San Francisco, neighbourhood by neighbourhood
An authentic city of cities, San Francisco would be nothing without its neighbourhoods. We visit Fisherman’s Wharf, a former port and home to a community of sea lions; Chinatown, home to the largest Chinese community outside the Asian continent and a premier dining destination; Japantown; Little Italy; Mission Street, the Latin area; and El Castro, a historic gay neighbourhood.
Fly to San Francisco (return) for 51,000 Avios.
San Francisco is, without a doubt, one of the most diverse cities in the United States. To get to know this city in depth, experience the particular character of each of its neighbourhoods, reflecting both the history of the city and the day-to-day life of its people. Beyond Union Square and the Golden Gate, there is a great variety of options to discover a new San Francisco every morning.
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1 Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf, to the north, is home to San Francisco’s first port and the epicentre of the city’s merchant activity since the late 19th century. Here you can visit Pier 39, home to San Francisco’s famous sea lions, or the Maritime National Historical Park, at Pier 45, where you can take a tour of historical boats. Also, don’t miss the fresh crab cake and cocktail recipes, originating in the area, at stalls such as the mythical The Crab Station, and some of the best views of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
The sea lions at Pier 39, resting on a sunny day -
2 Chinatown
Very close to Fisherman’s Wharf is Chinatown, the oldest Chinese district in North America, established as early as the 1850s. Once through the famous Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue – the "Chinatown Gate" – visitors will find an entire inner city full of authentic Chinese food restaurants (not surprisingly, San Francisco is home to one of the largest Chinese communities outside the Asian continent) with options for all tastes and budgets. Highlights include China Live San Francisco and what some consider the city’s best cocktail bar, Cold Drinks. Don’t miss Waverly Place, one of Chinatown’s central streets, decorated with traditional paper lamps.
The impressive architecture of Chinatown with the Bay Bridge in the background. -
3 Japantown
Nihonmachi or Japantown developed in the early 20th century, after the city became, due to its location on the Pacific, one of the main recipients of Japanese migrants. Known as "Little Osaka" for the twinning of San Francisco with this Japanese city, the neighbourhood also reflects the conflict that the Japanese community faced within U.S. territory during World War II. Today, it boasts an impressive gastronomic offer, with pearls such as the exclusive Yuji, which has an omakase offer and space for only nine diners. Don’t miss the Peace Pagoda and the Nihonmachi Street Fair in August, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, a perfect occasion to enjoy art and culture of Japanese origin.
The Peace Pagoda with the cherry blossom trees -
4 Little Italy
Between Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown is North Beach, a district renamed Little Italy. Becoming a trendy neighbourhood among residents, it’s home to the Italian community within San Francisco and a benchmark for tasting good pizza and exquisite ice cream. We recommend the award-winning Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, loved by locals, and Café Greco, a classic for Italian desserts. Visit the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in the epicentre of the neighbourhood and enjoy the nightlife of Little Italy.
Colourful corner of Little Italy, with the awnings of the pizzerias at the bottom of the buildings. -
5 Mission Street
One of the oldest neighbourhoods in San Francisco and where the Latino community is concentrated, Mission Street is named after the Chapel of the Mission San Francisco de Asis, built by Spanish missionaries in 1776 (the same missionaries who founded the city of San Francisco itself). The Mission District is full of colourful murals such as MaestraPeace, which pays tribute to the contributions that women have made to art, science and social justice; cultural centres where the diverse Latin American culture is recognised, such as the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, with a programme that is updated throughout the year; and local businesses such as Grave&Gold, a collective of women entrepreneurs, and Luz de Luna, where you can find jewellery and traditional Mexican decoration. Don’t miss Mission Dolores, the complex that combines the Spanish-built chapel and the much larger 1918 basilica, or the two-Michelin-star Californios, where Mexican food takes on new heights.
Aerial view of the Mission Street neighbourhood -
6 El Castro
The Castro District, one of the first gay neighbourhoods in the United States, is still today a symbol of the resistance and struggle of the LGBTQ community. Tour its Rainbow Honor Walk, which recalls the legacy of 500 community members, including Federico García Lorca, Freddie Mercury, Frida Kahlo, and Virginia Woolf, and visit the historic Twin Peaks Bar, a decades-long haven for all dissident sexualities. In the Castro District, Harvey Milk – the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the United States – lived and was murdered. One of the most representative meeting points in the neighbourhood was named in his honour. This summer, don’t miss the Pride, which kicks off on 30 June and is one of the world’s most spectacular, and visit Anchor Oyster Bar, a seafood restaurant reviewed by the Michelin Guide and open since 1977.
The Rainbow Honor Walk is one of the symbols of the neighbourhood and can be seen on Castro's walkways.
