What do Ant-Man, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Godzilla have in common? Hint: Emblematic bridge, iconic hilly slopes and countless T-junctions.
The answer is… All those films were shot in this featured city. San Francisco, a very iconic and scenic city, is a must-go for all travellers who are lucky enough to step foot in California. Known as San Fran, The City by the Bay and Frisco among others, here you will always find things to do or see anytime throughout the year.
[Heading our to New York city? Check out 10 experiences you need to have in the Big Apple!]
Credit: Giphy
Here are some attractions and food places that can’t be missed whenever you’re in San Fran!
1. You get to cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge glowing…gold.
Credit: inetours
Remember the bridge that got destroyed in the Godzilla movie? It is this very bridge! The bridge got its name from the Golden Gate Strait which is the narrow entrance between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. It is also the only land connection from San Francisco to the North Bay. No one visiting San Francisco would exclude marvelling at this historic bridge from their plans!
#HHWT Tip: One of the best views of Golden Gate Bridge is from Battery Spencer which is perched on the Marin Headlands, where you’ll get an almost eye-level view with the top of the north tower of the bridge.
2. Try to break out of Alcatraz Prison
The infamous Alcatraz.
Credit: Dennis Jarvis
Also known as The Rock, this is another attraction which earned itself its own movie! A maximum security prison which used to house criminals of the highest order. Amongst them, Al Capone himself and Robert “Birdman of Alcatraz” Stroud. Built on an island and surrounded by what used to be shark infested waters, it’s no wonder that no inmate has ever escaped successfully. Prisons don’t come more bad-ass than that!
#HHWT Tip: Advanced ticket reservations are strongly advised to visit Alcatraz. For scehdules, prices and ticket information, you can check out Alcatraz Cruises, which is the official source for ferry tickets to Alcatraz Island.
3. Chill out with sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf
Sea lions calling SF its ‘home’.
Credit: hiefishermanswharf
Markets, an incredible number of seafood restaurants and sea lions sunbathing like nobody’s business. Need I say more? Check out what the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf has to offer here.
4. Experience the tranquility of Golden Gate Park
The Japanese Tea Garden, an hour here helps you relax and unwind.
Credit: igardendaily
Home to the oldest public Japanese garden in the US, it also houses the Academy of Sciences and De Young Museum. Discover the many gardens in the 1017 acres of lush, beautiful greenery. For the more ‘cultured’ visitors, this is a place you can’t miss. Also, remember not to limit your time here, you will absolutely regret it.
Location: The Japanese Tea Garden and House is located on the corner of Tea Garden at Martin Luther King, Jr. within the Golden Gate Park.
Contact Number: 415-752-4227, 415-752-1171, or 415-750-5105
Opening Hours:
Summer Hours (1st of March through 31st of October): 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Winter Hours (1st of November through 28th of February): 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
Entrance Fees: Free admission when entering the gardens before 10:00am on Mon, Wed, Fri.
[Check out 8 reasons to save up for a trip to Portland!]
5. Halal Food galore!
After all that sight-seeing, a hungry stomach should not be ignored. Fret not! Here are some of the best halal food you can find in San Fran.
Bellissimo Pizza
Neon lights to greet you.
Credit: yelp
Also selling pizzas by the slice, Bellissimo Pizza is a hit among locals and tourists. From the young ones to the elderly, the varieties offered here are sure to cater to your taste, no matter how picky you can be.
Bellissimo Special Pizza.
Credit: yelp
From wings to paninis and combination pizzas. Make sure to try the popular California Pizza. You can choose to dine in, get it to go, or get it delivered to your door step. You won’t regret your visit here.
Address: 920 Sutter St, San Francisco CA, 94109
Contact Number: +1 415-885-4445
Opening Hours: Saturday – Thursday, 11.00AM – 2.00AM, Friday, 2.00PM – 2.00AM
North Beach Gyros
Bright and lovely café.
Credit: yelp
For those of you who love the taste of Mediterranean food, this is the place to go. Dishes from the Arabs, Turkey and Greece are made full of flavour and tastiness. The kebabs (specifically the Alexander Kebab) and gyros are a must try.
The Alexander Kebab. Perfect mix of lamb and beef.
Credit: postmates
Combination Kebab Platter
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Hummus, tzatziki, babaghannouj to your fail proof donner. Not only are the food tasty, the setting and decorations will truly bring life to experiencing San Francisco, a mish mash of cultures, food and great hospitality.
Address: 701 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Contact Number: +1 415-655-9665
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11.00AM – 10.00PM, Sunday, 11.00AM – 9.00PM
Ziggy’s Burgers
The welcoming entrance.
Credit: yelp
They offer a variety of burgers from your everyday beef burgers to tuna and turkey burgers. Besides that, they offer a range of sandwiches and their grilled cheese will certainly leave you wanting more.
The juicy grilled chicken burger.
Credit: yelp
Ziggy’s also has a TV or two for those avid sports fans. Chill, eat and enjoy your time with friends in this cosy joint.
Address: 21 Drumm St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
Contact Number: +1 415-391-8181
Opening Hours: Every day, 9.00AM – 10.00PM
No matter how far you’ve travelled, San Francisco will always be a unique place to visit. The cable cars, hilly slopes and picturesque scenes will make you feel like you’re living a movie. Don’t fret, people there are friendly and with the globalization of halal food, it’s as easy as picking up the phone to fill your tummy.