Lower the cost of your trip to San Francisco with our tips for how to see the vibrant California city on the cheap.
Art
Head to the Asian Art Museum on the first Sunday of each month for free general admission. Here you can view the oldest known Chinese Buddha in addition to thousands of pieces of Asian art. The Oakland Museum of California offers discounted admission ($7.50) on Fridays 5:00pm – 9:00pm and the museum’s plaza and gardens are free to look around. There is also a sculpture garden as well as free Wi-Fi if you need to get online.
Golden Gate Bridge
You can’t visit San Francisco without visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, a free must-see attraction. Walk or bike across the iconic bridge to get gorgeous views of the city, and spend some time getting to know one of the city’s best-known and much-loved landmarks. There is a café as well as a pavilion where you can pick up a souvenir or learn more about the history of the bridge.
Walking tours
San Francisco City Guides offers free walking tours throughout many neighbourhoods, which is a great way to learn about the city. There are many tours to choose from, each focusing on a different aspect of the city and its history. There is a Chinatown tour, an art deco tour, a tour of the financial district and a tour of Alfred Hitchcock’s San Francisco, just to name a few.
Gardens
Wander amongst the 16,000 plants spread out over 55 acres at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens for free. If you want to learn about what you’re seeing there are free garden tours offered daily from Monday to Friday. The Yerba Buena Gardens are also free to explore.
Happy Hour
You can drink on the cheap at one of the many bars and restaurants across San Francisco offering happy hour specials on drinks and often food. Check out Blue Fin Sushi, Nook or Pisco Latin Lounge for some wallet-friendly and delicious deals.
Save on your stay
It’s possible to not spend a fortune when you’re staying in San Francisco if you know where to look. Do your research on rooms in advance to find the best deal and don’t forget to consider hostels. Well-located Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel has private rooms starting at $75. Other affordable options include Hotel Rex, San Remo Hotel, Nob Hill Hotel, and Becks Motor Lodge.
Lead photo: jondoeforty1
