San Francisco, USA

During our trip through the south-west of the US, we also had a stop in San Francisco. This hilly city at the Pacific Ocean – both I can only confirm. The geographical situation combined with Victorian and Edwardian houses makes this city unique. However, I was astonished that you still find a lot free thinkers and homeless people here, due to tolerant governance and the mild climate throughout the year. This is probably a reason why I could not totally fall in love with the city.

For more pictures click here.

Accommodation 

• Clift: Elegance, contemporary design and very good service are its assets. Great for a short stay in SF!
• Hotel Triton: A hotel in the centre with bright and welcoming rooms, a great location and colourful designs - any more?
• Ritz-Carlton: The Ritz is known to have famous guests, luxury rooms and impeccable service. The one in SF is no exception and is awarded one the best hotels worldwide.
• Phoenix Design Hotel: My favourite place to stay in the city as its located in the centre and has this rock'n'roll attitude.
• The East Brother Light Station: A little outside SF, near Berkeley, this light house was transformed into a cosy bed and breakfast. 

Restaurants

• Andalu: This is a outstanding selection of eclectic small plates with a festive and informal atmosphere to create a sensational dining experience
• Lettüs Organic Restaurant: The cafe features delicious freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, salads, yummy bowls, sandwiches and their famous mouth watering garden burgers, that even carnivores yearn for
• The Waterfront Restaurant: Located at pier 7, the Waterfront is the perfect place for a nice dinner with family or friends to enjoy splendid food while watching the seaside
• Delfina Pizzaria: Locals say it is the best pizza in SF. So expect a long queue before having dinner as reservations cannot be made 
• Zuni Café: As a lover of French and Italian cuisine, the Zuni combines both styles in the best way

Clubbing/ Bars

• Sexy Vessel: Located in the heart of Union Square this nightclub boasts a luxurious lounge atmosphere with signature style and elegance
• Red Devil Lounge: A lo f live bands come here to play in this transformed theatre. I love the variety of music!
• Club Deluxe: Want one of the best mojitos throughout SF? In the club in Ashbury Haight you will find it, surrounded by art-deco facade and cosy jazz music.

Cafés

• Vesuvio: Located in North Beach, the Vesuvio Cafe is an artistic cafe with history as opened in 1948. 
• Tartine Bakery: On Sundays expect a looong queue in front of this bakery as locals want to get the delicious bread, the tartine or cakes made with love
• Macy’s Top Terrace, Union Square: On top of the department store, you have a great view over busy Union square while enjoying a cup of coffee and some cake.
• Bi-Rite Creamery: They make the best ice cream, soft serve and baked goods by hand in small batches. It just tastes like the stuff I grew up with and reminds me of childhood.

Shopping

• GAP: This worldwide famous brand was established in SF. One of the best shops is on XXX Street
• Eco Citizen: Known to be the centre for hippies, eco citizen follows the rule to only fabricate with ecological tissues. Bet you didn’t know that they can look so good?

Attractions

• Tante Marie's Cooking School: By coincidence I crossed the french stylen kitchen and decided spontaneously to take a lesson in how to bake a nice cake. I can only recommend place and people!
• Alcatraz: I warn you: If you want to go to Alcatraz in high season, book your tickets at least one month in advance. Otherwise you will be disappointed to not enter this historic gangster place.
• Silicon Valley & Stanford: The world turns here: Apple, google, yahoo... They are all here. Just drive by their headquarters and visit afterwards the historic and beautiful campus of Standford University where the elite is educated
• Ferry Building: Impossible to oversee in downtown is the Ferry Building, located next to the sea. Enjoy the market atmosphere and forage for little treasures
• Surroundings: Berkeley, Sausalito or Carmel. Take a car and drive out of the city: Enjoy the intellectual and artistic streets in Berkeley, follow the sea to lively Sausalito or enjoy having some coffee at Carmel, directly at the Pacific
• Russian Hill: Since “Full House” the Victorian houses became THE place to photograph. I recommend to take some time and to chill in the dog park for some hours
• Coit Tower: One of the best views on Alcatraz, Golden Gate and downtown offers you Coit Tower

Special recommendation

• Hop on, Hop Off: Even sports persons are tired to hike the hills each hour – so try the Hop-on-Hop-Off-buses that bring you to all important sights (The BART train system is fine but Europeans are used to much better public transport). Some even cross Golden Gate
• Sports: Just walk through San Francisco’s streets – the steep hills are sports enough. Or grab your trainers and jog along the piers as many locals do (to avoid the hills, obviously)

More information

• www.sanfrancisco.travel

Personal Data

• Travelling Dates: Mid-August 2012
• Accommodation: Private apartment in Mission district, rented via vrbo.com (advice: when going south go for Dolores Heights and away from Mission street)
• Personal Highlight: Waterside restaurant with family, with good food, with great view