San Francisco - Let's go!

(05/08/2017)

The next morning, we went out into the city.

Beforehand, I had booked tickets in advance for visiting Alcatraz and for the HopOn-HopOff bus. Now I had to pick them up. Between 9 and 10 in the morning.

The hotel is located very centrally and Google Maps told me that it's a half-hour walk to the organizer's office. So I decided to walk. It was quite easy. Left at the next corner and then straight ahead :-)

On the way, I also passed by the most famous part of the Lombard Street...

...and had a great view of Alcatraz.

Yes. I was standing in the middle of the street for taking pictures ;-) San Francisco is indeed a big city, but the traffic is not too heavy. Of course, it's not everywhere and at all times like in the photo, but you don't really get stuck in traffic jams like in other cities during rush hour in San Francisco. Many people who live here, travel by public transport.

In L.A., it's really advisable for tourists to rent a car. But here in San Francisco, a ticket for the HopOn-HopOff bus is perfect. It takes you to further away attractions, and the rest can be done on foot. Or by bicycling. At every corner, there's a different bike rental shop, asking you, 'Biking the Bridge? :-)

But you have to be prepared for some 'ups and downs'. San Francisco is built on several hills and some streets are therefore quite steep. I noticed that during my morning walk.

San Francisco is greener compared to L.A. There are trees everywhere or people have planted something at the front entrances - even without a front yard. That's why - and because it's also a bit calmer here - I like San Francisco better than Los Angeles.

However, this city also has its 'dark sides'. On the one hand, life here is quite expensive. On the other hand, there are many, many homeless people.