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Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. Based on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is one of the most popular cities on the South East Asian tourist trail. Its easy to get to, filled with cultural sites and museums, and is known for its excellent nightlife. Its also the gateway to other parts of amazing Thailand. While some travellers simply use the city as a waypoint en route to destinations in the country, you really can’t skip spending a few days in Bangkok when visiting Thailand. There’s always something to see and do in this noisy, chaotic and exciting metropolis. In this itinerary, I’ll be providing a guide to Bangkok for the first time visitor, giving you an idea of how to experience the highlights over a three day period.
Bangkok is known to Thais as Krung Thep (a shortened version of a much longer name!), which translates into “City of Angels”. The city was founded on the Chao Phraya River by the Thai (then Siamese) General Chao Phraya Chakkri in 1782, following the fall of the old kingdom of Ayutthaya to the north at the hands of the Burmese. Chakkri would go on to become King Rama I, establishing the Chakkri Dynasty which still reigns over Thailand today (the current monarch is often referred to as King Rama X). In the years since, the city expanded significantly, with several wats and roads being constructed. Bangkok grew dramatically after World War II, with tourism becoming an increasingly important aspect of Thailand’s economy. Its unique Thai character gives the global city a charm that sees many travellers coming back.
Bangkok is incredibly easy to get to and is serviced by two airports. The main one, Suvarnabhumi International (BKK), is about 30 kilometres east of central Bangkok and is a regional hub, connected to much of the world. The second, Don Mueang Airport is mainly used by budget airlines domestically and connections throughout parts of Asia.
Assuming you’ve flown into BKK, you can get into the city using Bangkok’s convenient public transport system. The Airport Rail Link connects passengers to the BTS Skytrain, which will have you in the heart of Bangkok within 30 minutes for approximately 45 Baht. Alternatively, the MRT metro can get you there in roughly the same time for a similar price. If you’d prefer to be driven to your hotel, I’d recommend using Grab (a ride-share app similar to Uber), which will be cheaper than a taxi, but be prepared to brave Bangkok’s notorious traffic.
Tourists from most Western Countries including Australia, the United States and most European Union nations, can visit Thailand visa-free. While you should check the laws that apply to your country of citizenship, Australians can enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.
The peak tourist season in Bangkok is November to February. Its also probably the best time to visit. While this is Bangkok’s cool dry season, its still very hot (you can expect temperatures to reach the low 30s Celsius regularly). There’s a fair few public holidays that fall during this time, including the late King Rama IX’s birthday and Constitution Day however, so you may want to check your dates if you’ve got a bit of flexibility. Meanwhile July to October is the wet season, with a significant chance of tropical monsoonal rain during this time of year. I’d try to avoid it, particularly if its your first time to the city as the best way to experience Bangkok is being out on the streets.
Bangkok is full of accommodation options for travellers. If its your first time visiting however, I’d aim to stay somewhere around the Ko Ratanakosin district. Situated along the east bank of the Chao Phraya river, this area of the city is close to most of the city’s iconic sites and historic temples, making it the perfect spot to base yourself when exploring Bangkok. Alternatively, if you’re more interested in the backpacker partying scene, staying near Khao San Road is the obvious choice.
Overall, accommodation in Bangkok (and Thailand in general) is quite affordable. You can expect to pay roughly the following prices for a double room per night in the high season:
As mentioned earlier, Bangkok’s roads are notorious for being congested, with traffic delays being quite common. For this reason, you don’t want to rely on cars and taxis too much when getting around the city. Luckily, the public transport system is excellent, between the BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro, both of which run frequently from 6am to midnight daily. A standard fare can range from anywhere between 16-44 Baht ($0.67 – $1.76 AUD), or you can buy a one-day unlimited pass for less than $6 AUD. You should however note that Thailand is a very cash based country, so you’ll want to have enough on you to pay for fares (and to pay for things in general).
When it comes to destinations along the riverbank (think the main temples we’ll be diving into soon!), one of the best ways to get about is by taking the Express Boat. This public ferry serves commuters up and down the Chao Phraya River from 6am – 8pm each day for around 10-40 Baht ($0.42 – $1.67 AUD) per fare. In addition to being highly affordable, a trip on the ferry is a great way to take in some of the city’s best views while escaping the often punishing Bangkok heat.
While tuk-tuks (motorised rickshaws) are popular, they are a tourist trap that just aren’t competitively priced for foreigners. Despite this, riding one once remains essential Bangkok experience (but agree on a price before setting out).
The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. Note that cash is still used far more widely than cards in Thailand.
The national language is Thai. While hotel staff and the like will speak English, it wouldn’t hurt to learn some basic Thai phrases, as outside of the tourism industry, English is not widely spoken. Some helpful phrases include:
Overall, Bangkok is a pretty safe city. The risk of street crime is fairly low. You’re more likely to be the victim of a scammer or pickpocket,so just read up on the latest scams, be aware of your belongings in crowds, and politely decline assistance from overly friendly strangers. – normal common-sense stuff. As with many parts of Asia, drug penalties can be comparatively severe in Thailand. Also note that any kind of criticism of the monarchy is regarded as very serious offence under Thai law.
Spending three days in Bangkok will give you enough time to see the city’s main highlights, including its most famous temples. You’ll also have the chance to get out of the city to the nearby ruins of historic Ayutthaya.
On your first day in Bangkok, you’ll want to see the city’s most important sites. Luckily for you, they’re all pretty centrally located along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. After a quick breakfast, you’ll want to head to one of Bangkok’s most notable attractions, the Grand Palace. From there, you’ll be taking in a few other significant temples. One of the best ways to get to the Palace is by taking the Express Boat ferry to Pier 9 Tha Chang.
As you’ll be visiting a number of places of worship today, make sure you dress modestly – that means covering knees and shoulders (males and females).
The first stop of the day is the most popular destination for tourists in all of Bangkok. Dating back to 1782, the Grand Palace complex consists of over a hundred buildings across 214,000 square metres. While the Royal Family no longer lives here, the Grand Palace has served as the King’s official residence since its construction and is still used for official functions. The Palace grounds are also the site of Wat Phra Kaew, which translates to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Included with your admission ticket, this temple houses the holiest Buddha image in all of Thailand, with Buddhists travelling from all over the world to pay their respects. While the actual Buddha statue is quite small, the whole complex is filled with iconic Thai architecture and history.
Its important to know that the Grand Palace gets packed as the day goes on. Its why I recommend making this your first stop of the day so that you can enjoy it with less people getting in your way. Expect to spend at least two hours as you wander around the areas that are open to the public. To get the most out of your experience, consider hiring a guide at the ticket kiosk, or take an audio tour for around 200 Baht.
After spending the morning in the Palace, and perhaps grabbing a light lunch from a street vendor nearby, your next stop is just a short 10 minute walk away. Wat Pho is Bangkok’s oldest temple. It translates to Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and inside you’ll find a HUGE gold covered reclining Buddha statue (in fact Bangkok’s largest). Stretching out at an impressive 46 metres long, the statue illustrates Buddha entering nirvana upon death. Its a massively significant site for Buddhist worshippers and definitely something you can’t miss when exploring Bangkok’s temples. There’s a number of other buildings on the complex housing further Buddha depictions, so you’ll probably fill in at least another hour at Wat Pho.
Wat Pho is also the site of a traditional Thai massage school and makes a great place to experience an authentic Thai massage. Make sure you book in when you arrive (there’s often a waiting list) and if you don’t manage to get a time that will suit your schedule, you should definitely make sure you get to experience a Thai massage somewhere while in Bangkok (or Thailand in general if you’ll be seeing more of the country).
To get to the last temple for the day, you’ll have to cross to the other side of the Chao Phraya River, so get on board the ferry once more and head on over to Wat Arun via the Pier 8 Tha Tien. Probably the most iconic temple of the Bangkok skyline, Wat Arun is named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna (hence the temple is often called the Temple of Dawn), and is built in the style of the former capital Ayutthaya. That’s no coincidence, as it was meant to symbolise the rebirth of Thailand (Siam) following the fall of the old capital.
The central spire stands tall at 82 metres high and overall, the impressive architecture gives rise to what is arguably the most beautiful temple in all of Bangkok. Its also one of the very few Buddhist temples that visitors can (and are in fact encouraged) to climb up, offering impressive views of the city. Its a good choice as the last temple of the day, given the chance to take in the beauty of the surroundings.
After a day of temple hopping, you’re bound to be exhausted. If you’ve got time to kill before dinner, get back on board the River Ferry and watch life on the Chao Phraya River pass you by. When you get hungry, get off at Pier 5 Ratchawong and head into Chinatown (Yaowarat), a crowded hub of alleys and market stalls that is also known for being the capital of Bangkok’s street food scene. If you feel like partying on afterwards, you can venture out to Khao San Road‘s backpacker scene, before calling it a night.
Now that you’ve seen Bangkok’s most famous temples, you’ll be diving deeper into the city on your second day in the city. You’ll be starting out at another temple (this is Thailand after all!), but then you’ll be headed to a unique museum as well as enjoying the fresh air in one of the city’s best public spaces as the day goes on. You’ll be mostly away from the river today, so you might want to use Grab or public transport to get to your first destination after breakfast.
Yes, after spending most of yesterday temple hopping, you’re starting the day with another wat, but this one is still worth visiting, even if you think you’ve had your fill. Perched on top of a small hill, it takes a good 25 minutes to hike the stairs to Wat Saket, but upon doing so you’ll be rewarded with great views across the city. The temple contains iconic murals including depictions of Buddhist hell that you won’t see elsewhere. However, the main thing to see here is the famous golden chedi that stands in at 100 metres high and was commissioned by King Rama III during his reign. After the hike to the top, spend some time relaxing up here, taking in the scenery and atmosphere before continuing on with your day.
Up next, you’re off to one of Bangkok’s more unique attractions. The Jim Thompson House is located a short distance away from the commercial heart of Bangkok (where you’ll find the city’s well known shopping malls) and is a traditional Thai style house that once served as the residence of former US spy, Jim Thompson, who served a stint in Thailand during World War 2. He would become more well known for his role in reviving the Thai silk industry however, before his mysterious disappearance in 1967.
When you visit the Jim Thompson House, you’ll take a guided tour (you can’t book in advance but its the only way to see the property), during which you’ll see the various rooms on display, filled with artefacts and artworks. Along the way you’ll learn about the significance of Thai silk through a demonstration of its production, and also see a cultural Thai dance routine. You’ll gain a lot from visiting, both in learning some history as well as experiencing some local culture. Its one of the most popular museums in Thailand for a reason! After your tour you can explore the lush gardens surrounding the property.
As you start to get hungry, you might want to duck into one of the massive malls nearby for a quick feed. There’s countless options within a 20 minute walk. Siam Discovery is a massive modern mall that includes a Madame Tussauds if you enjoy those. Siam Paragon houses the Sea Life Ocean World Aquarium, while Central World has an indoor skating ring. They all have excellent food courts and are a great way to escape the heat of the day before continuing on.
When you’re ready to get back outside, Lumphini Park is a relatively short walk to the south and is essentially Bangkok’s answer to Central Park in New York. Named after the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, this public space is the city’s biggest park and is filled with beautifully maintained lawns, trails and an artificial lake. Its a good choice for a relaxing afternoon stroll and an escape from the hustle and bustle of regular Bangkok street life. You’ll see countless locals enjoying the outdoors and you can even join in with an outdoor aerobics session in the late afternoon. At 6 o’clock, you’ll hear the park’s speakers blare in tribute to the King while park goers stop in their tracks out of respect. Its a daily occurrence so don’t be alarmed if it catches you off guard.
When you’re ready to wind up, grab dinner before heading back to the hotel. If you’re craving some nightlife, Bangkok has numerous options waiting for you. Or if you’re feeling like something different, consider seeing a Muay Thai Fight at Rajadamnern Stadium.
Believe it or not, I’m going to recommend that you spend your third day in Bangkok getting out of the city! While there’s plenty to do in Bangkok, if you’ve only got a few days in town, I’d highly recommend taking a trip to the Old Capital of Ayutthaya. This historic site contains the ruins of the former capital of Siam, a regional powerhouse before its fall in the 18th century.
Many visitors to Bangkok don’t realise that Ayutthaya is a mere 80 kilometres north of the city, making it a very easy day trip. You can either go with an organised tour such as this one, or visit independently. If you’re making the trip on your own, there’s regular bus or train services that will get you to the UNESCO heritage site, leaving from central Bangkok (it will probably cost you around 40-60 Baht depending on your choice of transport). If you’re on a tour, there’s a good chance the bus will pick you up from your hotel (or a larger hotel nearby).
Before you get to the actual ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park, your first stop should be the Bang Pa-In Palace. This 19 hectare property was a former summer palace for the Thai Royal Family throughout the 19th century, although it was actually built all the way back in the 17th century by King Prasat Thong before the fall of Ayutthaya. The property is notable for its vast array of structures and shrines from various architectural styles, ranging from European to Chinese influences – in fact, there is only one shrine on the property (the floating Divine Seat of Personal Freedom) which is built in traditional Thai style, a significant contrast to much of the temples through Bangkok.
You can spend at least an hour taking in the various buildings and grounds of the beautiful palace here while taking lots of photos. A good tour will aim to get here early on in the day (hence it being the first stop) before the crowds arrive in mass. Its a relaxing and historically interesting place to visit and you should make the most of the experience. Don’t miss the chance to ascend to the top of Sage’s Lookout Tower for excellent views of the palace complex.
Once you arrive at the actual UNESCO heritage site of Ayutthaya’s old city, head to Wat Mahathat. Wat Mahathat was the most important temple in Ayutthaya and served as the seat of the Kingdom’s Power. The size of the temple can only be imagined now, although the ruins left following the city’s sacking are impressive. The central prang once stood around 43 metres high, and was actually restored before collapsing once again in the early 20th century.
While the ruins and the various Buddha statues sprawled throughout the complex are impressive, the highlight at the site is undoubtedly the sandstone Buddha head nearby entangled in the roots of a Bodhi tree. Its become one of Thailand’s most iconic images and its unknown exactly how it came to be, but one popular theory is that the head was left there after looting of the site following the fall of the Old City.
The next temple I’d recommend in Ayutthaya dates back to the 15th century and is one of the very few historical sites in the area that remains fully intact. Its thought that this was due to the fact that it was used by the Burmese army as a military outpost during their campaign against the Old City, and therefore preserved. Today, Wat Na Phra Men is most notable for its massive gold Buddha statue, standing 6 metres tall and depicted in royal attire. Outside the main shrine, you’ll find various stupas, another Buddha head in a Bodhi tree, and many more interesting icons of worship.
The last temple on this itinerary is actually no longer a temple at all – the entirety of Wat Lokaya Sutharam’s temple was totally destroyed in the Burmese sacking of Ayutthaya, However the site is now notable for the massive 42 metre long Reclining Buddha statue that lays exposed to its surroundings. While there’s nowhere near as much to see here as the other temples, the huge Buddha makes it worth a brief stop alone and many worshippers present offerings to the sacred icon.
For most people, the above sites will be enough traipsing through ruins for a day. If you’re looking to head back to Bangkok, consider taking a river boat cruise all the way back down the Chao Phraya River into the heart of the city (it will take around 2 hours). If you’ve come to Ayutthaya on an organised tour, there’s a good chance it will include such a trip, with lunch served on board. For those wanting to spend more time in Ayutthaya however, there’s plenty more temples and ruins to see, as well as the Ayutthaya Tourist Centre and Museum. If you’re thinking of sticking around, you might consider purchasing a full day ticket to Ayuthaya Historical Park for 220 Baht (around $9.25 AUD) rather than paying separately at each place you visit.
Whenever you do make it back to Bangkok, you’ll probably be ready for a relaxing rest of the day. Wander the streets, take a dip at your hotel pool, or head to a local market, before eating some more delicious Thai food and finishing your few days in Bangkok with a cocktail at a rooftop bar.
So there you have it – 3 days in Bangkok! Is there anywhere you’d recommend that I’ve missed? Let me know all about your favourite spots in Bangkok in the comments.
If you’re looking to continue on your travels through Thailand, popular destinations include Chiang Mai in the north, or Phuket and its nearby islands to the south. Moving on from Thailand? Consider heading over into neighbouring Laos or Cambodia to see more of South East Asia.
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If you ask someone outside of Australia what the capital of the country is, chances are the answer you’ll get will be either Sydney or Melbourne. Neither is correct, although those answers speak to the reason that the city of Canberra was created and has served as Australia’s capital since 1908. The city was purpose designed and built on the site of an old sheep station to end the rivalry between Australia’s two largest cities and their respective claims to being the nation’s capital. Unlike urban metropolises around the world however, Canberra is spacious, low-level and surrounded by bushland. Its definitely not as high profile as other cities in Australia, and most tourists will overlook the city despite its importance to the nation.
Canberra is located in the Australian Capital Territory, around 300 kilometres south-west of Sydney. Its the only capital city in Australia not found on the coast, so its already unique in that sense. The city is situated around the man-made Lake Burley Griffin, and surrounded by mountains and hills. Given its location, its possible to visit Canberra on a day-trip from Sydney, however to get the most of your stay, I’d recommend at least two days in the city. That should give you enough time to see the main sights. Its also worth driving rather than flying if you’re coming from Sydney though as flying the route can be quite expensive despite the short distance.
While Canberra may not be high on the radar of most tourists travelling to Australia from abroad, if you’re a fellow Australian or have more time to spare down under, I’d recommend taking a trip to Canberra and following this itinerary to make the most of your time.
Being the meticulously planned city that it is, many of Canberra’s major attractions can be found in a relatively compact area known as the Parliamentary Triangle. You’ll be able to walk to most places throughout this part of the city so don’t stress about getting around.
While Canberra is centred around Parliament House on Capital Hill, the building is relatively new. Your first stop of the day (after breakfast of course) takes you to the Old Parliament House. This building was constructed in 1927 and served as the centre of Australian politics until the current House was opened in 1988. During its heyday, Old Parliament House saw numerous significant events such as Australia’s World War II declaration and the disappearance of Prime Minister Harold Holt in 1967. Today, the building houses the Museum of Australian Democracy. Arrive first thing in the morning and allow around an hour to explore the exhibits, which provide a comprehensive overview of Australia’s political history. You might also want to check out the nearby National Portrait Gallery to see portraits of significant Australians from all walks of life.
Following your visit to Old Parliament House, its only natural you continue your day by heading up Capital Hill to the Australian Parliament House itself. This architectural icon is where the current Federal Parliament meets, and if you’re visiting on a sitting day, you can even see the politicians of the house debating during Question Time (held at 2PM). Whether you’re politically inclined or not, a visit to Parliament House is worthwhile just to see the impressive building, both from outside and its interior. Parliament House offers free guided tours of the building that run for around 40 minutes a few times a day. These tours serve as a great way to get a deeper sense of appreciation for Australia’s federal seat of government.
Parliament House is such a unique building that you can actually walk up its grassy sides onto the roof. The Queen’s Terrace Cafe is a great choice to grab a quick bite for lunch before continuing your day of exploring Canberra.
After spending your morning taking in the political side of Canberra, mix it up for the afternoon with a few hours at Questacon. Located towards Lake Burley Griffin, the impressive National Science and Technology Museum is easily Australia’s best science centre. The museum contains over 200 interactive exhibits across six galleries, exploring phenomena such as the earth sciences, physics, space and innovation. While its definitely a museum that is popular with young children, due to its interactive nature you’ll easily pass an hour or so here regardless of your age group.
When you’re finished embracing your inner Einstein, take the short walk to the National Gallery of Australia nearby. Spend around an hour exploring the gallery’s impressive collection of Australian art, both from its colonial and Indigenous history. Highlights of the gallery include Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles and Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly paintings. Also make sure you see the Aboriginal Memorial, a collection of 200 log poles honouring the lives of Indigenous Australians that were lost during European settlement of the country. Like most major art institutions around the world, you can take a free guided highlight tour to maximise your experience of the gallery. These generally are offered twice a day and run for about an hour. When you’re done inside, don’t leave the area without seeing the sculpture garden where you’ll find gigantic Pears, Cones and other works.
After an action packed day, find a local restaurant for dinner, enjoy some fine Canberra wine and relax, ready for another day of exploring the city tomorrow. If you’re looking for something to do after dinner, head up to Mt Ainslee Lookout for spectacular views of Canberra by night.
On your second day, you’ll be seeing the remainder of Canberra’s main attractions on the other side of Lake Burley Griffin. Today’s pace will be more relaxed, and you’ll have time to soak in the atmosphere of the city, while also seeing one of its most impressive museums. With that said, today’s itinerary is a bit more spaced out geographically, so you might need to rely on Uber or other ride-share apps if you don’t have access to a car.
Start day two in Canberra with a visit to the National Museum of Australia, on the bank of Lake Burley Griffin at Acton Peninsula. This museum is housed in yet another purpose built structure (a bit of a theme for Canberra), and provides an in-depth look into the people, events and issues that have shaped Australia over the course of history. Its only fitting that such a comprehensive overview of the nation can be found in its capital. The Museum is deceptively large and you can spend at least two hours here. Highlights include the First Australians exhibit which focuses on retelling the history of Australia’s Indigenous peoples, and the Journeys exhibition, which illustrates the contributions to diversity that immigration has had on Australia throughout different periods.
After spending some time taking in the views of Lake Burley Griffin, and perhaps picking up an early lunch along the way, head towards Anzac Parade to check out the Australian War Memorial. Located directly opposite Parliament House on the other side of the lake, this art-deco style building is well worth visiting and is one of the most impressive structures in Canberra. Paying tribute to the Australian soldiers that have died while serving the nation, the Memorial is centred around the Pool of Reflection and Eternal Flame. Spend some time reflecting on the losses of war as you read the names along the Roll of Honour and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier inside the Hall of Memory.
The Australian War Memorial also houses an excellent museum that is often overlooked by visitors to Canberra. Inside the museum you’ll find galleries dedicated to Australia’s role in both World Wars and other armed conflicts. There’s a lot to see inside, including a hall of military aircraft and a light show recreating bombing raids over Germany in the Second World War. Take your time exploring the museum. I found it to be so much more in-depth than I was expecting.
In the late afternoon, take a relaxing stroll through the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Situated on the lower slopes of Black Mountain (you’ll head up there later), these gardens contain over 90,000 plant varieties. There’s plenty of self-guided walking tours you can take around the gardens, with the 45 minute Main Path taking you through the eucalypt lawn, rock garden, rainforest gully and Sydney Region garden. If I had to recommend just one part of the gardens in particular though, it would be the Red Centre Garden, which provides a look at the vibrant outback landscape present in Australia’s deep interior.
After your stroll through nature, head up Black Mountain to spend the evening at Telstra Tower. You can even follow the signs in the Botanic Gardens and take the walking track up here if you’ve still got energy. Affectionately known as the “giant syringe” due to its design, a visit to Telstra Tower rewards you with sweeping views across Canberra from the tower’s 195 metre height. If you arrive before sunset, spend a bit of time first checking out the telecommunication exhibition (the tower is an actual telecommunication tower, hence the name Telstra) before heading up to the observatory levels. Here you’ll find both indoor and outdoor viewing decks over three floors.
You’ll no doubt be hungry after making your way around Canberra for the day. If you really want to splurge, you can enjoy dinner at the tower’s revolving restaurant (book first). Otherwise make your way back into the city centre to find a feed.
There’s still more to see in Canberra. If you’ve got more than two days to spend, you might want to check out some of the following:
There’s a lot to do if you make the trip to Canberra. It won’t be the highlight of your trip to Australia if you’re coming from abroad, but its a place worth visiting if you’ve got the time to spare. Sydney and Melbourne may both be more impressive cities, but at least Canberra was there to settle the rivalry between them.
If you’ve been to Canberra, are there any sights that I’ve missed that you recommend visiting? What’s your favourite way to spend time in Australia’s capital?
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When I first visited San Francisco, my initial impression was just how different Northern California is to Southern California. As the old saying goes, it truly is redwoods and palm trees. San Francisco is a city that’s on many a traveller’s bucket list, for good reason. The unique and eclectic City by the Bay may be compact, but there’s so much to do over its hills – far more than can be seen in a few days. In this itinerary, I’ll give a few suggestions of how you can spend three days in San Francisco. Be warned – you’ll definitely want to come back after one visit. There’s a reason people leave their heart in San Fran (just don’t call it that…or Frisco for that matter).
San Francisco is known for its hilly streets and cable car tracks. You’ll start your visit to the city by taking a ride over them. Make sure you’ve got a MUNI-pass beforehand and head towards Union Square. From here, its an short walk to a stop along the Powell-Hyde Cable Car Line. Marked by red signs, its the most scenic of the tracks. The cable cars run from 6am each morning, and while they’re not exactly the most efficient way of getting around the city, you have to ride one at least once when you’re in San Francisco.
Disembark at the top of Lombard Street (there’s a stop right above it). Chances are you’ve seen photos of this single block that contains eight switchback curves. There’s a constant queue of traffic heading down the street, but take your time admiring the views and pretty gardens. The world’s crookedest street may very well be just a street, but its a famous spot in San Francisco that is well worth stopping by for fifteen minutes in the early morning. It truly characterises the quirkiness of San Francisco, however the design of Lombard Street was actually quite practical. The steepness of the hill the street is on was too great for the cars on the road in the 1920s, hence the switchbacks.
Take a (calf burning) walk from here to Telegraph Hill, where you can visit the iconic Coit Tower. Overlooking the city, the Tower was named after Lillie Hancock Coit, who bequeathed a large portion of her estate to beautify San Francisco. Check out the controversial Works Project Administration murals in the Tower’s lobby before taking the elevator to the top for a stunning panoramic view of the City by the Bay. You can even get your first glimpse of the distant Golden Gate Bridge from up here.
When you’re ready to explore more of the city, leave Telegraph Hill by descending the Filbert Street Steps. You won’t notice the steep descent as you make your way down the east side of the hill. You’ll be busy taking in the views of the Bay, quaint households along the trek and the colourful wild parrots squawking above.
After all that walking, you’ll be getting hungry. Now is a good time to stop by Pier 39. While its a tourist hotspot, the carnival-like wharf is jam packed with things to do. There’s midway games, entertainment and shopping galore. And of course the famous sea lions that laze around on the western edge of the pier. While you’re in the area, grab lunch at the Boudin Bakery where you can pick up a clam chowder bowl, a San Francisco staple. If you want to see more aquatic life after seeing the sea lions, let your lunch settle with a stop by the Aquarium of the Bay. You’ll see a better aquarium later on in this itinerary, but I have to admit, the sea otters here are adorable!
Time to get your science on! Take a stroll south along the bayside Embarcadero until you reach the Exploratorium. Located at Pier 15, this hands-on interactive museum is great. You’ll easily spend a few hours in this massive science centre housing hundreds of exhibits which cover topics ranging from human psychology to the ecosystems we live in. Don’t miss the Tactile Dome, an immersive experience as you navigate through a pitch black labyrinth using your sense of touch while sliding and climbing through the maze. Its a not to be missed experience and I’d recommend booking an entry time in advance.
As the afternoon creeps into evening, head back towards Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll find California’s famous In and Out Burger a little further along the waterfront. Enjoy a burger (seek out the secret menu) before watching the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. Pier 39 is again a great spot to take in this view. If you’ve still got some energy afterwards, there’s lots more fun to be had in this area. Visit Madame Tussauds or the excellent San Francisco Dungeon for some evening amusement before taking the MUNI back to your hotel.
Today you’ll be exploring the Bay and some of the city’s surroundings. Make an early start (grabbing breakfast in the process) because you’re starting the day with a tour to Alcatraz. Make sure you book your tickets around a month in advance on the Alcatraz cruises website – Alcatraz is one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions and you don’t want to wait around in the lines to purchase tickets at the pier (if they haven’t already sold out!)! Doing this ensures you’ll be able to select the first boat of the day (normally around 8.45am). With your ticket in hand, head on over to the cruise terminal at Pier 33 and follow the directions of the cruise personnel into the appropriate line to board your boat out to the island prison.
Upon disembarking at Alcatraz, you’ll want to spend a few hours exploring the island. The highlight is without question the main cellhouse tour. The audio tour is included with your admission and guides you through the cell blocks and surrounding grounds while also telling stories about some of the more infamous inmates that spent time in the prison such as the notorious Frank Norris. Its an excellent way to explore Alcatraz and overall one of the best things to do in San Francisco. While you’re on Alcatraz, check out the beautifully tended gardens and explore the greater history of the island beyond the prison. Overall, I’d aim to spend 2 – 3 hours on the island.
Getting back to the city, you’ll probably be hungry. Take a walk south along the waterfront to the beautiful Ferry Building. You’ll find plenty of food stalls inside, providing a diverse overview of the San Franciscan culinary scene. Take a moment to look around and grab something that strikes your fancy before heading outside for some scenic shots of the nearby Bay Bridge.
One of the reasons you’ve headed to the Ferry Building for lunch (aside from the amazing food of course!) is that its likely the meeting point for your afternoon tour outside of the city. Having booked a half-day trip in advance, meet your guide outside the building for a tour of the Muir Woods and Sausalito. While some may question leaving the city itself on a three day trip, Muir Woods is a national park of such immense beauty thats located so close to San Francisco that in my view its well worth a few hours out of your plans to see.
As you board the bus, your guide will tell you all about the history of San Francisco before stopping off at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour company you choose will determine which side of the bridge you stop at, but if you’re in luck you’ll stop on the south side. Here you can get some amazing photos of the international orange (not red) structure that crosses the entrance to the Bay. If you’ve got time (you’ll probably spend around 15-20 minutes here), check out the cross section of the suspension cable from the bridge located near the visitor’s centre to really comprehend the size of the structure.
Back on the bus, you’ll cross the bridge and head further north to the Muir Woods National Monument. In this immense park, you’ll find coastal redwoods, the iconic tree of Northern California, which date back longer than the city of San Francisco itself. The afternoon is a great time to visit as the sun will glisten through the canopy of the trees high above the trails. On your tour, you’ll probably only have time to explore the main Redwood Creek loop trail, but its a nice and relaxing hike that takes you along a trickling river and to the Cathedral Grove, a beautiful spot of quiet reflection in nature. You’ll forget that you’re just a few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge as you venture through the woods.
After spending around 90 minutes in the woods, it will be time to board your bus for a quick stop at the bayside town of Sausalito. Filled with shops, restaurants and bay vista views, you can either enjoy a bit of time exploring here, or head back to San Francisco across the ferry. The ferry will take you right back to the Ferry Building after a thirty minute or so cruise.
Either way, grab some dinner before deciding on your evening plans. If there’s a Giant’s game on, head to Oracle Park to watch from the beautiful bay side arena. Even if you’re not big on baseball (or understand much about the game like me) its a great experience and the arena is pretty cool to see. Alternatively, head into the Castro neighbourhood and catch a film at the historic Castro Theatre followed by a few drinks in the vibrant neighbourhood.
You’ve seen a lot of San Francisco’s bay front and explored a little bit of the Bay Area, so today you’ll be venturing into a different part of the city. Start your day by catching a MUNI ride to Golden Gate Park. Located in the western part of the city, this 4.5 mile stretch of preserved greenery is even larger than the more famous Central Park in New York and contains plenty of attractions, more than you’ll be able to cram into one morning.
Start exploring the park at the California Academy of Sciences. Remember when I said earlier that there’d be a better aquarium in San Francisco than the one on the Pier? Well this is where you’ll find it. Along with a stunning planetarium, cute penguin exhibit and impressive walk through rainforest (plus more). Try to get to the Academy early in the day so that you can score (free) planetarium tickets to the show of your choice and see as much of the museum as possible. Its easy to do a quick walk through of the main exhibits in an hour or so, but you’ll want to spend more time than that. I’d allocate at least 2 hours. Don’t forget to check out the living roof while you’re here!
Here’s just a few of the other major destinations in Golden Gate Park that you can explore afterwards:
There’s plenty of spots at Golden Gate Park where you can grab some lunch (whether its at one of the above attractions or otherwise) If you want to spend more time exploring the park, you might want to wander around Stow Lake (beware of the supposed haunting White Lady that comes out at night). Or if you want a bit more peace and quiet away from the crowds, check out the National AIDS Memorial Grove in the park’s east. If you had more time in San Francisco, I’d say spend the whole day in the park and head to the western end of the park and enjoy a sunset over the Pacific ocean, but there’s more to be seen in the city on your last day of this itinerary.
When you’re ready to leave Golden Gate Park, make your way to Alamo Square. Here you’ll see the Victorian era Painted Ladies lining the streets. Seen on numerous postcards, these elegant houses date back to 1857 and are worth seeing since you’ll be finishing up your day in a nearby neighbourhood.
Take the short walk to the Haight-Ashbury. This part of the city has to be experienced, as its like stepping into a time warp back to the Summer of Love of the 1960s. The block is lined with street art murals, colourful houses and trendy bars and restaurants. Music lovers will want to check out Amoeba Records (supposedly the world’s largest independent record store). Don’t miss the Haight-Ashbury sign at the intersection underneath the famous legs extending from Piermont Boutique, a testament to the neighbourhoods colourful hippy scene. Eat dinner at one of the many restaurants here and party on like its the 60s, or head back to North Beach for the bars of the Barbary Coast. Either is a fine way to spend a night in San Francisco.
Have I missed anything that you’d recommend when spending a few days in San Francisco? I’d love to hear all about your travels and recommendations. Don’t forget to comment below.
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