It seems these days nowhere is too far away for a weekend break, and as one of America's most iconic cities, San Francisco is no exception.  Downtown's skyscrapers and shopping malls give way to charming Victorian streets, along which the famous cable cars transport those who don't want to meet the stars of a thousand movies, San Fran's torturous hills!

Best time to go

There's no right or wrong time to visit this lively, vibrant city.  Spring is perhaps when San Francisco is at its best, as the days are generally warm but devoid of the mists which can fill the Bay Area, obscuring the view in summer and autumn. 

Getting there 

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines fly direct from London Heathrow to San Francisco.  Alternatively, UK visitors can search and book flights with our partner, Expedia.

The airport is about 14 miles from the centre.  Transport options include a half-hour's ride by BART (the Bay Area Rapid Transit system), which drops off at Powell Street station, the SFO Airporter service which calls direct at many of the city's hotels, or pre-book your transfers both to and from your hotel with our partner.  Private transfers by limousine can be arranged direct with some larger hotels.  Traffic permitting, a taxi will take around 25 minutes.

Somewhere to stay

We've selected three of the best hotels,  The Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and the Pan Pacific, but if you prefer something else, check out our partner's deals on San Francisco hotels.  Remember that American hotels are classified differently to those in the UK - a three-star US hotel is a UK four-star, and a US four-star is a UK five-star.

Out and about

Be sure to take a trip on one of Market Street's historic street cars.  These run for six miles along "F Line", starting in the city and running along the Embarcadero towards Fisherman's Wharf.

If you're short of time and want to beat the queues, you can pre-book a variety of excursions and tours, as well as passes for city transport and attractions.  A great one is the City Pass, which gives 7 days unlimited use of the public transit system, including the cable cars AND admission to five top museums and attractions.