Go cheap in culturally rich San Francisco

With a population of 808,850, San Francisco is relatively small but mighty:

Actually the SF Bay Area has a population of over 7.5 million, and extended to the nearby Sacramento area has a pop of nealy 10 million.

Roy wrote:

With a population of 808,850, San Francisco is relatively small but mighty:
Actually the SF Bay Area has a population of over 7.5 million, and extended to the nearby Sacramento area has a pop of nealy 10 million.

Correct. But the population of the city itself (and that seven-by-seven miles square) is 808,850.

Lauren Viera wrote:

<quoted text>
Correct. But the population of the city itself (and that seven-by-seven miles square) is 808,850.

Which gives it a population density of a whopping 16,507 folks per square mile.

"Alameda's Rosenblum Cellars ... is the closest winery to San Francisco"
Actually, there is a custom winery IN San Francisco: Crushpad Wine (www.crushpadwine.com)

Very concise, though I do recommend the Layne (sp) hotel same cheap night with parlor sink but more like a residencs hotel very nostalgic, secondly down on Market near castro is Orphan Andy's great for breakfast, over to Haight visit and take Pics on the porches of 710 ashbury and 720 Fulton. the Grateful dead and Jefferson Airplane houses respectively. then as was stated the Ethiopian place on Haight was great especially after jet lag from Japan and Korea. then to the polo grounds at Golden gate park, venture on to the seal rocks they are spectacular even in winter. back to North beach go to bed then the morn get up and have Irish breakfast forget the name of the place, rent a car go to Sausalito, or cab spend the day or B&B for an eve, then ferry it back to the wharf get on the plane remember what you did, and wish San Francisco was your home town, I do even though I'm from Chicago!!!

Right but 30,000 are homeless and the other 100,000 live in 4 sq blocks of China town. so I reckon most of the others are living in apts 1 bedrooms with 20 plus people in them and all the rest are absurdly rich, I still love the City and My reply is mostly in jest go north into Marin Cty and BREATH oh so good!

Jones wrote:

<quoted text>
Which gives it a population density of a whopping 16,507 folks per square mile.

Used to live in San Francisco. Very difficult to get a place to rent. I rented a room for $800 a month (yes, that's a single room in a house) and that was nearly a decade ago. I'll bet the prices are much higher now. =/

7x7=49. So is it true that the 49ers get their name from the square miles of San Francisco, or is it from the Gold Rush Days?

SF is great destination despite the price, the homeless and the filth of the city. Mayor Newsome should ask Mayor Daley how he cleaned up Chicago.

As a former Chicago resident, I now live in the East Bay. I love it here.

There are tons of great independent boutique hotels downtown. There are some very well appointed ones, but others that were decent for about $100 -$150/night. Much more charming and friendly than the big chains. Do yourself a favor and buy the muni passport - you can get one by Fisherman's Wharf when you're there or ahead of time over the internet. They'll get you on cable cars (which are $5 per ride) and the buses for unlimited rides. Passports come in 1, 3 and 7 day passes. You'll be amazed how often you'll use it if you have it, especially if you're walking.

My favorite places - the DeYoung Museum, the Presidio, the Ferry Building (gourmet food and dining), Grace Cathedral, Mission Delores, and of course the Castro. If you have time - take a ferry to Tiburon or Sausalito.

I found sit down restaurants to be pricey downtown. Go out and explore the neighborhoods for more interesting dining and better values.

BreakIngNews wrote:

Used to live in San Francisco. Very difficult to get a place to rent. I rented a room for $800 a month (yes, that's a single room in a house) and that was nearly a decade ago. I'll bet the prices are much higher now.=/

Agreed, It`s also fairly dirty and very pricey. Chicago is by far bigger, cleaner, friendlier, easier to walk to things and cheaper. I Lived in SF for about 5 years and Chicago for 30 and there1s a reason for that. I did like the Bay Area however. They do have beautiful sights, SOME neat things to do (if you can afford it) the Ocean and a cool history. To visit a BIG yes, to live a bigger NO.

Gigi wrote:

7x7=49. So is it true that the 49ers get their name from the square miles of San Francisco, or is it from the Gold Rush Days?
SF is great destination despite the price, the homeless and the filth of the city. Mayor Newsome should ask Mayor Daley how he cleaned up Chicago.
As a former Chicago resident, I now live in the East Bay. I love it here.

could not agree more about the filth and price. I do Like SF its a cool place to visit. Lived for 5 years and that was just a bit too much.

Just got back from San Fran (hadn't been there in quite a few years!). Too many beggars for my tastes.

We stayed in the Embarcadero area and really enjoyed visiting the Ferry Building. Nice, affordable eats, interesting shops, great coffee! It's a place where the locals seem to gravitate and is highly recommended.

Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf were virtually intolerable tourist traps, although we enjoyed the many sea lions that have decided to hang out at Pier 39!

p.s. don't forget your wallet when you go, not a cheap place!

My in-laws live in San Mateo, our annual visit that I look forward to!!! Do not forget the short trip across the Golden Gate bridge to Sausilito AMAZING;-)

I am not a hotel fan i perfer IYAH HOSTELS and not just because they are cheap and clean. If you are a tourist traveling alone a hotel can be one of the most lonely places there can be.

the IYAH/AYH HOSTEL is located a few blocks from the tourist area in a nice location. It is part of fort baker park. And if group living isn't your thing you can get a private room.

my fav place in san fran is Japan town.

stop telling people to go to Mama's! it's crowded enough already.

It is just so culturally thick and rich!