San Francisco is the showpiece of the Bay Area, renowned for its diverse culture and scenic vistas. A mash up of culture, colour and flower-power, it's a vivid and diverse city full of life. Here, you can soak up the superb views of San Francisco Bay and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the network of the city’s historic cable cars. The city and surrounding area are jam-packed with entertainment making it a holiday you won’t forget!

There are regular flights from Dublin to San Francisco with Aer Lingus, with an estimated flight time of 11 hours.

For more details on top attractions, the best time to visit, and essential local information, check out our full San Francisco Travel Guide.

Things to do in San Francisco 

Attractions  

• Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and take in the beautiful view of the San Francisco skyline and bay.
• In the middle of San Francisco Bay, ‘The Rock’ or Alcatraz Island is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. It is regarded as an escape-proof prison that once held notorious prisoners such as Al Capone and George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly. Visitors can explore the prison and learn about its history and the famed escape attempts.

Nightlife

San Francisco has a diverse, lively nightlife scene, with each district having a unique selection of bars, clubs and lounges for visitors to enjoy. San Francisco’s SoMa neighbourhood is great for electronic and hip hop clubs, while in the mission disctrict you’ll find an alternative space for smaller, more intimate venues. North Beach stays open until the early morning and is full of neon lit bars and packed clubs.

Dining Out

North Beach is San Francisco’s ‘Little Italy’ with an eclectic influence from nearby Chinatown. It is famous for being a neighbourhood of unconventional character packed with ethnic culture galore and a high density of cafés and restaurants.

Shopping 

Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf is the commercial tourist epicentre, with shops, stalls, bars, restaurants and street performers as well as the famous Fish Alley Market. Union Street and Union Square are a paradise for shoppers, as it is home to a range of shops from boutiques to well-known American labels. For quirkier items, check out the city’s China town.

Best Time to Go

September to November can make for a great time to visit San Francisco, as temperatures are pleasant during these months and there are fewer crowds than during the summer months.

Local Info

Currency

The US Dollar is used in San Francisco. 

Time Zone   

Dublin is 8 hours ahead of San Francisco.

Getting around  

A visit to Sn Francisco would not be complete without riding on one of the city's iconic streetcars! Alternatively, there is a regular bus service as well as cable cars and ferries which can be availed of.