Budget Travel Guide to San Francisco

Since living in San Francisco, notably known as one of the most expensive cities to live in and visit, I’ve come up with the best budget travel guide for this gorgeous city. As a 26-year-old travel blogger who’s been there, done that, and is always scouting for the next adventure without burning through my savings, trust me when I say—you can absolutely conquer SF on the cheap. So, let’s dive in to my budget travel guide to San Francisco!

Planning your Trip Wisely

San Francisco’s climate is remarkably consistent, boasting mild temperatures year-round. Sidestep the crowds and inflated prices of high season by planning your visit during the shoulder months. You’ll discover that hotel rates and flight prices plummet outside the August through October window and the festive December end. By avoiding peak times, you could save significantly on accommodations and airfare.

Speaking of airfare, I highly recommend using WayAway to book your flights. WayAway is a travel comparison site that assists you in finding affordable flights to destinations around the world, including San Francisco. It aggregates deals from various airlines and booking platforms, helping you to pinpoint the best prices for your travel dates and preferences.

Feel free to use it here and check out the best airline deals!

How to Get Around San Francisco like a Pro

Muni is Your BFF: Grab a day pass for just $5 and say hello to unlimited rides. If you want to ride a cable car for the vibes, it’s $8 one way. Those can add up pretty quickly, so I recommend riding the cable car from the beginning to the end and getting your money and pictures’ worth!

Pedal Power: The city’s bike-friendly vibes are real. Bay Wheels has options for daily and weekly rentals. Killer calves and scenic routes? Yes, please! You can bike through the Golden Gate Park, to the Sunset District, and all over Pacific Heights and Hayes Valley! I just don’t recommend biking in the Tenderloin, for obvious reasons.

Ride-Sharing Economics: Uber Pool or Lyft Line will be your go-to for those trickier to reach spots. Plus, you might just meet some fellow travelers and locals en route.

Cash-Saving City Passes: Go City’s San Francisco pass is a versatile and cost-effective digital tool that enables travelers to access numerous attractions at a reduced cost. With options like the All-Inclusive Pass and the Explorer Pass, you can tailor your sightseeing experiences according to your preferences and trip duration, saving up to 50% compared to individual ticket purchases. The pass covers a diverse array of attractions and offers the convenience of a single digital pass accessed via an app, eliminating the need for physical tickets. This pass is especially ideal for first-time visitors looking to explore San Francisco’s top sites efficiently and economically, with additional benefits like free cancellation within 90 days for non-activated passes.

BART: Navigate San Francisco like a local using the Bay Area Rapid Transit. This efficient system links major attractions and provides an affordable alternative to car rentals. Plan your routes and budget with ease using the online fare calculator.

The Lowdown on Low-Cost Lodging

Beware of Hidden Costs: When booking your stay, transparency is key. Make sure to read into the details to dodge unexpected fees such as city taxes, resort fees, and parking costs. A little research goes a long way to ensure no unpleasant surprises on your bill!

Hostels: While staying at a hostel isn’t my top recommendation for travelers visiting San Francisco, I recommend checking out Hostelworld in case you’re interested in looking at accommodations. San Francisco’s hostels range from chic urban retreats to cozy, budget-friendly nooks. Safety and cleanliness should be your compass when navigating through your options. The right hostel can offer both a unique stay and a chance to meet fellow travelers.

Feel free to look at hostels right here!

Budget Hotels and Airbnb: My top recommendation is to book a VRBO, Airbnb, or stay at a budget hotel. This is a much safer option. Step away from the bustling center and the Marina District or Richmond can be real gems for affordable stays.

San Francisco Hotel Recommendations:

I recommend using Plannin to find the best hotel deals. Here are some hotel recommendations I have that are under $150/night in San Francisco:

Intercontinental San Francisco | The Intercontinental is located in downtown San Francisco and offers luxury and stunning accommodations without breaking the bank.

Beacon Grand | Located in Union Square, Beacon Grand is famous for its classy, elegant accommodations.

Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa | With its modern amenities and aesthetic and its amazing location, Canopy by Hilton San Francisco in the SoMa district is also a great choice for those who don’t want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle but close enough to walk to it.

Hotel Nikko | Japantown is one of the best neighborhoods you can book a stay in. Hotel Nikko is a solid choice for anyone who has great taste in accommodations and food. Being just steps away from some of the best Korean and Japanese restaurant in the city, you really can’t go wrong with a snazzy stay here.

The LINE | The LINE is a personal favorite of mine when it comes to boutique hotel chains, however it makes it to the bottom of my list because of its location being in the Tenderloin. I recommend checking out their bar downstairs, Dark Bar, for some amazing cocktails before heading out. Just be safe when staying here and always take an Uber to leave this part of town. Hate to say it, but honesty is the best policy.

The Best Neighborhoods to Eat in San Francisco

Mission District Eats: Renowned for its vibrant Mexican cuisine, the Mission District is the place to go for cheap and delicious tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Taquerias and street food stands offer authentic Mexican dishes that are both affordable and satisfying, making it a must-visit for food lovers. Beyond Mexican cuisine, you’ll also find some amazing pizzerias, Spanish cuisine, and El Salvadorian food.

Sunset District: This neighborhood is a haven for lovers of Asian cuisine. Here, you can find a variety of options including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai food, all at reasonable prices (I’m talking less than $10 for some dim sum!). The area is particularly known for its dim sum and pho, which are both delicious and wallet-friendly.

Chinatown: As one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in North America, this neighborhood offers a plethora of inexpensive dining options. From dim sum to noodle houses and bakeries, you’ll find authentic Chinese dishes that are very affordable.

Richmond District: Similar to the Sunset District, the Richmond District offers a wide range of inexpensive Asian eateries, with a strong presence of Russian and other international cuisines as well. Whether you’re craving sushi, Korean BBQ, or Russian piroshki, you’re likely to find it here at a great price.

Tenderloin District: Known for its diverse population, the Tenderloin offers an array of international restaurants including Indian, Middle Eastern, and Ethiopian cuisines, all at budget-friendly prices. This neighborhood is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try new dishes without spending too much. Just please be safe and use your best judgment when walking around the ‘loin!

Must Visit Places in San Francisco that are Free or Close to Free

1. Golden Gate Bridge – An iconic structure, the Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of modern engineering. Walking or biking across it provides breathtaking views of the bay and is entirely free.
2. Golden Gate Park – This large urban park is full of gardens, museums, and art installations. While some attractions within the park might charge an entry fee, wandering through the park itself is free and offers plenty to see.
3. Lands End – This coastal trail offers rugged shoreline views, the labyrinth, and the Sutro Baths. It’s a fantastic spot for hiking and photography at no cost.
4. Painted Ladies – Viewing the “Postcard Row” of Victorian houses with the city’s skyline in the background is free. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
5. Crissy Field – Once a U.S. Army airfield, Crissy Field is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
6. Cable Car Museum – Learn about the history of San Francisco’s cable car system. Admission is free, and it offers a deep dive into the mechanical workings and history of these iconic vehicles.
7. Fort Point National Historic Site – Positioned beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point gives you a unique perspective of the bridge and San Francisco Bay. Entry is free, and the history is fascinating.
8. Dolores Park – Offering one of the best views of the San Francisco skyline, Dolores Park is a favorite among locals and tourists for picnics, people-watching, and simply relaxing. On sunny days don’t be surprised if it’s incredibly packed. You’ll also see people selling tequila shots, margaritas, ice cream, mushrooms (yep, that kind), and so many different things. Dolores Park is definitely a must visit for that true SF experience.
9. San Francisco Public Library – The main library offers free architectural tours, art exhibits, and a glimpse into the Beaux-Arts building, which is an attraction in itself.
10. Pier 39 – While not everything at Pier 39 is free, strolling around to watch the sea lions, browse the shops, and enjoy the atmosphere won’t cost you anything. It’s a vibrant part of San Francisco’s waterfront.

6 Insider Tips for your Budget Travel Guide to San Francisco

1. Tourist Trap Awareness: Fisherman’s Wharf, I’m looking at you. Fun to see, but keep your wallet tight.
2. Deal Hunters: Groupon and LivingSocial can be your best friends for deals on eats and experiences.
3. Free Events FTW: SF is always up to something – festivals, concerts, you name it. Keep an ear to the ground for free events happening around town. You can always find events through Eventbrite, SF Travel, and on SF Gate!
4. Public Transit Proficiency: Master the Muni and BART systems to navigate the city like a local. It’s not as complicated as navigating through the metro in Paris or the Tube in London! Not only will it save you a fortune on ride-sharing, but it also grants you access to the entire city and beyond, cheaply.
5. Picnic in the Parks: Take advantage of San Francisco’s plethora of parks for a scenic and budget-friendly meal. Grab some local takeout or pack a lunch and enjoy the stunning views and manicured landscapes that the parks offer — all for free.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy a chic, yet economical, visit to San Francisco, experiencing all the cultural, culinary, and natural wonders this vibrant city has to offer.

Must-Have Apps for First Time Travelers of San Francisco

• MuniMobile and BART apps: Navigate like a native. Add the Clipper card on your iPhone Wallet for easy tap and go!
• Hotel Tonight: For those “oops, I need a place to stay tonight” moments.
• Yelp and Zomato: Don’t just eat—eat well and on budget!
• Detour: Explore San Francisco at your own pace with GPS-guided audio walks that provide a rich, immersive experience!

There you have it: your budget travel guide to San Francisco! San Francisco might have the rep for pricey, but it’s totally doable without tossing your budget out the iconic cable car windows. I also have a budget expenses guide if you’re interested in calculating your expenses and budgeting wisely for your trip!

Wishing you safe and happy travels!