San Francisco in 3 Days: A First-Timer's Guide to Exploring the Bay Area
First time visiting the Bay Area? A day-by-day itinerary of my own personal experience as a solo female traveler in post-pandemic San Francisco.
07-10 April ‘22
I had the opportunity to spend a week in the Bay Area for a work trip and I couldn't resist the chance to stay an extra weekend in San Francisco. A little background: San Francisco was my first completely solo trip outside of Europe (previously, the most I had done was some english language study holidays in Europe) and my first time in California. A big advantage for me was speaking the language and knowing people who live nearby, so in case of any problems, I could contact them. Coming from safe Switzerland, I didn't know what to expect, especially given the articles and messages I found on Reddit about how unsafe San Francisco had become after the pandemic. Honestly, I didn't have any problems and always felt safe, but I did make sure to always be around people and in neighborhoods with a very good reputation. Since I had trouble finding articles from European girls who went to California for the first time after the pandemic, I decided to share my positive experience with you.
Where to Stay
I booked a trip to San Francisco last-minute, two weeks prior and during the Easter period, which made it quite expensive. I stayed at the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse in Fisherman's Wharf, a touristy area often referred to as a tourist trap (I know.... I can imagine what you're thinking and I agree. I'm not a fan of tourist traps either!). The hotel was nice with a night reception and large rooms. Anyway, if I were to do it again, I would consider staying closer to the center as most tours depart from there.
The other areas I was considering for my stay were Nob Hill which is a quiet and safe area located on a hilltop, North Beach/Little Italy, Union Square which some people say is central, safe and convenient while others say it is seedy and less safe, especially in the evening. It all depends on your needs. I would recommend avoiding the Tenderloin area, be careful when booking as many hotels on booking.com say they are in Union Square but they are actually located in Tenderloin or nearby.
First (wrong) impressions about SF
I arrived in San Francisco in the late afternoon and had difficulties finding a place to get a SIM card, neither at the airport exit nor at the hotel they were able to recommend a place. I decided to purchase a e-SIM card with Airalo and I was very satisfied with it (you can use this discount code: COSTAN1544). To reach the hotel, I took an Uber, I suggest trying Uber One, you get a free trial if it's your first time and it always show you drivers with high ratings. Otherwise, you can also use Lyft, which works very well. My first encounter with San Francisco was unexpected, as the driver drove through an unattractive area where I saw a person defecating on the street. It was something I didn't expect to see, despite having heard about it. So, eventually, be prepared for this.
Day 1: Chinatown, Financial District, Alcatraz Island and Fisherman's Wharf
One of the first things I learned about San Francisco is that the weather can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood. I found an app, Mr. Chilly, that works great and helped me a lot figuring out what to wear by providing accurate temperature and weather predictions for different areas in the city.
The first day was my absolute favorite. I had no idea what to expect and was eager to experience the Californian culture. I had breakfast at Cafe de Casa, a lovely café in Fisherman's Wharf, that had a wide range of gluten-free dishes and desserts. I could tell it was a popular spot as I had to wait for 15 minutes in line, despite it being early morning. I had a Brazilian tapioca crepe, which was absolutely delicious.
Following my breakfast, I headed to Union Square for a free walking tour with SF Tour. My guide, Filip, was amazing. I always make sure to include a free walking tour on my trips as the guides are usually passionate volunteers who do a great job at conveying their love for the city. Additionally, since I was traveling alone, it was a great opportunity to meet new people. Filip's tour helped me develop a love for San Francisco, as he shared its history, its lesser-known sides, and a wealth of interesting facts.
SF is a relatively new city, as almost everything you see today was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake. The city's wealth is the result of the past gold rush and the recent technological boom.
Downtown
We began our tour at Union Square, where the guide told us the history of Alma de Bretteville. We learned all about this important figure and how they related to the term "sugar daddy." We also got a glimpse into some of the darker secrets of San Francisco's past during the 19th century. Life must have been tough for gold seekers back then, as there were many kidnappings. You can read about that on my article:
Chinatown
We then reached Chinatown, you'll immediately notice the colorful Chinese lanterns hanging from buildings and streets. Some shops and restaurants were still closed, despite the fact that we arrived around 11 am. The architecture of the houses here is American-style but with a more vibrant and colorful twist. Overall, Chinatown is a charming neighborhood, though it may not be as big as you expect. I wrote a dedicated article on the history of this wonderful neighbourhood.
Downtown: Financial District
So we finally made it to the financial district and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting this neighborhood turned out to be! Did you know that there are actually some buried ships in the area? It's pretty cool. If you're curious and want to know more, make sure to check it out my San Francisco’s downton article!
Alcatraz Island
I booked my ticket for Alcatraz in advance (book early!) and caught the ferry at 1:35 pm. They suggest to arrive about 45 minutes early (a perfect time for some snacks). Make sure to check what will close first when you get there. I nearly missed the Cellhouse Audio tour, which I highly recommend—it's one of the main reasons to visit Alcatraz. This fantastic 30-minute tour guides you through the cellhouse with former prisoners and guards sharing their stories. You'll learn about prison life and escape attempts. I also found the exhibit about Native American occupation very interesting. Don't forget to bring extra clothes because it's windy on the island. After the tour, I felt a bit upset by the island's history and imagining what life must have been like there.
Fisherman's Wharf
After exploring Alcatraz, I decided to take a walk around Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s definitely the most touristy spot in the area, and in some ways, it gave me Disneyland vibes. Of course, I couldn’t miss stopping by the famous pier 39 to see the sea lions.
Day 2: Ferry Building Marketplace, Alamo Square, Castro and Haight-Asbury Neighborhoods, Sutra Baths
Coming soon
Day 3: Golden Bridge, Mission District
Coming soon
San Francisco is such a beautiful and exciting city, with so much to offer! From the famous landmarks and delicious food to the diverse culture and friendly people. But, like many cities, it also has its challenges. One of the biggest issues facing SF is homelessness, which is a complex and ongoing problem. The high cost of living, lack of affordable housing, and economic inequality are some of the main reasons why so many people are struggling to find a place to call home. It's also important to note that San Francisco is known for high salaries, but it's also one of the most expensive cities in the country, with housing and the cost of living being particularly high. The bright side is that San Francisco's healthcare system offers free services to some population, such as homeless people, and low-income residents, which can help them to improve their situation.