| Renowned for its hills, quality restaurant scene and | | | | Colonial styles. Today the unique atmosphere of the |
| Californian urban cool, San Francisco is one of the | | | | Mission comes from its mix of colorful murals, modern |
| most attractive destinations in the whole of North | | | | (and often political) graffiti, ethnic supermarkets and |
| America. It's also more affordable than many of the | | | | cocktail bars. |
| other major cities and its laidback, cosmopolitan | | | | 6. See the view of the city from one of its iconic |
| atmosphere makes it popular with backpackers and | | | | cable cars. |
| independent travelers. | | | | As well as helping tired legs traverse the steep hills, |
| The Western world is still an expensive place, | | | | catching a cable car is an authentic San Francisco |
| however, so here's our pick of things to do in the | | | | experience. And it's cheap, too: $5 for a single trip or |
| city on a budget. | | | | $11 all day. To avoid long waits in summer, try the |
| 1. Stay at the Amsterdam Hostel in the lively heart of | | | | California Street line which runs east-west from the |
| downtown San Francisco. | | | | Market turnstile to Van Ness Avenue. For a bit of |
| This San Francisco hostel is situated a few blocks | | | | background history, pop into the Cable Car museum |
| from Union Square on the doorstep of the city's | | | | on Mason Street for free. |
| renowned restaurants, shops and bars. A small, | | | | 7. Explore local history at the San Francisco Maritime |
| friendly place, at the Amsterdam Hostel they treat | | | | Museum. |
| guests to complimentary breakfasts of San Fran | | | | Just along the bay from the tourist kitsch of |
| waffles from the owners' secret recipe and noisy | | | | Fisherman's Wharf, exhibitions in this interesting |
| parties on the weekends. Beds start at $17 a night. | | | | museum at the corner of Polk and Beach Street |
| 2. Take a tour round Alcatraz for just under $25. | | | | revolve around vintage photographs of the area. |
| Once home to some of America's most notorious | | | | Entry is free but an extra $10 will get you access to |
| criminals (including Al Capone), the infamous prison on | | | | a handful of historic ships and a WWII submarine. |
| the Rock is now a fascinating historical landmark. | | | | Wander along the waterfront to soak up the |
| Tickets include the price of a ferry (from Pier 33) to | | | | atmosphere and admire the sea lions which lumber |
| the island and an audio Cellhouse tour. Budget-wise | | | | nearby off Pier 39. |
| travelers can go it alone and ask for the audio | | | | 8. Shop for bargains and give something back at A |
| portion to be refunded, saving themselves $8. | | | | Miner Miracle Shop, Mission Street. |
| 3. Eat classic dishes at Chow in the Castro district. | | | | A hidden secret in the heart of the city, this thrift |
| This fashionable restaurant on Church Street has | | | | shop is run by a non-profit organization that offers |
| homemade style with a tasty twist. Entrées | | | | image-counseling to those on a low income or |
| start at $8 and the menu includes Alaskan salmon, | | | | seeking employment. High-end style has a very |
| gourmet burgers and spaghetti tossed with an | | | | affordable price tag here, but snap up items fast as |
| unexpectedly spicy Thai sauce. A happily bustling | | | | they're usually a one off. Prices from $10. |
| place with a decent wine list, travelers can make | | | | 9. Dance in a converted theatre at Red Devil Lounge, |
| dinner even cheaper by bringing their own bottle (no | | | | Polk Street. |
| corkage is charged). | | | | Hosting some of the biggest names in international |
| 4. Drink on the cheap during happy hours. | | | | music, Red Devil Lounge is an enjoyable club with a |
| Across the city, trendy bars offer great discounts on | | | | fun, eclectic atmosphere. The small size of the venue |
| drinks between 4 and 7pm. Indulge in $3 cocktails at | | | | makes live gigs feel intimate and the sexy |
| hip Zebulon in the SoMa neighborhood, enjoy $4 | | | | décor, friendly staff and casual crowd make |
| drafts on the waterfront at Hi-Dive (Pier 28, Bryant | | | | for a great night out. Admission from $8, depending |
| Street) or lounge around in chic loft space at The | | | | on the act. |
| Public (1489 Folsom Street) with a $2 beer. | | | | 10. Watch the pick of the movie industry at the |
| 5. Walk around the Mission neighborhood and explore | | | | annual San Francisco International Film Festival. |
| the big city's humble beginnings. | | | | A huge cultural event in the Americas, the festival |
| Founded by Spanish missionaries, this district | | | | (held every spring) has access to exclusive showings |
| eventually grew into San Francisco as we know it | | | | and its own dynamic atmosphere. See one of the |
| today. The city's oldest standing structure can be | | | | 200 movies from $12.50 each time and look out for |
| found here - the Mission Dolores church (admission is | | | | cinema's great and beautiful in attendance. |
| $3) which is a curious mixture of Native American and | | | | |