San Francisco

Orientation

San Francisco is one of the most colourful cities in the United States. The city is located at the tip of a 50km (30 miles) peninsula in Northern California, with the Pacific Ocean on its western side and the San Francisco Bay to the north and east.

City Facts

• San Francisco Population: 745,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• USA Population: 277,825,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone: GMT -5 hours (Daylight Saving is observed)
• Language : English
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

The San Francisco weather is generally mild throughout the year. The average temperature for January is approximately 11°C (52°F), gradually rising to 20°C (68°F) in July. San Francisco's summer is from June to September. While there is virtually no rain during this period, heavy fog and thick clouds are frequent features. Rainfall is frequent and heavy during winter (November to January).

Travel Tips

Arts and Events

San Francisco hosts many interesting festivals and exhibitions all year round, from the Cable Car Bell-Ringing Championship in June and July; the Shakespeare performances and blues shows in the parks during summer; to the spooky Halloween night at the end of October.

Dining

As a city graced with rich cultural diversity, visitors in San Francisco can expect the finest international cuisines, like the exotic Asian menus in China Town, the modern Californian seafood, authentic Spanish and Mexican dishes and traditional US grills. Many café bars are open 24-hours.

Tipping Advice

Service charges are not included in most restaurant bills, so a 10-20% tip is welcome by the waiters. Visitors can tip doormen, valets and baggage handlers US $1 per service.

Transportation

Three major international airports serve San Francisco, including San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose. Like all airports in the US, security operations have been stepped up, and travellers should allow plenty of time when arriving or leaving.

Arriving by Air

The main airport is the San Francisco International Airport.

Getting Around San Francisco

San Francisco has regular, comfortable and reliable public transport, and visitors can catch buses, taxis and shuttle buses at the clearly marked pick up and set down points throughout the city. Visitors must travel at least once on the world-famous trolley buses that scale the vertical heights of the steep hills of San Francisco.

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