W San Francisco
A hip and sophisticated stay with thoughtful service and insider tips
City Guide
San Francisco
San Francisco is a place where contrasts abound: from Victorian homes painted in rainbow colours, to Michelin-starred eateries where casual dress is the norm. It’s a city known for its steep hills, iconic landmarks and incredible food scene, but to really experience California’s own “City by the Bay” like a local, it’s important to step away from the touristy spots like Fisherman’s Wharf and amble through its neighbourhoods – each a pocket of culture with its own distinct vibe.
When to go:
San Francisco is best enjoyed in the spring and autumn (the city’s “Indian Summer”), when temperatures are at their warmest. Summers are often cool – sometimes downright cold – with the city’s notorious fog moving in and covering it in a thick sea of white, often completely obscuring some of its most impressive landmarks. Winters can be rainy.
How to get around:
Public transit is abundant and easy to navigate, though if the city’s hills don’t scare you, cycling is a great alternative. You can also spend days walking around from one neighbourhood to the next.
Where To Stay In San Francisco
The Jay
Modern luxury meets architectural dream in waterfront Embarcadero
Inn at the Presidio
Former 19th-century army barracks nested in an enchanting national park
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
A nautical gem offering glimpses into the city’s maritime heritage
Hotel Zetta
A playful retreat in the heart of a vibrant arts and culture scene
Where To Eat In San Francisco
7 Adams
Warm and inviting tasting menu by husband-and-wife chefs
Sons & Daughters
New Nordic sustainability meets California produce in a bold tasting menu
Waterbar
Freshest local seafood with panoramic views of the bay and skyline
Eight Tables
Elegant Chinese fine dining with only eight exclusive tables
StateBird Provisions
Inventive small plates served dim sum style
What's trending
Where To Drink In San Francisco
Dirty Habit
Small batch whiskeys and delicious cocktails on a heated rooftop bar
Cultivar Ghirardelli Square
Newcomer with an outdoor patio serving small production California wines
Top of the Mark
Stunning panoramic city views from a hotel bar
The Beehive
A fun, retro cocktail lounge with a Mad Men vibe
Toronado Pub
A beer lover’s bar offering obscure craft ales
What To Do In San Francisco
The Presidio
A former army outpost turned stunning national park
Golden Gate Park
Museums, gardens and biking trails galore at SF’s largest park
SFMOMA
A sprawling, multi-sensory celebration of art in all forms
The Exploratorium
Adults feel like kids again at this mind-bending laboratory
Alcatraz
One of the world’s most infamous prisons with immersive audio tours
Where To Shop In San Francisco
Ferry Building Marketplace
Locally made gourmet gifts in this historic, former transportation hub
Missing Audrey
An eclectic array of curated vintage fashion gems
Amoeba Records
A trove of music collectibles at the world’s largest indie record store
Rare Device
Whimsical art, accessories and home décor by independent artists
Paxton Gate
An emporium of rare homeware and oddities from the natural world
