San Francisco has an atmosphere of genteel chic mixed with offbeat innovation and a self-effacing quality so blatantly missing from brassy New York and plastic LA. Its hilly streets provide some gorgeous glimpses of the sparkling bay and its famous bridges. The treats of San Francisco are not just for locals. The basic pleasures of life here - wonderful food, sparkling nightlife and those glorious views - are there for everyone. Watch the white fog fill the Golden Gate as the sunset lights up the windows across the bay, and prepare to leave your heart. Traveling to San Francisco? Check out Viator’s suggested itineraries to help plan your upcoming trip.

There may be no other city that embraces its waterfront quite like San Francisco does, as parts of it are reminiscent of its seaside and fisherman roots. The Embarcadero, with its deep-water piers, ships from around the world, and expansive views of the bay, is a prime example of San Francisco’s love of the water. The area attracts joggers, strollers, street performers, and visitors captivated by the views and gorgeous architecture of city landmarks, such as the Ferry Buiding. Go San Francisco Card - Save 10% Now!

Here you can also get an impressive under-belly view of the beautiful, but less publicized, Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco to the city of Oakland. The Embarcadero, with its wide, seven-mile promenade of sidewalks right along the water (within walking distance to the financial district), easy access to public transportation, and weekly farmer’s markets make it the perfect jumping off place for your San Francisco day. This neighborhood revolves, as does most of the city, around food. The recently renovated, yet historical Ferry Building, acts as the city’s market place in a celebration of food and entertaining. You can pick up fresh, locally grown produce, stock up on cooking tools for gourmet chefs, or dine in one of the many restaurants and small cafes in the building.

Every Saturday, a farmer’s market greets the passenger ferries that dock at this port, offering everything from wine to produce to a sense of community united in the love of food. Located right on the water, the Embarcadero not only has some of the best views in the bay area, but the fog usually burns off here earlier in the day than other parts of the city, offering a respite from SF’s characteristic gray overhang. On a warm day, stroll down Pier 7, SF’s longest pier, after stocking up on Ferry Building goodies for a picnic and dazzling views of the bay and skyline. For those of you looking for shopping, check out the Embarcadero Shopping center. With over 70 shops to choose from and the arts and crafts fairs that take to the street on the weekends, the Embarcadero is a shopper and stroller’s dream. Go San Francisco Card

South of Market, or SoMa as it is mostly referred to, is an up and coming neighborhood that got its start in the dot com era. Now it is a booming center for contemporary art and pop culture. The neighborhood boasts of fashionable nightclubs, a beautiful baseball stadium-home to the San Francisco Giants-and unusual museums that high light emerging artists from around the Bay Area and the eclectic feel of the city. SoMa is quickly gaining recognition as one of the best places to become culturally enriched by day and entertained by night.

San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood embodies the San Francisco you glimpse in movies, filled with ornate Victorian architecture and the characteristic hills that cinematographers love. The Hollywood vision and breathtaking views the heights allow of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge make this neighborhood a favorite among visitors. You can find high-end shopping as well lavish mansions, offering a glimpse into the legacy of luxury of Pacific Heights.