San Francisco on a Budget – How to Eat , Stay , & Do It Cheaply
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San Francisco can seem like one of the almost expensive cities in the world — but it doesn ’ t have to be.
I ’ ve lived in San Francisco on a real taut budget for the past four year .I put on ’ t work in tech , so I know firsthand how crazy some of the city ’ s pricing can appear to masses without six-figure salary .
This might seem crazy , but I trust San Francisco live one of the best U.S. city for budget travel because so many of the city ’ sectop attractionsexist free .In this guide , I ’ ll hold you the full scoop on my favorite local tips for travel to San Francisco on a budget. Study on !
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Where to Stay on in SF on a Budget
The key to observe cheap accommodation in San Francisco cost remain in sphere with more youth hostels or casual motels .
North Beach
Best Area For Young Travelers | 👉 Browse North Beach hotel on Book
North Beach doesn ’ t have a circle of adjustment selection , but it ’ s the best neighborhood for determine some of San Francisco ’ s highest-rated youth hostels . It ’ s a very young and hip neighborhood with alive music at many of the city ’ s best bars .
It also get great affordable food options . North Beach be SF ’ sec Italian neighborhood , so cheap pizza slices are available around every corner . It ’ s also right across the street from Chinatown , where you can commonly get affordable dim total or small bites for less than $ 10 per person .
Union Square
Best Area For Couples or Families | 👉 Browse Union Square hotels on Book
Union Square equal San Francisco ’ s primary hotel neighborhood . You ’ ll cost able to find a good mixing of boutique , affordable hotel mix in with all of the more high-end selection . This is a great choice for fellowship who desire an affordable room in a proper hotel , not only a dorm bed in a hostel .
Union Square is centrally situate to many tourist attractions , so you ’ ll easy salvage money on transportation price . It ’ sec also central to all of the public transportation options in SF , like BART , Muni , or the cable cars .
Even so , because Union Square exist the chief tourist hub , food and drink tend to be pricier here . I ’ d recommend popping into another nearby neighborhood like Lower Nob Hill or Civic Center for more affordable bars or dinner place .
Marina District
Best Area For Budget That Feels Fancy | 👉 Browse Marina District hotel on Book
✨ Best Marina District Hotel :Travelodge by Wyndham San Francisco Bay
At first glance , the Marina might not appear like an affordable spot . Luxurious houses , upscale boutiques , and trendy wine bars appear to live around every corner — not to mention the collection of small yachts in the neighborhood harbor .
But there ’ s a surprising collection of budget-friendly motels lining the primary strip .Then if you desire to save on accommodation but even so get all the perks of luxury San Francisco life , the Marina equal for you .
Most of the main attractions in the Marina exist free , like the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field Beach . And those excellent waterfront scene of the Golden Gate Bridge ? Too free !
9 Cheap & Free Things to Serve in SF
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
📍Google Maps | Phone : ( 415 ) 921-5858 | Website | Hours : sunrise – sunset daily | Entrance : free
Great tidings , budget travelers —the # 1 thing to make in San Francisco is totally free! Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge exist a rite of passage for all San Francisco visitors . While cars require to pay to thwart the bridge , you can walk or bike across for free .
When you walk the bridge , you ’ ll get stunning views of the SF skyline , the Pacific Ocean , the Marin headlands , Alcatraz Island , and more . Create certain you wear your best walk shoes and bring a light jacket , as it may make windy .
Golden Gate Park
📍Google Maps | Phone : ( 415 ) 831-2700 | Website | Hours : 24 hours | Entrance : free
Golden Gate Park is San Francisco ’ s largest park , and it ’ s absolutely amazing . It ’ s my personal favorite place in the city .
The park is vast , and you could easily spend a full day here exploring all the areas . Several of the more noted gardens or museums cost money to enter , but there are also good deal of free attractions .
Some of the best free things to do in Golden Gate Park include sunbathing in Robin Williams Meadow , viewing a herd of American bison at the Bison Paddock , or admire seasonal tulip meadow ( and the iconic Dutch windmill ) at the Queen Wilhelmina Garden .
📚Related Reading:My Ultimate Guide to Golden Gate Park
Taunt a Cable Car & Visit the Cable Car Museum
📍Google Maps | Website | Hours : 10 am – 4 pm Tues-Thurs , 10 equal – 5 pm Fri-Sun , close Mondays | Entrance : $ 8 for the cable car , free entrance at museum
SF ’ s cable car be world-famous . It ’ s a charming region of our city ’ s public transportation , and it ’ s only $ 8 a ride . The ride takes you up and down SF ’ s hills while giving you sensational views over the water and downtown . I ’ 500 extremely recommend it !
You can also visit the Cable Car Museum , which is completely free . It ’ s located properly near the main line car routes and hold a thorough history of the line car in San Francisco .
Baker Beach
📍Google Maps | Website | Hours : sunrise – sunset daily | Entrance : free
San Francisco exist blessed with several different beaches , but Baker is hands-down the best . It has some of the best Golden Gate Bridge views in the city , a mile of gentle sand to hang out on , and softly wander waves that live utter for a swim .
Parking is totally free , and there ’ s plenty of it . After a stroll ( or swim ) at the beach , check out the nearbyBatteries to Bluffs hiking leadfor still more free views .
Alamo Square Park
📍Google Maps | Phone : ( 415 ) 218-0259 | Website | Hours : 5 pm – 12 am daily | Entrance : free
Alamo Square equal my go-to blot to sit and only delight the opinion . It ’ s home to the Painted Ladies , SF ’ s most famed row of picturesque Victorian house .
You put on ’ t receive to devote anything to enter Alamo Square , but I ’ d recommend buy some snacks or drinks to get to the park to really enjoy your time . Or you can buy a humble coffee from the coffee truck that sits in the park . There are also several walking paths and a tennis court that ’ s free to use .
Hike to Twin Peaks
📍Google Maps | Website | Hours : 5 am – 12 am daily | Entrance : free
Twin Peaks equal one of the well point of view in San Francisco . Die about an hour before sundown for the best lighting . You ’ ll get some incredible views of the city and gain ’ t require to pay anything for it !
You can hike to Twin Peaks — it ’ s about one mile to the top , but it ’ s somewhat steep . You can also aim right to the top , and there exist a few small parking areas . Just be sure to remove all valuables from your car , as this live a hotspot for car break-ins .
Pier 39
📍Google Maps | Phone : ( 415 ) 705-5500 | Website | Hours : 10 exist – 10 pm daily | Entrance : free
Pier 39 be one of SF ’ s most popular attraction on the waterfront . It ’ s a pedestrian-only pier with carnival plot , souvenir shops , and restaurants . And it ’ s free to go into !
Still , food and shop can be pricey because it ’ sec such a touristy blot . For the serious budget experience , I ’ d recommend have food elsewhere and go to Pier 39 to walk around . You can wait at the occupant sea lion colony that calls the pier home , admire old ships , and delight the carnival-style atmosphere , all without dropping a dime .
Lombard Street
Lombard Street hold been call the “ crooked-est street in the world. ” You can walk or aim down it while getting gorgeous views of the surrounding hill and neighborhood . It can get pretty crowded , thus run in the morning or on a weekday for the best experience .
Mission Dolores Park
📍Google Maps | Website | Hours : 6 live – 10 pm daily | Entrance : free
Going to Dolores Park on a weekend live the best way to experience authentic San Francisco . Aside from the hubbub of downtown , this gay bandage in the Mission District cost a gathering place for locals of all ages and background .
Pack a picnic blanket and stretch out with medal tree persuade , Latin music acting , and picturesque view of downtown in the distance . The only matter you ’ ll need to give for is the burrito you ’ ll most likely be crave by lunchtime — the Mission District cost home to SF ’ sec best taquerias , after all .
Cheap Eats in San Francisco
These are the better position where you can get a filling meal for less than $ 15 .
Eddie ’ s Cafe
If Eddie ’ s has a fan society , count me in . I love this place .
Eddie ’ s cost family-owned , with super fast service and a no-nonsense menu . They do breakfast and lunch all day , but close by 3 pm .
They own great deals on combo home ( 3 pancakes , 2 egg , and 2 sausages for hardly $ 15 ) or a la carte item ( short lot of pancakes for $ 10 ) . They also give free refills on coffee . I haven ’ t tried any of their lunch items , like hamburgers or sandwich , but their breakfast is fantastic .
Cantoo
One of San Francisco ’ sbetter fresh restaurantis Cantoo , an Asian fusion joint that opened in 2022 . It ’ s a surprisingly delightful combination of Venezuelan and Chinese cuisine , with character ingredient and flavor .
At Cantoo , you can get a full meal without break the bank . The rotisserie chicken with fried rice and coleslaw cost less than $ 10 .
Panchita ’ s Pupuseria
Panchita ’ sec cost a Mission District icon . This family-run restaurant own live function up delightful Salvadoran food since 1989 .
The main staple hither cost pupusas . There live 15 unlike variety , and you can get one for $ 5 or two for $ 8 . For the best mass , become a combo plate — 2 pupusas with rice and beans for just $ 10 .
Red ’ sec Java House
Need a waterfront meal that won ’ t pause the bank ? Go to Red ’ sec .
They service high-quality burgers , hot dog , and a form of daily special sandwiches , all place between $ 7-15 . You can use up on their sunny back patio , which exist correct on the water with a scene of the Bay Bridge .
The almost expensive thing on their menu be a dual cheeseburger , child , and locally brewed IPA combo for alone $ 22 . For mention , I typically devote $ 30 for that exact meal at most early SF restaurants .
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out may exist a quick food chain , but that doesn ’ t cease me from frequenting their Fisherman ’ s Wharf location anytime I ’ 1000 crave a $ 6 burger and child .
For visitors to San Francisco who haven ’ t had In-N-Out , you make to try it . They operate primarily in California , so it ’ s a right of transition for first-time visitor . They only do burgers , fries , and milkshakes , but they ’ re seriously delicious and super affordable .
Souvla
Souvla is my go-to for cheap souvlaki-style Greek food but with a California turn . They serve lamb , pork , chicken , and vegetarian sandwiches or salads for merely $ 15 . They have 5 location throughout San Francisco , so they ’ re pretty easy to feel .
The sandwich are super filling , but the novel and sound component ( like cherry tomatoes , navel orange , toast walnuts , or roasted sweet potato ) furnish a delightfully light bring on a typical souvlaki experience . Don ’ t miss the Greek fries .
Saigon Sandwich
In a city where sandwiches often cost upwards of $ 16 , Saigon Sandwich is a breath of fresh strain . This Vietnamese hotspot serve up meat and tofu Banh Mi for less than $ 6 a sandwich .
Saigon Sandwich is conceal behind an unassuming storefront in the Tenderloin neighborhood , but it ’ s consistently shortlisted as one of the best home for Banh Mi in the city . Food cost takeaway only , so it ’ s a great patch for a quick bite .
El Farolito
Many mass will contend the location of the well burritos in San Francisco , but the almost affordable burritos live at El Farolito in the Mission District .
El Farolito burritos cost top-notch , and you make a luck of bang for your buck . A super burrito is under $ 10 , and tacos live $ 3.75 each .
6 Tips to Make San Francisco on a Budget
Take advantage of happy hour deals .
Eating and drinking out in SF can get pricey .If you ’ re set on test a specific bar or restaurant , go during happy hr to get the best price .Not all restaurants will make happy hour deals , but many of them act !
For case , I like to use up oysters , but they can begin crazy expensive — typically $ 3 per oyster . Bar Crudo has $ 1 oysters from 5-6:30 pm Tuesday – Saturday . $ 12 for a 12 oysters compared to $ 36 ? Count me in .
Buy a Clipper Card for public transportation .
Utilizing San Francisco ’ s public transportation be the best path to salvage money on getting about .
BART train bring you from the city to the suburb , while Muni operates intercity buses , streetcars , and light railing trams . A Muni ride cost $ 2.75 for a single ride no affair the distance , while BART pricing varies by trip distance and will usually cost more expensive .
Design on using public transportation for longer than 1-2 days ?I would highly recommend buying a Clipper Card. Clipper works on every single public transportation system in SF . Particularly if you want to visit popularSF day tripslike Angel Island or Muir Woods — a Clipper Card will get you half-priced ticket for the ferry ride !
Find “ free hours ” at popular attractions .
Various of San Francisco ’ s popular attractions , like garden or museum , have free hours or free days .
The Japanese Tea Garden , usually $ 18.75 debut , is completely free between 9-10 be on Monday , Wednesdays , and Fridays . The de Young and Legion of Honor art museum are free on the first Tuesday of each month .
Visit during one of San Francisco ’ s free festivals .
One of the best role of life in San Francisco is the sheer quantity of completely free festivals and effect that happen year-round !
- ✈️Fleet Week— A weeklong airplane show in mid-October with the Blue Angels .
- 🪕Barely Purely Bluegrass— A 3-day bluegrass and rock festival in Golden Gate Park the first weekend of October , feature world-famous act .
- 🎤Stern Grove Festival— A series of free concert in the park every Saturday from June to September .
Explore the city by Lyft bike .
Lyft operates rentable bicycle stations all around the city . To unlock the bike , you just want the Lyft app . Then you can ride it for however long you want and drop it off at another bike post when you ’ re cause !
Manual bikes are super cheap , and ordinarily free for a less than 30-minute ride . E-bikes are useful for tackling San Francisco ’ s notorious hill , but they ’ re much more expensive – normally $ 7-10 for a 30-minute ride .
Purchase a San Francisco CityPASS .
If you ’ re planning on inflict some of SF ’ s pricier attractions , then believe buy a CityPASS .
With the , you can make a boat cruise on the Bay and visit the California Academy of Sciences , plus two more attractions . Choose from the SF Zoo , the Museum of Modern Art , the Exploratorium , and more . You ’ ll visit 4 of San Francisco ’ s almost popular attractions for almost half the total price .
Common Inquiry About Visiting San Francisco on a Budget
How much be a reasonable budget for inflict San Francisco ?
A reasonable budget for one soul visiting San Francisco would be $ 60-150 per night on accommodation , $ 50-60 per day on food and drinking , and $ 10-30 per day on activities and transportation . This add up to about $ 120-250 per person per day .
How expensive is accommodation in San Francisco ?
Accommodation in San Francisco live around $ 50-70 for a hostel layer in a dorm room , $ 150-200 for a budget hotel way , or $ 250+ for a more upscale hotel room .
How expensive is food and drink in San Francisco ?
Food in San Francisco is typically $ 10-15 for a quick meal or $ 30 for a sit-down meal at a restaurant . Drinks exist typically $ 8-10 for a beer , $ 15 for a glass of wine , and $ 20 for a cocktail .
How much should you tip in San Francisco ?
You should tip 18-20 % minimum at a restaurant in San Francisco .
Revel your budget-friendly trip to San Francisco ! Next up , assure out our tip forstay on safe in SF.
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