Mass — Sep 2010 (monthly)
1015 Folsom

This Sunday T-dance leaves the lads gagging for the next monthly onslaught of hard house, trance and techno at Club 1015 Folsom.

Power to the Peaceful Festival — 11 - 12 Sep 2010 (annual)
Speedway Meadow

Speedway Meadow in San Francisco's beautiful Golden Gate Park is the setting for the free Power to the Peaceful Festival. Over 60,000 people come to celebrate the notion of peace with a great line-up on stage as well as arts.

Power to the Peaceful, San Francisco. Poster image courtesy Power to the People

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival — 11 - 12 Sep 2010 (annual)
Ghirardelli Square

Willy Wonka eat your heart out! The Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival in San Francisco is a chocolate lover's dream. The highlight is undoubtedly the "Earthquake" Sundae-Eating Contest, where the winner takes home his or her weight in Ghirardelli chocolate.

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival's highlight - the ice cream sundae eating competition. Photo Ghirardelli Square

Folsom Street Fair — 26 Sep 2010 (annual)
Folsom Street

Leave your inhibitions at the hotel for the Folsom Street Fair. The politicians roll up for photocalls with a dominatrix; non-gays join in the leather-bondage parades and the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive at the world's biggest leather event.

Kinky leatherwear. Photo by Bree Hogg, © Whatsonwhen

Free Shakespeare in the Park — 4 - 26 Sep 2010; Weekends only (annual)
Presidio Parade Ground

Free Shakespeare in the Park is one of the major free Shakespeare programmes in the US. Every year one production is staged outdoors for three weekends. This leg of the annual series takes place at San Francisco's Presidio Parade Ground.

Image © John Western

In 2004 the event saw a production of Twelfth Night hit the open-air stage. Credit and copyright John Western

Re-Cycle — Oct 2010 (monthly)
Space 550

Don't expect to remain stationary for long when you visit Re-cycle - this is high-energy clubbing to what's billed as "great dance music spun by the professionals."

San Francisco LovEvolution — 2 Oct 2010 (annual)
Civic Center Plaza

Get your party gear on and feel the love as America's largest dance music celebration, the renamed San Francisco LovEvolution, returns. Follow the floats and pumping sound systems as the parade heads along Market Street to Civic Center Plaza.

San Francisco LoveFest crowds in Civic Center Plaza. Courtesy of San Francisco LovEvolution

San Francisco Giants - Major League Baseball — 9 Apr - 3 Oct 2010 (annual)
AT&T Park

AT&T Park is home to the San Francisco Giants Major League Baseball team and stages regular games from April to October. The Giants compete in the tough National League West, which includes the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies.

AT&T Park, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

Litquake — 1 - 9 Oct 2010 (annual)
San Francisco

Litquake shakes up San Francisco's literary community with nine days of readings, discussions and themed events. The annual event celebrates around 350 budding and established Bay-area artists at venues across San Francisco.

Michelle Tea (and dancers) during Litquake 2008. Photo by R Samuel Klatchko

Italian Heritage Parade — 10 Oct 2010 (annual)
North Beach

Formerly known as Columbus Day, San Francisco's Italian Heritage Parade in North Beach is a tribute to the famous Italian explorer's "discovery" of the New World. The parade includes colourful floats and marching bands.

The flag of Italy. © Whatsonwhen

Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show — 3 - 7 Nov 2010 (annual)
Cow Palace

The Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show is held annually at San Francisco's Cow Palace. The five-day event features a wide range of rodeo and livestock events and concerts by renowned country performers.

Rope him up! Courtesy of Henry Stuart, www.sphericalimages.com

Green Festival — 5 - 7 Nov 2010 (annual)
Concourse Exhibition Center

Dubbed "the party with a purpose", Green Festival is held at the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco, California. The three-day event welcomes green businesses and visionary speakers to cover a range of aspects regarding sustainable living.

Green Festival logo, USA. Courtesy of the Green Festival Website

San Francisco Jazz Festival — 14 Sep - 20 Nov 2010 (annual)
San Francisco

A crowning glory of the jazz calendar, the San Francisco Jazz Festival brings international artists to the city's great venues. New commissions, the unique "Jazz on Film" presentations, family matinées and exhibitions all make for a busy jazz jamboree.

San Francisco Jazz Festival. Courtesy of SF Jazz Festival

San Francisco Hip Hop Dance Festival — 19 - 21 Nov 2010 (annual)
Palace of Fine Arts

From coin drops to flares, the annual San Francisco Hip Hop Dance Festival showcases the most innovative hip-hop dance companies based in and outside the States. The festival is held over three days at the Palace of Fine Arts.

San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest. Logo courtesy San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest

PIER 39 Holiday Tree Lighting — 21 Nov 2010 (annual)
PIER 39

PIER 39 Holiday Tree Lighting is a multicultural celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa day. A great family outing, the event culminates in the lighting of a 65-foot tree with hundreds of decorations and thousands of twinkling lights.

Pier 39's Tree Lighting Celebration. Photo courtesy Pier 39

Great Dickens Christmas Fair — 26 Nov - 19 Dec 2010; Weekends only (annual)
Cow Palace

Even though Dickens never got further west than St Louis, San Francisco celebrates him in its Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace. Revelling in Victoriana, it harks back to the origin of many of America's holiday traditions.

Father Christmas arrives at San Francisco's Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Photo courtesy Red Barn Productions

Kwanzaa Celebration — 26 Dec 2010 (annual)
Bay Area Discovery Museum

The word "Kwanzaa" is a Swahili word meaning "first fruits of the harvest". Every year, San Francisco's Bay Area Discovery Museum hosts this heart-warming celebration of the African-American community. The family-orientated event includes arts and crafts and live entertainment.

A youngster is serenaded at Bay Area Discovery Museum's Kwanzaa celebration. Courtesy of Bay Area Discovery Museum

The Anniversary Show — 19 Dec 2009 - 16 Jan 2011; not Wed
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Since its inception San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has broken conventions. The Anniversary Show celebrates the museum's 75th year with around 400 works from the collection, including paintings, drawings and design objects.

Leslie Shows, Two Ways to Organize, 2006, 82 in. x 82 in., acrylic, charcoal, metal, mud, rust, and collage on panel, Collection SFMOMA, James and Eileen Ludwig Fund Purchase. © Leslie Shows

FIM World Championship Supercross: San Francisco — Jan 2011 (annual)
AT&T Park

FIM World Championship Supercross comes to San Francisco's AT&T Park. The series combines outrageous jumps with flat-out speed, making each race spectacular. Crashes are almost guaranteed as riders battle it out over custom-designed tracks giving them optimum amounts of air time.

James Stewart catches some serious air during the Amp'd Mobile Supercross Series, North America. © Steve Bruhn, Motonews.com

Dine About Town San Francisco — 15 - 31 Jan 2011 (various dates)
San Francisco

San Francisco's Dine About Town takes place twice a year. Many of the city's best restaurants offer prix-fixe lunches at US$21.95 and dinner at US$34.95. With around 5000 restaurants involved, you are sure to find one to suit your taste.

Fine dining, San Francisco-style. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau

Arts of Pacific Asia Show — 4 - 6 Feb 2011 (annual)
Fort Mason Center

Around 85 leading international galleries offer ancient artefacts and contemporary art from Pacific and mainland Asia during the Arts of Pacific Asia Show. The three-day event is held at San Francisco's Fort Mason Center.

N. Chi Camel. 550-577 AD China 12" tall. Courtesy of Marc Richards Galleries

Tribal, Folk & Textiles Arts Show — 11 - 13 Feb 2011 (annual)
Fort Mason Center

A comprehensive exhibition of artwork and artefacts of indigenous cultures, the Tribal, Folk & Textiles Arts Show at San Francisco's Fort Mason Center features thousands of museum-quality, pre-1940 items. Over 80 galleries and dealers from around the world are represented.

Wood Masks (pair).
 Vietnam 20th century. Height 18.1". Courtesy of Tana-Sachau Collection

Woo at the Zoo — Feb 2011 (annual)
San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo explores the sexual behaviours of different creatures at this alternative Valentine's Day event, Woo at the Zoo. The two-day Valentine's adventure includes up-close animal encounters and multimedia presentations.

A giraffe couple getting cosy at San Francisco Zoo, California. Courtesy of San Francisco Zoo

Tulipmania Festival — Feb 2011 (annual)
PIER 39

You know spring has sprung when San Francisco's PIER 39 unveils its annual burst of colour throughout both its levels. With 39,000 tulips in full bloom, it's not surprising that the six-day Tulipmania Festival has become such a local favourite.

Tulipmania at PIER 39, San Francisco. Courtesy of PIER 39

Chinese New Year Festival & Parade — Feb 2011 (annual)
Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinese New Year Festival and Parade is the largest celebration of its kind outside Asia. It ushers in the next year in the cycle of 12 with a spectacular parade, complete with lion dancers, floats and Chinese acrobats.

San Francisco's Chinese New Year Festival - the crowded Flower Fair. Photo Nightlights Photography, courtesy Chinese New Year Parade

Pacific Orchid Exposition — 4 - 6 Mar 2011 (annual)
Fort Mason Center

Celebrating some of the world's most beautiful flowers, the San Francisco Orchid Society's annual Pacific Orchid Exposition brings its beautiful blooms to Fort Mason Center. With 150,000 orchids on display it's a feast for both the eyes and the nose.

Orchids. Photo by Derek Lock, © Whatsonwhen

Across the Bay 12K — Mar 2011 (annual)
San Francisco

Whether running or spectating, the Emerald Across the Bay 12K race is a must with its spectacular vistas from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, looking out over the bay. The run attracts 5000 runners and thousands more spectators each spring.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival — Mar 2011 (annual)
Castro Theatre

Attracting around 18,000 people annually, the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival is held at cinemas across the city. It celebrates the diversity of the Asian American film industry with more than 100 features, symposia and a gala.

A still from Summer Palace, 2007. Courtesy of San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival

International Beer Festival — Apr 2011 (annual)
Fort Mason - Festival Pavilion

San Francisco's International Beer Festival, at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, has more than 200 beers on offer. The all-inclusive ticket price is your invitation to unlimited beer and food tastings.

Opening Day on the Bay — 1 May 2011 (annual)
San Francisco Bay

Opening Day on the Bay is the Northern Californian sailing season's official opening day. Join spectators to watch over 150 boats, beautifully decorated and adorned, heading across San Francisco Bay in parade formation.

San Francisco's Opening Day of the Bay - Legends of the Sea. Courtesy of Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association

San Francisco International Film Festival — Apr - May 2011 (annual)
San Francisco

With screenings in a number of cinemas across the Bay Area, the San Francisco International Film Festival is an unabashed celebration of moviemaking. Its scope is as wide as the Golden Gate, after which its unique awards are named.

San Francisco International Film Festival's principal venue, the city's Castro Theatre. Photo Tommy Lau

Bay to Breakers 12K — May 2011 (annual)
San Francisco

Over 100,000 runners can't be wrong. Every third Sunday in May, San Francisco is engulfed with runners - serious and silly. The route? From the San Francisco Bay piers over to the Pacific Ocean, hence the name: Bay to Breakers!

Some of the 100,000 runners who take part in the annual Bay to Breakers run, San Francisco. Photo by Cindy Chew, courtesy of ING Bay to Breakers Run

Carnaval San Francisco — May 2011 (annual)
Mission District

Join the colour and fun of Carnaval San Francisco as the city's Mission district is transformed into a Latin celebration of life every Memorial Day Weekend. It's San Francisco's largest multi-cultural event, culminating in Sunday's Grand Carnaval Parade.

Courtesy of San Francisco Carnaval

San Francisco Pride — Jun 2011 (annual)
Market Street

Pride is the largest annual celebration on San Francisco's world-famous gay scene. The march along Market Street is a colourful explosion of gyrating bodies and noise, and one of the biggest and most flamboyant parties you'll ever partake in.

A record 1.2 million people were estimated to have attended San Francisco's two-day Pride Parade and Celebration in 2008. Photo by Rick Gerharter

Colossus Weekend — Jun 2011 (annual)
1015 Folsom

San Francisco, home to the quintessential gay lifestyle, hosts a multitude of parties over Pride Weekend. One of the best each year is Colossus, held at the trendy 1015 Folsom night club.

Drag. Photo by Bree Hogg, © Whatsonwhen

International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival — Jun 2011 (annual)
Castro Theatre

Held at different venues around San Francisco, the International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival is the world's premier showcase for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cinema. The festival screens 80 feature films and 150 shorts from around the world.

The Castro Theatre, a landmark for film lovers and the gay community in San Francisco. Courtesy of Garrett Culhane, San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau

San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival — Jun 2011; Weekends only (annual)
Palace of Fine Arts

The San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival features dance styles from all over the world. For over 20 years local amateurs have entertained visitors with high-class and unusual dance in the glorious setting of the Palace of Fine Arts.

Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu - performers at the 2003 San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. courtesy Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu

Fillmore Street Jazz Festival — Jul 2011 (annual)
Fillmore Street

Summertime and Independence Day are celebrated along 11 blocks of San Francisco's Fillmore Street (between Jackson and Eddy) as jazz pulsates from three stages. The Fillmore Jazz Festival is a two-day celebration in a very special jazz neighbourhood.

San Francisco's Fillmore Street trees, brighly lit. Courtesy of Fillmore Merchants Association

Fourth of July Fireworks — Jul 2011 (annual)
San Francisco Bay

San Francisco's huge Fourth of July firework display is the culmination of a day of music and live entertainment all along the waterfront. Watch the sky from between Fort Mason and Pier 39, or a boat on the bay.

Fourth of July Fireworks high above PIER 39. Courtesy of PIER 39

AIDS Walk San Francisco — Jul 2011 (annual)
Sharon Meadow

Starting and finishing at Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park, AIDS Walk San Francisco is second in size only to New York's fund-raising event. The walk itself is 10km long and lasts two to three hours.

The rainbow flag flies outside of San Francisco's City Hall. Courtesy of the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau

San Francisco Theater Festival — Aug 2011 (annual)
Yerba Buena Gardens

From classic Shakespearean drama to inspiring new works and spontaneous improv sets, San Francisco Theater Festival offers an assortment of performances to suit a range of tastes. The annual event at the Yerba Buena Gardens includes shows for children.

Lamplighters Music Theatre, "My Fair Lady" Pictured: Geoff Hoyle as Alfred P. Doolittle. Image by Loic Nicolas

Outside Lands Festival — Aug 2011 (annual)
Golden Gate Park

Unique to San Francisco, Outside Lands is named after the area now known as Golden Gate Park. The festival attracts big bands, so join the crowds at the park's Polo Field, Speedway, and Lindley Meadows for two days of music.

The bright lights of San Francisco's Outside Lands, here with Tom Pretty and the Heartbreakers on stage. Photo © 2008 Josh Sanseri Photography, courtesy Outside Lands

Family Winemakers San Francisco Tasting — Aug 2011 (annual)
Fort Mason Center

With its palate-tingling reputation, 300 of California's wineries come together at the Fort Mason Center to present some 1000 wines to the trade and public alike. It's the world's largest tasting of the Sunshine State's finest wine.

Wine tasters throng Fort Mason at the Family Winemakers SF Tasting. Courtesy Family Winemakers of California

Golden Gate Bridge — Daily
Golden Gate Bridge

Millions of people visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge each year and walk along the entire 2.7km-long span to take in the beautiful views of the city and bay. Wrap up though as it can be windy and cold.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

Fisherman's Wharf — Daily
Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Highlights include the Pier 39 amusement park, submarine tours, seafood street vendors, a two-story aquarium, and hundreds of sea lions basking and barking on the docks.

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

Lombard Street — Daily
Lombard Street

The winding one-block stretch of Lombard Street on Russian Hill is famously known as the "crookedest street in the world" and draws hundreds of visitors daily. Visitors can either drive down the brick-lined street or walk along the flower-lined staircases.

Lombard Street, San Francisco. © Tobias/Paraflyer, Germany

Exploratorium — Daily; not Mon
Exploratorium

The Exploratorium houses over 600 interactive exhibits exploring the science of light, colour, sound and more. Founded in 1969 by physicist Dr Frank Oppenheimer, this museum in the Marina District is widely considered the finest science museum in the world.

Exploratorium, San Francisco. Photo by Amy Snyder, © The Exploratorium

Beach Blanket Babylon — Daily; not Mon or Tue
Beach Blanket Babylon

Beach Blanket Babylon is a comedic musical that pokes fun at current political figures and celebrities; the costumes and oversized headdresses are outrageous. It's been playing in North Beach for more than 30 years and still almost always sells out.

Beach Blanket Babylon, San Francisco. Courtesy of Beach Blanket Babylon

San Francisco Zoo — Daily
San Francisco Zoo

Located in the south-west corner of the city, San Francisco Zoo's 405m² space is home to over 250 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The Bear Grotto is mesmerising and there's a wonderful Children's Zoo as well.

San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art — Daily; not Wed
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The Mario Botta-designed US$65-million San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, a landmark in the SoMa District, houses the West Coast's most comprehensive collection of 20th-century painting, sculpture and photography. Be sure to visit the MuseumStore for fine gifts and souvenirs.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco. Photo by Richard Barnes, © San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The Stud — Daily
The Stud

Something of a San Francisco institution, gay club The Stud has been running for a whopping 35 years and the fun shows no sign of abating.

The Stud

de Young Museum — Daily; not Mon
de Young Museum

This state-of-the-art facility in Golden Gate Park holds one of the finest collections of American paintings in the nation. The de Young Museum's striking facade consists of 430,913kg of textured copper and a spiralling 44m tower with an observation floor.

de Young Museum, San Francisco. Photo by Fred Hong

Golden Gate Park — Daily
Golden Gate Park

The enormous Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's largest urban park and a magnet for those looking for a spot of outdoor activity. Arranged in a long rectangle, the park contains a beautiful Japanese tea garden and two lakes.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

Cable Cars — Daily
Cable Cars

San Francisco's three cable car lines form the world's only surviving system of Cable Cars. These mobile museum pieces haul thousands of tourists across the city every day at a steady 15km per hour. The Powell-Hyde line offers the best views.

Cable Cars, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

GoCar Tours — Daily
GoCar Tours

GoCar Tours are trips in tiny three-wheeled convertible mini-car designed exclusively for exploring San Francisco. The satellite-guided audio tour indicates which way to turn and what famous landmarks are along the route, and the small size makes parking easy.

GoCar Tours, San Francisco. Photo by Vadim Zaliva

AT&T Park — Daily
AT&T Park

Home of the San Francisco Giants Major League Baseball team, the AT&T Park in South Beach is considered one of the finest ballparks in America. Baseball season runs April to October, but daily guided park tours are available year-round.

AT&T Park, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

Alcatraz Island — Daily
Alcatraz Island

The 2.5-hour Alcatraz Island excursion is a major attraction in San Francisco. The headphone-audio tour inside the infamous prison is exceptional, and the boat ride offers beautiful views of the bay. Purchase tickets as far in advance as possible.

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco. Courtesy of National Park Service

Zeum — Daily; not Mon or Tue
Zeum

Located within SoMa District's Yerba Buena Gardens, Zeum is an innovative multimedia, arts and technology museum designed for kids. Highlights include an animation studio, music lab and digital workshop, as well as a 1906 carousel, bowling alley and ice-skating rink.

Zeum, San Francisco. Courtesy of Zeum

Coit Tower — Daily
Coit Tower

Located atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers the best panoramic views of the city. Inside the 64m tower is a rotunda with several murals of California. Take the elevator to the top floor observation area for even better views.

Coit Tower, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

China Beach — Daily
China Beach

China Beach is in the Seacliff neighbourhood of San Francisco. Tucked away and secluded, Chinese fishermen have camped here since Gold Rush times. A trip here is a laid-back affair, not the California beach scene from further south.

Couple Strolling on China Beach, San Francisco. Photo by Jack Hollingsworth, courtesy of San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau

Trannyshack — Tue only
The Stud

Crossdressing gets a trashy, alternative twist at Trannyshack, taking place on Tuesdays at The Stud.

Drag. Photo by Bree Hogg, © Whatsonwhen

Great American Music Hall — Daily
Great American Music Hall

Built in 1907 as a restaurant/bordello in what's now the Tenderloin District, the Great American Music Hall hosts renowned indie bands amidst ornately carved balconies, frescoed ceilings and marble columns. It's possibly one of the most gorgeous rock venues around.

Great American Music Hall, San Francisco. Courtesy of Great American Music Hall

Cable Car Museum — Daily
Cable Car Museum

Along with historic displays, the Cable Car Museum in Russian Hill also houses the massive engines and repair facility for the entire cable car system. The lower-level viewing room displays the huge pulleys and gears that move the underground cables.

Cable Car Museum, San Francisco. Photo by Judith (Yud) Zer-Aviv

Café du Nord — Daily
Café du Nord

This sexy subterranean supper club near the Castro is set in a beautiful 1907 speakeasy with a 12m mahogany bar, rich red tones and an intimate stage. Café du Nord's line-up of indie performers is as eclectic as the crowd.

Café du Nord, San Francisco. Photo by Will Kivinski

Teatro ZinZanni — Daily; not Mon or Tue
Teatro ZinZanni

Teatro ZinZanni is a three-hour dinner theatre served in a stunningly elegant 1926 spiegeltent pitched on the Embarcadero. During the five-course meal dozens of performers combine slapstick comedy with astounding Cirque du Soleil-style physical acts. The tickets aren't cheap.

Teatro ZinZanni, San Francisco. Courtesy of Teatro ZinZanni

Muir Woods — Daily
Muir Woods

Majestic Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) trees soar into the sky at Muir Woods. Named after conservationist John Muir, this park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is great for walking, hiking and nature-spotting.

The soaring coast redwoods of Muir Woods, San Francisco, USA. Courtesy of the National Park Service

Amoeba Records — Daily
Amoeba Records

This cavernous Amoeba Records store on upper Haight Street houses one of the US's best selections of new and used records and CDs, including many independent labels. The heavily tattooed staff are happy to recommend some great music for you.

Amoeba Records, San Francisco. Photo by Jade H

Cherry Bar and Lounge — Daily
Cherry Bar and Lounge

The Cherry Bar and Lounge is a hip club for San Francisco's lesbians. Entertainment varies nightly, ranging from strip shows and wine tastings to network nights and comedy. The music is diverse and covers pop, oldies and hip-hop.

Cherry Bar and Lounge, San Francisco. Courtesy of Cherry Bar and Lounge

City Lights Books — Daily
City Lights Books

Founded in 1953, this literary landmark in North Beach is owned by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the renowned Beat Generation poet. Three-level City Lights Books carries a comprehensive collection of world literature, art and political paperbacks, as well as more mainstream books.

City Lights Books, San Francisco

Redwood Room — Daily
Redwood Room

Known for its gorgeous redwood panelling made from a single 2,000-year-old tree, the downtown Clift Hotel's elegant Redwood Room bar and lounge has a plush, modern feel. The scene is mostly moneyed young professionals mingling with overpriced martinis in hand.

Redwood Room, San Francisco. Photo by Amanda Greene

Biordi Art Imports — Daily; not Mon or Sun
Biordi Art Imports

For more than 60 years the owner of Biordi Art Imports has been importing decorative Italian Majolica-style ceramics to sell at his store in North Beach. These exquisite hand-painted collectibles range from coffee cups and vases to 12-piece dinner sets.

Biordi Art Imports, San Francisco

Li Po's Cocktail Lounge — Daily
Li Po Cocktail Lounge

An eerily dim cave-like Chinatown dive bar that was once an opium den, Li Po's Cocktail Lounge has an alluring character with a dusty clutter of Asian furnishings and exotic mementos. Try the Special Mai Tai cocktail.

Li Po's Cocktail Lounge, San Francisco. Photo by Sean Clare

Top of the Mark — Daily
Top of the Mark

Top of the Mark, perched on Nob Hill is one of the world's most famous cocktail lounges, a spectacular glass-walled room with 19th-floor views of the city. Live bands play throughout the week, from jazz to salsa and swing.

Top of the Mark, San Francisco. © Bill Holmes

Kokkari — Daily; not Sun
Kokkari

Located downtown, Kokkari is the city's finest Greek/Mediterranean restaurant, serving traditional Aegean dishes in a casually rustic yet lively setting with a striking fireplace, exposed wood beams and oversized furnishings. Start with the platter of whole crispy smelts (small fish) and mesquite-grilled octopus salad. The rotisserie-roasted lamb chops and pork loin are excellent as well.

Kokkari, San Francisco. Photo by Zane Mattingly

Aqua — Daily
Aqua

Chef Laurent Manrique runs Aqua, San Francisco's top seafood restaurant, crafting artfully composed dishes such as Moroccan-inspired ahi tartare (fish dish) and braised veal cheeks with smoked foie gras. With its muted cream colours, high ceilings and elaborate floral displays, this large, elegant downtown dining room offers a memorable big-city dining experience at its best.

Aqua, San Francisco. Courtesy of Aqua

Boudin at the Wharf — Daily
Boudin at the Wharf

Located at Fisherman's Wharf, Boudin at the Wharf is an industrial-chic shrine to the venerable bread company's famous sourdough loaf. Part bakery, part museum, part restaurant, more than 3,000 loaves are baked here daily. The casual lower-level café serves great clam chowder, while the more formal upstairs restaurant offers classics like Dungeness crab Louis.

Boudin at the Wharf, San Francisco. © Willie Abrams

Swan Oyster Depot — Daily; not Sun
Swan Oyster Depot

Opened 1912, Swan Oyster Depot is a tiny café in Russian Hill that offers a classic San Francisco seafood dining experience. While patrons perch on stools at the long marble bar, fast and friendly servers serve fresh crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, and Boston-style clam chowder. Don't let the lunchtime queue dissuade you - it moves fast.

Swan Oyster Depot, San Francisco

Sodini's Green Valley Restaurant — Daily
Sodini's Green Valley Restaurant

Sodini's Green Valley Restaurant in North Beach is everything you would expect from a small family-owned Italian restaurant. Friendly, vivacious staff serve hearty Italian classics on tables topped with wax-encrusted chianti-bottle candles. Both locals and tourists feast on large platters of clam linguine and chicken parmigiana while Sinatra croons in the background.

Sodini's Green Valley Restaurant, San Francisco. Photo by Garrick Ramirez

House of Nanking — Daily
House of Nanking

House of Nanking fans happily wait up to an hour for a seat. An inconspicuous little Chinatown restaurant, it serves Shanghai-style cuisine. The brusque waiter asks about your spice/heat tolerance then recommends appropriate dishes such as lemon noodle soup or dumplings with peanut sauce. Seating is tight, so prepare to be squeezed in.

House of Nanking, San Francisco

Ruby Skye — Fri and Sat only
Ruby Skye

Downtown's most glamorous and gigantic nightspot, Ruby Skye is a renovated 1890s Victorian playhouse with a ballroom dance floor, three bars, a smoking lounge and DJs. It's too yuppie for most clubbers but a safe bet for tourists.

Ruby Skye, San Francisco. © Mary Tsao

Westfield San Francisco Centre — Daily
Westfield San Francisco Centre

The 139,355m² Westfield San Francisco Centre in the downtown area is one of the few vertical malls in the United States. A spectacular century-old three-story dome towers above more than 170 speciality stores and the Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's department stores.

Westfield San Francisco Centre, San Francisco. Photo by John Martin