Malcolm's Guide to San Francisco
Neighborhoods
This traditionally-gay neighborhood is now home to many families, and anything seedy has been sanitized for broad appeal. The microclimate keeps things pretty sunny and warm in the Castro. On nice days, people converge on outdoor dining patios, on tables along the street, and in the parks (Dolores and Duboce). The streets are lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and other businesses, with housing interspersed or above, so walking is the best way to get a feel for the neighborhood.
Start near 18th and Castro and wander around the surrounding blocks. Eventually, a walk down Market street to Church Street will lead you past other gay businesses, nightclubs, gyms, and restaurants. Walk up Dolores Avenue to Dolores Park for a sunny detour, before returning up 18th street to return to 18th and Castro. You can easily catch the underground from Castro and Market at the Castro Street Station
293 locals recommend
The Castro
This traditionally-gay neighborhood is now home to many families, and anything seedy has been sanitized for broad appeal. The microclimate keeps things pretty sunny and warm in the Castro. On nice days, people converge on outdoor dining patios, on tables along the street, and in the parks (Dolores and Duboce). The streets are lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and other businesses, with housing interspersed or above, so walking is the best way to get a feel for the neighborhood.
Start near 18th and Castro and wander around the surrounding blocks. Eventually, a walk down Market street to Church Street will lead you past other gay businesses, nightclubs, gyms, and restaurants. Walk up Dolores Avenue to Dolores Park for a sunny detour, before returning up 18th street to return to 18th and Castro. You can easily catch the underground from Castro and Market at the Castro Street Station
The lower Haight is a great choice for restaurants and bars, with many good options. It’s easily walkable and relatively flat, so you can stroll easily and check out old Victorians and little boutiques.
41 locals recommend
Lower Haight
The lower Haight is a great choice for restaurants and bars, with many good options. It’s easily walkable and relatively flat, so you can stroll easily and check out old Victorians and little boutiques.
A climb to the top of Corona Heights is definitely worth it for the view. Another nearby view from Buena Vista park’s summit is also not to be missed.
180 locals recommend
Corona Heights Park
Museum WayA climb to the top of Corona Heights is definitely worth it for the view. Another nearby view from Buena Vista park’s summit is also not to be missed.
Mission District
Noe Valley
Western Addition
Haight-Ashbury
Useful for Travelers
These are some resources you may need during your stay: a pharmacy, a homewares/hardware store, where to mail things, etc.
This place has everything you might need to maintain or repair a home, as well as greeting cards and feather boas!
69 locals recommend
Cliff's Variety
479 Castro StThis place has everything you might need to maintain or repair a home, as well as greeting cards and feather boas!
Food scene
Order widely, and come with a crowd. You’ll want to try as many things as possible—it’s all delicious!
28 locals recommend
Rintaro
82 14th StOrder widely, and come with a crowd. You’ll want to try as many things as possible—it’s all delicious!
Kibatsu
400 Haight StPurple Rice
509 Haight StCity advice
Customs and culture
In restaurants, tipping 20% is customary.
Unless the restaurant includes a mandatory gratuity charge, it is generally viewed as quite rude to tip less than 20% of the bill when dining in a restaurant.
What to pack
Wear multiple layers for maximum comfort.
The weather in the city changes rapidly, and temperatures can shift quite a bit across town due to the city’s distinct microclimates. Add in wind or fog, and you can see why having options to warm up and cool off are practical. When you head out for a trip around the city or the bay, bring a zippered hoodie or a mid-weight jacket, and maybe an over-shirt or a base layer, and you’ll be fine—it never really gets all that cold in SF.
Getting around
MUNI is practical. Lyft is easier, but can be $$$.
MUNI service varies widely. The underground is generally pretty functional, and some of the major bus routes have frequent service with large buses. However some of the routes are only driven twice an hour, and the system goes to sleep early—10:30 on weeknights and midnight on weekends. Lyft is easy and dependable, but it is not always cheap. Watch out for ridiculous surge pricing around rush hour (8 am or 5 pm) especially on rainy days!