Hotels in San Francisco

San Francisco occupies the tip of a hilly peninsula in Northern California, wrapped by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. It is one of the most instantly recognisable cities in the United States, defined by the burnt-orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, steep streets riding up and over its 40-plus hills, rattling cable cars and the fog that rolls in off the ocean. Packed into a compact 121 square kilometres, it blends Victorian 'Painted Lady' houses, a dramatic waterfront and a famously progressive, free-spirited culture.

The city is a mosaic of strong neighbourhoods, from the bustle of Chinatown - the oldest in North America - to the cafes of North Beach, the rainbow flags of the Castro and the murals of the Mission District. Tech wealth from nearby Silicon Valley has reshaped the city, yet its bohemian roots, world-class museums and a food scene spanning Mission burritos to Michelin-starred dining remain. Just offshore, the former prison island of Alcatraz is one of the most popular day trips, while the bay offers sailing, kayaking and sweeping views.

San Francisco is best explored on foot, by cable car and on the Muni and BART systems, with rideshares filling the gaps and a car more hindrance than help given the hills and parking. The weather is famously mild but changeable: cool, foggy summers, surprisingly warm and clear autumns, mild winters with some rain, and a pleasant spring. Layers are essential year-round, and the city makes an ideal base for trips to wine country, the redwoods and the wider Bay Area.