San Francisco

General

Traffic is very high in San Francisco and parking spaces very limited and if existing very expensive (up to USD15 per hour). Thus, public transportation is the best choice.

Language

English is the dominant and official language although Chinese and Spanish are both widely spoken.

Best travel time

San Francisco has the Pacific Ocean on three sides and is backed by mountains and, consequently, has its own micro-climate that is not really hot or really cold at any time of year. Fog is a typical feature but the lowest average temperature in winter is about 14C during the day and in summer the highest average temperature is about 20C.

Communication

There is a comprehensive broadband and cell phone network.

Traditions and Culture

San Francisco is an international city with a large proportion of Chinese and Hispanics although the largest group is white. It is a city renowned for its steep hills and cable cars that are pulled along by cables that run along grooves in the roads. The film ‘Bullitt’ (1968) starring Steve McQueen introduced San Francisco to a global audience, together with Scott McKenzie’s song ‘San Francisco’: “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” Originally established by the Spanish in the mid 18th century, San Francisco grew rapidly during the California Gold Rush in the mid 19th century. Much of the city was destroyed in an earthquake in 1906 although it was swiftly rebuilt. In the 1960s it became a focus for the ‘Summer of Love’ movement and is still a city that prides itself on valuing art and culture and gay rights. San Francisco is a modern liberal city that respects and values art and theatre. Owing to the vast incomes generated by Silicon Valley, many of the neighbourhoods are peopled by wealthy individuals who enjoy visiting cultural events such as opera. The large Asian population has also invested the city with Chinese culture and the Chinese New Year Parade is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Religion

All the principal religions are represented.

By bus

San Francisco has several public transportation systems: Cable Cars (run only down town to Fisherman's Wharf),  underground (online one line that goes under market street and to the airport),  trams (some are available throughout the city) and  busses (best developed system - busses run from almost everywhere to downtown). Bus tickets cost USD 2. With that ticket you may use the bus up to 4 hours.

By car

All major car rental companies are in downtown San Francisco (a big garage is at O'Farrell Street at the corner of Mason Street) as well as at the airport of San Francisco, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National.

By plane

Public transport is available from SanFrancisco International Airport into the city centre. Renting a car is also aneasy option although takes courage when manoeuvring up and down the famous steep streets. Crimping your front wheels to the curb is a legal requirement.  

By taxi

Taxis are a good way to get around for instance if it rains. It costs flat USD 3.30 and additionally USD 2.25 per mile. In order to get a cab wait at the side of the street and wave. Taxis are empty if their signs are turned on.

Sights

There is much to see in San Francisco including the Golden Gate suspension bridge, numerous parks and beaches, museums, sports events and the cable cars that will take you to famous districts such as Nob Hill.

Food

Eating out is a great pleasure in San Francisco which prides itself on supplying fresh fish to its local restaurants. The choice of restaurant types is very good although Chinese cuisine is well-represented.