Vincci Hotels

SAN FRANCISCO

Regardless of the fact that it has been inhabited for more than 10,000 years it was not until the gold fever hit that San Francisco began to become what it is now, America’s 5th city. A temple of cultures open to all ideas and beliefs and the home of the most technologically advanced area in the world, the nearby Silicone Valley.

Visiting San Francisco today you’ll find a vibrant cosmopolitan city where there is a balance of dense population but a sense of the Victorian times where the rythmn of life takes on a more ambled pace. In the relaxed cafes that line the bay you can observe young professionals cycling past, armed with the latest technology, working whilst contemplating what to do with their sun drenched afternoon on the beach., ocean lapping behind them in the background.

The traveller visiting San Francisco can’t miss it’s precariously inclined streets or hitch a ride on the popular tram service where a spectacular view of both the city and its beautiful bay can be seen. Other unavoidable attractions are the golden gate bridge, which besides being a bridge is the biggest urban national park in the US, the most famous Chinatown in the world where the Asian culinary offering is second to none west of Asia and of course who could miss a visit to the famous and mythical Alcatraz prison.

But, it’s not only structures and buildings that make a city great. San Francisco has now become at the turn of the century thanks to its multicultural past and present one of the greatest gastronomic offerings to be found anywhere on earth. It’s the “foody’s” mecca of new flavours combined with a vibrant and varied nightlife, a second to none cultural offering along with the wine lovers favourite Napa Valleys which hold 400+ wine cellars, that makes San Francisco a must see destination for everyone.

Tourist Route

Golden Gate
Potentially the most famous bridge in the world it connects San Francisco with neighbouring Marin. The visit to the bridge is perfectly organised with walks through the adjacent gardens’, to the gift shop and even strolls along its east side. You can also visit the bridge Café when in need of refreshments.

• Address. U.S Highway 101

Alcatraz Island
Commonly known as “The Rock” this institution held famous prisoners such as Al Capone and was widely used in numerous movies. Today you can visit by ferry. During your trip you’ll get to see the cells and visit a museum which holds various objects collected throughout the prisons history.

• Where? The embarcadero. Pier 33 beside Fishermans’ Wharf
• The ferry leaves every half hour from 9am
• Price. Adults $24.50 Children $15.25

Fishermans’ Wharf
The old fishing port in now the most visited tourist attraction in the cityToday you can find along with the usual fishing vessels a variety of freshly caught seafood restaurants, themed restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels the maritime museum and the Bays aquarium. All of this combined with street artists who perform early and late into the night

• Address. Jefferson Street. Two tram lines from central San Francisco to Fishermans’ Wharf.

San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art..
Matisse, Ghery or Jasper Johns are but a few of the artists on display at the museum which houses more than 25,000 pieces covering all artistic aspects from modern, traditional, sculpture photography and design.

• Address. 151 THIRD STREET.(Mission and Howard.)
• Hours. 11.00 to 5.45 pm except Tuesday.(closed).Fridays closing time 8.45pm
• Price. Adults. $12.50. Children free

Chinatown.
The first place on earth with a high population of Chinese outside of China. Photographed and filmed a thousand times up until today it has still not lost its flavour. The gastronomic offering is unique and walking through its streets with its Asian artefacts, tiny stores, smell of aromatic herbs and sounds of a different land takes you on a journey to a place far away.

• Funtime
• The Exploratorium
• Enjoy a visit with all the family. The interactive scientific displays won’t dissapoint. 3601 Lyon Street.

Golden Gate Park
A huge park where you’ll find beautiful gardens and lakes where you can hire motorboats, waterskiis’, visit the museum or the magnificent aquarium.
Stanyan and Haight Street.