Introduction:

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Five days in San Francisco gives you time to do more than skim the surface. It lets you slow down, explore by neighbourhood, and discover the layers that make this city so compelling. From fog-draped coastlines and historic alleys to independent bookstores and multicultural food stops, this itinerary is designed for curious travellers who want to see the city in full. You’ll tick off the icons, yes, but also carve out space for detours, hidden corners and quiet moments that make the trip yours.

Day 1

Morning
Start with the city’s most recognisable landmark. Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge from the San Francisco side to Marin. The perspective changes with every step. Once across, you can explore the Vista Point area briefly before heading back.

Afternoon
Head to the Presidio. Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum or the Tunnel Tops park, where lawns meet skyline views. Grab lunch at Sessions or stop at a picnic table overlooking the bay with a takeaway sandwich in hand.

Night
Make your way to the Marina. Walk along Crissy Field as the sun begins to set. For dinner, try a local favourite along Chestnut Street, where casual spots and relaxed wine bars create the perfect end to your first day.

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Day 2

Morning
Take an early ferry to Alcatraz. The ride offers sweeping views of the skyline and bridges, while the prison tour gives a rare window into the city’s history. It’s worth the morning.

Afternoon
Return to shore and walk the Embarcadero to the Ferry Building. Grab a bite from one of the gourmet food stalls and sit by the water. Then head to North Beach. Visit City Lights Bookstore, the Beat Museum, or simply wander the European-feeling streets of San Francisco’s Little Italy.

Night
Book a table at a classic North Beach restaurant or something more modern in nearby Jackson Square. After dinner, head to a live music venue or cocktail bar in the area. The tempo can be slow or lively depending on your mood.

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Day 3

Morning
Spend the morning exploring Golden Gate Park. Visit the de Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences, or just take a long walk through the meadows and forested paths. If you're up early enough, stop by the Japanese Tea Garden before the crowds.

Afternoon
Continue west toward Ocean Beach. It’s rarely warm, but always atmospheric. Grab lunch at a café nearby, or simply sit by the dunes with a takeaway and watch the surfers.

Night
End the day with a relaxed dinner in the Inner Sunset or Richmond District. These areas are packed with excellent, unpretentious places to eat. Try Burmese, Vietnamese or Korean barbecue, and walk it off along Clement or Irving Street afterward.

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Day 4

Morning
Start the day in the Mission District. Walk down Valencia and Mission Streets and explore the shops, murals and parks. Grab a breakfast burrito or a coffee from a third-wave café.

Afternoon
Make time for Dolores Park. It’s not just a park, it’s a local theatre of everyday life. Find a spot on the grass and take it in. If you're hungry, head to Tartine for baked goods or grab tacos from a nearby taqueria.

Night
Stick around for dinner in the Mission, where the food scene hits every level from casual to chef-driven. Whether you’re craving tacos, wood-fired pizza, or something vegetarian and inventive, there’s a corner with your name on it.

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Day 5

Morning
Explore Chinatown at your own pace. Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, browse markets and herbal shops, and stop by a bakery for something warm and unfamiliar.

Afternoon
Walk into Nob Hill. Visit Grace Cathedral and explore the area’s beautiful residential streets. From there, make your way to the nearby Cable Car Museum or head over to Russian Hill and descend the Filbert Steps, a hidden staircase surrounded by gardens and parrots that leads you to the Embarcadero.

Night
For your final night, grab dinner in Hayes Valley or the Castro. Both neighbourhoods are relaxed, stylish, and full of places to eat or have a drink outdoors. Catch the sunset from Twin Peaks or just walk until the city winds down around you.

Conclusion
Five days in San Francisco lets you explore like a local, without sacrificing the landmarks. You’ll walk, eat, wander and return home with stories you didn’t expect to find. San Francisco isn’t just a list of things to see. It’s a city to feel your way through - one morning, one street, and one steep hill at a time

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