Where to Stay in San Francisco: The City of Neighborhoods

San Francisco is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own attractions, local culture, and even microclimate. As great as it is to explore, this can make it a little overwhelming for visitors new to the city to find the best area to stay in San Francisco — and to know which areas to avoid.

We’ll give you the lowdown on the most popular areas to stay in San Francisco so you can choose the best one for yourself and your travel companions. 

If you have a particular neighborhood in mind, use the list below to navigate to that section. Or start at the beginning and work your way through each section to get a complete overview of the best San Francisco neighborhoods.

• How to Get Around San Francisco
• Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Hotels
• Union Square, San Francisco Hotels
• Nob Hill/Russian Hill, San Francisco Hotels
• North Beach/Chinatown, San Francisco Hotels
• Financial District/Embarcadero, San Francisco Hotels
• The Castro, San Francisco Hotels
• The Mission, San Francisco Hotels
• Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco Hotels
• Hayes Valley, San Francisco Hotels
• The Marina District, San Francisco Hotel
• Golden Gate Bridge/Presidio, San Francisco Hotels
• Where NOT to Stay in San Francisco
• Where to Stay in San Francisco FAQ

How to Get Around San Francisco

Before we start our tour of the city, let’s take a look at transportation in San Francisco so you can factor that in when deciding where to stay.

First things first: San Francisco is a very walkable city with most of its major tourist attractions located in a few central areas. Its compact size means you can easily get by without a car, as long as you don’t mind walking — or biking — up some fairly steep hills.

San Francisco’s neighborhoods are also connected by an extensive public transportation system that includes BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains, MUNI buses, historic streetcars, and cable cars. BART can also easily transport you to and from the SFO airport and downtown.

Just a piece of the extensive San Francisco public transportation system:

On occasions when you can’t walk or take public transit to your destination, you can use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, which are readily available in San Francisco. A mix of rideshares, public transport, and walking should be sufficient, no matter where you choose to stay in San Francisco.

If you want to get outside of the city to see the wine country or redwoods, we recommend booking a tour. In just one day, you can explore both Muir Woods and Wine Country. Or, take the opportunity to see Yosemite in One Day from San Francisco. Explore all of your options with Extranomical Tours.

Be sure to read our FAQ section at the end of this article for important information regarding rental cars and safety in San Francisco.

Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco

Now that you know the lay of the land, let’s have a look at the best areas to stay in San Francisco for every interest, lifestyle, and budget:

Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Hotels

Best San Francisco Hotels for: Touristy fun

Transportation: Good. A lot of attractions are within walking distance. For those that aren’t, Fisherman’s Wharf is connected to the rest of the city by MUNI buses and scenic cable cars.

Pros:  Lively, close to popular activities, good for families, great waterfront views and seafood

Cons: Touristy, crowded, noisy, inauthentic

We’re starting with one of the most controversial neighborhoods to stay in San Francisco. Many locals would warn you against staying in Fisherman’s Wharf, because it’s crowded, expensive, and touristy. As a visitor, you might have a different perspective and prefer to stay right in the heart of it all!

There’s no denying that Fisherman’s Wharf is touristy and filled with places to spend money. You’ll find souvenir T-shirts and mugs for sale everywhere.

But it is also where you can find the famous Pier 39 sea lions, start many San Francisco city tours, and catch the boat to Alcatraz. These are all must-do things for San Francisco first-timers! Staying at a Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco hotel makes it easy. 

The best things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf tend to be a bit kitschy, but sure to make some memories, especially for families with children to entertain. Don’t miss Pier 45’s Musee Mechanique, a vintage arcade game museum that is free to enter. All you need is a handful of change to have a great time.

You can also learn about animals at The Aquarium of the Bay, grab sourdough bread bowls full of chowder from Boudin Bakery, and walk west to Ghiradelli Square for a sample — or a sundae — from the famous chocolatier.

The cable car station at Powell and Mason can take you all the way to Union Square, climbing Russian Hill in classic San Francisco fashion.

If you like the idea of being right in the center of the action, then staying at a Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco hotel may be a great choice for you. We recommend venturing outside of the area to see some more authentic parts of San Francisco too, though. 

Insider Tip: A great introduction to the entire city is this Guided City Tour. Your local guide takes you to some of the best views in the city, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks, and introduces you to a few of the best neighborhoods. After this tour, you can go back to those areas on your own to explore them with confidence and see anything that you missed!

Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

High-end: 

The Argonaut Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the historic Haslett Warehouse building at Fisherman’s Wharf, offering nautical-themed rooms with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz — combining rich history with modern amenities.

Mid-range: 

The Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel features an outdoor heated pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers seeking comfort and convenience in one of San Francisco’s most iconic areas.

Budget-friendly:

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf offers a prime location on a quiet street near the waterfront. It has modern rooms with amenities like HDTVs and Keurig coffeemakers, as well as a free continental breakfast, a gym, and a 24-hour business center​.

Union Square, San Francisco Hotels

Best place to stay in SF for:  Upscale shopping and great transportation

Transportation: Excellent BART and MUNI access

Pros: Central location, convenient transportation, upscale shopping and restaurants, holiday magic, entertainment venues

Cons: No SF charm, crowded and utilitarian.

Union Square has an industrial, luxury vibe. Think lots of concrete, name-brand shopping, and high rise views. The best thing about Union Square is its central location. From here, you can walk to almost any neighborhood, or take one of the many public transportation lines that run through it. 

The truth is, if you stay at a Union Square, San Francisco hotel, you’ll probably want to spend most of your time away from it! Union Square has museums, art galleries, and restaurants to offer, but it lacks much of San Francisco’s charm. To see SF’s famous Victorian architecture, quirky culture, or even waterfront activities, you’ll need to visit other neighborhoods.

The great thing is that travel from Union Square is just so easy! There are a lot of great hotel options, too, many with incredible city views. This makes Union Square a popular option for tourists, if not the most inspiring one. 

If you’re visiting San Francisco over the holidays, you may find Union Square more charming. Hotels go all out with seasonal decorations, and there’s ice skating and a giant tree right in the middle of the Square.  

Union Square, San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

High-end:

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square is a historic hotel with elegant, early 20th-century charm and modern amenities. It offers spacious rooms with stunning views, excellent service, and a prime location with easy access to San Francisco’s top attractions and public transit​.

Mid-range: 

San Francisco Marriott Union Square offers stylish rooms with HDTVs and MP3 docks, a well-equipped fitness center, and on-site dining options. Its prime location near shopping, dining, and major attractions makes it a convenient and comfortable choice for travelers.

Budget-friendly:

The Mosser Hotel offers stylish, space-efficient rooms in a great location between Union Square and Moscone Convention Center. Guests appreciate the clean rooms, friendly service, and free morning coffee and muffins.

Hostel:

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is located near Union Square, Chinatown, and the Moscone Convention Center. It offers renovated lounge areas, daily activities, and free Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable and convenient choice, especially for younger travelers.

Nob Hill/Russian Hill, San Francisco Hotels

Best area for: Classic San Francisco (hills included!)

Transportation: Decent MUNI access in Nob Hill, mostly cable cars in Russian Hill.

Pros: Classic San Francisco vibe, great views, relatively quiet. 

Cons: Expensive, steep walking.

Just up the hill from Fisherman’s Wharf is Russian Hill, along with its southern neighbor, Nob Hill. These neighborhoods have a lot in common, so we’ll group them together for this guide. 

If you’re looking for a classic San Francisco stay like the ones you’ve seen in the movies, look no further than Nob Hill or Russian Hill — but only if you love walking up and down hills! Nob and Russian Hills are walkable, but the hills in this area are no joke, and not to be underestimated.

The other thing to consider in Russian Hill and Nob Hill are the prices. These are quieter, upscale neighborhoods with incredible views. The San Francisco hotels you will find here are very nice, and their prices reflect that. So budget travelers may want to search elsewhere for accommodation.

These neighborhoods are also a great location to admire and ride the iconic San Francisco cable cars. The Powell/Hyde line transports tourists to and from Lombard Street, “the crookedest street in the world.” This is a fun stop for the experience and the photo op. You can leave the cable car at Lombard and Hyde streets to walk down the famous eight hairpin turns of Lombard Street, then go and enjoy a meal in North Beach.

And don’t miss a stop at Grace Cathedral: the cathedral is gorgeous inside and out, and, with some planning, you may be able to catch a fun community event there, like a yoga class.

Be careful not to stay too far south in Lower Nob Hill: it butts up against the Tenderloin, which gets a bit grittier and, in general, less tourist-friendly.

Nob Hill/Russian Hill, San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

Luxury:

The Fairmont San Francisco is the best luxury hotel in Nob Hill, with elegant architecture, stunning views, luxurious rooms, and top-notch amenities. It also has world-class dining, including the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. Its prime location provides easy access to premium shopping and entertainment​. 

Mid-range:

The Stanford Court Hotel blends historic charm with modern amenities. After a multi-million dollar renovation, it offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and attentive staff, all centrally-located near Union Square and Chinatown.

North Beach/Chinatown, San Francisco Hotels

Best area for: Walkability and culture

Transportation: Good, with MUNI routes connecting to Union Square

Pros: Walkable, great food, vibrant history and culture, live music, Washington Square Park

Cons: Broadway is bright and loud at night

Nestled between Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square are North Beach and Chinatown. As you explore these neighborhoods, you’ll find yourself passing between the two seamlessly. 

Both North Beach and Chinatown are historically immigrant neighborhoods. North Beach is also known as Little Italy, and was once the home to the Beat Generation of authors, including Jack Kerouac. North Beach and Chinatown are vibrant cultural areas filled with fantastic restaurants, and are incredibly walkable, with much to explore.

While centrally located, North Beach and Chinatown are not as well connected to public transit as Union Square. You’ll find that a trip to Golden Gate Park, for example, takes a bit more time.

There’s a lot to love about staying in North Beach or Chinatown. You’re close enough to the waterfront while far enough into a real neighborhood to get a good dose of charm and authentic San Francisco.

Wander through Chinatown to Dragon Gate, stop at a tea shop, or follow your nose to the fortune cookie factory for free samples. If you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with one of the many annual festivals celebrated in Chinatown, like Lunar New Year or the Moon Festival.  

Or, climb your way to Coit Tower for fantastic views of the city and bay from atop this historic building. Grab a local coffee on Grant Avenue and browse the shelves at City Lights bookstore, before enjoying incredible Italian food and a performance of Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi.

When planning a stay in North Beach, just know that Broadway feels a bit like Vegas after the sun goes down. You’ll sleep better if you choose a hotel away from the main strip. Once you arrive, take this self-guided audio tour of North Beach to learn your way around.

North Beach/Chinatown, San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

Mid-range: 

Omni San Francisco Hotel is located near Chinatown. It combines old-world charm with modern amenities, offering elegant rooms, excellent dining, and easy access to major attractions like North Beach and Union Square.

Budget:

Hotel Boheme in North Beach is a boutique hotel that captures the bohemian spirit of the 1950s with its colorful rooms and vibrant atmosphere. It’s ideally located for exploring Chinatown, Little Italy, and other San Francisco sites​.

Financial District/Embarcadero, San Francisco Hotels

Best area for: Business trips and water views

Transportation: Excellent BART and MUNI connections

Pros: Convenient access to SFO airport, close to Ferry Building, waterfront views, plenty of hotels

Cons: Businesses close early, lack of charm

Another good area to stay in San Francisco is the Financial District (FiDi) and its neighbor, the Embarcadero. The Embarcadero runs along the waterfront a bit north of the Financial District, but has more of a FiDi vibe than its North Beach neighbor to the west. 

The Financial District is the best choice for business travelers, since their work will most likely be in this area. It’s also easy for getting to and from the airport, so it’s great for short trips. The business-centered aspect of the neighborhood means FiDi tends to have “9-5 syndrome”, so it can be harder to find things to do and places to eat after work hours. But the area as a whole, especially near the water, can be a good place for non-business tourists, as it offers plenty of hotels and attractions, easy public transport, and waterfront views.

The Embarcadero is a good alternative for those having a hard time finding a hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf. The Embarcadero provides access to waterfront attractions like the iconic Ferry Building and the Exploratorium, and you are just a pleasant walk or quick streetcar ride from the Wharf. 

Overall, the Financial District and Embarcadero are convenient places to stay, but lack that classic San Francisco feel and picturesque architecture. But with plenty of good hotel options and excellent transportation, they can be a great home base from which to explore the rest of the City. 

The Castro, San Francisco Hotels

Best area for: LGBTQ+ culture and nightlife

Transportation: Good access to MUNI, no BART

Pros: Vibrant culture, nightlife, and festivals, and warmer weather

Cons: Far from tourist hotspots, not many hotels, can be noisy at night

The best area to stay in San Francisco for LGBTQ+ culture and nightlife is the Castro. This is one of the most well known neighborhoods in San Francisco, famous for its diverse groups of residents and progressive ideals.  

There is no shortage of things to do in the Castro: bars and nightclubs keep the party going and the neighborhood lively late into the night. If you’re more of a low-key tourist who plans to be out all day and in search of a quiet place to sleep at night, this might not be the best area for you.

Whether or not you stay in the Castro, you definitely should visit it. Experience some of that famous San Francisco pride, enjoy the sun in Dolores Park with the locals, and catch a movie at the Castro Theater. If you have kids, take them for a trip down the iconic Seward slides.

The Castro and the Mission District are sometimes warmer and sunnier than other parts of San Francisco because of the hills and the buildings. Be sure to take advantage of this little quirk and head to these neighborhoods when the others are foggy or cool.

If you stay in the Castro, you’ll be close to excellent urban hiking opportunities at Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve and Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks is one of the highest points in San Francisco, and the views are epic. A hike here provides a dose of nature and a chance to see the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly. 

The Castro’s neighbor to the south is Noe Valley. This can be a quiet place for families to stay, but its southern location makes you even more dependent on transportation to get to popular activities. From here, you are easily a 25-min Uber ride from Fisherman’s Wharf, and twice that on public transport. 

The Castro, San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

Luxury:

The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero is known for its breathtaking views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the city. This hotel provides luxurious accommodations and exceptional service. Guests enjoy the spacious, well-appointed rooms and the convenient location​ 

Mid-Range:

The Hilton San Francisco Financial District is situated at the crossroads of the Financial District, Chinatown, and North Beach. It provides comfortable rooms and great views of the bay from higher floors​.

Budget:

The Green Tortoise Hostel offers affordable accommodations in a historic building near the Financial District and Embarcadero. It provides a social atmosphere with communal spaces and organized activities.

The Mission, San Francisco Hotels

Best area for: Hipsters

Transportation: Great access to BART and MUNI routes

Pros: Great Mexican food, street art, and trendy shopping, relatively quiet close to Dolores Park

Cons: Further from main tourist spots, some petty crime

One of the trendiest areas to stay in San Francisco is the Mission District. San Francisco’s oldest building, the Mission Dolores, is here, but new restaurants and boutique shops are transforming this neighborhood. 

You’ll find the best burritos in San Francisco, incredible street art, and quieter streets in the Mission, but you’ll also see the side effects of gentrification, as locals are pushed out in favor of boutiques and coffee shops. Some areas of the Mission are a bit grittier, with higher rates of opportunity crimes such as petty theft, so be mindful of your belongings at all times.

We think the Mission is best to visit for the day. It’s conveniently located on several public transportation lines, making a daytime visit a breeze. Stroll Valencia Street for thrift shops, bookstores, and boutiques, and visit the Mission Dolores for a look back at early San Francisco history.

Don’t miss the street art in the Mission: the colorful murals look incredible and will have you reaching for your camera. But take the time to truly absorb these beautiful artworks, as many focus on important themes such as racism and gentrification. Better yet – take a street art tour to learn even more about the art and the history of the area.

Grab burritos from one of several legendary local Mexican eateries, and take them to sunny Dolores Park for incredible views. If you still have room, grab some ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery at 3692 18th St.

The Mission, San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

Mid-range:

The Parsonage Bed and Breakfast is located in a historic Victorian building in The Mission, offering cozy accommodations with a personal touch. It features beautifully appointed rooms, a garden patio, and a complimentary breakfast.

Budget-Friendly: 

The Mission Inn is a budget hotel offering simple accommodation in the heart of The Mission. It provides basic amenities and a convenient location close to restaurants, bars, and public transportation.

Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco Hotels

Best area for: Hippies and architecture

Transportation: Good MUNI routes, no BART

Pros: Charm architecture, hippie/grunge culture, Golden Gate Park, shopping, and restaurants

Cons: Hard to travel to other neighborhoods, pervasive marijuana smoke, not a lot of hotel options

Haight-Ashbury is one of the best areas to stay in San Francisco if you like the hippie/grunge aesthetic. Once the heart of the Summer of Love, the Haight still retains this vibe, complete with tie dye and marijuana aplenty. 

Haight-Ashbury features charming San Francisco architecture, and it provides the best access to Golden Gate Park. Hotels aren’t very plentiful, though, and you’ll have to hop on public transport to reach other neighborhoods.

Strolling past the beautiful homes on Haight Street is one of the main draws of Haight-Ashbury, but the shopping is also a highlight. From hand-curated boutiques to grungy Amoeba Music, you’ll find it all in the Haight, complete with a refreshing local flair you won’t find in Union Square.

Hop over to Divisadero Street for a great selection of bars, restaurants, or Alamo Square to see the famous Painted Ladies.

Access to Golden Gate Park is truly a bonus. With more than 1,000 acres of museums, gardens, and tourist attractions, Golden Gate Park is perfect for families with small children and nature lovers alike.

Getting to and from other tourist hotspots will take longer from the Haight, but the tradeoffs may be worth it, especially if you don’t plan to spend much time along the waterfront.  

Check out our article on the best things to do in Golden Gate Park for more tips.

Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

Mid-range:

For a luxurious stay in Haight-Ashbury, consider the Stanyan Park Hotel. This historic property offers Victorian-style rooms, modern amenities, and a great location near Golden Gate Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily breakfast, and a complimentary wine hour​.

Budget-friendly:

The Metro Hotel is a charming hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. It’s conveniently located close to great shops, cafes on Haight Street, and public transport.

Hayes Valley, San Francisco Hotels

Best area for: A charming, residential feel

Transportation: Decent MUNI access

Pros: Charming tree-lined streets, boutique shopping, and street dining; near Civic Center museums and art venues

Cons: A little disconnected, not many hotel options 

On the other side of Alamo Square from Haight-Ashbury is Hayes Valley. This area is similar to the Haight when it comes to great shopping and charming, walkable streets. Restaurants spill onto the sidewalks during good weather, and the neighborhood is full of modern condominiums. 

While great for walking, Hayes Valley is not well served by public transport to the rest of San Francisco. If you’re looking for a neighborhood where you can easily jump from place to place, Hayes Valley may not be the best choice for you. The good news is a 10-minute rideshare can get you to Union Square. 

Hayes Valley has plenty of activities to enjoy, and is a great place to watch a Jazz show. Check out the Church of 8 Wheels, an abandoned church turned disco roller rink, or visit the nearby Civic Center to catch the San Francisco Symphony, Opera or Ballet.

If you visit in May, Hayes Valley may be filled with locals running the Bay to Breakers — only some of them clothed. It’s a fun event that highlights San Francisco’s open-minded culture.

Hayes Valley, San Francisco Hotels

Mid range: 

One of the highlights of The Grove Inn is its tranquil garden courtyard, where guests can relax amid lush greenery and flowering plants. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening.

Budget Friendly: 

The Hayes Valley Inn features a variety of comfortable rooms, ranging from private rooms with shared bathrooms to ensuite rooms with private baths.

The Marina District, San Francisco Hotel

Best area for: Groups with a car

Transportation: Good MUNI access, no BART 

Pros: Easier to park a car, young professional vibe, waterfront parks, plentiful shopping and restaurants

Cons: Lack of old SF charm, noisy on weekends

The best place to stay in San Francisco if you have a rental car is The Marina District. The Marina offers good street parking (just read the signs carefully!), as well as several hotels which provide free or cheap parking. 

The Marina District is situated on the waterfront, just west of the action of Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a little removed, but if you stay on the eastern edge, you won’t feel so far away from the tourist spots. The western edge provides easy access to the Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge.  

Young professionals love the Marina District and its swanky vibe. You can find boutique shopping, delicatessens, and classy restaurants along Chestnut and Union, and the art, food, and music hub of Fort Mason right on the water.

Don’t miss the Palace of Fine Arts on the edge of the Presidio: the out-of-place architecture makes it a prime spot for wedding photos, or even a picnic. Head to Crissy Field to put your toes in the sandy beach.

All in all, the Marina District is a trendy area with a young vibe and is a good place to stay in San Francisco. Although it is a bit on the edge of the action, the area is well- connected via MUNI bus lines to the rest of the city.

The Marina, San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

Mid range:

The Cow Hollow Inn and Suites offers modern amenities such as luxurious bedding, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. It’s conveniently located near various restaurants, shopping complexes, and San Francisco attractions, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay. 

Budget:

HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel provides a budget-friendly stay with amenities like free Wi-Fi, a garden, and a games room.

Golden Gate Bridge/Presidio, San Francisco Hotels

Best area for: Access to parks

Transportation: Decent MUNI access, no BART 

Pros: Hiking, close to Golden Gate Bridge, safe and quiet, easier to have a car

Cons: Far from most tourist attractions, not a lot to do besides parks

Significantly west of the action is the Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio. This is a residential neighborhood, with less to offer for tourists. One big exception is the Presidio, a military base turned park with wonderful views, a sandy beach, and room for kids and dogs to run free.

While being closer to the Golden Gate Bridge may seem like a good thing, the bridge is actually far away from the majority of tourist activities, and staying near the bridge will make you feel isolated from the action. 

A rideshare will take you 15-20 minutes to reach Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf. Public transportation will take easily twice as long, if not longer. Just be sure to weigh this into your decision on where to stay.

The main activity here is the Golden Gate Bridge, and every visitor needs to get a great view of the bridge at least once. Many take it up a notch by walking or biking across the famous landmark. You can rent bikes for the day and make your way across the bridge to Sausalito. Then, put your bike on the ferry and enjoy an affordable boat ride across the Bay back to San Francisco. 

Where NOT to Stay in San Francisco

You may be wondering if there are any places you shouldn’t stay when visiting San Francisco. Are there any unsafe areas that you should know about? While we don’t think there are any neighborhoods in San Francisco that are all bad, there are a few that we wouldn’t recommend for first time visitors. 

We aren’t saying you shouldn’t explore them during your visit, but you’ll feel safer if you get to know them during the daytime first. Some have certain streets that are worse than others, or are unsafe after dark.

Once you’ve visited them during the day, you can decide for yourself whether you would stay there when you return to San Francisco.

Here are the neighborhoods where you shouldn’t stay on your first trip to San Francisco:

Tenderloin/Civic Center

The Tenderloin is where many of San Francisco’s problems are concentrated. Except to encounter dirty, rundown streets, and a large houseless population. The area is known for its heavy drug use, and crimes of opportunity such as theft and vehicle break-ins (especially at night). 

At the same time, the Tenderloin also offers great entertainment and food if you know where to look. You can find popular music venues like the Great American Music Hall, and amazing banh mi sandwiches in Little Saigon. 

Nearby, the Civic Center is home to the Asian Arts Museum, the San Francisco Ballet, and the San Francisco Symphony. Similar to its Tenderloin neighbor, the Civic Center has its rougher side; one street can feel starkly different from the next. This is why we do not recommend staying here for your first visit. 

Conveniently, transit to the Tenderloin and Civic Center is quick and easy from most neighborhoods. Their central location also means that a rideshare back to your hotel after a show will be quick and inexpensive. 

West SoMA

To locals, SoMA stands for South of Market. SoMA is the southeastern part of San Francisco, containing many smaller neighborhoods. This is a huge area, and with that size comes a huge range in desirability.

In some parts of SoMA, especially the northern area near the Embarcadero, you’ll find contemporary skyscrapers, modern restaurants, and boutiques. Many visitors, especially foodies, enjoy exploring this area during the day.

Just south of Market, near Union Square, is also where you’ll find some of the best museums in San Francisco, such as the SFMOMA and the Museum of the African Diaspora.

On the other hand, parts of SoMA are less polished (Van Ness to 6th Street), and visitors are more likely to encounter situations that feel unsafe. For this reason, we suggest first-time visitors avoid staying in this part of SoMA. 

The Avenues – Sunset, Richmond

Our final suggestion for where not to stay in San Francisco is the Avenues, including The Sunset and Richmond. These neighborhoods are too far from the attractions that first-time visitors want to see and do in San Francisco.

From this far western edge of San Francisco, you’ll spend too much of your time on public transportation getting to and from the action. 

What these neighborhoods do offer is: ocean views, access to Golden Gate Park, great Asian food, and the quiet of the suburbs. If that’s what you want from your vacation — great! They’re simply not convenient places to stay in order to see San Francisco. Plus, that cold Pacific Ocean fog is no joke!

Where to Stay in San Francisco FAQ

Which area in San Francisco is best to stay?

Some of the best areas to stay in San Francisco include Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, North Beach/Chinatown, and Haight-Ashbury. Each area has something different to offer, and the best choice depends on the needs and wants of your group. First-time visitors may want to stick close to the tourist attractions near Fisherman’s Wharf, while returning visitors may prioritize access to nature, convenient public transit, or nightlife.

Is San Francisco safe to visit?

Yes — San Francisco is safe to visit! But like any big city, San Francisco has its problems, and some areas are less safe than others. The main safety concern for tourists is pretty crime, such as phone and purse snatchings and vehicle break-ins. We suggest visiting unfamiliar areas during the day, and being mindful of your belongings at all times.

Houselessness is a major issue in San Francisco. While unhoused persons may make you feel uncomfortable, it’s important to remember they are vastly in more danger on the streets than you. Give them space and most will return the favor. As far as crime that affects tourists, the unhoused population asking for pocket change is not to blame.

There are a few neighborhoods where crime is more prevalent, including the Tenderloin, Civic Center, and parts of SOMA.

If you’ll have a car on your trip to San Francisco, you should know that car break-ins are common. Don’t leave anything valuable inside your vehicle, including at trailheads and in parks.

Should I rent a car in San Francisco?

You shouldn’t rent a car in San Francisco unless you really need to. Most of the city is walkable, with good public transit. If you stay in the right area, you simply don’t need a car. Not only that, but parking is limited and expensive, and break-ins are common.

If you need to get to an inaccessible part of the city, we recommend taking a rideshare like Uber or Lyft. Taking a handful of rides like this during your trip will save you money over renting a car and paying for parking. 

That said, there are some reasons why you may want to rent a car for part of your trip. Maybe you want to spend the weekend exploring wine country, or on a road trip to Yosemite. Simply plan your trip to have a car for the days you’ll need it and don’t use it to get around San Francisco.

Better yet, skip the car and book a tour to see the areas around San Francisco. Chances are Extranomical Tours can take you anywhere you want to go.

Published on: September 27th 2025