If you’re going to San Francisco… this vibrant city will offer you a fascinating insight into the Californian spirit, culture, local lore and legends that placed it on the map. It begins with that timeless vision from the edge of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, unfolding from that ethereal fog wrapping San Francisco in its protective shell. From there, the fiercely proud and independent city only gets better. Walking across the bridge or taking a boat ride on the bay, the city skyline is impressive and the energy crackling. If you’re going to San Francisco, boy you’re in for a treat!
Well known for its famous walks, I easily took on the seafood delight of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Hyde Street Pier, with its antique ships and neighbouring icon, Buena Vista, for a famed Irish coffee. After a bite of bittersweet Ghirardelli Square chocolate, it was mandatory to hop a ferry at Pier 41 for a truly chilling inside look at the infamous island prison Alcatraz. Just as easy was to catch one of the many cable cars and enter the city proper, zigzagging up Nob (or “Snob”) Hill, and dropping in on bustling Chinatown, well worth a wander for tea, dim sum, jade, and even a quest through the elusive side-lanes for the fortune cookie factory or Tien Hou Temple. A January visit allows the best insight into Chinatown's pageantry, during the Chinese New Year Parade, complete with dragons, dancing, and bursting crowds.
The real charm of San Francisco, as with other iconic cities, lies in such rich community anomalies and local haunts. Try the Mission for Latino food, culture and art (especially the colourful Mexican murals on the Mission walls.) Then there’s the Fillmore, where a Farmer’s Market operates from May to November with live local street Jazz each Saturday. On a Sunday avoid the blocked city streets and have some outdoor fun at the beautiful Golden Gate Park, which also sports museums, a Japanese Tea Garden the Strybing Arboretum, and Botanical Gardens. North Beach, or "Little Italy” as it is often called, offers authentic Italian ristoranti, gelati, and caffe. For a touch of the Bohemian spirit of San Francisco visit a North Beach cabaret, the historic Spec's 12 Adler Museum Cafe or Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store.
On the more beaten track, try the famous walk around Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill, which will take you past Lombard Street, hailed quite rightly the "The Crookedest Street In The World”. This walk, an anomaly of the hilly San Francisco region, is resplendent with 1930's art deco buildings and an unparalleled view of the City on a clear day. A touch of Yupppydom can be seen in the Pacific Heights - Union Street Precinct, home to elegant Victorian architecture, cafes, shops and romance author Danielle Steele.
Then there’s Haight Street for the Hippies, and the legendary splendour of Halloween in the rainbow-coloured Castro, the heart of the famous San Francisco gay community. Whether you prefer parks, art, museums, music, festivals, food or just the colourful atmosphere of this unique Californian city, San Francisco promises not to disappoint the curious city traveller with a little bit of time.
Raised in Australia but with an Indian cultural heritage, Niyati holds qualifications in Media Arts & Communications and International Studies from the University of Technology in Sydney Australia. She is now a freelance documentary maker and writer, traveling the world soaking up different cultures and the odd local beverage!