For all the features of a sophisticated downtown urban stay, this neighborhood in the bustling heart of the city can’t be beat.
Visit Downtown San Francisco to experience a lively business district centering on Market Street. This district has upscale hotels, art museums, movie megaplexes, restaurants, stores and a few can’t-miss museums. Downtown San Francisco is also referred to as FiDi, for Financial District and the numerous businesses located here.
Explore Downtown San Francisco’s art and culture landmarks, including the expanded San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Davies Symphony Hall, home to the San Francisco Symphony. The former has tripled in size and features a huge collection of artwork spread out over seven floors. The latter is famed for its performances of the greats, such as Beethoven and Mahler, as well as its contemporary collaborations with modern artists, including Elvis Costello. Don’t miss the Asian Art Museum, a top attraction with more than 18,000 works.
Other attractions in Downtown San Francisco include the popular Ferry Building Marketplace. Browse the world-renowned CUESA farmers’ market and savor local craft beer and oysters.
Move on to popular Fisherman’s Wharf for sea lion sightings, fresh seafood and bay excursions. Snap photos of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid and its unique half-acre (0.2 hectare) park with soaring redwoods.
Bring the family to the interactive Museum of Ice Cream, with its swimming pool-sized vat of rainbow sprinkles and animal cookie carousel. Follow it up with a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, founded in 1962 and producing up to 10,000 cookies a day.
If you have one more museum visit in you, make it the free Cable Car Museum, dedicated to San Francisco’s beloved mode of public transportation and situated on the modern cable car line.
For shopping in Downtown San Francisco, the Metreon is a good choice. There are also 20 restaurants, a huge movie theater and one of the largest IMAX theaters in North America within this four-story shopping center.
Travel to Downtown San Francisco by Muni train or bus, getting off at the Montgomery or Embarcadero stops. The neighborhood is bordered by techy SoMa, Chinatown, and Union Square.