Top Experiences For Visitors
Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic San Francisco landmark. One of the best ways to see it is to hire a bike and ride across the bridge to Sausalito. Keep in mind, it is a workout, and you will work up a sweat! Once your flights to San Francisco land, you can ask your hotel for information on bicycle rentals or you can take a taxi there and back.
Explore Golden Gate Park
For families buying return flights to San Francisco, the Golden Gate Park is one of the best things to do in the city. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the Conservatory of Flowers, visiting the planetarium or the aquarium.
Go on an Alcatraz Night Tour
If you like exploring the spooky side of destinations, book a night tour of Alcatraz. The infamous prison is believed to be haunted by some of its most notorious inmates. It's advised to book your tickets before departing on your flights to San Francisco as the tours sell out especially, in high season.
Have a Drink at Aunt Charlie's Lounge
San Francisco has a reputation for being one of the best cities in the world for LGBTQ travellers. Aunt Charlie's a dive bar that's known for its drag shows and is one of the oldest gay bars in the city.
Public Transport and How to Get Around
San Francisco is easily explored on foot. A lot of the city's top attractions are within walking distance of each other if you're staying in the city centre. However, for travellers staying further afield or if you get tired of walking, San Francisco has an extensive public transportation system.
Buses, Street Cars and Cable Cars
San Francisco's cable cars are an emblematic form of transportation in the city. For most travellers buying tickets to San Francisco, it's one of those things that you have to do at least once. Individual rides on the cable cars cost $7 USD ($9.78 AUD) per person and single trips on the bus or rail system will cost $2.50 USD ($3.49 AUD). If you're planning on using public transportation a lot, it's a good idea to purchase the Muni Passport. It will give you unlimited rides for a set period of time. Prices start from $21 USD ($29.34 AUD).
Ferry
You can use the Golden Gate Ferry Service to get between central San Francisco and destinations like Sausalito, Tiburon, and Larkspur. One-way tickets cost on average $11 USD ($15.37 AUD).
Taxi
Metered taxis are available throughout the city. You can also use ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft to get around. However, if you're buying flights to San Francisco as a budget traveller, you'll want to stick to the city's public transportation options in order to cut costs.
Transport from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
The best way to get from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is with the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). It's an affordable option with a one-way ticket from the airport to downtown San Francisco only costing $8.65 USD ($12.09 AUD). If you'd rather take a taxi from the airport, you can expect to pay around $46 to $66 USD ($64.27 to $92.22 AUD) for a single trip. You’ll find the drivers waiting outside of the arrivals terminal as soon as your flights to San Francisco land.
San Francisco Neighbourhood Overview
San Francisco has many different neighbourhoods and districts. Here are some of the most popular choices for travellers buying cheap flights to San Francisco:
Golden Gate: Golden Gate is one of the best neighbourhoods for visitors. It's a good place to base yourself to see the top attractions, and you'll find some of the loveliest houses in the city. If you're buying an airfare to San Francisco to celebrate a special occasion, make a reservation at one of the upscale restaurants in The Marina.
Fisherman’s Wharf: For history lovers, the Fishermen's Wharf neighbourhood is an excellent choice. It's close the city's many museums as well as the pier where the boat to Alcatraz will depart from. Fisherman’s Wharf is also a good option for families with young children buying flights to San Francisco.
The Mission: The Mission is where you’ll find some of the best nightlife in San Francisco. It’s a popular choice among young travellers buying an airfare to San Francisco who want to enjoy cheap dive bars and local music joints.
Union Square & Financial District: Union Square is located in the city centre. It has a good selection of bars, restaurants, theatres and shops. You should stay here if it’s your first time buying flights to San Francisco.
Twin Peaks & Lake Merced: The Twin Peaks and Lake Merced areas are perfect for families or nature lovers booking flights to San Francisco. There are hiking trails by Lake Merced, and the San Francisco Zoo is also nearby.
South of Market: If you’re a budget traveller looking for cheap flights to San Francisco, the best place to stay is in South of Market. You can also find good deals in other neighbourhoods on the outskirts of town like Richmond and Sunset.
