Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in San Francisco
THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in San Francisco
Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in San Francisco
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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313 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Russian Hill
Speciality Museums
Presidio
Admission tickets from ₹2,101
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
South Beach
Speciality Museums
Fisherman’s Wharf
Art Museums
Lincoln Park
Admission tickets from ₹1,681
Neighbourhoods • Piers & Boardwalks
Embarcadero
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Alamo Square
…
Showing results 1-30 of 313
What travellers are saying
- Maya P8 contributions5/5
Our guides were awesome and he tour was cool beautiful. We were able to go at our own pace and really
See everting they had to offerWritten 23 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Peter B1 contributionThe Golden Gate Bridge, spanning the San Francisco Bay, is an engineering marvel and an iconic symbol of California. Its striking International Orange color and art deco design create a breathtaking sight, especially when framed by fog or during sunrise and sunset.Written 21 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rojin KHouston, TX11 contributionsVisiting Lombard Street felt like stepping into a postcard - if that postcard also included the chaos of a city traffic jam. The journey to this iconic winding road was nothing short of an adventure, with bumper-to-bumper traffic and scarce parking spaces making it clear that the whole city seemed to have the same idea.
Despite the crowd, credit must be given to the city for managing the influx of vehicles entering the famously steep and serpentine street. The scene was a bustling mix of tourists snapping photos, city trams gliding smoothly past, and futuristic self-driving taxis navigating the chaos with surprising precision.
Driving down Lombard Street itself was a test of both nerves and skill. The steep grade and sharp switchbacks, combined with precarious stopping points at the edges, made it a thrilling experience - not for the faint of heart. Yet, once you’re on the spiral road, the perfectly manicured flower beds and stunning views of San Francisco make the adrenaline worth it.
Lombard Street is not just a destination-it’s a rite of passage for visitors to San Francisco. A chaotic yet unforgettable experience, where beauty meets thrill on one of the steepest streets in the world.Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - johnhossackGold Coast, Australia19 contributionsDuring my trip to California, one of the most delightful experiences was riding the iconic San Francisco cable cars. These historic cars are not just a mode of transportation but a moving piece of history, offering an incredible way to explore the city and its stunning surroundings.
The cable cars took me up and down San Francisco’s famous steep streets, offering breathtaking views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city’s unique skyline. The clang of the bell, the open-air ride, and the thrill of climbing those steep inclines made for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Every turn revealed a new perspective of the vibrant city, from colorful Victorian houses to bustling waterfront areas.
The history of the cable cars added an extra layer of appreciation. Learning about their origin in the late 19th century and their significance as a National Historic Landmark gave me a deeper connection to the experience. They’re a testament to innovation and perseverance, surviving earthquakes and modernization efforts.
Whether it was hanging onto the side for a classic photo or just soaking in the views, riding the cable cars was pure joy. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting San Francisco and wanting to experience the city’s charm in a unique and fun way.Written 15 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - kilsythladdieKilsyth, UK287 contributionsGreat place to take a walk and chill out , plenty of eating and drinking places,
Watching the sea lions lying about.
Just watch your step on the old wooden decking areas.
Thoroughly enjoyed the walkabout.Written 4 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dustythoughtsManchester, CT2,243 contributionsThis museum is jam-packed with interesting information, memorabilia, and other assorted items associated with Walt Disney and his family - sketches, pictures, miniature trains, and video reels. It's amazing how much they were able to squeeze into this museum without making it overwhelming. Two floors of exhibits took us two hours to view, and even then we missed a few things. This museum really highlighted how much Walt Disney was able to accomplish in his 65 years!Written 18 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KMB_GAFort Myers, FL1,300 contributionsYes it’s a tourist trap and a little pricey…but it’s worth visiting. If nothing else to see the sea lions! But it had great views of Alcatraz, lots of little shops to explore, and had a tacky carnival vibe. It shouldn’t be the only thing you do on a visit to SF, but drop in and check it out. There’s decent food options, plenty to walk and see, and nice ocean breezes.Written 30 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Simon K. NuttHaywards Heath, UK531 contributionsThis was a lovely park. There are loads of attractions within the park that are worth a visit. There are also lots of pretty streams and other water features. You could easily spend a few hours here.Written 11 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Simon K. NuttHaywards Heath, UK531 contributionsI enjoyed exploring this attraction. It was a very grand structure that was visually very impressive. You should definitely visit if you're in San Francisco!Written 11 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jamesaI3832SQSacramento, United States314 contributionsQuick drive up Twin Peaks yields great views and great fun. The space is well kept with good stairs and spaces to take jn the bay area. This is a great activity during the day or night. It can get windy and cold so be prepared. There are multiple parking areas offering great views nearby, but you can park once and walk to different amaxing areas. This is a very romantic spot as well. Yoi are high up and itbrings on hand holding.Written 14 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- adriadri_10Durham, UK106 contributionsGreat building with amazing food options. Really recommend a visit if you are in SF.
Loved all the history behind it and the Xmas decorationsWritten 29 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - 196LindaCMukwonago, WI817 contributionsLeisurely stroll through Chinatown on our way to the Wharf. Always interesting to see the daily food markets as well as the shops and restaurants. It's the largest Chinatown I've seen with many restaurants and interesting points of interestWritten 25 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rene C4 contributionsClose business merchants residential economically,commercially development financially,culturally, stoically friendly atmosphere surrounding surroundings area clcik on website INFO on my TripAdvisor .plote coutesou. Family fun up forthe day thank you forthe experienceWritten 11 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David BEastbourne, UK24 contributionsIt was a beautiful sunny day so I decided on a visit to Coit Tower. The murals in the lobby are absolutely breathtaking, all painted by local artists when the tower was built. Staff are polite and efficient. The elevator wasn’t working, so it was up the stairs I went, it’s quite a climb, but well worth it. The views are fantastic. When you’re next in San Francisco I highly recommend a visit.Written 22 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- OurarkaEast Sussex, UK167 contributionsEven in December, it was beautiful - we were lucky with the weather but this is well worth checking out whilst you are in the city. A peaceful escape from the busy urban streets, the garden isn’t huge but is planted and maintained beautifully.Written 16 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
