San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, and after visiting this past weekend there is no doubt about it! These are my best tips to survive San Francisco without completely breaking the bank!

Do’s:

#1: Utilize Uber and Lyft to get around

Yes, San Francisco is large city with TONS of things to do but being an overpopulated city parking is super limited and when available it is expensive! Getting around the city all weekend I spent about $100 on Uber’s alone but we did stay in the Bernal Heights neighborhood. Also you get taken through local neighborhood’s to get to things and you can really see the culture of the city which I love. Every trip was very affordable and the rides were excellent!

View from the Uber of downtown San Fran

#2: Do the tacky Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour 

Seeing everything you want in San Francisco, ESPECIALLY the Golden Gate Bridge this is the best bang for your buck! Buying the tour online you can save money and they have some deals as well. I recommend the Big Bus Tours because I have done them in other countries and they are worth your time and money! Many “touristy” things in San Francisco you have to drive to and with this bus you can and save money in the long run!

Highlights:

• see the Golden Gate Bridge on both sides and the national park area
• see Lombard Street {the famous curvy one in movies}
• see the Painted Ladies {which is honestly not a super big deal unless you really fricking loves houses which I do}
• hit Chinatown for some amazing food
• see all the delicious seafood at the Fisherman’s Wharf (law jaw dropping delicious just look)

The historical Painted Ladies Houses

Delicious Seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf

10/10 would recommend for the freshest seafood

#3: Do the Alcatraz Tour

As touristy as it is, the Alcatraz Tour is 1000000% worth it as someone who originally had no interest in it! It costs about $37 dollars {buy it from the real website} which in my opinion is a STEAL because it gets you the ferry to and from the island and also a self guided and detailed audio tour. Make sure you buy your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance especially for the weekend tours because they do get sold out! The views are the most breathtaking thing I have ever seen and the history of the island is much more than you think it is. Worth every single penny.

View of Downtown from Alcatraz

Opposite view on Alcatraz Island

View of the Island from the ferry

Don’ts:

#1: Pier 39 is nothing fancy

Many friends and online research recommended going to Pier 39 , but honestly in my opinion it is nothing special. It is a bunch of generic restaurants and touristy shops. It honestly reminded me of crowded outlet mall. Go to the Fisherman’s Wharf for better quality seafood and not as many people. The only plus of the Pier is the cute seals you can see, but fun fact they smell like wet dog.

The seals of Pier 39

#2: Ghirardelli Square all hype for no history

Being the HQ of the famous chocolate making company, I thought there would be so much history and tours or windows I could see people making chocolate but I was highly disappointed. It is just an area of fancy restaurants and shops to buy the Ghirardelli chocolate. If your heart really desires paying $12 for an ice cream sunday, go for it, but honestly not worth the stop.

View of Ghirardelli Square from Maritime Garden

#3: Attempt to see the Golden Gate Bridge via Uber

We thought this was a great idea but boy we were wrong. It is about a $25 uber ride to and from the city to get to a drop off point before the bridge and it’s hard for drivers to find you and not mess up because of the funky parking! Yes the views 100% worth it, but like I mentioned early take the Big Bus!

View of the Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Point