San Francisco travel guide: the cultural centre of Northern California

There’s no place like San Francisco. Known for its cable cars, steep streets, eclectic architecture, summer fog and spectacular views, this vibrant city attracts visitors from around the world looking for an urban adventure. 

Everything about San Francisco is diverse, from its population to the thousands of restaurants across the city.

It’s the cultural centre of Northern California – this is where you go to get your fill of museums, concerts, plays and dance performances – and constantly evolving, embracing its history as it looks to the future. Now is the time to see what San Francisco has to offer.

What to do

Get up close and personal with some of San Francisco’s most beloved landmarks during a Red and White Fleet Golden Gate Bay Cruise. During this hour-long narrated sailing, you’ll pass under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and by Alcatraz, a former prison that once housed such infamous names as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. There are three daily sailings, and in the winter, the 4pm tour doubles as a sunset cruise.

Looking for a taste of the Bay Area? Visit the San Francisco Ferry Building, which dates back to 1898 and is now home of the Ferry Building Marketplace. Inside this public food market, there are outposts of regional favourites like Acme Bread and Gott’s Roadside, while outside, local farmers sell their fresh produce several times a week. Edible Excursions offers a two-hour tour of the market, with a knowledgable guide leading participants from merchant to merchant, procuring samples of their specialities – it’s fun, informative, and delicious.

The San Francisco Ferry Building, which dates back to 1898

The San Francisco Botanical Garden provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tucked away in Golden Gate Park, the garden – open daily at 7.30am – boasts more than 8,000 varieties of plants from around the world, with the towering Monterey cypresses providing both shade and beauty.

From the San Francisco Botanical Garden, it’s just a quick stroll to the de Young Museum, which houses American, African and Oceanic art; textile arts; and costumes. On exhibit through to 12 February 2023, “Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs” showcases 181 incredible artefacts from ancient Egypt, including royal masks, sarcophagi, gold jewellery, mummified animals and amulets. Be sure to add on the virtual reality experience “Ramses Nefertari: Journey to Osiris”, which takes participants on a dazzling tour of the majestic Abu Simbel and Nefertari’s tomb.

Article source: https://www.theweek.co.uk/arts-life/travel/958908/san-francisco-travel-guide-cultural-centre-northern-california