San Francisco. It was the birthplace of the counterculture movement in the 1960s and it continues to be home to a diverse community of hippies and rebels. There are gorgeous Victorian buildings here, many of which house independent clothing stores, bookstores, record stores, dive bars, and laid-back eateries. Look out for the Grateful Dead House on Ashbury Street, where the legendary rock band of the same name lived in the late 60s.
There are few hotels in Haight-Ashbury itself but you’ll find plenty in the surrounding areas. The neighborhood offers easy access to lots of natural space; the huge Golden Gate Park lies directly west, the green band of The Panhandle runs along the north, and Buena Vista Park is a five-minute walk east.
Hayes Valley for Architecture
Highlights: Civic Center, City Hall, Asian Art Museum, War Memorial Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, SF Jazz Center, Alamo Square
Hayes Valley is one of SF’s most beautiful neighborhoods thanks to its tree-lined streets, boutique stores, and sidewalk cafes, and it’s highly walkable so you can enjoy its scenic city views. Its biggest attraction is the Civic Center which is a series of attractive government buildings and performance venues. Look out for the golden dome of City Hall, originally built in 1915, and try to catch a show at the stately War Memorial Opera House.
There are some fantastic boutique hotels and inns in Hayes Valley, so if you’re looking for a quirky hotel room in a beautiful setting, choose this neighborhood.
Good places to stay in Hayes Valley include:
The Castro for Queer Culture
Highlights: Castro Theatre, Twin Peaks Tavern, GLBT Historical Society Museum
The Castro is San Francisco’s famed LGBTQ+ neighborhood and one of the most renowned queer districts in America. You’ll find iconic LGBTQ+ landmarks such as the Castro Theatre and Twin Peaks Tavern, and you can learn about the USA’s queer history at the GLBT Historical Society Museum.
If you want to experience the best of San Francisco’s nightlife, be sure to head to The Castro after dark. The area is packed with lively gay bars and drag venues. During the day, head to nearby Dolores Park which is a popular venue for daytime parties and social gatherings.
A popular hotel in The Castro is the Parker Guest House. If you’re after a quieter stay, this hotel offers a garden for you to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets.
North Beach & Chinatown for International Cuisine
Highlights: Italian and Chinese eateries, Transamerica Pyramid, Washington Square Park, Sentinel Building, Coit Tower
North Beach & Chinatown are two very different neighborhoods divided by Jack Kerouac Alley, but if you visit one of these areas you’ll find yourself wandering between the two. North Beach is comparable to New York’s Little Italy thanks to its Italian heritage, charming coffee shops, and quaint trattorias. Chinatown is home to lots of fantastic Asian eateries and bakeries, and it’s decorated with colorful lanterns and street art.
There aren’t any hotels in Chinatown but there are plenty in North Beach, and this neighborhood offers convenient access to Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf. The only word of warning is that North Beach can get noisy at night, particularly around Broadway where there are lots of bars and clubs.
One of North Beach’s best hotels is Hotel Boheme. You’ll love soaking up the bohemian flair of the 1950’s and 1960’s when you stay here.
Downtown San Francisco and the Financial District for Transport Links
Photo Credit: photo.ua
Highlights: Ferry Building, Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Maritime Plaza
Downtown SF and the Financial District blend historic buildings with modern highrises, giving you the best of both worlds. There’s a buzzing atmosphere in these neighborhoods, with tourists and locals rubbing shoulders. Foodies will appreciate the many very good restaurants here and the popular Ferry Plaza Farmers Market which is considered one of California’s best.
Public transport links are excellent in Downtown and the Financial District. The Muni (Municipal Rail), BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), and cable cars all run extensively through these areas so you can easily reach other neighborhoods without a car. There are also many good hotels to choose from, some of which are very luxurious and expensive.
The Mission District for Night Owls
Highlights: Mission Dolores, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
The Mission is considered one of the coolest neighborhoods in San Francisco because it has hip eateries and bars and lots of colorful street art. The area, which is named after the historic church Mission Dolores, has Latino roots and is known for its fantastic Mexican food scene. You’ll find excellent nightlife here with a range of venues to suit all tastes, including cocktail bars, dive bars, and live music clubs.
If you want great nightlife and a cool, relaxed atmosphere, The Mission is the best area to stay in. It’s also a great location for travelers on a budget because there are some very affordable hotels, bed and breakfasts, and inns here.
The Inn San Francisco is our pick for where to stay in the Mission District if you’re here to see the city’s famous dollhouse architecture. Why just look at it when you can stay in one?
The Embarcadero for Bay Views
Photo Credit: Bertl123
Highlights: Ferry terminals, Exploratorium, bay views
The Embarcadero is a waterfront neighborhood lined with restaurants, bars, and pedestrian areas with lovely views out across the bay. It lies between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Financial District, which means it offers excellent proximity to many of the city’s big attractions. Head to Pier 33 to join a ferry tour to Alcatraz, or visit the Exploratorium Science Museum for hours of educational fun with interactive exhibits.
There are a few hotels in The Embarcadero but they’re some of the most expensive in the city due to their convenient location and impressive views over the bay.
Pacific Heights for Green Space
Highlights: Haas-Lilienthal House, Alta Plaza Park, Lafayette Park
Pacific Heights is a residential neighborhood that boasts opulent homes such as the Haas-Lilienthal House which was built in 1886. Alta Plaza Park and Lafayette Park are pretty hilltop green spaces that offer sweeping bay views from the highest points of the neighborhood. For more green space, head to the nearby Presidio of San Francisco, a former American Army post that is now a sprawling park with extensive trails and pretty beaches.
There are some lovely boutique hotels in Pacific Heights and the surrounding area. No matter if you stay here or just visit, be sure to swing by nearby Japantown for karaoke bars, Asian grocery stores, and excellent Japanese food.
Hotel Drisco is our vote for where to stay in Pacific Heights. Only 5 minutes’ walk from Presidio National Park, you’ll get plenty of fresh air and great views here.
Marina District and Cow Hollow for Beach Breaks
Photo Credit: canadastock
Highlights: Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, beaches, parks
The Marina District lies right on the waterfront in the north of the city with the wide open spaces of Crissy Field and the Presidio at its side. It’s also home to the impressive Palace of Fine Arts and the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. Cow Hollow is an affluent residential area just south of the Marina District and it’s where many of the city’s young professionals reside. It is lined with chic boutiques, restaurants, brunch spots, and wine lounges on its main drag, Union Street.
If you want a beach vacation with the added hustle and bustle of the city, the Marina District and Cow Hollow are great neighborhoods to stay in.
Russian Hill for Peace & Quiet
Highlights: Independent stores, bars, and eateries, Lombard Street
Russian Hill lies just north of Nob Hill and is a quaint residential area with few hotels, making it a relatively quiet spot. It’s home to the famous crooked stretch of Lombard Street which has eight steep hairpin turns. You’ll get fantastic views of Alcatraz, Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower as you wander around Russian Hill and explore its independent restaurants, bars, and shops.
There isn’t much going on in Russian Hill and accommodation options are limited, but if you do stay here you’ll be within easy reach of Nob Hill, North Beach, and Ghirardelli Square.
Book Your San Francisco Vacation
We’ve caught you up with San Francisco’s key neighborhoods, so now it’s time to decide where to stay and where to explore on your upcoming visit to this beautiful city.
