While there are lots of tourist sights in San Francisco to behold, there is none more representative of the city's spirit than the iconic Union Square. With so many layers of history, cuisine, commerce, and culture gathered in one spot, it is no wonder that this place has appeared in film and television scores of times over the years! One could teach a master class on the goings on at Union Square through the decades.

Starting from the pro-US rallies during the Civil War (hence the "Union" name) to the red-light district on (ironically) Maiden Lane, the Dewey Monument, and Alma Spreckels, the Saint Francis Hotel and its famous guests, the 1960s protests, the Theater District, the Powell cable car line, the Flood Building, and the Woolworth's counter – the list is long. Add to this the rooftop amusement park, the concerts, the window displays, and key appearances in famous movies – and you get the place that is quintessentially San Francisco in much of the same way as Times Square is for New York City.

Nowadays, the square is known as a sanctuary for the shopaholic at heart, ringed by premium boutiques, high-end department stores, and mega-brands – but also as one of maybe two places in the city where you can go ice-skating outdoors during the winter.

If you're looking for the best cheap eats, consider Sear's Fine Food or the Pinecrest Diner. For mid-range – there's Cheesecake Factory with a spectacular view of the square and the unforgettable Rotunda at Neiman Marcus. And if you want to go posh, there are too many choices, but Scala's Bistro at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel is ideal; also, The Oak Room, if you have the means.

Finally, no tour of Union Square is complete without visiting the venerable Hotel Saint Francis, where kings, presidents, movie stars, and other historical figures from every field have stayed. In its grand lobby stands an antique clock, and the phrase "Meet me at the clock" is known to most San Franciscans. During holidays, the hotel is decked out in festive décor, with a giant chocolate castle diorama to salivate over. It feels like stepping into a bygone era of luxury and superb service.

Given the range of delights available at Union Square (stores, restaurants, theaters, as well as the famous cable cars), it is safe to say it is at the heart of it all and makes a logical starting point for the exploration of San Francisco.

Tip:
Take the Powell/Hyde cable car ride (which starts and ends at Union Square) for the best views of the city. And don't mind the line if there is one – it can move quickly.

Rising above the treetops of Telegraph Hill like a sleek concrete lighthouse, the Coit Memorial Tower keeps an elegant watch over San Francisco. At 64 meters tall, it’s impossible to miss-an Art Deco exclamation point on the city’s skyline, gleaming in that familiar Bay light. Built to honor the city’s firefighters, it’s both a monument to bravery and a reliable spot for killer panoramic selfies.

The story behind it is as colorful as the city it crowns. The tower was built in 1933 upon request from a devoted patron of the firefighters of San Francisco-Lillie Hitchcock Coit, local socialite, fire-chaser, and all-around legend. Back in the 1800s, Lillie was so devoted to the city’s fire crews that on many occasions she famously helped haul hoses to burning buildings in her fancy skirts. In fact, her eccentric and brave nature made her the mascot of the Engine Co. and the Matron Saint of the San Francisco fire squad.

When Lillie passed away in 1929, she left one-third of her fortune “to beautify San Francisco.” The result was a tower dedicated to the heroes who ran toward the flames while everyone else ran away-a kind of stylish thank-you note from the city in concrete form...

Inside, Depression-era murals burst with scenes of working life, a time capsule of 1930s idealism painted right onto the curved walls. Outside, the view is pure San Francisco-rolling hills, the Golden Gate, and Alcatraz all posing for your admiration.

Indeed, the views from the base are almost as jaw-dropping as the ones from the top, so if the elevator line feels longer than a cable car climb, stay put and take the scenic stroll around the hill instead. And remember-Coit Tower closes at 5 p.m. and only takes cash. So, consider it part of the city’s vintage charm...

Pier 39-the beating, barking heart of Fisherman’s Wharf-isn’t much of a fisherman’s pier anymore. The old fleet has long since sailed off into history, but in its place rose something entirely different: a carnival by the sea. Imagine a boardwalk that decided to go full extrovert-complete with a glittering carousel (hidden toward the end of the pier like a shy performer), neon amusements, and the constant hum of tourists chasing their next photo op. Revamped in the 1970s to resemble a quaint wooden fishing village, it now welcomes thousands daily-none of whom are catching fish, though, but plenty of those catching Instagram stories...

It’s essentially an open-air shopping mall in a sailor’s disguise. Between the street performers, the Aquarium of the Bay, and enough snack stands to feed a small ship’s crew, there’s no shortage of things to distract you from the ocean view. If you need a recharge, the visitor center has you covered-literally-with phone-charging stations and a place to stash your bags while you explore.

Then there’s the food-because let’s be honest, half the crowd here comes for the chowder. Fourteen restaurants dish out everything from cioppino (which is the Italian-American shellfish and tomato stew) to locally-sourced oysters, with Fog Harbor Fish House leading the pack in both flavor and sustainability. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a floating restaurant-Forbes Island-where the catch of the day comes with a side of gentle rocking.

But the true stars of Pier 39 aren’t human at all. The sea lions, self-appointed landlords since 1989, lounge across the docks like sunbathing celebrities-loud, lazy, and utterly unbothered by their audience. Slightly stinky, yes, but undeniably charming...

From the pier, you’ll spot Angel Island, Alcatraz, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges stretching across the horizon. Boat tickets and ferry rides await those itching to head out on the water. Just remember: San Francisco’s sea breeze doesn’t care about your vacation outfit-so bring a jacket, or risk looking windswept in every photo...

As a tourist magnet, Lombard Street is recognized as the most crooked street in the world. It takes eight turns on a 24-degree slope to make one feel that it is also, indeed, one of the steepest.

Even though walking or cycling this one-way (downhill) street may instill a sense of immediate vertigo, which can be risky at times, the reason for Lombard's crooked form, surprisingly, is safety. Given the natural grading of the land, the zig-zag pattern reduces the effect of the slope's steepness, making it easier to play on. As far back as 1920, it was suggested that scenic switchbacks to be added to bring a certain appeal to the surroundings, and apparently, it worked.

Year after year, Lombard Street manages to get more than its share of visitors who marvel at its scenic beauty and strangeness. Although zig-zag patterns may be enough to visit, a lesser-known fact about this street is that it houses some of San Francisco's most magnificent mansions. One of them – the Montandon House – is also reputed for being haunted.

For many, if not all, guests of San Francisco, a visit to Lombard Street is a must, if only to check it off their bucket list!

Tip:
Around 10 am is the best time to visit due to less crowd and sunshine. It is nice to start at the top and look down, then walk down and look up. Not only is it a lot easier, but if you carry on down the road, it will lead you to Coit Tower, another attraction in its own right, offering panoramic views over the city and the bay.

When it comes to public transportation in the City by the Bay, cable cars steal the show! Invented in the late 19th century, they were introduced on an experimental basis for the uneven and steep terrain of San Francisco. After nearly two centuries, these cars have not only proven vital for everyday commute, whirring through the streets from 6 am to 1 am, but also become its identity card.

It is, therefore, only natural to expect them to be celebrated with a designated museum. Such a place does exist and is more than just a museum but is also a showcase of the inner workings of San Francisco's cable car network. The hub of four main cable systems, all the existing cable lines are routed from this building, allowing visitors to view them from the top floor.

You can spend a good one hour in the museum, looking around the well-spaced exhibits accompanied with quite a bit of information. Another incentive to visit is the free admission!

They have a donation box for those who care to contribute. Cable cars are expensive to maintain, and supporting the museum financially, much as taking a ride in one of the cars can help keep the system running.

There is also a cute gift shop with souvenirs, plus a great café across the road, for afterward.

Tip:
If you visit the museum on one of your first days, you will look at the cars in the street with more knowledge for the rest of your vacation.

The museum is open daily: from 10am to 6pm (April through September); and from 10am to 5pm (November through March).