DK Travel : San Francisco

San Franciscans will, rather candidly, admit that they are the most fortunate people on earth, the occasional earthquake notwithstanding; and most visitors, after a few days of taking in the sights and sounds of this magnificent city, will agree. Ask anyone who has been here and they will tell you it’s their favorite US city. The geographical setting evokes so much emotional drama, the light seems clearer, the colors more vivid, the cultural diversity of the ethnic neighborhoods so captivating and inviting, that it’s a place almost everyone can fall in love with at first sight.

Native Americans’ Near-Extinction

In the late 1800s Native Americans were hunted down by settlers, with a bounty paid for each scalp.
Neiman Marcus

Perhaps the highest of the high-end stores, this one overlooks Union Square from a plum spot once occupied by the City of Paris building, constructed in the 1890s but torn down to build this modern structure. Part of the original remains, however, by way of the huge stained-glass dome. Neiman’s boast is that it can get anything you might want – private jets, elephants, you name it.
Neiman Marcus Cafe

This is not the Rotunda Cafe-- this is a small cafe with an entrance on Geary or through the 1st floor of the store. It has simple service, simply great sandwiches, salads, and soups-- all reasonably priced. A perfect lunch spot when shopping near Union Square. There can be a line, so be prepared to wait.
New Asia

Although they don't have the best dim sum in town, New Asia is an unbeatable scene. It's absolutely huge (there used to be a sign on the wall that read, "Maximum Occupancy 1,000") and totally frenetic.

If you've never had dim sum, you're in for a fun time. You choose whatever looks good from the carts speeding past. The servers (whose English is limited) explain their offerings, mark your check, and total it up at the end. It's a great way to eat.

If your kids are picky eaters, ask to see the menu and order some plain rice or noodles. BBQ pork buns are another good choice for the short set.

I'd avoid the bathroom here unless it's an absolute emergency---it's a little too authentic, even for me.
New India Bazaar

A long-time local favorite for every sort of Indian-Pakistani spice and foodstuff. They also carry an array of Hindu religious artifacts, Indian videos, and incense.
Nob Hill

Erstwhile site of the mansions of Golden Age moguls and potentates, from these lofty heights now rise the city’s most lavish hotels and the Gothic spires of one of its best-loved cathedrals.
Nob Hill

With the advent of the cable car, San Francisco’s highest hill was quickly peopled with the elaborate mansions of local magnates – in particular, the “Big Four” who built the Transcontinental railway (see Leland Stanford) – and the name has become synonymous with wealth and power. The 1906 earthquake, however, left only one “palace” standing, now the Pacific Union Club, which still proudly dominates the center of the summit. Today, instead of private manses, Nob Hill is home to the city’s fanciest hotels (see Hilltop Hotels) and apartment buildings, as well as Grace Cathedral.
Nob Hill Place

A short walk to Downtown, the furnished studios and executive apartments boast superb views and are vailable for a minimum of 30 days. All rooms include fully equipped kitchens, internet access and cable TV.
Noe at 21st Street

At the heights bordering the Castro, Noe Valley, and the Mission, this impossibly steep street will also give you a few chills.
Noe Valley

Once a simple working-class neighborhood, the 1970s brought hippies, gays, artists, and other Bohemian types to its slopes and it soon became an attractive alternative to other, more established quarters. In its heyday it was known as both “Nowhere Valley” for its relative remoteness, and as “Granola Valley” for its nature-loving denizens. Lately, it has been taken over by middle-class professionals, who value the area for its orderliness, but 24th Street still hums with activity and is lined with cafés, bookstores, and the occasional oddball shop.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100-$200
- $200-$250
- $250-$300
- over $300