San Francisco is an eclectic blend of communities that have been divided into twenty unique tourism districts. With so many neighbourhoods, we couldn’t possibly list them all so here is a breakdown of ones you should definitely know about. Golden Gate is one of the most fashionable neighbourhoods with incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay as well as historical landmarks and opportunities for outdoor activity. Fisherman’s Wharf is mainly a tourist district with plenty of restaurants and shops. However, it can sometimes be overpriced, so you are best to just go for the sights. Chinatown is full of traditional Chinese shops, restaurants and temples. Besides being home to one of North America’s largest Chinese populations, it is also a very popular tourist destination and a great place for dinner. Union Square is the heart of the city and the place to go for shopping and entertainment. SoMa(South of Market) is a growing community in downtown San Francisco with a multitude of museums, galleries and entertainment options. The Haight was the home to ‘Summer of Love’ and a hippie haven. Although it is more modernized now, this area still has a bohemian atmosphere and sites to discover. Castro is a very eclectic district and is most well known for its large gay and lesbian community. One place you generally want to avoid is the Tenderloin district which is a pretty seedy area and has been referred to as ‘the worst neighbourhood in San Francisco’. Always better safe than sorry.

There are more attractions and sites in San Francisco than you could possibly see in one visit. The Golden Gate Bridge, open to pedestrians during daylight hours, is the most popular attraction in San Francisco. It was built in 1937 and has been considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. You have to experience the breathtaking views here. Obviously everyone wants to take a ride on one of the city’s famous cable cars. They run along some of San Francisco’s steepest streets on a 10-mile track between Fisherman’s Wharf and Market St. Then there is the infamous Alcatraz. This is an absolute must see in San Francisco. Once a federal prison, Alcatraz housed some of the United States’ worst criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. The ferry to the island leaves from Fisherman’s Wharf and it’s suggested you bring a jacket as it can get chilly.

Although it may not be a well-known fact, San Francisco is home to an elaborate and eclectic mix of nightlife. With everything from nightclubs to wine bars, no matter what you’re looking for, you are sure to find it here. The Marina district is known for its upscale and elegant wine bars while the SoMa district is the place to go if you are into electronic, hip hop or dance music. The Mission district is a mix of bars and clubs that mostly cater to a rock and alternative crowd. One of the most popular venues in all of San Francisco is Ruby Skye in Union Square; a large, trendy nightclub that attracts the worlds best DJs as well as an elite crowd. This is the place to see and be seen so it’s not unusual to spot celebrities here. Another top San Francisco spot is Hush Hush in the Mission district. It isn’t as elaborate as Ruby Skye but has nice décor, friendly people and great music. The DJ here spins mostly Latin/Cuban house music but also sneaks in some funk, soul and R&B. Your vacation to San Francisco is guaranteed to be much more than you ever expected. US Dollars, divided into 100 cents. There is an extensive network of ATMs at which almost all Canadian cards are valid. The other recommended option is to take US Dollar Travellers’ Cheques. These can be used as good as cash in most establishments. All major credit cards are also accepted. The weather in San Francisco is generally mild to cool throughout the year. For the most part, you can expect mild but wet winter days with the temperature averaging around 15˚C but the nights can get cold. Summers are dry and foggy and the temperature usually stays around 21˚C. 110vAC, 60Hz - the same plugs as Canada. Consulate General of Canada
Address: 580 California Street, 14th Floor, San Francisco, California 94104
Tel.: (415) 834-3180
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (415) 834-3189 GMT-8 (GMT-7 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).
San Francisco is in the Pacific Time Zone, with the same time as Vancouver. It is one hour behind Calgary and three hours behind Toronto and Montréal.