San Francisco is one of my favourite cities. The combination of great history, excellent dining and beautiful architecture, makes it a colourful and diverse place to visit. Here is the quick guide to the city of fog.

Stay

We stayed in an Airbnb in The Mission, a short walk away from Dolores Park. The Mission is the best representation of San Francisco's culture and food, my local friends told me. The location is perfect as nearly everywhere is walkable. Buses and cable cars are easy to take from The Mission as well. 

Other good areas to stay include Nob hill, Marina/Cow Hollow or Pacific Heights, near Fillmore and California Street. 

Eat/Drink

San Francisco is known for its restaurant and quality food, so you can imagine I was excited to try as many places as we could in our short stay.

Delfina and Pizzeria Delfina in The Mission were recommended by a few people. We decided to eat at Delfina, the more upscale of the two. With fresh bread, delicious pasta and a great wine list, this intimate restaurant is a must-try when visiting San Fran. If you're after a more casual pizza night, go to Pizzeria Delfina next door. I wish we had time to try it.

Namu Gaji is another popular spot in The Mission, situated across from Dolores Park. This Korean fusion restaurant is run by the three Lee brothers. Their open kitchen turns out innovative dishes featuring produce from their one acre farm across the bay. 

Everybody says that Mexican is best in The Mission, and I'd believe it since there are so many eateries to choose from! We tried the colourful Tacolicious. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was fun. 

For breakfast or a coffee break, pop into Jane on Fillmore. Hot tip: if you go on a weekend, grab a table when you see it, they are few and far between.

I didn't get a chance to try Mexican inspired Loló in The Mission, but I heard from locals it is excellent. This one is definitely on my list for next time. 

Try Craftsmen and Wolves for breakfast or afternoon tea. Order a 'Rebel Within', which they are known for. They have a soft boiled egg cooked into the centre of a savoury pastry. So delicious!

Go to Tartine in The Mission for pastries and bread. The line is always epic in rain, hail or shine!

See/Do

San Francisco is the perfect city for walking so take yourself out on a walking tour.

Start on Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights. You'll find stores such as Curve, Rag & Bone, Steven Alan and Jonathan Adler.

From here continue walking up Fillmore Street to the corner of Broadway and you'll see amazing views of San Francisco and the Bay. 

Mrs Doubtfire's house is located at 2640 Steiner Street, only a short walk from Broadway.

The famously crooked Lombard Street is one of the must-see streets in San Francisco, but be warned it's always busy with tourists, even on a rainy day!

Visit Alcatraz, the infamous prison on the island. The audio tour is one of the best I've done.

Ride a bike across Golden Gate Bridge.

Explore Golden Gate Park, it has gorgeous walking tracks that feels like you're miles away from the city.

See the Embarcadero Ferry Building. If you're here on a Sunday, go to the farmer's market.

Tips

Avoid driving in this city if possible. We drove in, not realising the impossible task of finding a park. It's manageable but not enjoyable.

Lei xx