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Things to Do

Events, shopping, new restaurants, tours, and nightlife: The best things to do in Downtown San Francisco according to locals.

From museums to live music to tours: These are our favorite things to do in Downtown San Francisco. Whether you’re a local or this is your first time visiting, there’s always a new reason to visit downtown. Check out our full event calendar or discover the best things to do downtown.

Attractions

Everyone knows downtown’s famous skyline, but there’s a lot more to do near the Transamerica Pyramid. Take a cable car downtown and walk the city: We’re right at the center of the Embarcadero, Chinatown, SFMOMA, the Cable Car Museum, Union Square, and the Wells Fargo Museum. Explore the top tours downtown.

Restaurants and Bars

Downtown is the center of one of the world’s greatest culinary scenes. Looking for the best new downtown restaurants or world-renowned Michelin-starred experiences? Sneak a peek at our favorite brunch spots, the best craft brews and local wine, and only-in-San-Francisco dishes you can’t find anywhere else. Find Downtown San Francisco bars, restaurants, and more. 

History and Architecture

You want pirates? You want brothels? How about pirate brothels? We’ve put together self-guided tours so you can discover downtown’s iconic architecture, Instagram-worthy public art and free galleries, museums, and colorful history. Discover the history and architecture of Downtown San Francisco.

Shopping

Whether you’re looking for quirky boutiques, unique gifts, or upscale labels, you’re going to want to set aside a day for this one: Downtown has some of the city’s funnest places to shop. Find what you’re looking for in Downtown shops and boutiques.

Nightlife

We make look buttoned-up by day (here, that just means we ironed our hoodie), but people come from all over for our legendary nightlife. Meet up with friends for a lively happy hour scene, slip into a cozy historic tavern for wine and a nosh, dance the night away at the clubs, then chill out at one of our many late-night restaurants. See what’s happening in downtown’s nightlife scene.