Flights from Brussels (BRU) to San Francisco (SFO)

About San Francisco

Discover San Francisco

Why visit San Francisco?
San Francisco combines Pacific coastline, rolling hills, and an instantly recognisable skyline to create a city that feels both dynamic and intimate. You will find lively neighbourhoods, iconic bridges, and a creative energy that rewards slow wandering as much as headline sightseeing.

What to expect
The city is compact yet varied, with areas like the waterfront Embarcadero, colourful Mission District, and refined Pacific Heights offering very different moods. Expect cool breezes even in summer, a thriving arts scene, and a focus on outdoor living, technology, and design in everyday spaces.

Plan your trip
San Francisco works well as a standalone city break or as the starting point for a longer journey along the West Coast. With its busy international airport and strong transport links, it is an ideal gateway to California wine regions, national parks, and the wider United States.

Top sights in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

Walk, cycle, or simply admire this landmark span for sweeping views of the bay and city skyline.

Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

Stroll the bustling waterfront, watch the resident sea lions, and enjoy street performers along the piers.

Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry across the bay to tour the historic former prison and enjoy striking harbour views.

Cable Cars & Nob Hill

Ride the classic cable cars up steep streets to historic Nob Hill and look out over the downtown towers.

Chinatown

Explore one of North America’s oldest Chinatowns, with narrow alleys, ornamental gates, and busy shops.

Golden Gate Park

Relax in this expansive urban park filled with lakes, museums, and landscaped gardens stretching to the ocean.

The Mission District Murals

Wander through side streets to discover colourful large-scale murals that reflect local creativity and stories.

Twin Peaks

Head up to this hilltop outlook for panoramic views of downtown, the bay, and the surrounding hills.

Experience San Francisco’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily around San Francisco using a mix of buses, trams, and the BART rail system for longer hops. Historic streetcars and cable cars provide scenic routes through key areas. For short distances, walking or using app-based ride services works well, especially on the flatter streets.

Local life & culture
Daily life revolves around neighbourhood centres, from café-lined corners in the Mission to leafy streets in Noe Valley. Independent bookshops, galleries, and performance venues dot the city, reflecting a strong creative streak. You will notice a relaxed pace, with residents gathering in parks, waterfront promenades, and local bars after work.

Where to unwind
When you want to slow down, neighbourhood parks and waterfront paths offer quiet pockets of green and blue. Mornings are ideal for calm walks along Crissy Field, while late afternoon brings warm light to hilltop viewpoints. On clear days, Ocean Beach and nearby coastal trails provide refreshing sea air and open horizons.

A taste of San Francisco

Street food & local specialties
San Francisco is known for sourdough bread, fresh seafood, and inventive casual bites from food trucks. Head to the waterfront or neighbourhood markets to sample clam chowder in a bread bowl, crab, and quick snacks that suit a day of sightseeing.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find contemporary eateries in areas such as the Mission, SoMa, and Hayes Valley, where cafés, bistros, and bars sit side by side. Shared plates and flexible menus make it easy to try a range of flavours, from Californian cooking to global influences in one evening.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose venues with views over the bay, the skyline, or the bridges. Rooftop restaurants and hillside dining rooms make the most of sunset light and sparkling night scenes, turning dinner into a relaxed way to appreciate the city’s setting.

Retail therapy in San Francisco

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Downtown around Union Square, you will find major department stores, international labels, and multi-level malls. These centres often combine shops with cafés and galleries, creating easy places to spend a few hours between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood streets in the Mission, Hayes Valley, and the Haight showcase smaller boutiques, design studios, and vintage shops. Weekend markets and pop-up stalls highlight handmade goods, art prints, and accessories that reflect the city’s independent spirit.

Evening retail scene
After dark, key shopping streets stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and late-opening venues in central districts. Some neighbourhoods host occasional evening markets and special events, adding music and food alongside stalls. Public transport and ride services make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit San Francisco

Summer fog season (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings average temperatures of about 15–20°C (59–68°F), with cool breezes and the famous coastal fog rolling over the hills. This is a popular time for visitors, with long daylight hours ideal for exploring viewpoints, waterfront walks, and outdoor events around the bay.

Mild autumn (September to November, shoulder season)
Autumn is often pleasantly warm, with temperatures around 17–22°C (63–72°F) and clearer skies. Many locals consider this a comfortable period for outdoor dining, festivals, and park visits, as the city feels a little calmer while remaining lively and welcoming.

Cooler winter and spring (December to May, low season)
From late autumn through spring, temperatures usually range from 10–17°C (50–63°F), with occasional rain showers and crisp, bright days. This quieter time lets you enjoy museums, cafés, and neighbourhood walks at a gentler pace, with fewer crowds at many major sights.

Frequently Asked Questions