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Art gallery by day and rave scene by night. Devotees call this the coolest place in town, with top DJs who mix everything from garage to world beat.

Probably the world’s most complete gay and lesbian bookstore, from art and photography books to novels, poetry, gift cards, and periodicals.

Begin at the city’s gay mecca, the Church Street Muni Station on Upper Market. Decades ago, this corner developed a gay identity as the beginning point of the Castro neighborhood, but it is on the next block, between Sanchez and Noe, that the gay shops and venues really begin to proliferate. The Café Flore stands out as one of the premier gay hotspots for a drink, a meal, or just a gaze at the constant flow of fascinating clientele. On the next block, at 2348 Market, is the Detour , one of the most popular and long-lived all-male bars, complete with go-go guys.

Continuing on to Castro Street, take in Harvey Milk Plaza, with its huge rainbow flag, named after the slain gay leader (see Harvey Milk). On the opposite corner, check out Twin Peaks at 401 Castro, the oldest totally “out” gay bar, notable for its picture windows affording a full view of goings on, both inside and on the street.

Pushing on to No. 429, allow the Castro Theater to capture your attention, one of the city’s most ornate cinema palaces, home to innumerable premieres of gay-themed films. Farther along at No. 489, A Different Light Bookstore offers virtually every gay-themed book, magazine, and newspaper in the world.

Finally, just up 18th Street at No. 4121 is Badlands , a cruisy pickup scene that packs them in, especially after 10pm.

A place to mellow out on astrological cocktails, one specially concocted for each sign. It’s the Age of Aquarius here, with the midnight blue and purple velvet decor, complete with starry galaxies.

Brazen Asian drag queens are your waitresses, who also perform bar-top numbers. The tropical cocktails glow in the dark. DJ disco-dancing downstairs.

If walking the steep city streets is challenging your footwear, this Noe Valley shop can fit you with a new pair of sturdy, comfortable walking shoes in the very latest style.

East meets West here, as the feng shui interior (tilted mirrors over the bar for watching your back), sake martinis, and “nine bites” nibbles would confirm.

This diner is all-American – pot roast, chicken wings, and pastries displayed in a revolving carousel.

The Santeria religion is the faith of many Latinos, and this shop caters to their ritualistic and spiritual needs. An array of potions and powders, candles and icons.

The cuisine is mouthwatering Americana, but in very creative ways. The decor is belle époque ; the service superior.