The insider’s guide to San FranciscoWhat to do when you’re in “The City.” (Tip #1: We don’t call it “Frisco.” Or “San Fran.”)

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar Southern French and Italian, traditional yet modern. Famous for its coq au vin.

Address: 398 Hayes St at Gough District: Hayes Valley Phone: (415) 551-1590 Takes reservations: Yes

AlegriasAuthentic Spanish tapas perfect for sharing. Cozy and romantic ambiance, with an extensive wine list featuring a host of Spanish vintages.

Address: 2018 Lombard St at Webster District: Marina Phone: (415) 929-8888 Takes reservations: Yes

If you’re arriving early, staying a few days after, or just want to occupy your free time, here’s the inside scoop on the best SF has to offer.

For foodies

Belden PlaceAlso known as SF’s French Quarter, this cobblestone street is closed to traffic and filled with wicker tables, chairs, heat lamps, and umbrellas. French, Italian, and Mediterranean restaurants line this European-style alleyway.

Address: Belden Pl District: Financial Takes reservations: Yes

Chambers Eat + DrinkRestaurant and lounge inside the iconic Phoenix Hotel. The seasonal menu marries its California origin with Japanese, Mediterranean, and French influences.

Address: 601 Eddy St between Larkin St & Polk St District: Tenderloin Phone: (415) 496-5178 Takes reservations: Yes

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Elephant SushiHole-in-the-wall sushi restaurant with unique, high-quality options. Order the monkfish appetizer!

Address: 1916 Hyde St between Green St & Delgado Pl District: Russian Hill Phone: (415) 440-1905 Takes reservations: Yes

La Taqueria

The Mission boasts some of the best Mexican food in the city, and La Taqueria is the place to see why. Get the carne asada dorado-style with guacamole and an agua fresca.

Address: 2889 Mission St between 24th St & 25th St District: Mission Phone: (415) 285-7117 Takes reservations: No

Ramen UndergroundTiny Japanese noodle shop a few blocks from Union Square. Go for the spicy miso broth!

Address: 355 Kearny St at Pine St District: Financial Phone: (415) 765-9909 Takes reservations: No

SOMA StrEat Food Park Different food trucks every day. Walk around, check out the menus, and grab a spot at an outside table or inside a bus decked out with tables and chairs.

Address: 428 11th St between US Highway 101 & Harrison St District: SOMA Takes reservations: No

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Little Italy, specializing in Neapolitan pizza. An array of antipasti, pastas, and ensalatas are also available at this authentic Italian eatery.

Address: 1570 Stockton St at Union St District: North Beach Phone: (415) 835-9888 Takes reservations: No

Umami Japanese tavern with a great selection of izakaya, nigiri, and house sushi rolls. The chef works closely with Tokyo’s Kyushu market to provide unique and rare fish for weekend specials.

Address: 2909 Webster St between Union St & Filbert St District: Cow Hollow Phone: (415) 346-3431 Takes reservations: Yes

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Fillmore StOne of the city’s most vibrant shopping streets. Leisurely peruse one of the vintage clothing stores or people-watch at a quiet sidewalk cafe. With its variety of boutiques, galleries, and dining, you could spend the whole day exploring here!

Address: Fillmore St at California St District: Pac Heights

Haight-AshburyOnce the epicenter of hippie culture, this eclectic neighborhood still boasts vintage boutiques and one-of-a-kind costume shops alongside urban clothing stores. Don’t forget to stop by for a pint and picnic chicken sandwich at Magnolia’s Gastropub along the way!

Address: Haight St at Ashbury St District: The Haight

Sacramento St

If you’re looking for something a little more chic, head down to tree-lined Sacramento St. Browse upscale boutiques and unique novelty shops and check out the Victorian and French architecture from Broderick St. to Spruce St.

Address: Sacramento St at Presidio Ave District: Presidio Heights

Union StArguably the best street in the city to window-shop the hours away. Top off your day of shopping with a casual lunch and a glass of wine in one of the numerous restaurants lining the street.

Address: Union St at Fillmore St District: Cow Hollow

For serious shoppers

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Hopper’s HandsPark at Crissy Field and run the path along the water to the base of the bridge at Fort Point, where you’ll see this famous set of black and orange hands. Here you’ll turn around and retrace your steps, but don’t forget to high-five Hopper’s Hands! Address: Marine Dr District: Presidio

House of Air

Go airborne in this converted Presidio air hangar. Come practice your trampoline tricks during open air time or join a hourly trampoline dodgeball session. Reservations are recommended.

Address: 926 Old Mason St District: Presidio Phone: (415) 345-9675

Lyon Street StepsHistorical stairway that consists of 288 steps. Great workout to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Address: 2450 Lyon St between Broadway St & Green St District: Pac Heights

Mission Cliffs Climbing & FitnessThere’s something for everyone at this indoor rock climbing facility. Choose from a 50-foot lead wall, 23,000 square feet of climbing terrain, 2,000 square feet of bouldering, and over 100 top and lead ropes. If you’re looking for something more grounded, they also offer kickboxing, yoga, and bootcamp.

Address: 2295 Harrison St between 18th St & 19th St District: Mission Phone: (415) 550-0515

SenSpaGorgeous spa in a renovated barrack in the Presidio. Great place to unwind and rejuvinate after a long week.

Address: 1161 Gorgas Ave District: Presidio Phone: (415) 441-1777

Yoga to the PeopleLocated in the heart of the Mission, this studio welcomes all levels of yogis. Classes are power vinyasa flow based. The suggested donation is a mere $10 and there’s no need to pre-register.

Address: 2973 16th St District: Mission Phone: (917) 573-9642

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For fitness fanatics

15 RomoloProhibition-style bar tucked in a secluded alleyway that in previous lives has been a speakeasy, brothel, and Basque Hotel. Now known as 15 Romolo, this historic building has great drinks, good food, and plenty of seating.

Address: 15 Romolo Pl between Broadway St & Fresno St District: North Beach Phone: (415) 398-1359

Bourbon & BranchExquisitely crafted cocktails by master mixologists. There’s a secret bar in the library that requires a password to get in (it’s “books”). Reservations required on weekend nights.

Address: 501 Jones St between O’Farrell St & Geary St District: Tenderloin Phone: (415) 346-1735

ButterHead here for a 40 in a paper bag, tater tots, deep fried twinkies, and jello shots. Need we say more?

Address: 354 11th St between Folsom St & Harrison St District: SOMA Phone: (415) 863-5964

JonesA perfect rooftop place to enjoy drinks on an Indian-summer evening.

Address: 620 Jones St between Colin Pl & Geary St District: Tenderloin Phone: (415) 496-6858

Little ShamrockOld Irish bar with board games and darts right across from Golden Gate Park. Head over after a visit to the De Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences.

Address: 807 Lincoln Wy between 10th Ave & 9th Ave District: Inner Sunset Phone: (415) 661-0060

Smuggler’s CovePirate-themed tiki bar. The puka punch and smuggler’s rum barrel are house favorites.

Address: 650 Gough St between McAllister St & Ash St District: Fillmore Phone: (415) 869-1900

Soda Popinski’sFully stocked bar with an interior that looks like a Siberian hunting lodge. Spin the roulette wheel or play old-school Nintendo games on a giant projector screen.

Address: 1548 California St between Polk St & Larkin St District: Nob Hill Phone: (415) 857-1548

Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum CafeGet the cheese wheel and the warm draft beer in this old sailor bar. It’s a dive, but it’s got character.

Address: 12 Saroyan Pl District: Chinatown Phone: (415) 421-4112

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For bar hoppers, pub crawlers, and clubbers

Balmy AlleyTake a stroll down this block-long alley to see the most concentrated collection of murals in the city. The murals began in the mid-1980s as an expression of artists’ outrage over human rights and political abuses in Central America. The artwork changes regularly to reflect current issues around the world.

Address: Balmy Alley between 24th St & 25th St District: Mission

Cartoon Art MuseumThis museum houses 6,000 pieces of original cartoon and animation art. You’ll find everything from editorial cartoons to comic books, graphic novels to anime, and Sunday funnies to Saturday morning cartoons on display.

Address: 655 Mission St between New Montgomery St & Annie St District: SOMA Phone: (415) 227-8666

Maritime National Historic Park

Scope out the docked historic vessels and enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. Free to wander outside the ships, $5 to board.

Address: 499 Jefferson St at Hyde St District: Fisherman’s Wharf Phone: (415) 447-5000

Musee MecaniqueAs one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of coin-operated machines, this museum takes you back in time amongst the dusty antique arcade games and stop-motion attractions. Be sure to grab a cup of chowder or a lobster roll from the seafood market right outside when you’re done.

Address: Pier 45 at the end of Taylor St District: Fisherman’s Wharf

Stow Lake BoathouseSee Golden Gate Park in a different way. Rent a paddleboat and glide across the lake’s calm waters. Keep an eye out for birds, turtles, and waterfalls.

Address: 50 Stow Lake Dr District: Golden Gate Park Phone: (415) 386-2531

Sutro BathsHere stand the ruins of a 25,000-person swimming facility engineered to be open to the tides, but destroyed by a fire in 1966. Now its a landmark along a beautiful hike on the ocean. Grab a bite to eat at the famous Cliff House and check out the giant Camera Obscura afterwards.

Address: Point Lobos Ave District: Sea Cliff

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For the offbeat and adventurous

Alcatraz IslandRich in history, this island houses the infamous federal penitentiary – not to mention the ruins of the West Coast’s first lighthouse and U.S.-built fort. Feeling brave? Take a night tour of the abandoned penitentiary. Save some time and book your tickets ahead.

Address: 1398 The Embarcadero District: Fisherman’s Wharf Phone: (415) 981-7625

California Academy of SciencesOne of the largest national history museums in the world. See an aquarium, planetarium, historic exhibits, engaging technology, and a rainforest all under one (living) roof.

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr District: Golden Gate Park Phone: (415) 379-8000

Ferry BuildingThis historic building is a hub for ferry transit, artisans, and world-class food. Come for the local farmer’s market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.

Address: 1 Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry Bldg District: Embarcadero

Golden Gate BridgeWhat would a trip to San Francisco be without a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge? Park at the neighboring Presidio Institute and walk the lush grounds down to the Golden Gate visitor center with prime viewing spots of the spectacular landmark.

Address: Golden Gate Bridge District: Presidio

Japanese Tea GardenThis serene park-within-a-park is the perfect place to gather your thoughts, take in the beautiful scenery, and enjoy a pot of Japanese tea.

Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr District: Golden Gate Park

San Francisco Cable CarsThe cable car is the only moving national historic monument in the world. Built in 1873, the cable cars transport 9.7 million people around the city annually. Tip: For fewer lines, take the California Street line from the Ferry Building to Pacific Heights and back again. It runs east-west through the Financial District and Chinatown, over Nob Hill, and stops at Van Ness Avenue.

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For the true tourist

Blue Bottle CoffeeModern coffee shop that serves a variety of espresso drinks, drip coffee, and iced coffees. Organic treats, light breakfast, and lunch are also available.

Address: 66 Mint Plaza between Jessie St & Mission St District: SOMA

Flywheel Coffee RoastersIndependent and family owned, all coffee is hand roasted on-site to ensure freshness. Great place to get some work done or hang out with a good book.

Address: 672 Stanyan St between Haight St & Page St District: The Haight Phone: (415) 682-4023

Four Barrel CoffeeSmooth, flavorful lattes. Open floor plan great for people watching or checking out the roastery at the back of the shop.

Address: 375 Valencia St at 15th St District: Mission Phone: (415) 896-4289

Saint Frank CoffeeSaint Frank Coffee is an independent and locally owned venture that finds beauty and significance not only in the sensory experience of coffee, but also in its social aspects. It’s a modern space and they specialize in drip coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos with an artistic touch.

Address: 2340 Polk St between Union St & Russian Hill District: Russian Hill Phone: (415) 775-1619

The Buena Vista Cafe

A favorite of San Francisco! Take a cable car down to this historic cafe and try their famous Irish coffee.

Address: 2765 Hyde St between North Pt St & Beach St District: Fisherman’s Wharf Phone: (415) 474-5044

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For coffee connoisseurs