Apartments and hostels in San Francisco

From the international orange Golden Gate Bridge, and the contrasting dark rocky shades and white sands of Marhsall's beach, to the Pacific blues which splash upon the shops of Pier 39, there beautiful sights just waiting outside your hotel room or apartment. No matter how many attractions you can fit in one day, you can relax knowing you will spend the night in one of the chosen accommodations in San Francisco. Despite being tiny in size, every neighbourhood is bursting with character, whether you want a luxury apartment in the bustling financial district, or a bed and breakfast overlooking the Pacific Heights, we have San Francisco covered on any budget.

When to go to San Francisco

Contrary to popular belief, the best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November, when the city's temperatures tend to peak, and the streets are less populated than in the previous summer months. Similarly, the later spring months are another good time to visit, when there is usually the least amount of rainfall, and temperatures are comfortable enough to explore the entire day on foot.

How to get to San Francisco

San Francisco is located in northern California, which is on the West Coast of the United States of America (USA), meaning it is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. This means it is most accessible by air, and the majority of visitors fly into San Francisco International Airport, which is 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. Serving 55.8 million passengers annually, San Francisco International is the seventh- busiest airport in the USA, with direct flights to Europe, Australia and Asia offered by companies such as Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Emirates.

How to get around in San Francisco?

Made up of only 46 square miles of sunshine bathed bridges, boulevards and hills, San Francisco can be seen on foot, but for those who don't have time to climb the steep and windy streets themselves, the city has the ‘Bay Area Rapid Transit' (BART). BART is a public transportation system, which runs over and underground, and connects visitors from San Francisco International Airport to the most iconic attractions, and of course, their accommodation and holiday rentals, wherever they may be.

Where to book a holiday apartment in San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco

You will undoubtedly be able to spot Downtown San Francisco before you even arrive in this bright and bustling neighbourhood, as the Transamerica Pyramid, and various other skyscrapers are unmissable from the acclaimed San Franciscan skyline. Choosing an apartment to rent, or a luxury holiday rental in this renowned district will put you at the very centre of the city's most dynamic attractions, shops and dive bars. Downtown San Francisco is the perfect place for anybody who wants to immerse themselves in the city, so book a holiday rental in the epitome of the city.

Fisherman's Wharf

Choose the most picturesque holiday accommodation in San Francisco by booking a room with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz or San Francisco Bay. Whether you want an idyllic bed and breakfast, or a luxury villa in San Francisco, staying in this rustic haven will allow you to detox from the bustling tourist hotspots elsewhere.

Mission District

Explore accommodation in San Francisco and find holiday apartments in a district like no other, when you choose to stay in the hipster Mission District. Staying true to its Latino roots, you will find innumerable murals, foreign cinema's and Mexican restaurants. As one of the most popular spots for younger tourists, Mission is bursting with some of the most reasonably priced youth hostels and homestay's in San Francisco. One thing for sure, is that you will return to your holiday rental in Mission knowing you have made the most of San Francisco's diverse culture.

Things to do in San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge

Wherever you have come from, and whatever you budget, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is an unmissable attraction for every tourist to San Francisco. While walking or riding on this orange architectural masterpiece, you will be crossing along one of the most famous miles in America. Remember not to leave your camera in your hotel room or apartment, as the views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay from this art deco treasure are too good not to share.

Alcatraz Island

Home to the most infamous prisons in the United States, Alcatraz Island is a stark contrast to the streets of San Francisco, but this historic island must not remain unvisited. Remember to set your alarms and leave your holiday rentals before the crowd to get the early bird ticket, which includes a space on the 20-minute ferry ride, and a self-guided audio tour around the home of some of America's most notorious criminals and gangsters.

Pier 39

Although Pier 39 can be found in the Fisherman's Wharf district, Pier 39 is an attraction in its own right, as it offers an aquarium view of the Bay, an infinite mirror maze, a bar and grill, and the chance to listen to some of San Francisco's most reputable jazz musicians. After an evening at Pier 39, you will almost certainly be dancing back to your holiday home or apartment in San Francisco.

Union Square

The beating heart of the vivid Downtown Financial District, Union Square is a 2.6 acre public plaza, which is framed by designer stores, theatres, and a vast selection of restaurants and bars. Stay in an apartment and live like a local in Union Square. Visiting during the less desirable winter months also have their perks in Union Square, as a section is transformed into an ice skating rink where you get the chance to skate among the Christmas trees and Californian palm trees.

Golden Gate Park

Sand dunes, green acres and urban trails may not be the first images which come to mind when you hear of San Francisco, but that is all the more reason to visit one of this city's natural tourist hotspots. The Golden Gate Park welcomes over 13 million tourists annually to its conservatory of flowers to its Japanese tea garden. The Golden State Park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle of the city streets, despite only been a stone's throw away from your holiday home, bed and breakfast or luxury apartment in San Francisco.

China Town

Once you walk through The Chinatown Gate, you will instantaneously be captivated by the food markets of Stockton Street, Chinese temples, and endless red lanterns. If you choose a holiday rental in the energetic downtown district, you will only be a short walk away from the diverse flavours and artistic alleyways of this eastern inspired town, which brings the very best of China and San Francisco all-together in one place.

Lombard Street

This famous steep and windy street is the backdrop to countless San Francisco pictures and post cards, as its eight hairpin turns mean this street is like no other in the country, or the world. Set in the Russian Hill neighbourhood, this attraction can gain over 17,000 visitors in peak summer weekends, but in this case, it is acceptable to follow the crowd. Do not check out of your holiday accommodation without visiting this San Franciscan attraction.