These 7 spots in San Francisco you really need to have seen

San Francisco is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States. You will find the Golden Gate Bridge, the island of Alcatraz, hip eateries and much more. Of all the cities I've visited, San Francisco is definitely a favorite. I've been to town for a full week and i still felt like I hadn't seen everything. There's so much to see and do here. But if you only have one or two days in the city, you have to make choices. What can't you skip? In this article I share seven cool places that you must have seen in this Californian city.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

The picture you find on every postcard is the Golden Gate Bridge. This red bridge is the symbol of the city and is located over the Bay of San Francisco. You can walk across the bridge, but it's also nice to cycle over it. If you want to walk across the bridge, this can only be done until sunset. The bridge is open to cyclists in the evening. On this red bridge you quickly find yourself in the clouds. It is often foggy, because the Golden Gate Brigde is in an opening of sea to land. It is therefore no exception to see the bridge lying in a cloud of fog. Next to it you will also find a visitor centre and Fort Mason, where you have a unique view of the bridge. If you have a little more time, you can follow several walking routes around the bridge.

2. Alcatraz

Take the boat to the famous island of Alcatraz that is located in san Francisco Bay. Until 1963, this was a high-security prison where criminals from all over the United States were. Now it is a landmark and protected area that you can visit as a tourist. Admission to the island is free, but you have to buy a ticket for the ferry. Be especially in time in the summer, because the boat spots are soon full. On the tour you get a free audio tour through the prison. This makes your visit even more fun, because several prisoners and guards tell us what was happening on the island. If you have the choice, I'd go to the island in the morning, so you're ahead of the large flow of tourists.

3. Fishersman Warf

Although Fisherman's Wharf is a fairly touristic area, it is still nice to look around. You will find street musicians, souvenir shops and various restaurants here. In addition, you can also view California sea lions here on Pier 39. From the pier you have views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Also nice to do: on site there is a large games hall with old-fashioned machines. For a few cents you can enjoy these cool attractions.

4. A ride with the Cable Car

The Cable Car is a great way to take a ride through the city. For example, you get up at Fishersman Warf and then drive downtown. These cable trams are still controlled by hand and drive easily over the steep hills of the city. If you come along Lombard Street with the Cable Car, take a look here. This winding street with up to eight hairpin bends is known for several films and tourists also like to take a look here. There is often a long line of cars waiting to drive down the hill.

5. Golden Gate Park

On the map, golden gate park may not seem that big, but it is! You can walk around here for half a day and it's a lovely place to relax on your city trip. There are many different attractions in the park: lawns, flower gardens, a golf course, a museum and there is even a university. A nice detail, on the sea side of the park you can find a Dutch windmill. One of my favorite places in the park was the Japanese tea garden. If you don't have that much time, spend at least a few hours in the park, especially on a beautiful summer day.

6. Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies are the most photographed houses in San Francisco. The row of houses consists of painted Victorian houses. The Painted Ladies owe their fame to the many promotionand series in the 1970s. Many of these houses were destroyed during a major earthquake in 1906. You'll find even more painted Victorian houses in Haight-Ashbury, a neighborhood you can't skip. This used to be near the hippies, but nowadays it's a trendy neighborhood with fun boutiques, hip cafes and cool murals. It's also nice to do a walking tour here, so you learn a little more about the history of the district.

7. Chinatown

One of san Francisco's best neighborhoods is Chinatown. This neighborhood is the largest and most famous chinatown in the entire United States. Take a walk through the colorful streets to discover the best of this neighborhood. You will find countless supermarkets, restaurants and souvenir shops here. One of the nicest places to visit in this district is the fortune cookie factory. Here you will find fresh fortune cookies, yum! Do you have time left? Visit Japantown on the other side of the city. With a Peace Pagoda, Japanese delicacies and shops you will get to know Japanese culture.

Should you have time left? Visit the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco City Hall or go shopping around Union Square for an afternoon. Here you will find several well-known American chains, such as Macy's. Or see the view of the city from the Twin Peaks hills. In San Francisco, you can spend a few days and discover some news every day. This Californian city has a cool summers and mild winters and the best months to visit San Francisco is from May to October. Do you want to take a city trip to this cool city? Then book your stay on Stay.com.