10 Things to do in San Francisco for Under $25
Author: Amanda Diaz
Category: Travel and Leisure
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Renowned for its hills, quality restaurant scene and Californian urban cool, San Francisco is one of the most attractive destinations in the whole of North America. It's also more affordable than many of the other major cities and its laidback, cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it popular with backpackers and independent travelers.
The Western world is still an expensive place, however, so here's our pick of things to do in the city on a budget.
1. Stay at the Amsterdam Hostel in the lively heart of downtown San Francisco.
This San Francisco hostel is situated a few blocks from Union Square on the doorstep of the city's renowned restaurants, shops and bars. A small, friendly place, at the Amsterdam Hostel they treat guests to complimentary breakfasts of San Fran waffles from the owners' secret recipe and noisy parties on the weekends. Beds start at $17 a night.
2. Take a tour round Alcatraz for just under $25.
Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals (including Al Capone), the infamous prison on the Rock is now a fascinating historical landmark. Tickets include the price of a ferry (from Pier 33) to the island and an audio Cellhouse tour. Budget-wise travelers can go it alone and ask for the audio portion to be refunded, saving themselves $8.
3. Eat classic dishes at Chow in the Castro district.
This fashionable restaurant on Church Street has homemade style with a tasty twist. Entrées start at $8 and the menu includes Alaskan salmon, gourmet burgers and spaghetti tossed with an unexpectedly spicy Thai sauce. A happily bustling place with a decent wine list, travelers can make dinner even cheaper by bringing their own bottle (no corkage is charged).
4. Drink on the cheap during happy hours.
Across the city, trendy bars offer great discounts on drinks between 4 and 7pm. Indulge in $3 cocktails at hip Zebulon in the SoMa neighborhood, enjoy $4 drafts on the waterfront at Hi-Dive (Pier 28, Bryant Street) or lounge around in chic loft space at The Public (1489 Folsom Street) with a $2 beer.
5. Walk around the Mission neighborhood and explore the big city's humble beginnings.
Founded by Spanish missionaries, this district eventually grew into San Francisco as we know it today. The city's oldest standing structure can be found here - the Mission Dolores church (admission is $3) which is a curious mixture of Native American and Colonial styles. Today the unique atmosphere of the Mission comes from its mix of colorful murals, modern (and often political) graffiti, ethnic supermarkets and cocktail bars.
6. See the view of the city from one of its iconic cable cars.
As well as helping tired legs traverse the steep hills, catching a cable car is an authentic San Francisco experience. And it's cheap, too: $5 for a single trip or $11 all day. To avoid long waits in summer, try the California Street line which runs east-west from the Market turnstile to Van Ness Avenue. For a bit of background history, pop into the Cable Car museum on Mason Street for free.
7. Explore local history at the San Francisco Maritime Museum.
Just along the bay from the tourist kitsch of Fisherman's Wharf, exhibitions in this interesting museum at the corner of Polk and Beach Street revolve around vintage photographs of the area. Entry is free but an extra $10 will get you access to a handful of historic ships and a WWII submarine. Wander along the waterfront to soak up the atmosphere and admire the sea lions which lumber nearby off Pier 39.
8. Shop for bargains and give something back at A Miner Miracle Shop, Mission Street.
A hidden secret in the heart of the city, this thrift shop is run by a non-profit organization that offers image-counseling to those on a low income or seeking employment. High-end style has a very affordable price tag here, but snap up items fast as they're usually a one off. Prices from $10.
9. Dance in a converted theatre at Red Devil Lounge, Polk Street.
Hosting some of the biggest names in international music, Red Devil Lounge is an enjoyable club with a fun, eclectic atmosphere. The small size of the venue makes live gigs feel intimate and the sexy décor, friendly staff and casual crowd make for a great night out. Admission from $8, depending on the act.
10. Watch the pick of the movie industry at the annual San Francisco International Film Festival.
A huge cultural event in the Americas, the festival (held every spring) has access to exclusive showings and its own dynamic atmosphere. See one of the 200 movies from $12.50 each time and look out for cinema's great and beautiful in attendance.
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Keywords: San Francisco hostel, California, cheap, things to do
View Count: 54
Date Submitted: 7/24/2008
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