A whistle-stop tour of San Francisco’s key places

San Francisco is a city full of culture, adventure and beauty, making it the perfect destination for a short weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s iconic sights or to sample some of its delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in San Francisco.

With so much to do, planning a three-day itinerary can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this perfect three-day travel itinerary for San Francisco. We’ll cover where to stay, what to do, where to eat and top tips to make your stay in San Francisco memorable.

Day One

Begin your three-day adventure in San Francisco by exploring the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Afterward, take a walk around Golden Gate Park, where you can experience the beauty of nature and enjoy a picnic lunch. The Palace of Arts and Culture is just around the corner – it’s worth the diversion.

On the way back, call into the Castro or Haigh-Ashbury, two of San Francisco’s best neighbourhoods for shopping, dining and taking in the sounds and sights of the city.

When it comes to lodging, there are many great options. The InterContinental San Francisco is an excellent choice for luxurious accommodations, while Hotel Kabuki offers a more affordable yet still comfortable stay. For a unique experience, book a room in one of the historic bed and breakfasts located throughout the city.

Before you call it a night or head out for drinks, visit the Painted Ladies for amazing sunset views.

Top tip: San Francisco is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes and carry some water with you during your explorations.

Day Two

Sea Lions bask on pier 39 in San Francisco

On day two of your trip to San Francisco, explore the city’s landmarks and cultural attractions. Start your morning with a walk along the Embarcadero waterfront for views of the iconic Bay Bridge. Then take a ride on the historic cable cars, a quintessential San Francisco experience.

As you make your way up the hills, hop off at Chinatown for an exploration of its unique shops, restaurants, and culture. After lunch, visit iconic landmarks like Alamo Square and Coit Tower.

In the evening, explore Fisherman’s Wharf. Try some delicious seafood at one of the many restaurants, and enjoy the waterfront views as you stroll around the area. Take in the lively atmosphere at Pier 39 and stop to watch the sea lions bask in the setting sun. End the day with a sunset sail in a schooner on the bay for a unique perspective on the city skyline.

Top Tip: Make sure you buy a Muni Pass before your trip so that you can use public transport for getting around.

Day Three

Start your day off with breakfast at The Mill, a cozy cafe that serves up delicious freshly-baked sourdough toast with homemade jams, as well as lattes and pastries. After breakfast, wander up to Corona Heights from some unbelievale San Francisco views.

Use Sunday as your chance to park-hop. Pioneer Park, the Presidio and Fort Mason are all worth the trip.

After a final day of exploring, head to Hakkasan for dinner. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers modern Cantonese cuisine, with dishes like dim sum, roast duck, and stir-fry noodles. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert – try the mango panna cotta or the Chinese pancakes with passionfruit sauce.

To wrap up your stay in San Francisco, head to the iconic Buena Vista Cafe for one last nightcap. This historic bar is famous for inventing Irish Coffee in 1952, so don’t leave without trying one. As you sip on your coffee, soak up the vintage atmosphere and mingle with the locals.

Top Tip: Save the stress and hassle of getting back to the airport by booking your hotel transfers in advance.